Ella Brennan Original Airdate: May 17, 1998

While regionally famous in New Orleans social circles, Ella Brennan is best known nationally for her proprietorship of Commander's Palace, a highly acclaimed Creole restaurant located in the heart of the French Quarter. Brennan has overseen the Palace's daily operations since its inception, and continues to administer it today with the help of her brothers Dick and John and sister Dottie. Located in an "eccentric, rambling mansion" in the Garden District, Commander's Palace is famed both for its cuisine (labeled "haute creole") and the social stature of its proprietors. Now in her early 70's, Brennan describes herself as "trying to retire" from her duties to Commander's Palace, but although "many fine young people" stand ready and willing to take control of the restaurant's operations, she finds herself unable to relinquish the business.

Although one might expect the New Orleans native to have become an accomplished cook herself, Brennan laughs at the notion. Though she loves dining, her administrative duties have kept her so busy that she has had little time to develop her own skills. She relates that upon moving into a house next door to the restaurant, the contractor mentioned to her sister Dottie that plans had been discussed for every room but the kitchen. "Paint it white," said Dottie, "and lock the door."