Leah Chase's 90th Birthday; Memorable Dining Moments

LACASSINE? There's a huge new distillery around the corner. Louisiana Spirits is set to open this spring, reports Todd A. Price. The distillery will start making test batches of rum in February, and should announce its brand name and distributor by mid-January. [NOLA.com]

TREME? The legendary Leah Chase will soon celebrate her 90th birthday, and her family has a couple of fabulous ways you can help celebrate: A January 4 luncheon at Dooky Chase(11a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m. seatings) includes a menu of Chase's classics, plus Leah and Edgar "Dooky" Chase Jr will also speak at the events. $40/person. Reservations required by December 28 at (504) 821-0600. January 5, A gala takes place at the Hyatt Regency, including a cocktail reception and four-course meal. Individual tickets are $250, and tables are available for $2,500, with a December 28 deadline to purchase tickets here. [Gambit]

MANCHAC? Horst Pfeifer, chef/owner of Middendorf's, tells the Time-Pic his memorable meals of 2012, including this one post-Isaac: "During the cleanup before we reopened, I would cook Bella Luna fettuccine everyday for my employees. Fettuccine with 5 feet of water around your building still tastes very good." [NOLA.com]

Dooky Chase [Photo: Nikki Mayeux]