Creole Cuisine Queen Leah Chase Gets New Orleans Sendoff

creole cuisine queen2 full In this March 9, 2007 file photo, Chef Leah Chase stands outside her famous Creole restaurant, Dooky Chase's, which was flooded out during Hurricane Katrina, in New Orleans. Family, friends and admirers of Chase are gathering Monday, June 10, 2019, for funeral services just blocks away from the landmark family restaurant where she fed heroes of the civil rights movement. Chase died June 1 at age 96. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber, File)NEW ORLEANS (AP) — For celebrated Creole chef Leah Chase, the goodbye had all the ingredients of a typical New Orleans sendoff: warm reminiscences and mourning mixed with a Mardi Gras-style celebration of her life. View slide show below.

Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds who filed through a New Orleans church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. She died June 1 at age 96 .

The rosary and funeral Mass at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church was marked by spirited gospel from the choir and a soulful rendition of "Peace in the Valley" from longtime New Orleans musician and singer Deacon John.

"Today is Leah's last freedom ride," said her son Edgar.

Afterward, a brass band, pallbearers and members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club slow-walked beside her hearse as it drove the few blocks to Dooky Chase's restaurant — her last trip to the place where she earned renown as a chef, civil rights icon and patron of the arts.

Dirges gave way to an upbeat "I'll Fly Away" and, as the procession approached, vendors sold snacks, water, beer and cocktails from streetside trailers or ice chests on wagons.

Before the funeral, Ti Martin, co-proprietor of Commander's Palace restaurant and a member of New Orleans' famed Brennan family of restaurateurs, stood in a line that snaked around the block. She was among a diverse crowd that included politicians, notable chefs and musicians, including Marsalis family patriarch Ellis Marsalis.

"I don't know if God realizes he's about to gain 20 pounds," Martin joked.

"I can count on one hand the number of people who inspire me as much as this lady. And I wouldn't need all my fingers."

"I started eating in the restaurant in the '60s when I was a little kid," recalled Jonathan Bloom of New Orleans, who said his mother was a friend of Leah Chase.

State Sen. J.P. Morrell said he met and learned from an older generation of politicians while sitting at Dooky Chase's — and heard a multitude of stories. "It took very little to prompt her to go into very lengthy stories about all the different people," Morrell recalled. "She remembered and shook hands with every single person that came through her restaurant."

"It's impossible to overstate what she meant to our city," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said during a rosary service ahead of a midday Mass.

The mournful-turned-festive march to Dooky Chase's was followed by a motorcade to a local cemetery. After that, there was to be a traditional New Orleans "second line" parade — with watchers falling in behind the procession — to the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Monday's was the last in a series of goodbyes to Chase. A brass band led a parade by the restaurant last Monday, and a public memorial was held at Xavier University on Saturday.

