3 Generations of Legendary Cooking
GREECE TRAVEL Cajun Invasion
SKYE ISSAC
Sings Her Way to the Stars
Turning Vintage Skateboards into ART Jason Momoa is a Fan! THREADS AND TREADS
Local Suit and Shoe Designers
• Publisher/Owner
Joan Broussard
• Assistant to the Publisher
Sylvia Broussard
• Editor Lilly LeMaire
• Art Director Ann Reh
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• Contact us 337-501-5626 joan@roux.vip
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Roux is a foundation, a bold ingredient on its own. When layered with other flavors and spices, it becomes a prize-winning dish that undeniably screams Louisiana. After spending my career in lifestyle publishing, I wanted to offer ROUX to Louisiana as a tribute to my own foundation.
In Louisiana, we celebrate life like no other. We are famous both near and abroad for our unique interpretation of the music and cuisine of our French, Acadian, and Creole ancestors. The different spices of a melting pot of cultures boils down to a delicious stew of hard-working and hard-playing people who celebrate life to the fullest.
ROUX is more than a magazine. It is owned and operated by proud Louisiana natives. As we see it, it is our mission to bring our readers the absolute best of what Louisiana has to offer. People come here from every corner of the globe to be immersed in our contagious energy. To dance our two-step. To hear our zydeco. To sip our sweet tea. To witness and join us in letting the good times roll.
Donna Aucoin and Joan Broussard
ROUX is for those who dare to live in the moment and anyone who loves the food, music, culture, hunting, fishing, and joie de vivre of the great state of Louisiana. We humbly submit this issue to you, the reader, and we hope you enjoy our coverage of the past, present and future of this beautiful place we call home.
This issue is dedicated to my dear friend Donna Aucoin. She came knocking on our door when we moved in across the street. Her daughter Allie and Sylvia were the same age so she thought they could play together. Well, that turned into so many family adventures! We called ourselves the “Bro-coins”… Broussard and Aucoin blended. Her son Preston really added to the fun! We did everything from camping in dangerous places to exploring fresh vegetable markets and cooking together. Disney World and Great Wolf Lodge were our big trips. Sometimes we would just do old school homemade popcorn and cook too much so it went everywhere in the kitchen and laughed so hard. Donna and I tried every diet and even got a personal trainer one time. She used to watch me getting trained from her kitchen window and kill herself laughing. We both moved since then but remain friends. Only a phone call away. We love you guys and all the memories!!!
Merci et Laissez les bon temps rouler! Joan Broussard joan@roux.vip
BY SCOTT BRAZDA
“I
would say I am pretty proud of the game I played,” says Lafayette’s Lauren Domingue. “There’s a lot of deception and lying and gossiping, and I participated in some of that.” But in the end? When she said her ‘goodbye’ to Big Brother just a few weeks ago? “Most of all, I played the game
that my loved ones would be proud of.”
Domingue had always been a fan of the CBS reality show. “I think back to when I was eight years old,” she recalls, “and I would watch it as part of our family time. I’d say, ‘Oh, I’m gonna’ be on there one day’, so getting to be on Big Brother this summer was like going full circle.”
It was a wild summer for the St. Thomas More Catholic High School and LSU graduate (and her family): An invite to join Big Brother, a flight to Los Angeles in late June, and then, in terms of mother/father/sister communication? Nothing. Nothing but nothing.
“For about 100 days, that was so hard,” sighs her mother, Buffy. “We have two daughters (Lauren and older sister Sydney), and until Big Brother, we would talk to both of them every day.” But even though Buffy was told there’d be no contact with Lauren, “…and even though I thought I could handle it, I would get chest pains. Seeing her on tv wasn’t the same. Not being able to talk to her was the most unimaginable thing.”
Lauren agrees. “You have to understand; my mom and dad are people I can communicate with every day. Should I tie my shoe? I ask her opinion all the time. And suddenly, I wasn’t allowed to.”
Even before she moved in and began any extended stay interaction with her new roommates, Lauren had a game plan for survival…and success. “Part of my strategy was to be seen as unsuspecting, not as a threat to anyone. I think that strategy worked for a while. Build connections and relationships.” Truth be told, admits Lauren, her actual early goal was much more succinct. “I was just honestly hoping to make it past week one,” she laughs. Lauren survived week one, plus a number of weeks after that. “Now, it was kind of tough, mind you. People in the house were 10, 20 and even 30 years older than me.”
