Leah Chase, born on June 6, 1923 in Louisiana, was a trailblazing American chef and writer who became known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. She grew up in a large family, being the second oldest of 13 children. Her father worked as a caulker at a shipyard, instilling in Leah a strong work ethic from a young age.
Chase started her career in the food industry as a waitress at the Colonial Restaurant and The Coffee Pot in New Orleans. It was here that she developed a love for cooking and serving delicious meals to customers. Her early experiences in the restaurant industry laid the foundation for her future success as a renowned chef.
In 1945, Leah Chase married her husband Edgar and together they had a son named Edgar and daughters named Stella, Leah, and Emily. It was during this time that Leah's culinary skills continued to evolve, eventually leading her to fulfill her dream of owning her own restaurant.
Chase and her husband purchased Dooky Chase, a classic New Orleans restaurant that would become a culinary institution in the city. Under her leadership, Dooky Chase gained a reputation for serving up traditional Creole dishes with a modern twist, earning Leah the title of the Queen of Creole Cuisine.
Leah Chase was not only a talented chef but also a prolific writer. She authored several cookbooks, including "The Dooky Chase Cookbook," "And I Still Cook," and "Down Home Healthy: Family Recipes of Black American Chefs." Her books were a reflection of her passion for cooking and her commitment to preserving the culinary traditions of African American cuisine.
In 2010, Leah Chase was honored with induction into the James Beard Foundation's Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America, a prestigious recognition of her contributions to the culinary world. Throughout her career, she welcomed notable figures such as civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to her restaurant, using her platform to advocate for social change.
Leah Chase passed away on June 1, 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneer in the culinary industry. Her impact continues to be felt through her delicious recipes, inspirational life story, and the enduring influence she had on future generations of chefs.