[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
[August 28, 2007]
[Pages 1125-1126]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Following a Dinner With Elected Officials and Community Leaders 
in New Orleans, Louisiana
August 28, 2007

    The President. Ms. Chase, thank you for 
having us here. Laura and I are thrilled to be 
here with the Governor and the 
mayor and the Senator, the Congressman, members 
of my Cabinet, distinguished leaders in 
this community, and quiet heroes who have helped bring optimism and hope 
to New Orleans.
    We've got social entrepreneurs in our midst, artists in our midst, 
all of whom have dedicated their lives to the renewal of New Orleans. 
And we're so honored to be in this restaurant. I know you would want me 
to say that the food here is about as good as any place here in New 
Orleans. [Laughter] And I will say it. [Laughter]
    Reverend Fred Luter, Jr. It is that 
good.
    The President. It is good. And we're so honored that you gave us a 
chance to come to the renovated restaurant. I know you're opening in a 
couple of weeks.
    Leah Chase. In a couple of weeks, yes.
    The President. Well, we're thrilled that you would allow us to come 
and taste your beautiful food in this spectacular room. We love your 
art, but more importantly, we love your spirit.
    Mrs. Chase. Thank you.
    The President. You're one of the leaders here in this community.

Note: The President spoke at 7:55 p.m. at Dooky Chase's Restaurant. In 
his remarks, he referred to Leah Chase, owner, Dooky Chase's Restaurant; 
Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, and Rep. William 
J. Jefferson of Louisiana; Mayor C. Ray Nagin of New Orleans, LA; and 
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso R. Jackson. Also 
participating in the dinner were Donald E. Powell, Federal Coordinator, 
Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding; Raymond S. ``Coach'' Blanco, husband of 
Gov. Blanco; Tommy Andrade, owner, Blanca, LLC; John Besh, executive

[[Page 1126]]

chef, Restaurant August and Besh Steakhouse at Harrah's Casino; Dr. Dale 
Betterton, comanager, Operation Blessing Medical Clinic; Julia Bland, 
executive director, Louisiana Children's Museum; Drew Brees, 
quarterback, New Orleans Saints; Joseph C. Canizaro, chairman and chief 
executive officer, Columbus Properties; Daryn Dodson, IDEAcorps fellow, 
Idea Village; Norman C. Francis, chairman, and Kim M. Boyle, member, 
Louisiana Recovery Authority; Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore, USA, commanding 
general, First United States Army; Jared Kahan, volunteer, AmeriCorps; 
Jay Lapeyre, chairman, Business Council of New Orleans; Agustin 
``Augie'' Lopez, owner, Smilie's Restaurant; Rev. Fred Luter, Jr., 
pastor, Franklin Street Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA; musician Irvin 
Mayfield; Father Nguyen The Vien, pastor, Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, 
New Orleans, LA; and Becky Zaheri, president and founder, Katrina Krewe.