With each episode, her family back in Acadiana –while watching from afar---became increasingly engrossed in the friendships, alliances, manipulations and betrayals they were seeing. “We were all screaming at the tv,” remembers Buffy. “Had some watch parties at the house and different venues around Lafayette. ‘Don’t you dare say that to my girl,’ I’d scream. And even with moves she was making, I’d shout advice to the screen. ‘Why don’t you use that veto on him or her? Don’t do that! Don’t do it!’”
Although the show is a competition—the last man or woman
standing in the house wins-- the very premise of Big Brother is rooted in relationships: Relationships being formed, relationships torn apart and relationships sometimes re-formed. “There were some really high ‘highs’, and then some really low ‘lows’,” sighs Lauren. “I always tried to keep in mind everything I was doing and saying, and how it would be perceived by America.”
With each week of survival, the mood of the Domingue family changed from nervous to nervously optimistic. “Absolutely,” smiles Buffy. “My husband became more and more optimistic. ‘She’s gonna’ win, she’s gonna’ win’, he’d say. Obviously we were very proud.”
But, as the number of occupants in the house grew smaller and smaller, the ever-present air of Big Brother increasingly weighed on Lauren. “You’re spending every second putting someone on the block or evicting someone,” she analyzed. “The gravity of the situation and every move you make becomes heavier and heavier.”
“They call it campaigning to get people’s votes, and it really is almost like politics.” But Lauren kept dodging the collective grim reaper made up of her housemates. “With my second ‘Head of Household’ win, I felt like I was in a good position and could see myself making it to the end.”
Her stay on Big Brother lasted around 90 days. “I felt betrayal whenever Vince put me on the block; and then when Keanu won, I sort of knew my time was about over.” She left with a sixth-place finish, her head held high and no regrets.
What there are, says Lauren, are lasting friendships. “Several people on the cast I can’t wait to see again. Really feels like family.” Asked about rumors of romance with a particular housemate, she answers with a smile, “Some really awesome people in the house. You know, a lot of people I’m still talking with.”
What’s next is a move to New York City where she says there are a few opportunities that are options awaiting her, including rumors involving a few commercials. “No matter what, I want to keep moving forward.”
As for her extended stay in the Big Brother house? “Truly experience of a lifetime. It’s one that I’ll remember forever and cherish forever. Just a great experience and would not trade it for the world.”
Tune in to watch episodes of Big Brother on Paramount+. R
By Scott Brazda
Six days a week, twice on weekdays, Lester Gautier is there. “I usually get the plate lunch, like a meatball stew, or maybe go off-menu for a large shrimp salad,” he says. “But really, whatever they put in the plate is usually good for me.”
But why six days a week at Dwyer’s Café’ in downtown Lafayette? Why not all seven? Gautier laughs. “Well, I usually skip Saturdays. I don’t want to have too much of a good thing.” Still, Gautier is a proud and loyal member of the Dwyer’s Café ‘faithful’ who recognize that, in his words, “… good food is good food…”
Which then leads to a statement that summarizes something so many have known about Dwyer’s for decades. “This is a ‘go-to’ place.”
Fun fact: Dwyer’s Café was not always known as Dwyer’s Café’. “It was Pop Stinson’s Café’ on Jefferson Street back in 1927, right when he moved his family from Patterson so his children could go to college and attend SLI (now the University of Louisiana),” explains Mike Dwyer. His father, Stanley, began working for the Stinson’s in the mid-forties. The restaurant moved a few times, with its longest residence at the Gordon Hotel, then a fairly popular Hub City lodging establishment.
“My father then bought the restaurant from Mrs. Stinson in 1965,” says Mike Dwyer, “and the menu he put in back then is pretty much what is now. Plate lunch. Sandwich. Breakfast.” There have been a few small changes. “We used to serve a supper meal and my Dad would be open ‘til 8 p.m. And also, even though it was the best day of the week, he started closing on Sundays because he didn’t want to miss Mass,” he chuckles.
