July 30, 1940 - October 8, 2015
New Orleans, Louisiana
What a kind, gentle man he was. I had the opportunity to meet him several times when he visited the company I worked for and enjoyed his stories about his mother who would cook with fresh herbs from their garden.
Several years ago, as a thank you for assisting on one of his visits, he sent a large peace lily to me at work. It is still thriving and reminds me him every day.
My condolences to his family and those close to him.
Posted by: Jacquie - Orlando, FL
Nov 15, 2015
11-12-2015
Chef Paul's Magic seasonings have been a staple in my kitchen for years and made a wonderful Christmas gift one year for my children, male and female, as they love to cook. To Lori and all Paul's family and friends.. always remember this.. His memory is etched in your minds and your hearts and no one can ever take those from you. Peace, smiles, live as he would..happy.
Posted by: Michele Gautreau - Hague,, NY
Nov 12, 2015
I am a nobody in Paul's life. However, I feel so close to him. I have all of his books, I have cooked over the past 30 years countless numbers of his recipes here at home. One of my books was personally signed for me in Virginia.
I am so sorry to hear that he has gone on to a better world. One of my items on my bucket list was to meet him in person. Perhaps it will still happen, but in the next phase of life.
Please accept my prayers and thoughts for all of you at this time of his coronation to a better life.
Posted by: Bob Stitz - Owensboro, KY
Oct 15, 2015
I am just one of many chefs/culinary educators who was inspired by Chef Paul. Our country is so much richer for his manifold contributions to our menus. His enthusiasm for food and life will be sorely missed. I will never forget "that pork chop."
Posted by: June Jacobs, CCP, FWS - Jersey City, NJ
Oct 13, 2015
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all of Chef's loved ones as he will be dearly missed. Aside from his wonderful culinary talents, his warmth,kindness and amazing smile really defined him as the person he was. His goodness rubbed off on many, including myself, and for this I shall be forever grateful. There is consolation in recognizing he can now experience the perfection of love as promised by our Creator.
Posted by: Herbert Mayer, MD - Metairie, LA
Oct 13, 2015
It seems over the years from time to time our paths would cross, from his beginnings in New Orleans, at Canal Villere at Carrolton late at night while he waited in his car for his wife to get some fixins, the Airport, Northshore Fresh Market, French Quarter, I always said hey Chef, he's reply "hey man"! sometimes a fist bump! just a small town, country man with a big heart and friend to all, mentor to many, how many no one can ever know. You're greatly missed the second we got the said news Chef! Thanks for sharing your talents!
Posted by: John Cassagne - Mandeville, LA
Oct 13, 2015
You will be truly missed. I always enjoyed watching you cook on PBS. Tried some of your recipes. You were always soo joyous in whatever you were cooking. Also love your salt free magic seasoning. You really brought Louisiana cooking to the world. Thanks to your family for sharing you with the world. Know that God will comfort you at this time.
Posted by: Darlene Murray - New Orleans, LA
Oct 13, 2015
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Posted by: Cleo Carriere - Gretna, LA
Oct 12, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Prudhomme. Never had the pleasure to meet him, but loved to watch him on TV. He would say "Onn yoon" for onion, and IT STUCK ON ME! I eat Onn Yoons! Not onions. May God Bless and Keep you. May he RIP.
Posted by: Karen E. Sutton - Baltimore, MD - TV Friend
Oct 12, 2015
Lori, Eli, & Paul's family: Janis and I will always feel blessed to have known Paul for 35 years now. The Breakfast Edition set on Ch. 6 was always packed as the whole station staff would arrive around 7 a.m. to share Paul's dish of the day with me, Bill Stanley, Margaret Orr, and Steve Bellas. He even invited me and a Ch. 12 crew to his family's homes near Carencro to do a couple of hours on how Paul's entire family approached mealtime in Acadiana. Janis and I not only join with you in your sadness and sense of great loss now, but also in a celebration of Paul's love of life and his passion of bringing Louisiana food and culture to people around the world. There will never be another Chef Paul..and it was an honor and privilege to know and work with him through the years.
Posted by: Mike & Janis Sanders - Folsom, LA
Oct 12, 2015
I thank the great chef for his recipies and spices. Through the years many of my friends and family have enjoyed cajun cooking especially the jumbalaya and turducken. You will be remembered everytime we get together and celebrate your great food.
Posted by: CKC and Company - Jacksonville, FL
Oct 12, 2015
I just learned that one of my favorite Chefs Died today. I had the honor to meet him once. I own all of his cookbooks and absolutely loved his food! He has influenced my cooking in many, many ways. I have cooked so many of his recipes and they have all been amazing! Rest in peace Paul, you are and will always be the Cajun King to me. In the next catalog here at the school, I will do a class called Remembering Paul Prudhomme.
