it is with profound sadness that I report the death of famed New Orleans chef Austin Leslie. The circumstances and details are forthcoming, but for those who may not know, Chef Austin ran the eponimous Chez Helene restaurant where locals tucked in daily to the most delcious home-cooked, Southern food. Chef was especially known for his sinfuly good fried chicken topped with chopped garlic and parsley. The restaurant had an everybody-knows-your-name vibe and it was the basis for the late ’70s, early 80’s television sit-com “Frank’s Place.”

Chef Leslie closed Chez Helene and next returned to the kitchen to work for Jack Leonardi at Jacques-Imo’s in Uptown New Orleans. His food and welcoming demeanor brought national recognition and acclaim to that restaurant.

Chef left the Jaques-Imo’s kitchen to take up residence at Pampy’s - a dining bastion for local politicos seeking down-home food. Chef Leslie could often be found circulating the sleek, yet comfortable dining room, shaking hands and talking, his favorite past-time.

He was a charming, talented and lovely man who will forever be remembered as a culinary icon in New Orleans. I will miss his broad smile, political gossip and the kind words he always had for me, every time I sat at a table (in all three restaurants ) working my way through a heaping platter of his delicious fried chicken.

Filed Under: Culinary History