Ten years later, it was time for Stanley Dwyer to pass the torch to Mike. “I’d attended the seminary, then changed my mind and went to USL, where in between and after classes I washed dishes and mopped floors here at the restaurant. But when I think about it, Dwyer’s was always in my blood; I always knew I’d be back here. Dad sold it to me in 1975.”
The restaurant hadn’t yet found its current home on 323 Jefferson Street. But 1978 offered a golden opportunity for the next chapter. “This corner was Pete’s Shoe Shine and Barber Shop,” recalls Mike. “From there, I made them an offer on the building.”
Dwyer’s Café has always been a stop for Louisiana’s movers-and-shakers; if you are running for office, the restaurant is a place to be seen and shake hands. Within reason, that is. “When Mike was owner,” remembers Gautier, “a certain gubernatorial candidate called, ‘Look we want to have something at Dwyer’s Café, is that alright?’ Mike said, ‘Sure, come on down’. And then the candidate said, ‘And we want it for free.’ Mike said, “No, no. Yes, my restaurant’s open, anyone can come, but no, I’m not paying for any candidate to come’.” Gautier smiles about the way it turned out. “I’m glad he did that, because the candidate was a guy I was opposed to, and if I had to pay to get something to eat, I didn’t want him getting something for free.”
Mike Dwyer guided the restaurant through some golden times and, yes, some tough ones, too. Mention the oil bust of the early 1980s and his voice becomes solemn and serious. “In 83, things got awful slow in Lafayette, and it wasn’t the whole country that was suffering, it was just this area. But I still had to finance the restaurant for 10 years, and I had to finish paying it off. So, we just kept at it and weathered the storm.”
For the longest time, the restaurant was the same, with consistent menu passed along from generation to generation, and that lunch counter. “They would have those little stools, that counter with those little, tiny stools,” adds Gautier.
From 1975 to 2012, Mike Dwyer was the Dwyer driving the bus. But natural progression in the restaurant business brought about change. “My dad had owned it for 10 years and he sold it to me,” says Mike. “So, in 2012, I thought I’d do the same thing for my kids. I turned it over to them.”
‘Them’ was---and IS--- Mike’s sons Craig and Brett. “I think we both tried to do other stuff, but would always gravitate here, always been attracted back here,” offers 50-year old Craig. “Brett is more like the sheriff, like Mom; I’m more like Dad who goes with the flow. It works well.”
It’s been 60 years since the name Dwyer’s Café officially became a thing. The recipes, explains 45year old Brett, are pretty much all the same. “But we’ve never had a written recipe. My grandpa made hamburger steaks a certain way, my dad watched how my grandpa did, we watched Dad, and that’s how me and Craig learned.”
Dwyer’s, with its comfort food and open atmosphere, is the regular home to gatherings of a number of special interest groups. “The French table, started by Rick Michot, has been meeting here on Wednesday mornings for 42 years. Then there’s the Franklin Expatriots, people who moved out of Franklin,” says Gautier. “In fact, this morning, I had a Monday mentality but then I saw those guys and I said, ‘No wait! There’s the Franklin group; so, it must be Tuesday!!”
Why is Dwyer’s Café still in existence? Better put, why is Dwyer’s Café still thriving? Brett says it comes down to the consistent presence of family. “I think if you didn’t have the family aspect, I don’t think it would still be around. I think people come in here and like knowing we’re still here, especially our older regulars. And we’re the ones still doing all the cooking.”
There are no immediate plans for Craig or Brett to hang up their chef hats and aprons. That, in and of itself, comes as a relief to a loyal Dwyer’s customer like Lester Gautier.
“I had scrambled eggs and an English muffin here this morning,” he laughs. “And it was good. It was real good.” R
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The office building near Kaliste Saloom looks like many others in Lafayette. So unassuming, drivers have passed it by hundreds of times without a second thought. But inside the mundane corporate exterior, lies a space of color, texture and creativity.
BY LILLY LEMAIRE
Harold Batiste sits at a desk he built himself. His clothes are impeccable, perfectly blending color and a style that tells anyone who sees him that he is a man who takes pride in himself and the way he dresses. With fabric swatches laid out before him, he works in a drawing pad, filled with sketches of suit designs for the clients he has dressed through the years. Batiste is the founder of Bespoke Batiste Collection, a bespoke tailor known for its beautiful and custom suit designs, with a clientele from all over the country.
