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Leah Chase: Listen, Say It Like This

Andy Hayes

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Leah Chase was a pioneering African-American chef, civil rights activist, and businesswoman who owned and operated Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans for over 50 years. She was known for her delicious Creole cuisine, her commitment to social justice, and her warm hospitality.

Leah Chase: Listen, I Say Like This

by Carol Allen

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	225 pages

Chase was born in Madisonville, Louisiana, in 1923. Her parents were sharecroppers, and she grew up in poverty. But she had a passion for cooking, and she started working in restaurants at a young age. In 1946, she married Edgar "Dooky" Chase, and the couple opened Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans. The restaurant quickly became a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and Chase's Creole cuisine was praised by food critics around the world.

Chase was also a committed civil rights activist. She was a member of the NAACP, and she worked to desegregate New Orleans. In 1960, she hosted a fundraiser for Martin Luther King Jr. at Dooky Chase's Restaurant. The event was a success, and it helped to raise awareness of the civil rights movement. Chase continued to work for social justice throughout her life, and she was a vocal advocate for education, economic development, and affordable housing.

In addition to her work as a chef and civil rights activist, Chase was also a successful businesswoman. She expanded Dooky Chase's Restaurant into a multi-million dollar enterprise, and she was the first African-American woman to own and operate a major restaurant in New Orleans. She was also a mentor to many young chefs, and she helped to promote Creole cuisine around the world.

Chase died in 2019 at the age of 96. She is remembered as a culinary icon, a civil rights pioneer, and a beloved member of the New Orleans community. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Leah Chase's Creole Cuisine

Chase's Creole cuisine was known for its bold flavors and its use of fresh, local ingredients. She was particularly famous for her gumbo, her fried chicken, and her bread pudding. Chase's recipes were passed down from her grandmother, and she used them to create dishes that were both delicious and authentic.

Chase's Creole cuisine was also a reflection of her commitment to social justice. She used her restaurant as a platform to promote racial equality and economic empowerment. She hired African-American staff, and she paid them fair wages. She also donated food to local charities, and she supported organizations that worked to improve the lives of people in New Orleans.

Leah Chase's Legacy

Chase's legacy is complex and multifaceted. She was a pioneer in the culinary world, a civil rights activist, and a successful businesswoman. She was also a beloved member of the New Orleans community. Her work continues to inspire people around the world, and her legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

Here are some of Chase's most famous quotes:

"Listen, say it like this: I am somebody."
"Food is a way to bring people together."
"Never let anyone tell you what you can't do."
"Always remember your roots."
"Give back to your community."

Chase's words are a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world. We can use our talents and our resources to help others, and we can work together to create a more just and equitable society.

Leah Chase: Listen, I Say Like This

by Carol Allen

4.7 out of 5