Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans is known for its long and vibrant history, which includes a number of paranormal stories. The building is said to be haunted by a former owner and a ghostly chef, among other spirits. One of the most popular ghost stories centers on a former chef, Herman, who supposedly loved his job so much that he never left. The chef is believed to continue "working" at the restaurant in the afterlife. Some accounts say he continues to prepare meals. He is said to still inhabit the kitchen, with some reports of kitchen staff hearing disembodied voices giving instructions or smelling the scent of food being prepared when no one is cooking. Another spirit associated with the building is said to be a former owner. A "dominant spirit": Some accounts mention a dominant spirit, possibly a former proprietress or the Baroness Michaela, who was not fond of men. Stories suggest that men have been pushed down the stairs by this particular entity. Visitors and staff have reported numerous other unexplained events and ghostly encounters at Brennan's. People have described feeling sudden, unexplainable cold spots, particularly in the stairwell, suggesting a spirit is nearby. Reports include doors mysteriously unlocking themselves, glasses and beer cans being disturbed, and strange noises heard throughout the restaurant. One of the upstairs offices is said to be visited by a lady in a red dress.