“This is a very special suit,” said Batiste. “This client lost his young son in a tragic accident. He and his wife divorced amidst the grief many years ago. But time and the grace of God brought them back together and they are getting remarried. I’m designing a custom lining that is a tribute to his son that he will wear on the wedding weekend. The fact that we get to be a part of that story is amazing.”
Stories like this are becoming a regular part of Bespoke Batiste Collections work. When Lafayette native, Jack Bech, was drafted by the Raiders this past April, Batiste worked with Bech to create a lining for his suit vest and jacket that was a tribute to his brother Tiger, who was one of the victims of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
“Draft night, I got to wear one of the best suits ever. I couldn’t have asked for a better suit to be made. The way it looked, the way it fit, the details – everything about it was perfect. And the fact that they incorporated Tiger, including
The lining of Jack Bech’s suit is a tribute to his brother Tiger, who was one of the victims of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
his favorite quote embroidered on the inside and his initials on my shirt cuffs, made it so meaningful. The entire process was incredible, especially for one of the biggest nights of my life, and I can’t wait to work with them again,” said Bech.
Bespoke Batiste will be dressing Bech for some of his NFL games this season. “I’m a huge believer that clothes should make you feel good and a suit that fits is a game changer. I see so many people wearing expensive, store-bought suits and I want to walk up to tell them I can make a custom suit, designed just for their body, and do it at the same price they paid for something off the rack. Once someone cuts a suit with me, they don’t ever want to wear store bought again.”
And it isn’t just about the clothes. More often than not, it’s about the experience.
“When we work together, everything is a choice – materials, lining, buttons, cut. Every single item we create is as individual as the person wearing it. It’s a custom experience and I want our garments to make our clients feel the most confident they have ever felt.”
It’s the confidence factor that gained Batiste a business partner two years ago. After dressing former KATC Sports Director turned businesswoman Amy Jones Kane for two years, Kane decided to invest in Batiste and help grow and expand the business.
“I’m almost 6 feet tall and I like to make a statement with my suits. After Harold started dressing me and I felt the
difference a custom suit makes, I knew I wanted to work with him. We live in a world where fast fashion dominates, but a bespoke suit remains a symbol of timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and personal expression,” said Kane. “I love seeing our work when I go to events or watch commercials on TV and I especially love how often I get stopped by people who want me to know they can’t wait to get their first suit with us.”
Bespoke Batiste’s client list is impressive. Their work has been seen on red carpets for the Grammy’s, Broadway opening nights, the NFL draft, the Kentucky Derby, TV commercials, fashion week runways and countless weddings, but Batiste is quick to point out that much of their work is people that just want to look and feel good in their everyday lives.
“Sure I love people to feel extraordinary with things we make for a special occasion, but what I love even more is helping someone understand that wearing custom suits should make an ordinary Tuesday feel just as unique.”
As we move further into 2025, the reasons to invest in a bespoke suit continue to grow. Here’s why Batiste feels a bespoke suit is worth it.
One of the most significant advantages of a bespoke suit is the perfect fit. Unlike off-therack suits, which often require alterations to achieve a reasonable fit, bespoke suits are tailored to the wearer’s individual measurements and preferences.
“In 2025, with the increasing importance placed on comfort, especially in a post-pandemic world where remote work has become more common, having a suit that not only looks good but feels good is essential. Bespoke Batiste takes into account the individual’s body shape, posture, and movement, ensuring that every suit is comfortable for long wear, no matter the event or occasion,” said Batiste.
Bespoke suits are crafted by skilled artisans who dedicate countless hours to ensuring each piece is of the highest quality. The materials are often sourced from the finest fabric mills, and the construction techniques used are more elaborate than those found in mass-produced suits.
“Our clients should be discerning about the quality of garments they are buying,” said Kane. “The craftsmanship behind a Bespoke Batiste suit stands out. Each stitch, seam, and detail is meticulously considered, resulting in a suit that not only looks amazing, but is also built to last.” This durability means the investment will last over years of wear, making it a financially sound choice.
Fashion is increasingly about individuality. While trends come and go, a bespoke suit allows wearers to express their personal style. From fabric choices to lapel shapes, lining colors, and pocket styles, every detail can be customized to reflect personality and taste.
