Leah Chase (January 6, 1923 – June 1, 2019) was an American chef who based in New Orleans, LA. An author and television personality, she was known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine, advocating both African-American art and Creole cooking. Her restaurant, Dooky Chase, was known as a gathering place during the 1960s among many who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. You are probably wondering how Mrs. Chase is tied to Disney. Well, she has been considered one of the inspirations for Tiana (The Princess and the Frog). Mrs. Chase had a dream of opening a restaurant while serving her community.
Here is a previous A Touch of Disney in Black History post featuring The Princess and the Frog. Also here is the Dooky Chase’s Restaurant website.
