[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 26 (Friday, February 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FEEDING NEW ORLEANS' SOUL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ANH ``JOSEPH'' CAO

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2010

  Mr. CAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month 
to recognize Ms. Leah Chase. Known as the ``Queen of Creole Cuisine'', 
Ms. Chase is a chef, a television host, a cultural ambassador, and the 
owner of the famous Louisiana landmark Dooky Chase restaurant. Dooky 
Chase is located in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and 
was immortalized in the television show ``Frank's Place''.
  But it was established as a spiritual, cultural, and historic 
landmark long before television producers came knocking. During the 
1960's, Dooky Chase was a meeting place for civil rights activists and 
NAACP members coming from all around the region. And, during 
segregation, notable African American artists such as Ella Fitzgerald 
and Lena Horne dined there.
  When Hurricane Katrina flooded the restaurant, forcing it to close 
its doors for the first time since 1941, Mrs. Chase could have left, 
leaving behind all of the history and prominence of this historic spot.
  But, she returned, rebuilt, and re-opened to serve, nourish, and 
inspire the bodies and souls of future generations by its critical 
contribution to African-American history and the history of this great 
Nation.
  Today, I am proud to recognize Leah Chase for continuing to feed the 
soul of New Orleans and her guests and for her unwavering commitment to 
the recovery of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

                          ____________________