The notion of style is shifting towards a preference for personalized expression rather than simply following trends. A bespoke suit is a wardrobe staple that can be designed to stand the test of time, both in terms of style and quality. Bespoke Batiste prides itself on blending personal style with classic tailoring to ensure that a bespoke suit will remain a cherished part of a client’s wardrobe for years.
The bespoke suit experience is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey. From the initial consultation with Bespoke Batiste to the fittings and final adjustments, the process is highly personal and focused on the client’s needs.
“When I opened my doors, I learned very quickly that our clients value experiences over products and the custom tailoring journey provides a unique opportunity for anyone who works with us to engage with the craft of suit-making. Many clients find this process not only educational but also fun and they walk out with a true appreciation for the artistry behind their garments,” said Batiste.
Bespoke suits often come with a story—a narrative of craftsmanship, tradition, and familial legacy. Owning a bespoke suit from Bespoke Batiste can create a sense of connection to that legacy. A bespoke suit can also be a special gift to future generations, symbolizing milestones, achievements, or family traditions. And Kane is insistent that the increasing demand for Bespoke fashion is going to expand past clothes to footwear as well.
“Sports stars started the sneakers with suits trend and its now mainstream, but customizing shoes to wear with suits is certainly growing in popularity. It’s why this year, I invested in a custom sneaker company. Shoefly is creating hand painted sneakers that will complete the entire bespoke look,” said Kane. “If you are going to wear a custom suit with sneakers, then make sure what’s on your feet is a 1 of 1 as well.”
Shoefly custom sneakers paired with a bespoke tailored suit creates a signature look that tells a story—perfect for professionals, creatives, or entrepreneurs looking to stand out.
The old rules of fashion are gone. Sneakers with suits are no longer a faux pas—they’re a statement. Custom painted sneakers take it further by injecting individuality into an otherwise traditional outfit. It’s that reason that Kane said yes when Lafayette artist Brandy Cavitt approached her about partnering together to launch a custom hand painted shoe company.
“A tailored suit is one-of-one. Why pair it with mass-produced footwear?” asked Cavitt. “Custom sneakers ensure your entire ensemble is bespoke. No one else in the room will be wearing your design, and that will turn heads in the best of ways.”
“Custom art on sneakers naturally invites curiosity and compliments.,” added Kane. “Whether it’s a bold color scheme, symbolic artwork, or personal message, it breaks the ice in every situation.”
Kane picks up a fabric book, but stops after flipping through a few swatches. “You know what I love the most about these two companies – both are showcasing incredible talent right here in South Louisiana. In a place that prides itself on its ingenuity, Bespoke Batiste and Shoefly are the epitome of that.”
A bespoke suit represents much more than just a piece of clothing; it’s an investment in personal identity, quality, sustainability, and timeless style and Bespoke Batiste Collection ensures that it’s worth every penny. From unparalleled fit and craftsmanship to personal expression, a Bespoke Batiste suit stands out as a testament to who the wearer is and who they aspire to be.
“Investing in a bespoke suit is not just about aesthetics,” reminds Kane. “It’s about making a meaningful choice in an increasingly disposable world.”
“What she said,” Batiste said with an infectious grin. And puts his head down to start drawing again. R
U U
Did you know that can accommodate your special celebration?
nique menus can be designed & prepared from any region. nique menus can be designed & prepared from any region.
Let us plan with you, then we take care of the rest! Let us plan with you, then we take care of the rest!
On-Site Accomodations On-Site Accomodations
Private Rooms
Full Restaurant (on
With a 300 guest capacity, The Room is an entertainment venue that offers options for corporate events, holiday parties, birthday parties, weddings, game day events, kid/teen birthdays, concerts, and so much more.
smoke-free, open space suited for people of all ages
Rooted in the belief that every skateboard tells a story, they give new life to boards once destined for the landfill — blending fine woodworking with the raw spirit of skateboarding. Each board they use once marked a moment when someone, somewhere, made the conscious decision to get up, go outside, and do something meaningful. That intention and energy live on in every one of their pieces.
From high-end heirloom furniture to soulful, functional art, Barousse Works is more than a workshop — it’s a portal for remembrance, inviting you to reconnect with the beauty of what once was, and what still can be.
