Aspiring New Orleans chefs head to Walt Disney World to learn from Disney Culinary Team

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — 24 young, aspiring chefs from New Orleans are heading to Walt Disney World to learn from the Disney Culinary Team. They’re going on this educational vacation because of the city’s connection with the brand-new ride, “ Tiana’s Bayou Adventure .”

“Thanks to Southwest Airlines, Visit Orlando and New Orleans & Company, as well as Walt Disney World, we are surprising these young women with a trip of a lifetime. To us, they are the future culinary greats of New Orleans,” said Chief Marketing Officer of New Orleans & Company Mark Romig.

Speaking of greats, the late and great “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Leah Chase, is the inspiration for both Princess Tiana and Disney World’s new ride.

One of Leah’s daughters, Stella Chase, is instrumental in keeping her mom’s legacy alive.

“I’m so honored that these young ladies have decided to go into the career of culinary service to New Orleans. That would make my mom so happy, because when she started, very few women were in the industry,” Stella said.

“I just wanted to come back with different experiences and outlooks of things to do in the kitchen,” said Anaiya Bailey-Kelly, an aspiring chef.

“I think it is pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I think it’s good for me,” said another aspiring chef, Zoey Kenney.

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