Unsung Heroes

Creating a great dish requires all its pieces to work in concert, from the eye-catching main ingredient that stirs the appetite to the seasoning elements that build the flavor around it.

The same is true for running a restaurant itself. There may be the family name of the owners over the door or an acclaimed chef in the kitchen, but it is the combined work of everyone in the building that makes the business possible.

Behind every great restaurant meal, and the memories we make at the table, there are the contributions of many hands.

Some are part of the dining experience, from greeting us at the door to making our favorite cocktails to orchestrating the meal at the table. Regulars know them by name. Others perform their jobs behind the scenes, perhaps keeping the restaurant itself in tiptop shape, expediting the delivery of each diner’s meal or making sure the books are in order.

This year, we are highlighting people in restaurants who contribute to them but don’t always get the spotlight–the unsung heroes of New Orleans hospitality. We’ve gone to some of our favorite restaurants in town to highlight these people and share recipes.

We look forward to deepening the connections we share through our community.

Photo courtesy Kenny Morrison