They don’t just make furniture. They build stories and share skateboarding. They take good energy to produce more good energy. And invite you to bring a piece of that journey into your world.
Daniel Barousse
Daniel born and raised in Lafayette, LA, where he was introduced to carpentry by his dad and grandfather. His family has passed the trade down for generations. Growing up, he learned the craft the old-school way, spending summers building and watching the process up close. He started skateboarding at 11 and still skates. He’s combined his love for traditional woodworking, modern design, and skate culture into what he does today.
Leo Nava
Leo is the embodiment of kindness, authenticity, and boundless talent—the heart and soul of versatility at Barousse Works. When Leo joined Barousse Works, he took to the woodshop like he’d been there for years, quickly mastering the lathe and becoming the creative force behind many of our handcrafted bowls. His deep versatility and calm, focused energy bring something truly special to the studio.
Jason Momoa is a fan of Barousse Works. He contacted the guys and ordered a chair. Daniel and Leo personally delivered it to his house in California. Jason loved the chair so much he bought 2 more! He also treated the guys to a nice steak dinner!
By Darlene Smith
No doubt about it, Skye Isaac has been triply gifted. Un -she possesses the talent and the determination to build a multi-faceted career in music. Deux – her loving and supportive parents nurtured her talent and exposed her to a varied palette of music like The Doobie Brothers, Journey, and Stevie Wonder, and Karen Carpenter. Trois – she was raised in the center of Acadiana – Lafayette, Louisiana – known for its world-class cuisine, its Cajun-Creole culture of family and looking-out-for- each-other, and especially its musical styles and prodigies. Skye is one of those prodigies, a rising star born in the cradle of Zydeco and Cajun music.
Having just released her third album this summer, Skye is becoming known for her electrifying performances, her song-writing skills which resonate beyond-her-years, as well as her professionalism and work ethic. In April she delivered a soaring and graceful performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Festival International de Louisiane 2025 opening ceremony and even sang “Happy Birthday” to the incumbent mayor-president Monique Blanco Boulet. During the days of Festival, she performed on several Festival stages and in various Lafayette downtown venues.
Skye now resides mostly in Los Angeles, California. However, in gratitude for the love and support of her Lafayette community, she came home to record her newest album with some familiar faces and sounds unique to her hometown. Ducey (titled in remembrance of the childhood nickname given to her by her father) is Skye’s second zydeco infused album and was crafted as a tribute to Acadiana’s nurturing and creative environment through songs beautifully written by Isaac. The first track, “Country Roads” features Grammy nominated Cedric Watson on the fiddle and Johnny Quinn on accordion. This remake reflects the album’s goal of capturing and expressing the cozy feeling of going back home again. “Louisiane” has a traditional regional sound and shares Skye’s love for her home state of Louisiana with “all her heart and soul.’ It was recorded with her kinfolk, Grammy winning Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. on accordion, the official instrument for the state of Louisiana. Accompanied by his band, The Ils Sont Partis Band, “Louisiane” was recorded live at Lockdown Studios in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. is the son of Buckwheat Zydeco Sr., who was the pre-eminent ambassador of Louisiana and zydeco music. He achieved mainstream success, appearing on the Today Show and the Late Show with David Letterman. “Mardi Gras” is a
foot-stomping zydeco number which captures the exuberance of the annual laissez les bon temps rouler party craziness unique to south Louisiana every year the season before Lent begins! Skye’s take on the annual celebration reminds everyone that Fat Tuesday is not the only day Louisianans let the good times roll – it’s ALWAYS a party in Louisiana. Joining in the celebratory song is again Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Ils Sont Partis Band. Recorded at Dockside Studios situated on Bayou Vermillion in Maurice, Louisiana, and going a little more soulful, “You Send Me” is produced by two-time grammy nominated Cecil Green, engineered by Justin Tocket and features Rusty Metoyer, a quickly-rising zydeco artist from Calcasieu parish, while “Love You” comes in hot with a high-energy “new school” beat and a lyrical reimagining of being “so in love.” “Love You” was recorded at Cha- Cha Studios in Lafayette, Louisiana, and produced by Naylan Williams, the son of