Comments on: Great Chefs of New Orleans: Austin Leslie

By: Nola Cuisine » Blog Archive » Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Nola Cuisine » Blog Archive » Southern Fried Chicken Recipe — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:00:47 +0000

[...] (be careful; the oil will sputter) with a carving fork, then squeeze to let the blood out (a la Austin Leslie). Cook until done. If you’re not sure if it’s done, dig into one piece with your tongs, [...]

By: Tulvfmtd

Tulvfmtd — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:56:40 +0000

NnMcR0 comment1 ,

By: Stephen Harrell, Sr.

Stephen Harrell, Sr. — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:15:20 +0000

My name is Stephen Harrell; Austin Leslie was my mother’s brother and Godfather. He is missed by all of his family. Austin has left me with the tools and knowledge to carry on his craft. As a young boy, age 8 to be exact I began working at Chez Helene side by side with my uncle Austin, whom we fondly called him uncle “butter bean”. I fondly remember my aunt Helen Dejean Polock who originally opened Chez Helene Restaurant. As a small child Chez Helene was a family business where my mother and three older brothers worked in the kitchen. While working in the family business we were taught by Aunt Helen and Uncle Austin in the art of New Orleans Creole cuisine. I have not forgotten the memories or recipes of my family business and heritage; it is forever sealed in my memory.

By: Daphne Lorraine Easter

Daphne Lorraine Easter — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:26:29 +0000

Looking for Steven and Ann Herrel (sic?) they were stationed with my sister Deborah whitfield and her husband Timothy (then) steven said he was Leslie Austin’s nephew, he gave my sister a copy of “Chez Helene”, a red paperback cookbook. I have used that cookbook to death, it has brought me endless enjoyment. does anyone know Steven and Ann?

By: Donald S. Benjamin

Donald S. Benjamin — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:15:03 +0000

Donald S. Benjamin in search of Muce B. Benjamin (Master Chef at Delmonico’c :1940s-70s.) You can contact him at 202 387 4495 or 829 2184. If not, please try… dsben@mindspring.com or 3525 16th. St. NW – Washington, DC 20010′

Outside of my Dad and Dooky… Lesie was the best. (Smile)
If you don’t believe me… ask Madame Leah Chase.

By: Donald S. Benjamin

Donald S. Benjamin — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:13:25 +0000

Donald S. benjamin in search of Muce B. Benjmain (Master Chef at Delmonico’c :1940s-70s.) You can contact him at 202 387 4495 or 829 2184. If not, please try… dsben@mindspring.com or 3525 16th. St. NW – Washington, DC 20010′

Outside of my Dad and Dooky… Lesie was the best. (Smile)

By: Donald S. Benjamin

Donald S. Benjamin — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:05:12 +0000

I’m the son of Muce B. Benjamin and I’m try to write a book on the forgotten… “Great Chefs of New Orleans.” There are many who think he belongs with this group. As the Master Chef at Delmonic’s for 27 years, there was no mention of his name in the history of Delmonico’s published bt Emeril Degrasse.

I would greatly appreciate any information you might have on him. He was one of the first Chefs to appear on Mel Levitts Show. He was also a good friend and associates of both “Lesie and Leah of Dooky Chase’s.”

Any help will be greatly appreciated

By: Steven Ripple

Steven Ripple — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 07:29:41 +0000

I visited the restaurant in 1991. I loved the show Franks Place, but I don’t recall if that was my main reason, or if it was in search of New Orleans ‘Soul’ food. Anyway, I was greated by Austin. I don’t know what else I had, but my memory includes wonderful smothered cabbage with pickled pig tails. Ummm. I think the waitress was a little surprised that I, neither southern, nor black ordered it (little did she know about my german relative love of pig tails and cabbage albiet fermented!).

He was a gracious host, although not at all modest. I purhcased his little book, and he signed it with a little drawing of himself. Of all my memories of the City, my evening at Chez Helene’s remains at the top.

Thanks Austin. You are remembered and appreciated. Rest Well.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:01:25 +0000

This may mean nothing to you, but my aunt and uncle’s last name was Dejan, not Dejean. Just thought you might want to know.

By: Leslie DeJean Nailer

Leslie DeJean Nailer — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:47:28 +0000

My uncle was the godfather of fried chicken,so I will keep his fried chicke n and recipes alive here in ATLANTA 5046386878 lagnappie@yahoo.com