466231 Tue Dec 04 07:04:32 -0800 2007 6 9 New Orleans 0 3177899 My dad is interested in going to Dooky Chase's for his birthday over the holidays as it is one of the true local places we haven't been. Do they accept reservations and if not, is there a recommended time to arrive? I'm also interested in menu recommendations from any other locals (or visitors!) who have been. Thanks! Tue Dec 04 07:04:32 -0800 2007 99680 Paisley16 1 3184685 Has Dooky Chase opened to the general public? The last time I spoke with Leah Chase, in October, she said "next month". What's going on with this place? Thu Dec 06 08:43:19 -0800 2007 3177899 147713 speyerer 2 3188066 It is not open to the public yet, but they are definitely doing private parties AND take-out. Apparently they can't find enough waitstaff to reopen. Fri Dec 07 10:01:33 -0800 2007 3184685 103418 cor 3 3190533 881 other restaurants have opened in New Orleans since Katrina, so finding wait staff is no longer a legitimate excuse. There are other reasons/problems/plans. Also the account for domain dookychaserestaurant.com has been suspended and the phone at the restaurant is not being answered. So, Paisley I suggest you look for another restaurant for Dad's birthday. For more information on Dooky Chase see: http://www.neworleans.com/forum/index.php/topic,8143.0.html Sat Dec 08 09:56:09 -0800 2007 3188066 147713 speyerer 4 3190966 Thanks! With so many great restaurants in the city it won't be a problem to find something else! I had heard they re-opened and when I saw them on the Iconoclast's episode with Wynton Marsalis and John Besh I assumed they were up and running. Sat Dec 08 13:37:36 -0800 2007 3190533 99680 Paisley16 4 3195059 Dude. I'm with you. Just reporting what I heard. Mon Dec 10 09:26:49 -0800 2007 3190533 103418 cor 5 3195661 No problem, cor. I have talked to Leah Chase several times over the last few months and have received the same excuses as you. It is frustrating to see a fine restaurant like Dooky Chase fall to greed. Did they "take the money and run"? I guess we will have to wait and see. Speaking of Leah, have you tried her green gumbo or Gumbo Z'herbes? There should be no meat or seafood in gumbo z'herbes, but I (and Leah) add a ham hock for seasoning. Here is my version. Gumbo Z'herbes Serves: 20 My Mère (grand-mother), Louise Egan (1883 – 1955) cooked gumbo z'herbes on either Holy Thursday or Good Friday. in New Orleans. Ingredients: • 8 strips bacon cut into one inch pieces • 2 medium onions finely chopped • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped • 1 bunch mustard greens • 1 bunch collard greens • 1 bunch turnip greens • 1 bunch spinach • 1 bunch green onions • 1 bunch flat leaf parsley • 1 bunch watercress • 1 bunch beet tops • 1 bunch carrot tops • 1 bunch radish tops • 1 bunch dandelion greens • ½ head green leaf lettuce (not iceberg) • ½ head cabbage • 2 small turnips, peeled and cubed • 2 cups dry white wine • - water to cover • 1 ham hock • 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning Note: The name is a contraction of "gumbo aux herbes." As the name implies, it's made with greens, and it's very different from any other kind of gumbo. The more different greens, the better the gumbo z'herbes. Another tradition is that you must have an odd number of greens in there for luck, and that whatever the number is will be duplicated during the year in the number of new friends you'll make. Method: 1. Wash the greens and drain well. 2. Cut out the stems center ribs from the greens. 3. Tear the greens into small pieces. 4. In a black cast iron pot, sauté the bacon over medium heat until it is translucent and the bottom of the pot is coated with the rendered bacon fat. 5. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft. 6. Add the greens and the cubed turnip. 7. Add the water and wine to cover. 8. Add the ham hock and seasonings and bring pot to a boil over medium heat. 9. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook until the greens are tender, about 2 hours. 10. Serve greens hot with their cooking liquid or "pot likker”. Mon Dec 10 12:12:48 -0800 2007 3195059 147713 speyerer