Nathan Williams of Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha-Chas known for their performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Naylan (Louis B. Productions) also known as “Future of Zydeco” is the super- talented artist and musician playing nearly every instrument on this track. Speaking to the commonality among all peoples, “Higher Love,” produced by Cecil Green, is catchy, churchy, and worldly. It challenges all to do their part to be accepting, thus making for a better and united world. Cecil is the go-to producer for many of Acadiana’s most notable zydeco artists such as Chris Ardoin and Sean Ardoin. “Never Left,” featuring guitarist and singer Cameron Nelson, sings of the sweet comfort of knowing that although loved ones have died, they are never really gone because they are always in one’s heart. The final track, “Crying in the Chapel,” features Major Handy on accordion and is a tribute to Lafayette’s own Carol Fran, a well-known singer of the 1950s and 60s with ties to Elvis Presley. Fran received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Endowment for the Arts’ Folk Arts Program at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Like Carol Fran’s, Skye’s voice illuminates the downhome blues on this recording. Handy is a multi-instrumentalist who has performed with Otis Redding and was a regular musician with Carol Fran. He brings the true essence of Fran to this fresh rendition of “Crying in the Chapel.” Much of the album was mixed and mastered by Teyerance Alfred of Tytan Sound Lab in Lafayette, Louisiana. Ducey enjoys the skills of many Louisiana musicians who contributed to this latest album. They include a who’s-who of local talent: Michael Lockett on keyboard; bassist Lee Allen
BY SANDRA BOOHER & NANCY LOPEZ OF 2 TRAVEL GURUS
As late summer’s golden light gave way to cooler breezes, 45 spirited voyagers set sail on the Norwegian Getaway for a nine-day exploration of Greece’s Aegean jewels. From September 1 to 10, 2024, Two Travel Gurus guided their seasoned group, joined by Joan Broussard—owner and of Roux Magazine—and her close-knit circle of family and friends. What began as two separate parties quickly blended into one tightknit crew, discovering ancient ruins, vibrant bazaars, and sun-drenched beaches together.
The group touched down in Athens two days early, eager to soak up the city’s timeless energy. Beneath the Parthenon’s sandstone columns at sunrise, they snapped photos and traded stories over strong Greek coffee in Plaka’s hidden cafés.
On September 1, the merged group gathered at Piraeus harbor. The Norwegian Getaway’s sunlit decks and sea-spray breezes set everyone at ease. They explored lounges, sampled Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres, and swapped excitement about the days ahead. Laughter echoed over the welcome toast as Two Travel Gurus made sure every last bag and boarding pass was in order.
In Kusadasi, the group joined the sightseeing crowd at Ephesus. They strolled marble avenues toward the Library of Celsus and clustered on the Great Theatre’s worn steps, imagining ancient performances. Some members even hurried up to the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos, while some paused at the Basilica of St. John, soaking in its solemn beauty. They shared selfies and impromptu family portraits brought personal warmth to those storied ruins.
When the ship pulled into Istanbul, every was all in—haggling for silk scarves in the Grand Bazaar, marveling at Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, and sipping in bustling tea gardens. One evening, the whole gang piled onto a Bosphorus cruise, toasting minarets aglow against the night sky. “Istanbul felt like the world in one city,” someone said—an observation they all agreed deserved a spot on next year’s “must-do” list.
Back under Greek skies, the group lunched seaside in Volos on grilled octopus and Greek salad. In the afternoon, they split between a cheesetasting at a local dairy and a hike through Mount Pelion’s shaded forests—home of centaur legends.
Mykonos greeted them with dazzling white walls and turquoise waters. Some chose to lounged beachside while others hit the streets for more exploration. By night, the family and friends regrouped on the ship for dinner, shows and lots of socializing in the Martini Bar.
Rhodes whisked everyone into the medieval past. Everyone wandered the UNESCO Old Town, posing at the Palace of the Grand Master and racing down the Street of the Knights. A highlight was the half-day trip to Lindos— whitewashed cliffside homes and panoramic sea views that stole more than a few hearts (and smartphones).
In Crete, they dove into Minoan legend at Knossos—snapping pics of frescoed walls and labyrinthine corridors. Between crunchy dakos salads and sticky loukoumades, they discovered Crete’s true flavor: its traditions.
