John Folse

John David Folse (born July 9, 1946) is an American chef, restaurant owner, and television host. A lifelong resident of Louisiana, he is seen as a leading authority on Cajun and Creole cuisine and culture.

Early life
Folse was born on July 9, 1946, in St. James Parish, Louisiana, on the German Coast of the Mississippi River.

Restaurants and other ventures
In 1978, Folse opened Lafitte's Landing Restaurant in the historic Viala Plantation House near Donaldsonville in St. James Parish south of Baton Rouge.

In 2002, Bittersweet Plantation Dairy opened, and offers a full line of fresh and aged cheeses, butters, yogurts and ice cream.

In November 2019, Folse opened Folse Market in the state-of-the-art New Orleans International Airport. As the anchor restaurant of Concourse C, Folse Market serves a traditional taste of New Orleans cuisine to travelers.

TV and radio
Chef Folse has for many years hosted a culinary radio show on Saturdays called "Stirrin' It Up!" The show is broadcast on many stations throughout the state of Louisiana, chiefly WBRP TALK 107.3 FM, Baton Rouge. The show is usually co-hosted by Michaela D. York, his director of communications and marketing.

The TV version of Stirrin' It Up is broadcast during the afternoon news hour on WAFB TV, Baton Rouge. WAFB and Folse partnered to create a Stirrin' It Up app containing episodes and recipes, available through the iTunes store.

Folse previously served as the marketing specialist on the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board. He is a member of Chaines des Rotisseurs, and the Sister Dulce Foundation Board.