[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H1033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FEEDING NEW ORLEANS' SOUL

  (Mr. CAO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. CAO. Mr. 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 historical landmark long 
before television producers came knocking.
  During the 1960s, 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, Ms. Chase could have left, 
leaving behind all of the history and prominence of this historic spot. 
But she returned, rebuilt, and reopened to serve, nourish, and inspire 
the bodies and souls of future generations.
  Today, I am proud to recognize Leah Chase for her unwavering 
commitment to the recovery of Orleans and Jefferson parishes.

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