Posted by: Chef Pete Snaith - Vienna, VA
Oct 12, 2015
To Chef Paul and Family,
I have been cooking out of the now butter spattered pages of my Louisiana Kitchen Cookbook since long before I knew you were from the same hometown of Opelousas as my beloved, late mother. I have delightedly savored the fine food at K-Paul's for decades, before I married and had children, and now it is an annual tradition to go when we visit from Houston...there would be a small mutiny if we missed our pilgrimage! You will be missed, Chef Paul - may you rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Posted by: Jennifer Cornell - Houston, TX
Oct 12, 2015
Looking back on the life of Paul Prudhomme, one of the integral founders of American cuisine, inventor of blackened redfish (and the blackened teqnique) which was so popular he single handedly almost caused its extinction, owner of K-Pauls in New Orleans, and TV personality appearing on his own shows and known for frequenting the Today morning show. He was Emeril before Emeril knew how to boil water, working for the esteemed Brennan family who brought French cooking to New York before they settled in New Orleans.
Chef Paul is the reason Cajun cooking is no mystery to the world. Popularizing such dishes as jambalaya, barbecued shrimp and gumbo, as well as spices such as cayenne pepper and chicory, and such foods like Tasso and boudin sausage. Few Americans ever saw a real Chef in action before Paul Prudhomme. He brought respect to the trade, and was an inspiration to cooks and Chefs the world over.
Posted by: Erik Moore - Hesperia, CA
Oct 11, 2015
Chef I had the privilege of meeting you a few times. And we would take about my Family restaurant ....you were always so polite to me .I will never get those moments...And I also had the privilege of meeting you with your co-workers Merlene Jones.... RIP Chef your legacy will live on forever.... God Bless ++
Posted by: Janene Damiano - Kenner, LA
Oct 11, 2015
Such a profound loss to the culinary world, and especially to those in Louisiana and other states who so richly benefited from Chef's extensive knowledge of cajun' cooking. His unique emphasis on adding layers of flavor is a main component of what makes his recipes so delectable. It's hard to imagine him gone, but his presence will continue to be felt by all who were so very fond of him.
~ Rest in Peace, Chef Paul ~
Posted by: Sandy - New Orleans
Oct 11, 2015
My deepest sympathies. I have this man in my kitchen every week. He is why I cook. I grew up watching him on the news. What a great person, as well as a culinary artist. While, he may be cooking for God, he will always be present in New Orleans, and in the kitchen of all of displaced Louisianians.
Posted by: Cynthia Ruiz-Yu - Kettering, OH
Oct 11, 2015
My husband and I had the opportunity to meet him once at a restaurant show. He was a humble, nice man. His culinary talent would be missed. I'm extending my sincere sympathy to his wife and family, for their loss. I understand is a very difficult moment they are going through, may the loving-kindness that only our Heavenly Father provides, be granted to them so they can endure - For He promises to be close to those who cling to Him for help. Psalms 72:12-14...
Posted by: - Puerto Rico
Oct 11, 2015
My dearest Brenda I am so sorry for your loss.My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.What an incredible man!
He gave the world a new flare, flavor, and
taste from your home Louisianna. Paul will be remembered for eternity. He made his mark in his lifetime and I know he embraced
life,love, and family.
Gillian Olmsted McGinn
Posted by: Gillian Mcginn - linwood, WV
Oct 10, 2015
My mama told me she learned to cook enchiladas from you. They were so delicious, and I thank God each day because she taught my wife how to make them as well. Mama has long passed, but I can assure you that her (and yours also) enchiladas will live on. Rest In Peace Mr. Paul.
Posted by: Franklin Chavez - Denver, CO
Oct 10, 2015
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I had the opportunity to eat in the NYC restaurant years ago. We were told by the waitress that Chef Paul was in the kitchen. We were so excited. She then came out and told us that we had been invited in so we could meet him. He was the most genuine, friendly, humble man. I will never forget his kindness. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Posted by: laura - NJ
Oct 10, 2015
What a great man, My fondest memory of Paul was right after Katrina when he reopened KPauls. He was outside of KPauls thanking people for coming to his place. I was moved by "Paul Prudhomme" thanking me for coming and told him that it was I and my family that thanked him for reopening so soon and bringing back a bit of normality to our lives. A true giant.
