We love to eat here in the Bayou State, and people come from all around the world for our delicious regional cuisine - whether it's creole or cajun, it's all good. The fact that we Louisianians are so passionate about our food was evident earlier this week when the final nominations for the annual James Beard Foundation Awards were announced. Awards are given in categories like Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Baker and Rising Star Chef of the Year - This is the Super Bowl of cooking, and 14 New Orleans chefs were honored with nominations. But more importantly, beloved New Orleans chef Leah Chase, of Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans, is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 93 year old Ms Chase has been deemed one of the most influential culinary artists in America by the James Beard Foundation, and she has run Dooky Chase's for over 75 years. It is not only a local institution, but was a hub for the Civil Rights Movement in the South - she is a true civil rights pioneer! Ms Chase also is an avid supporter of the arts, and reportedly has one of the largest African American art collections in the US, and she shares some of that art on the walls of her restaurant. She has served Presidents and regular folks alike, and was named the New Orleanian of the Year in 2015.

The Awards ceremony will be held May 2 in Chicago. Congratulations to Leah Chase, a true Louisiana institution!

 

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