Chef's Story

Today on Chef’s Story, host Dorothy Cann Hamilton is joined by New Orleans restauranteur, television personality, community activist and cookbook author John Besh. He discusses the historical significance of Louisiana foods and the collaboration of Creole and French cultures to create the indigenous New Orleans cuisine. Besh talks about his first culinary memories of family meals with rabbit and squirrel and his intrigue in the restaurant industry from an early age. He tells how his time in the military helped to shape his view of the culinary world and inspire him to lead a team in a positive and effective way. Besh looks back at the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and how the community came together over red beans and rice and the efforts to help those in need by employing hurricane affected residents and feeding those without food. Tune in as this James Beard Award winning chef and author talks about his journey to culinary stardom, his passion for local sourcing, and the importance of preserving the culi