Posted by: Mike and Carolyn Gerhold - Covington, LA
Oct 10, 2015
I heard about him in early 80s and bought his Louisiana cooking cookbook when I was 19. The first time I tried blackened redfish in my mothers house it looked like a London fog rolled in. Mom forgave me once she tasted it. I worshiped that cookbook and have named it the Cajun bible. 33 yrs later it looks it with numerous notes and food stains. Because I cook his recipes so often of course my house is choice place for holidays where I treat them with his masterpieces. I' even tackled turducken one year! I manage to cook something of his AT LEAST once a week. He had a profound effect on my life, so much so that my nickname is Pat Pruhdomme! My wife teaches the blind and she often here's "Mrs Cahill he cooked pp last night and did you bring us any!" Because they could smell on clothes. We go to his restaurant whenever we re in Nola and enjoy talking to cooks although we were never lucky enough to meet him.
I was just looking to see if he was ever going to put out another cookbook but it wasn't meant to be. What a loss to the world. I enjoyed following his life. There's going to be some happy spirits in heaven when he arrives!! God bless paul prudhomme!
Posted by: Patrick and Celeste Cahill - Baton Rouge, LA
Oct 10, 2015
Chef Paul,
Thanks for your legacy! You were a culinary genius who shared the gift! Your cookbook collaboration with your family is a favorite of mine. I have all of your cookbooks and many of my techniques mirror yours. You are appreciated and missed!
God bless!
Posted by: Clay and Amy Wick - Houston, TX
Oct 10, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of unending love, console
your broken hearts during the loss of
your dear beloved one.
He was a well loved man, and how well
educated in his cooking skills he were.
He will forever be missed.
May the family forever reflect on the
positive and happy times shared together.
May the God of tender mercies continue to guide you and strengthen you during the days ahead.
Much love to the family.
(Psalms 121)
My heartfelt prayers are with the family.
TE, Louisiana
Posted by: A friend
Oct 10, 2015
So sorry for your loss. It seems like we lose more and more loved ones as time goes on. A scripture that brings me comfort can be found at Isaiah 30:19 where it says that God hears and answers our prayers and ever the more so as our hearts are hurt from the loss of someone to death. Once again my sincerest condolences.
Posted by: Nicole H. - MA
Oct 10, 2015
An excellent Chef...someone who gave Louisiana taste! May our Lord fill very void Chef Paul leaves behind with the peace of Jesus! Blessings upon each of you as you lay your beloved to rest. Praying you will feel the love from admirers here and afar.
Posted by: Karen, A Reader of Obits - Lutcher, LA
Oct 09, 2015
It was quite an honor cooking with you for the 1st Russian Chef Culinary Exchange Program held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans. You really gave the Russians a taste of our city and all of the Cajun delights. You are one of a kind and a true professional in the food industry. Thanks so much for promoting our wonderful city to the world. You will be sadly missed by all.
Posted by: Allen Schulkens - Metairie, LA
Oct 09, 2015
I loved working with Chef Paul during my years at WDSU in the early '80's. When a national group of NBC folks came to town for a visit, he orchestrated a dinner under tents at the Audubon Zoo and knocked everyone's socks off. He was always smiling and so full of life. You couldn't help but be energized by his presence. My taste buds also carry fond memories of many meals at K Paul's Louisiana Kitchen and sampling a in the WDSU studios when he appeared on Morning Edition. We were all so lucky to know him. My condolences to his family. Shelley Hobson
Posted by: A friend
Oct 09, 2015
I managed a high end shoe store called "Bergeron's at 315 Royal St. in the early 80's and would love to walk around the corner to K-Pauls when it was family style sitting.what a blast,& thanks for all the great memories! You will be greatly missed,,good cooking good loving, good eats!! Xoxo. Jodi Reis Kuhn, Ellijay, Ga. My love to Troy and all of the Prudhomme family.
Posted by: Jodi Reis Kuhn - Ellijay ,Ga., GA
Oct 09, 2015
My condolences to Lori and Chef's family. I was lucky enough to know Chef, K, Lori, and the incredible staff of K-Paul's in the 'early years' which has led to many life long friendships. So many have contributed loving tributes and stories. May Chef rest in peace. A life very well lived, indeed. They are passing a good time in Heaven and the food just got a lot better! Gold stars all 'round!
Posted by: Cookie Kellar - West Palm Beach, FL
Oct 09, 2015
As an amateur home cook I had the amazing fortune of spending a week in K-Paul's kitchen at the invitation of Chef Paul. He was such a kind and gracious man and the things I learned through his staff have been savored by friends and family since that adventure in 1986. My family and I are deeply saddened by Chef Paul's passing.
Posted by: Sam Jones - Sedalia, MO
Oct 09, 2015