Remembering Chef Carl Schaubhut
Today I was reading about the latest and tragic New Orleans Restaurant and Bar Closings of 2020 https://nola.eater.com, “a year that will be historic for its devastating impact on the industry.” Sadly, included on the list is DTB (Down the Biyou). Each of these closures represents the blood, sweat and tears of their creators, their staff, their patrons and the community. As I read about the short history of DTB, I was reminded of the life and death of founding co-owner and chef, Carl Schaubhut, who died from cancer at just 37, less than a year ago on September 19, 2019.
According to EATER New Orleans: DTB (Down the Biyou) (https://www.dtbnola.com)—The popular contemporary Cajun restaurant has closed, three years after a celebrated debut and nearly one year after the death of [native New Orleanian] founding chef and co-owner Carl Schaubhut, Effective immediately, “it was the prospect of an uncertain future and an unknown timeline to return to some semblance of normalcy that prompted ownership to make this very tough decision to close.” Schaubhut and business partner Jacob Naquin opened DTB on Oak Street in March 2017 with a menu of fresh, creative “Cajun coastal” dishes, a strong bar program, and solid happy hour. Former Cavan chef Nathan Richard took over as executive chef last August, and remained in the role when Schaubhut died a month later. DTB had just reopened in July for the first time since the start of the pandemic, announcing a new executive chef at the same time.
While learning more about Carl’s life and legacy, I came across his BLOG, Carl’s Quarters: Kicking Cancer in the Gut (https://carlsquarters.blog). From April 2014 until his last post on August 15, 2019 (just 1 month and 4 days before his death), he chronicled his 5-year cancer journey as a husband, father, chef and NOLA resident.
I am attempting to create my own blog to share stories like Carl’s. Today, frankly, I am finding myself coming up short on MY purpose and direction. I’m overwhelmed by the depth and sincerity of Carl’s messages. And, now, even after his death, how impactful his words are, how clear his writing was, and how important it is to share his life with others. I will strive to remember wonderful people like Carl.
Carl died a few short months before the emergence of the coronavirus. Thinking of the other 189,000 souls who all have similar life stories to be told.
photo: nola.eater.com
