Leon René Galatoire

Leon Galatoire was certainly a wonderful and charismatic man. He was always fun to be around.
I first met Leon in `83 in New Orleans and he later introduced me to another of his best friends, Jimmy Buffett. The three of us would frequently party and have fantastic and blessed times together.
God bless Leon, it´s really sad that he passed away.

Leon was a good friend to Martha and I. He graced the Tampa Club with his culinary skills on two occasions.
Rest in peace my friend and know that you are missed.
Brian Dolan

I have an old Mardi Gras photo somewhere taken of me with Leon.
He was rocking (and I DO mean Rocking!) tights, slippers and a pink tutu. Yes. This great, big man as a ballerina!!
It was beyond hilarious.
The only thing that could possibly have made that photograph any better would be if he had been captured in the kitchen making a roux or some such in the same outfit.
What I would give to put my hands on that photo right now to post it.
Such a wonderful and talented man. Rest in Heaven, friend.

I knew Leon when we met at Sam Barthe Summer Camp and played on the same baseball team. I worked at Galtoire´s after graduating from College for a year. What an experience and what a cast of characters in the best possible way. I was between jobs after graduating from Loyola when I crosssed paths with Jackson Browne Mat´re D Jackson Browne who directed me to Leon who asked me what the heck are you doing here? I mentioned I was looking for work. I was hired the next day. Wow, what an experience it was Ike being in a time machine and going back to a time long gone. I worked there for a year.One day Leon goes back into the kitchen sees me and saysSkip, what are you doing here? I say I "hey I work here", Leon says good for you.I really liked Leon. We went scuba diving from time to time. I really liked Leon and I´m gonna miss him. Skip Murrray

God bless Leon,
He was an awesome chef.
Galatoire´s restaurant is definitely superb.
I appreciate him introducing me to his good friend, Jimmy Buffett. We all had some wild times together

Our son had the pleasure of cooking with Chef Galatoire at Jackson's in Pensacola, Florida. Eddie was the sous chef there and he was so excited to learn from him. Unfortunately, Eddie passed away almost one year ago. I like to think that wherever they are, the food is delicious. My condolences to you and your family.

Although I only came to know Leon well into his 'adulthood' I always admired his twisted sense of humor, his resilience and his loyalty. I will always cherish what we shared together and may his memory be for a blessing.

When Cher delivered the Eulogy at Sonny's funeral she remarked that Sonny was her "Most Unforgettable Character", referencing the Reader's Digest loved column. One of my Most Unforgettable Characters is Leon Galatoire. When I heard the news of Leon's death I was so sad, but that sadness quickly turned into a sly grin, a chuckle, and a photo memory book of our sailing trip in 1987; Leon riding Bupah the Elephant at The Pitons; Leon drifting off in the dingy from Mustique and being reeled back to the boat by rod and reel - Leon was on his way to East Africa; Leon at the Nude Beach on St. Maartin; the meals he prepared for us, the laughter Leon elicited from all those in his aura. There are people who can still tell the tales. And...there are photos.
My God how we love you - the whole big handful that you were. The dear you were and the devil you were. We love how you loved your legacy. We loved your cooking! And above all, you made us laugh until we peed our pants. Rest in Peace, Leon.

Last night, St. Stanislaus held an alumni reunion, honoring the Class of 1973, of which Leon was a classmate and fellow graduate. Every single classmate in attendance mentioned Leon-missing his larger than life personality. We had too much fun playing football and basketball at SSC as boarding students. And the stories we could tell about going to LSU games in Baton Rouge and afar would make the even Pope smile. Leon-rest in peace my friend. I´m sure God and all the Angels are happy you´re performing your culinary magic. I love you my friend.
Rocks Today-Rocks Tomorrow-Rocks Forever.

I remember when we use to ride bikes together when you lived on Crystal St. Some day we'll get the old bikes out and take a ride in the after. May you rest in peace.