NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Before there was Emeril Lagasse, there was Paul Prudhomme. The internationally-known chef and restaurateur has died after a brief illness, his restaurant K-Paul’s confirmed Thursday. Prudhomme was 75.
Prudhomme is known for jump-starting Cajun and Creole cuisines in New Orleans and setting in motion the foodie paradise the city is recognized for today.
The Opelousas native first saw success at Commander’s Palace, where he is credited for turning the locally famous restaurant into a national destination.
In 1979, Prudhomme and his wife opened the restaurant, K-Paul’s, which is still on many locals and tourists’ must-stop places to go. Prudhomme is also credited for introduced blackened redfish and turducken into the market.
Prudhomme is survived by his wife, Lori.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Such sad news that we have lost a culinary visionary and friend #PaulPrudhomme pic.twitter.com/zKtqEwlnb3
— Emeril Lagasse (@Emeril) October 8, 2015
RIP Chef #PaulPrudhomme. We lost one of the best today.
— Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) October 8, 2015
As one of the first true celebrity chefs, #PaulPrudhomme brought #NewOrleans cuisine to the forefront of American culture.
— National Restaurant Association (@WeRRestaurants) October 8, 2015
New Orleans and the culinary world lost a dear friend today. We're sorry to hear of the loss of Chef Paul Prudhomme. pic.twitter.com/91yUiHZeNX
— Commander's Palace (@Commanders_NOLA) October 8, 2015
#PaulPrudhomme! You will be missed! RIP
I'll see if we can make a Turducken for Christmas this year in your honor ❤ pic.twitter.com/XomxIK5g0T— Moxie (@MoxiePie) October 8, 2015
