Chef John Besh
Restaurant August & Besh Steakouse at Harrah's Casino

On October 1, 2001, Restaurant August burst onto the New Orleans culinary scene with acclaimed chef and native son, John Besh, at the helm. Under the ownership of Louisiana real estate developer and entrepreneur, August "Duke" Robin, the sleek, new restaurant occupies an historic four-story Creole-French building in the Central Business District dating back to the 1800s. Following a 3.5-million dollar restoration, Restaurant August takes the lead among the contemporary restaurants and specialty shops resurrecting this once thriving commercial district, and the star attraction is the cuisine.

Chef Besh's inspirations for August's innovative menu are the classical techniques he learned through the Culinary Institute of America, a demanding apprenticeship at a Michelin-starred resort in Germany's Black Forest, several sojourns in France, and the Creole influences that come naturally to one "born on the bayou." Besh defined his contemporary French cuisine most recently as executive chef at Artesia, in Abita Springs, Louisiana, where Food & Wine named him one of its Top 10 Best New Chefs in America. New Orleans Magazine ranked him Best New Chef of 1998, and Gourmet honored Restaurant August as one of its Top Restaurants of America.

Restaurant August is located at 301 Tchoupitoulas Street (504) 299-9777.

With accolades stretching across the table, Harrah's New Orleans Casino welcomed Chef John Besh, executive chef at Restaurant August, to its Canal Street casino. Besh is one of this city's most respected and innovative chefs and adds the Besh Steakhouse at Harrah's to his list of great dining in the Crescent City.

Besh continues to serve as executive chef at Restaurant August while extending his talented hand to the Besh Steakhouse at Harrah's.

While gaming at Harrah's, one of this country's top casinos, dine at the Besh Steakhouse. Harrah's Casino is located at the foot of Canal Street and the Mississippi River. For more information, call (504) 533-6000 or visit: www.harrahs.com.