We helped Leah Chase decorate her restaurant with some Mardi Gras decorations we found in a bag while sorting through bags and boxes, trying to help put her house in order.

You have to see it for yourself to truly understand the magnitude of this disaster… streets upon streets that look like this in the Ninth Ward.

We spent the day doing demolition on another classic New Orleans restaurant, Dookie Chase. The queen of the kitchen was on site, and pitched in.

John Currence finds the restaurant’s old sign.

I’m going to the Crescent City this weekend, to volunteer on a restaurant rebuilding project, an effort that has received all sorts of natinoal attention.

I’ve been brainstorming about what kind of care package to put together for Willie Mae Seaton, the 89-year-old fried chicken genius whose restaurant is being rehabbed. I first met Ms. Seaton last summer at a dinner where she was honored along with other New Orleaneans with historic food connections. She was sharp, and positively glowed in the spotlight.

What should I load my suitcase with to take to this lady who has lost everything?

By the way, did you hear that France has offered to help rebuild New Orleans? Isn’t it about time that restaurants dropped that ridiculous “Freedom Fries”?? (I just spotted it on a menu last week….)

Mary Sonnier and her family will be heading back home to New Orleans soon. But their lives will never be the same.

Their home was spared, but their restaurant — Gabrielle — was damaged, mold is everywhere, there’s a hole in the roof. “The place is disgusting,” said Mary, who recently returned from a trip to Wisconsin, where she and her husband, Greg, were given VIP treatment as “cheese ambassadors.”

Despite all the problems/headaches/heartaches, Mary continues to sing the praises of Memphis, and the kindness of strangers, especially her re-connection to Immaculate Conception, where she had graduated from high school. IC has dinner every Wednesday for evacuees, they’ve offered money and clothing. “All the churches in Memphis have been great,” Mary said.

When they return to NOLA, the Sonniers are looking into buying a catering truck and going wherever they’re needed. Quite a dramatic shift from the white tablecloth restaurant.

In the meantime, for everyone who wants to get down there and show their support by pumping some money into the economy… though my buddy went down there to retrieve his son’s belongings and had to wear a respirator!! … check this Web site for which restaurants are opening when… click here.

… the nationwide effort to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina is tomorrow night.

Click here to check on Memphis area restaurants participating in this fundraiser.

Just got this E-mail … Now more than ever, is the time to publicize The Food Bank’s opportunities to donate to help Hurricane Katrina victims, if you are willing. Attached are two releases. One, regarding Operation Open Door, a citywide food drive, which takes place tomorrow. Mid-Southerners can donate food and personal care items at any Kroger, Schnucks and Piggly Wiggly store in the city. The items will be sent to The Food Bank for distribution to local agencies serving our Gulf Coast visitors.

We are fulfilling our mission of feeding hungry and needy people and meeting the needs of our people.

Am I being too preachy if I say Amen to that last statement??

Got these Emails today:

Pat Lucchesi, owner of Cafe Piazza, 139 S. Rowlett, Collierville, will be opening his doors at 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, September 6. All sales from today will go directly to Hurricane Katrina relief. His staff has generously donated their time as well as any tips earned to assist Lucchesi. Please, consider having a wonderful lunch at this quaint, new restaurant while make a contribution to the relief efforts.

AND…. Saturday a week ago, Fred Feeney and his family boarded up their windows and left their home with two cats, two dogs and a suitcase each. They put a few things on the second floor of Fred’s office building. Now those things and their health are their only possessions.

The Feeney family is one of thousands of families that’ve lost everything in our nations largest natural disaster. If you’ve been thinking you’d like to do something you can. Now, you have faces to connect with and will be updated on the progress the family makes with your donation. If you’d prefer to donate to The Red Cross or Salvation Army, please do. The key is to do whatever you can to help. If you’d prefer you can bring gift cards to Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Target,Walgreen’s or any national chain.

We’re not selling food or beverage but for your donation you’ll receive your choice of sweet and/or savory delicacies, mint tea or wine spritzers. Enjoy your morning or noon meal in one of South Main’s eating establishments and then find your way to The Tea Gallery during your afternoon stroll through the South Main Arts District on this Second Sunday event, Sept. 11.

The gallery will show works by three local artist, as well as works that have been donated for the proceeds to go to the Feeney family. New and vintage works of art, as well as home decor items will be for sale.

Come enjoy the South Main community and participate in an effort to help a family that is attempting to put their lives back together. Any help will be greatly appreciated and WILL make a difference.

If you can’t come to this event but would like to contribute financially, contact Marcy Siebert…901-830-7526. If you have art contributions contact Tim Pierce…901-413-6900.

Restaurant Job Postings for Katrina Evacuees

The Memphis Restaurant Association has a Members Forum at www.memphisrestaurants.com where anyone looking for work in the foodservice industry can post an “Employment Wanted” ad. those displaced by Katrina might benefit from this service. To do so, go to www.memphisrestaurants.com, click on “Member Services”, then click on “MRA Members Online forums/classifieds”. Once in the forum, job listings can be posted. It is recommended that past employment qualifications be listed with personal information. If you only have e-mail access, you may send your posting to info@memphisrestaurants.com

In addition, the Memphis Restaurant Assn. is working with St. Peter’s Home, a shelter for Katrina Evacuees, to provide one daily hot meal for the 100-200 displaced residents. Any restaurants or individuals who would like to help prepare and provide meals, please contact Gretchen Kirk, gkk7747@bellsouth.net or 833-6244.