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

An inside look at one of the oldest and most cherished restaurants in New Orleans, Dooky Chase.


ABOUT BON APPÉTIT
Cook with confidence using Bon Appetit’s kitchen tips, recipes, videos, and restaurant guides. Stay current on the latest food trends, dining destinations, and hosting ideas.

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

[eb]

She made 96 in January. She's still going strong!
💜💚💛

[TommyTropical]

She is filled with loads of passion, almost 100 and still in the kitchen?

this is an inspiration

[kyongminso]

What a legend. RIP to this beautiful soul.

[LetsbeHonestOfficial]

Came here for a recipe, stayed for the love

[ThestClassVillain]

Well God please bless that woman. 93. She still trucking. If I go to Louisiana, I'll stop in.

[orionbassmaster]

bless her, she looking far more better than some 60 year olds and that chicken looking mighty fine too.

[darrinelliot.]

I wanted to spend my 30th Birthday in New Orleans & my mother told me we had reservations here. Needless to say it was a blessing, this place is extraordinary. Cherish your moms.

[michaelmack]

In 2005, I showed up to Dookie Chase in shorts and a polo shirt, not knowing the dress code. The staff hesitated to seat me and my wife, but Ms. Leah intervened and walked over and showed us everything in the lunch buffet, telling us what was good that day. It all was amazing, and we were made to feel incredibly welcome, despite our attire. The classiest lady I've ever met, in one of the finest restaurants in the world.

[artoriasalter]

god i hope this woman stays alive long enough for me to come see her.

[cosmicblooms]

What a lovely woman. Her happy eyes says it all. She loves her life.

[AZIZ]

I had the privilege to eat there during a business trip. The food was outstanding and the people are warm and friendly.

[CoraleenWaddell]

"The President Know Its My Birthday!" Bless her!

[belugaabs]

damn 93?? looks 70s, gosh she's so blessed

[roachqueen]

She looks gorgeous for 93. Such smooth Carmel skin. Just beautiful.

[andykaye]

As a New Zealander I am full of admiration for the passion and skill and love these people put into their food and their restaurant. I hope Dooky Chase lasts a thousand years

[rjviewsu]

Those beans, fried chicken, and hot sausage links have my mouth watering up. 😲
RIP Chef Leah Chase. 😢

[BD]

She is GODDAMN incredible. What an inspiration.
What she said was also very true.. all we have to do is think about other people.. It's so easy !

[MrsMighty]

"I don't know where I was when they were passing out patience" 😂😂😂

[salc]

Forget Popeyes, when I come to NOLA, I go here. Hands down, amazing food, amazing atmosphere and none the less.. amazing hospitality.

[sylviassuccess]

RIP Queen!!! My sincere condolences to her family and extended family of New Orleans.