Chef Leah Chase's Funeral

In this March 9, 2007 file photo, Chef Leah Chase stands outside her famous Creole restaurant, Dooky Chase's, which was flooded out during Hurricane Katrina, in New Orleans. Family, friends and admirers of Chase are gathering Monday, June 10, 2019, for funeral services just blocks away from the landmark family restaurant where she fed heroes of the civil rights movement. Chase died June 1 at age 96. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber, File)
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In this Aug. 28, 2007 file photo, then President George W. Bush, left, talks with Leah Chase during a dinner with community leaders at her restaurant, Dooky Chase's, in New Orleans. Family, friends and admirers of Chase are gathering Monday, June 10, 2019, for funeral services just blocks away from the landmark family restaurant where she fed heroes of the civil rights movement. Chase died June 1 at age 96. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
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Admirers line up outside St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in New Orleans on Monday, June 10, 2019, to pay last respects to famed New Orleans chef Leah Chase, who died June 1. (AP Photo/Kevin McGill)
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Priests touch the casket of Leah Chase during the opening procession of her funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the New Orleans church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Stella Chase Reese, third left, daughter of Leah Chase, pays respects as her casket is closed during her funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through a New Orleans church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell hugs Edgar Chase III, son of Leah and Edgar "Dookie" Chase, Jr., during Leah's funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Great grandchildren of Leah Chase bring offertory gifts to the altar during the funeral mass for Leah Chase at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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The grandchildren of Leah Chase deliver readings during her funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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New Orleans musicians Trombone Shorty, center left, and trumpeter Terence Blanchard lead the procession out of the church during the funeral for Leah Chase at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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The casket of Leah Chase is lead out of St. Peter Claver Church during her funeral in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the New Orleans church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club line in formation for the start of a jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase, outside St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Pallbearers carry the casket of Leah Chase from St. Peter Claver Church after her funeral in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Musicians play in a jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase, as it goes from St. Peter Claver Church to her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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The jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase leaves St. Peter Claver Church for her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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A woman watches from her porch as the jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase leaves St. Peter Claver Church for her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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A group called The Mystic Seven Sisters participates in a funeral precession for Leah Chase from St. Peter Claver Church to her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Jennifer Jones dances in a jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase, as it goes from St. Peter Claver Church to her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Clarence Dalcour lets people touch a dove with family members of Leah Chase in front of her restaurant "Dooky Chase's," after a funeral procession from the church to the restaurant before her burial in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran the family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Clarence Dalcour releases a dove with family members of Leah Chase in front of her restaurant "Dooky Chase's," after a funeral procession from the church to the restaurant before her burial in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran the family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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In this March 9, 2007 file photo, Chef Leah Chase stands outside her famous Creole restaurant, Dooky Chase's, which was flooded out during Hurricane Katrina, in New Orleans. Family, friends and admirers of Chase are gathering Monday, June 10, 2019, for funeral services just blocks away from the landmark family restaurant where she fed heroes of the civil rights movement. Chase died June 1 at age 96. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber, File)

In this Aug. 28, 2007 file photo, then President George W. Bush, left, talks with Leah Chase during a dinner with community leaders at her restaurant, Dooky Chase's, in New Orleans. Family, friends and admirers of Chase are gathering Monday, June 10, 2019, for funeral services just blocks away from the landmark family restaurant where she fed heroes of the civil rights movement. Chase died June 1 at age 96. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Admirers line up outside St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in New Orleans on Monday, June 10, 2019, to pay last respects to famed New Orleans chef Leah Chase, who died June 1. (AP Photo/Kevin McGill)

Priests touch the casket of Leah Chase during the opening procession of her funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the New Orleans church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Stella Chase Reese, third left, daughter of Leah Chase, pays respects as her casket is closed during her funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through a New Orleans church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell hugs Edgar Chase III, son of Leah and Edgar "Dookie" Chase, Jr., during Leah's funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Great grandchildren of Leah Chase bring offertory gifts to the altar during the funeral mass for Leah Chase at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The grandchildren of Leah Chase deliver readings during her funeral at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans musicians Trombone Shorty, center left, and trumpeter Terence Blanchard lead the procession out of the church during the funeral for Leah Chase at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The casket of Leah Chase is lead out of St. Peter Claver Church during her funeral in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the New Orleans church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club line in formation for the start of a jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase, outside St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Pallbearers carry the casket of Leah Chase from St. Peter Claver Church after her funeral in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Musicians play in a jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase, as it goes from St. Peter Claver Church to her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase leaves St. Peter Claver Church for her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A woman watches from her porch as the jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase leaves St. Peter Claver Church for her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A group called The Mystic Seven Sisters participates in a funeral precession for Leah Chase from St. Peter Claver Church to her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jennifer Jones dances in a jazz funeral procession for Leah Chase, as it goes from St. Peter Claver Church to her restaurant "Dooky Chase's" in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran a family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Clarence Dalcour lets people touch a dove with family members of Leah Chase in front of her restaurant "Dooky Chase's," after a funeral procession from the church to the restaurant before her burial in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran the family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Clarence Dalcour releases a dove with family members of Leah Chase in front of her restaurant "Dooky Chase's," after a funeral procession from the church to the restaurant before her burial in New Orleans, Monday, June 10, 2019. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds of admirers who filed through the church on Monday to pay last respects to Chase, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" who ran the family restaurant where civil rights strategies were discussed over gumbo and fried chicken in the 1950s and '60s. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)