Local chef gets a little “lagniappe”

MARQUETTE — The Chef de Cuisine at a local Marquette restaurant has been named Chef of the year. Most days Chef Nichole Durley can be found behind the scenes at Lagniappe’s cooking, expediting  and leading. She is also involved with the UP chapter of the American Chef Federation–an organization that promotes good service in restaurants and communities.

Durley says, “The American Culinary Federation really sets the standard for professionalism in the food service industry. And our chapter is the Upper Michigan Culinarians, and we’re the only chapter in the Upper Peninsula.”

Nichole says that Lagniappe’s means more than what you expected or a little something extra. The name speaks to the type of experience Nichole wants patrons to have at the restaurant and says even speaks to her experience and recent award.

Durley added, “Everyone has been really great at congratulating and it’s very humbling to see the support we have from the community when one of the local chef’s win this award.”

Locals can expect to see some new additions to the Lagniappe’s  menu soon. At the restaurant and in life you never know when you may get a little more than you expected–or a little Laginappe.