Brian Landry had degrees in biology and philosophy and was interviewing for medical school when he realized he wanted a very different life. His mother thought he was crazy. His father had better advice. "Pursue food like you would medicine."

For Part 1 of our conversation, I sit down with Brian at Jack Rose inside New Orleans' historic Pontchartrain Hotel. Brian is the chef and co-owner of QED Hospitality, and we get into the business behind some of the city's most recognizable dining rooms. He tells me why the revival of the Caribbean Room didn't work, how Jack Rose replaced it in 2018 and why preserving a restaurant like Broussard's matters to him.

Then I ask the Michelin question. Brian isn't opposed to stars, but none of his concepts were built around winning one. He wants full dining rooms, loyal neighbors and restaurants that will still be open 20 years from now. It's a revealing answer from someone who's spent his career balancing the creative side of cooking with the reality of running a business.

We also get into the difference between Cajun and Creole cooking, his dream of owning a boutique hotel, the influence of Emeril Lagasse and his upcoming cookbook, Rhythm & Roux, with bassist Peter Harris. Then Brian tells me about losing on Iron Chef to tuna ice cream. I had to make sure I heard that correctly.

In Part 2, we leave the business conversation behind for the music, Mardi Gras traditions and restaurant experiences that make New Orleans so addictive.

Chapters

00:00:00 From Medical School to the Kitchen
00:07:43 Jack Rose and the Pontchartrain
00:21:08 What's Next for QED Hospitality
00:35:05 Brian's Dream Boutique Hotel
00:43:08 Michelin Stars and 20-Year Restaurants
00:47:48 Losing to Tuna Ice Cream on Iron Chef

Guest: Chef Brian Landry, QED Hospitality
Host: Noël Burgess
Producer: Luis Montoya
Recorded at: Jack Rose, The Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans

Watch the conversation

Part 1: https://youtu.be/P7c8SYfLAY4
Continue with Part 2: https://youtu.be/3vGRye9hd-c

Explore more

QED Hospitality: https://www.qedhg.com/
Jack Rose: https://www.jackroserestaurant.com/
Follow Noël: https://www.instagram.com/mrnoelburgess/
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