Tujaque’s Restuarant owner Steven Latter

STEVEN E. LATTER, the owner of Tujaque’s Restaurant, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans, passed away suddenly from a suspected heart attack at his residence on February 18. He was 64.

Latter was responsible for bringing the old institution made famous by celebrity chef Madame Begue back from the verge of extinction when he purchased the venerable restaurant and building from the Guichat family in 1982. He personally researched its history and brought it back to its original 1856 state as much as possible. Latter covered the walls with press clippings related to Tujaque’s and maintained the quality of the restaurant’s signature dishes: shrimp remoulade and beef brisket topped with horseradish sauce. He peppered the walls with pictures of celebrities with him who had eaten at the restaurant. He also had an incredible collection of miniature liquor bottles he had assembled from customers the world over. Through the years he also amassed one of the greatest collections of memorabilia regarding Tujaque’s and Madame Begue, most of which is still housed in his personal storage. He loved hanging out at the restaurant and personally welcoming his guests.

Latter graduated from Alcee Fortier Senior High School in 1967 and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Rho high school fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in math from Louisiana State University at New Orleans (now the University of New Orleans) and worked for a time at Wembley Manufacturing before embarking on his restaurant career. A volunteer in many aspects of making the Vieux Carré a better place for business and tourism, Latter was named Downtown Irish Man of the Year five years ago.

A woodworker by avocation, he worked on several pieces throughout the past decade and occasionally rewarded friends with items he had crafted in his own workshop. Most of these items adorn the interior of his home.

Latter is survived by his wife Miriam (née Lincove) Latter, a past president of Congregation Gates of Prayer; daughters Shayne and Rachel Latter; son Mark Latter (Candace); brothers Stanford and Jerry; sister Ann Light and one grandson.

Visitation will begin tomorrow, February 20, at Congregation Gates of Prayer Synagogue, 4000 West Esplanade Avenue in Metairie. Services officiated by Rabbi Robert Loewy will begin at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow immediately in Gates of Prayer Cemetery at 1412 Joseph Street in Uptown New Orleans.

A minyan will be later Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m, at the family home located on Jeannette Drive in Metairie.

Donations are suggested to Congregation Gates of Prayer, Bridge House or the charity of your choice.