diana chauvin
Co-Owner / Executive Chef
Signature Dish: Panko Crusted Sea Bass with Spicy Coconut Green Curry, Mixed Vegetables and Jasmine Rice

Diana Chauvin was raised in the restaurant business of New Orleans with her mother Pannee Varnishung, affectionately referred to as “Mama” by her family, friends, and customers alike due to her warm, caring nature.   In 1978, Mama opened a little restaurant called Mai Tai in Old Gretna, introducing New Orleans to the taste of Thai cuisine.  It was there where Diana, at the young age of 6 would gain her first restaurant experience mimicking her mother’s every move in preparing food and setting tables.  By the age of 13 she was waiting and bussing tables at Mama’s popular expansion project, Bangkok Cuisine.

Raised in the restaurant industry all her life, Diana naturally wanted to explore other career options.  After proudly graduating from Loyola University New Orleans in Broadcast Journalism & Communications, Diana took a creative journey and moved west to the City of Angels in California.  For two and half years, she lived in Los Angeles, but did not quite leave the restaurant industry entirely, as she became the Manager of a popular Thai restaurant in L.A. called Chan Dara Restaurant. 

In 1999, her beloved City of New Orleans came calling to come home, and Diana answered that call.  She jokingly claims, “I tried to get out, but THEY wouldn’t let me.”  “THEY” being Mama, her brother Merlin, and New Orleans.   Diana returned to her roots, and along with her family, ran Bangkok Cuisine in Mid-City and La Thai Cuisine on Metairie Road, which closed in 2007 when they decided to move the restaurant Uptown. During this time, the creative side of Diana took over and she decided to express this creativity through culinary art by becoming a Chef.  Diana also opened up two more successful restaurants in the C.B.D., Sweet Ginger and Pan-Asia, where she was both co-owner and Executive Chef along with her brother.  Both restaurants did not re-open after Hurricane Katrina.

Mastering her craft as a Chef and armed with a strong belief in the importance of family and customer service, La Thai Uptown was opened.  With a Thai mother and a Cajun-French father, La Thai Uptown’s menu is a wonderful reflection of Diana’s ethnic background.  Mostly noticed in her signature dish, the Panko Crusted Sea Bass with spicy coconut green curry, mixed veggies and jasmine rice.  When asked what it was that she liked most about what she did, her answer was simple: “I love making people happy.  I love that people love our food.  I love that they are entertained and can have fun while getting full on our cuisine.“  Diana recently placed 1st Runner Up in the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off during the 2010 Wine & Food Experience.  She was the first female to both compete and be honored this award.