Meet the 93-year-old Woman Behind New Orleans' Best Fried Chicken | Eat. Stay. Love.

Summary

Dooky Chase, a beloved New Orleans institution, has been serving food and community spirit for over 75 years. Led by Chef Leah Chase, whose seven-decade dedication continues to inspire, the restaurant blends culinary excellence with rich cultural and historical significance. Guests enjoy iconic dishes like fried chicken, red beans, and Creole specialties while experiencing the warmth of a family legacy. Beyond its cuisine, Dooky Chase has been a gathering place for civil rights leaders and celebrities alike, embodying resilience, love, and community. More than a restaurant, it’s a living testament to heritage, hospitality, and the heart of New Orleans.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Dickie Chase's restaurant has been a family-run establishment for 75 years, rooted in welcoming and serving fun-loving people.
• 👵 Leah Chase, the matriarch and chef, has been actively cooking for over 70 years and remains a source of inspiration for staff and patrons.
• 🎉 Leah Chase celebrated her 93rd birthday while continuing her dedication to the restaurant and its guests.
• 🫛 The restaurant serves a set menu featuring signature dishes like shrimp, Italian salad, Yarden pork, chicken, fish, and seasoned rice.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 The restaurant fosters community and family bonding, as highlighted by customers spending quality time with loved ones over meals.
• ⭐ Dickie Chase has hosted numerous famous guests, including President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Jim Brown, and Ray Charles.
• ✊ The restaurant has historical significance in the civil rights movement, serving as a meeting place for Freedom Riders and the local Black community.
• 🍗 The signature fried chicken is renowned, made with traditional methods passed down by Leah Chase, earning national recognition.
• ❤️ The restaurant emphasizes love, culture, and human connection, suggesting that food is more about the heart than ingredients.
• 🌆 New Orleans is celebrated for its unique culture, resilience, and communal spirit, which the restaurant embodies, especially during challenging times like Hurricane Katrina.
• 🥘 Leah Chase believed that sharing a meal, like her gumbo, could foster peace and understanding in the world.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Dooky Chase Restaurant?

Dooky Chase Restaurant, founded 75 years ago, has been a cultural and culinary landmark in New Orleans, serving as a gathering place for the community and a site of civil rights significance.

Who is Leah Chase and what is her role at the restaurant?

Leah Chase, also known as Chef Leah, is the longtime chef of Dooky Chase, having worked in the kitchen for about 70 years. She is recognized as an inspiration to staff and the community and is celebrated for her dedication to Creole cuisine.

What types of food are highlighted in the transcript from Dooky Chase?

The transcript mentions dishes such as shrimp, Italian salad, 'yarden porn' chicken, fish, seasoned rice, red beans and rice, hot sauce, and fried chicken—classic Creole specialties.

How does the restaurant maintain a welcoming atmosphere?

The restaurant emphasizes a spirit of hospitality and service that was started by Leah Chase’s grandparents. Guests are encouraged to feel at home, and staff aim to treat everyone with care and warmth.

Which notable figures have visited Dooky Chase Restaurant?

Celebrities and prominent figures such as President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Jim Brown, Ray Charles, and Thurgood Marshall have visited the restaurant over the years.

What role did Dooky Chase play in the civil rights movement?

Dooky Chase served as a meeting place for civil rights activists, including the Freedom Riders. The restaurant was a hub for community organization and social progress for Black Americans in New Orleans.

How does Leah Chase describe the relationship between food and community?

Leah Chase emphasizes that food brings people together and reflects love and care. She believes that sharing a meal can foster understanding, connection, and even peace among people.

What does the transcript reveal about Leah Chase’s personal philosophy?

Leah Chase believes in thinking about others, serving with love, and using food as a medium to connect people. She views her work as more than cooking—it is a form of cultural and emotional expression.

Why do customers feel a strong attachment to Dooky Chase?

Customers value the restaurant for its authentic Creole food, welcoming atmosphere, historical significance, and the sense of community it fosters. Many have personal memories tied to visits dating back decades.

How did the restaurant contribute during challenging times like Hurricane Katrina?

During Hurricane Katrina, staff and community members maintained continuity of service from a trailer across the street, ensuring that the spirit of the restaurant and the community’s traditions continued despite the disaster.

What makes Dooky Chase more than just a restaurant?

Dooky Chase is considered an institution of learning, culture, and love. It represents heritage, community bonding, civil rights history, and the power of food to connect people across generations.