Meet Chef Ryan Thomas, a culinary force whose journey is as rich and bold as the flavors he brings to the table. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Chef Thomas carries the discipline, resilience, and precision of military service into every kitchen he enters.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Chef Thomas draws deep inspiration from the vibrant soul of African American culture and the unmistakable rhythms of Creole and Cajun cuisine. From the sounds of second lines to the scent of gumbo simmering on the stove, his roots are infused into every dish he creates.

Chef Thomas refined his natural talent and deep cultural influences with classical training at a prestigious Escoffier Culinary Institute, where he mastered the techniques of haute cuisine while never losing sight of the bold, soulful flavors of home. The result? A signature style that fuses French precision with the heart and heat of New Orleans.

Whether he's plating a reimagined étouffée or crafting a delicate soufflé, Chef Thomas tells a story—one of heritage, honor, and culinary excellence.

For me, cooking is...

Life, culture and the ability to understand history through cuisine.

I learned to cook at...

The first place I learned to cook was in my grandmother’s kitchen in New Orleans. Cooking classics like Gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée.

A cooking secret...

Fresh high ingredients, attention to detail and passionate enthusiasm.

My menus

Crescent City Soul

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Fried Green Tomato – Crisp, golden, with tangy Creole remoulade

Mini Boudin Balls – Andouille & rice sausage with spicy mustard

Pickled Okra Skewer – Cajun-spiced, chilled and zesty

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cajun-Spiced Shrimp & Corn Salad – Gulf shrimp, sweet corn, bell peppers, citrus-Cajun vinaigrette

Crab & Andouille Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory blend of Creole crab, sausage, and herbs

Garlic-Roasted Eggplant – Tomato confit, olive oil, fresh herbs

Spiced Sweet Potato Bisque – Silky, warm, with a hint of cream

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Creole Roasted Half Cornish Hen Served over cheese-laced creamy corn grits with collard greens and Creole BBQ-braised pork belly, finished with house-made Creole jus

DESSERT

All inclusive

Buttermilk Pound Cake With spiced peach compote and whipped cream

Roots of the Crescent City

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Sweet Potato & Smoked Gouda Fritters with Creole mustard dipping sauce

Mini Crab Beignets with remoulade sauce

Crispy Okra Bites dusted with Cajun spices, served with a buttermilk ranch

Andouille-Stuffed Mushrooms finished with a drizzle of Creole honey glaze

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Blackened Catfish with Okra & Tomato Stew

Shrimp and Corn Maque Choux – sweet corn sautéed with shrimp, bell peppers, and smoky bacon

Gumbo Shooters – rich chicken and sausage gumbo served in small cups, topped with fluffy white rice

Roasted Eggplant & Andouille Timbale with Creole remoulade

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red-Eye Gravy & Collard Greens

Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Sweet Potato Purée & Spiced Pecan Jus

Blackened Redfish with Dirty Rice & Creole Ratatouille

Jambalaya-Stuffed Bell Peppers with smoked sausage and Gulf shrimp

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Streusel & Bourbon Whipped Cream

Bread Pudding with Praline Sauce and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Beignets dusted with powdered sugar and served with a chicory coffee caramel sauce

Pecan Tart with Rum-Soaked Cherries and Chantilly Cream

Smoke On The St. John

STARTER

All inclusive

Charred Gulf Shrimp with Smoked Creole Chutney & Creole Caviar

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Bourbon-Glazed Pork Belly with Apple Slaw

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Creole BBQ Sauce, Dirty Rice cakes, grilled seasonal vegetables

DESSERT

All inclusive

Pecan Praline Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Bayou Brunch Delight

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Mini Sweet Corncake with Creole Butter & Scallion

Crispy Okra Chip with Smoky Tomato Jam

Andouille Sausage Bite with Pickled Shallot & Herb Mustard

Potato and Onion Fritter with Lemon Aioli

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Naan Crostini with Charred Cherry Tomatoes, Ricotta & Balsamic Glaze

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Creole Benedict with Herb Potato Cake, Seared Sausage, Poached Egg & Crawfish Cream Sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

Spiced Aebleskiver with Candied Pecans & Vanilla Glaze

Chef Ryan's reviews

4.83

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2 services

Chef Ryan was incredible!! He and his wife were so professional, making our bachelorette dinner one to remember. And the food was amazing!! Would highly recommend and hire him again.