New Orleans - Mention Michael Jackson's name and Leah Chase has myriad stories to tell. The renowned chef and owner of Dooky Chase Restaurant recalls cooking meals for Jackson and his brothers when they were part of the Jackson Five.
"We would take them upstairs and they would be all by themselves up there," Leah Chase told Fox 8 News. She said because of segregation the Jackson Five were not allowed into many of the city's restaurants at that time.
Ms. Chase is still trying to cope with news that Jackson is dead. At 87, Chase had hoped the so called king of pop music would live a very long life. "I always say I'm grateful when they cross my path on their way to heaven, but you don't expect them to be gone to heaven at age 50," she said.
A chef who has cooked for U.S. presidents, Ms. Chase said Michael Jackson and his brothers loved her pork chops and sweet potato pies. She said when she heard that Michael was planning a final tour, she was heartened. Chase said, "I said to my daughter, I said oh good after he does this then he can live for Michael, didn't make it."
