About Us
Chef Karen
Our Algiers Point B&B is much more than just a place to stay -- it's home to a unique cooking school for guests, travelers, and locals alike. I will guide you through a four-hour class in which you'll learn to cook authentic Louisiana cuisine, laugh with your fellow chefs-in-training, and enjoy a comfortable sit-down dinner of everything you've made. My years of expertise in my authentic Louisiana restaurant and deep love for all things Louisiana have made me into a treasure trove of knowledge about life in the Crescent City and I want to share every bit of it with you. So take a trip across the Mississippi and into our hidden gem of Southern hospitality. If you love to cook (or simply love to eat), Kelly and I would love to have you.
A Brief History
Established in 2009.
Chef/Sommelier and retired restaurateur Karen Duncan is a passionate enthusiast for 'All things Louisiana'. Come visit her comfortable, commercial kitchen at Casa Pelican B&B and Cooking School and catch some Cajun and Creole fever!
Trained in classic French (Le Cordon Bleu) and the regional cuisine of Louisiana (Nichols State University), Karen shared her love of all things Cajun and Creole with delighted guests for 15 years at her authentic Louisiana restaurant and import store (located in Toronto, Canada). During that time she was a frequent guest chef on Food Network Canada, HGTV and CityTV and was acknowledged with "Top 10 of Toronto" awards by Toronto Life magazine (6 times) and NOW magazine (4 times). Karen is now the Proprietor of Casa Pelican B&B and Cooking School in New Orleans, hosting guests from around the world and earning hundreds of 5-star ratings. Karen was admitted to The Court of Master Sommeliers in 2010.
After selling her authentic Louisiana-themed restaurant in 2009, Chef Karen Duncan couldn't wait to start her 'semi-retirement' by opening Casa Pelican B&B and Cooking School. Located in her historic home in the Algiers Point neighborhood of New Orleans (directly across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter), Casa Pelican is a charming and unique facility. "New Orleans is such a passionate and joyous place," says Karen of her venture, "I can't think of a better second career than sharing its culture, environment, and especially the food with others".
Come Break Bread With Us
Our home is open to visitors from both far and near, to friends and strangers alike from around the world and around the corner. Come enjoy New Orleans and stay in an iconic Bed and Breakfast while you take in our culture and taste of the city like you never have before.