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ORAL HISTORY
Donald LInk
Cochon-Herbsaint
Second Location:
Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 588-2123
cochonrestaurant.com
A native of Crowley, Louisiana, Donald Link began cooking when he was fifteen years old. After gaining experience in local restaurants, Donald moved to San Francisco, where realized his passion for food and local ingredients. He attended the California Culinary Academy and honed his craft on the west coast; still, Donald referred back to his native Louisiana for ideas and inspiration, building his reputation as a leading chef in the Bay Area. Eventually, his roots called him home. Donald moved to New Orleans and opened Herbsaint Restaurant in 2000. Five years later, and only a handful of months after Hurricane Katrina, he opened his second restaurant, Cochon. Both establishments serve gumbo. At Herbsaint, the menu allows for the gumbo to change regularly. At Cochon, Donald offers a Cajun-style chicken and andouille gumbo served with potato salad.
