Do you enjoy going out to eat where you know the food is not just good, but really good like you can already taste it good? Do you know what makes the food and experience even better? Knowing about the chef, their story, their connection to their community, and why they are inspired by their chosen cuisine. You can just taste the love and richness. It’s a big reason why 19 million people visit New Orleans each year, even though the NOLA region is home to only 1.5 million. 

Today’s guest is one of those kinds of chefs. Chef Dee Lavigne is a New Orleans native born and raised in the 9th ward. She started baking and cooking at the age of 7. Being the middle sibling of 8, her mom would only allow her to use ingredients plentiful in the family kitchen, such as flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. With those items, her pastry bones were born. Fast forward, Chef Dee Lavigne graduated from The Culinary Institute of America, worked at Whole Foods Markets in the bakery department for 15 years, and hosts the food Segment on WWL-TV4. Plus, she has a special place in her heart for Chef Lena Richards, which you just gotta hear from Chef Dee herself. 

Listen and Learn:

• How to save a small business when hope is in small supply, such as during a pandemic

• Why the Smithsonian asked Chef Dee for help twice

• Why Chef Dee says her cooking school is where skill meets history 

• What makes Chef Lena Richards an important part of New Orleans’ culinary history 

• How stepping outside of your comfort zone and asking for help can lead to business success

• What types of recipes will be in Chef Dee’s forth cookbook

• Information about the month-long P.O.W.E.R Plates program that supports female-owned restaurants

• The many ways the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation helps those in need

chefdee@deelightfulroux.com

www.chefdeelavigne.com

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chefdeelavigne)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/deelightfulroux/

TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@deelightfulroux)

Smithsonian Cook Up History (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/smithsonian-associates/2021/07/07/cooking-history-national-museum-american-history-and-smithsonian-associates/)

Side Door Podcast with Chef Dee (https://www.si.edu/sidedoor/ep-6-lena-richard-americas-unknown-celebrity-chef)

Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans Chapter (https://www.lesdamesnola.org/)

5th Annual P.O.W.E.R. Plates (https://power-plates.com/ )