Mother's Restaurateur & Chef Jerry Amato Passes Away At Age 65

Sad news this week, with The Times-Pic reporting that Jerry Amato, New Orleans native and co-owner/chef of Mother's, has passed away at age 65 from complications due to cancer. Amato and his brother John Amato purchased the restaurant in 1986:

Amato worked to preserve the laid-back, mom-and-pop atmosphere of the 76-year-old restaurant, while introducing his take on classic dishes such as jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and bread pudding.

Amato was named the Louisiana Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year in 2003, and is credited with turning Mother's into a well-known dining destination.

Mother's will be closed for an all-day memorial this Thursday, March 17.