Santorini delivered its famous finale. The group piled into a cliffside café in Oia to frame the sun’s descent—a blaze of coral and gold. Glasses of crisp Assyrtiko clinked as everyone agreed: no view in the world beats a Santorini sunset. Selfies turned into group photos, turned into promises to return together.
Back in Piraeus, the entire party shared one last espresso aboard ship. They traded favorite moments—best meal, funniest mishap, most breathtaking ruin. As they disembarked, excited chatter turned to planning mode: “Where to next?” Echoes of new trip ideas swirled around the café tables.
Fueled by unforgettable memories and insider tales, the group—and the wider Two Travel Gurus circle—can’t stop plotting the next escape. Two Travel Gurus is already sketching out itineraries for 2026 & 2027 that blend cultural deep-dives with carefree fun. After this Greek odyssey, everyone’s ready to set sail for new horizons—this time with even bigger laughs and fresh stories to write home about. R
Crafting a Rockstar’s Journey is Half the Fun for this Lafayette Entrepreneur.
“MY GOAL WITH ROCKSTARS AND RUNWAYS IS TO UNDERSTAND THE DESIRES OF MY TRAVELERS WELL ENOUGH TO CAPTURE THAT
AND
SAYS ROCKSTARS AND RUNWAYS
OWNER
THAT FOR THEM,”
KAYLA DIAZ DE ACRE, REFERRING TO THE ADRENALINE RUSH SHE KNOWS SO WELL FROM HER OWN LIFE. HER CLIENTS WANT THAT “ON TOP OF THE WORLD” FEELING, WHETHER THEY’RE LOOKING FOR A RELAXING VACATION OR A THRILLING ADVENTURE.
For Kayla, life is a seamless blend of high-octane rock stages and high-fashion runways. It’s a duality that has shaped her unique approach to travel planning, where she creates “over-the-top travel experiences” for her clients.
She smiles as she recalls a particularly unforgettable recent honeymoon she planned in Spain. After being whisked away by a private driver upon landing in Mallorca, the couple stayed in an historic hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. They later traveled to the mainland, exploring Basque Country, and hopping trains through Pamplona and Barcelona. The trip was a mix of luxury and adventure, including hiking in the Pyrenees mountains, horseback riding, and catching a flamenco show.
Kayla knows “exclusive” means different things to different people, from an isolated penthouse to a private helicopter. While she’s early in her business journey, she has access to suppliers who can make these dreams [and more] a reality for anyone. She can coordinate private safari experiences in Africa, private yacht rentals, or even heliskiing on unmapped routes in places like Breckenridge and Whistler. She also specializes in getting “lastminute tickets” to sold-out events and championship games, like a recent Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans.
Her romantic getaways, a specialty
of hers, are equally curated. A couple celebrating their 15th anniversary and 40th birthday will be taking an adultsonly Mediterranean cruise, with pre- and post-stays in Barcelona and Athens. Another couple on their first trip without their kids is heading to Impression Isla Mujeres, which was voted the “most Instagrammable resort in the world”. The adults-only resort offers gourmet dining, maid service three times a day, and a spa.
For families and larger groups, Kayla embraces the challenge of different interests and generations. She once
planned a ski trip to Whistler, Canada, for a multi-generational group with half the group being avid snowboarders and the other half preferring more relaxing activities. While coordinating flights and ski-in, ski-out accommodations, she also arranged non-skiing activities like a hockey game, ziplining, and a complete bobsledding experience.
Sometimes the most ambitious trips come from unexpected places. She helped a couple with their honeymoon who had wildly different visions for a perfect February trip, one wanting Switzerland and the other Scotland. Kayla had to break the news that neither was a realistic option for that time of year if they were wanting a “lush green” experience. So, she challenged them to “think big,” and they ultimately decided on a dream trip to the Galapagos Islands. Kayla was able to find them a spot on a small 12-passenger cruise ship, making their dream honeymoon a reality.
Kayla believes that a legendary vacation is a delicate balance of relaxation and adventure.
“If I go somewhere with a full itinerary... I’m going to come home absolutely exhausted,” she says, but doing “nothing the whole time” makes her feel guilty. She aims for a few things planned that push her clients’ comfort zones, whether it’s ATVs in Ecuador or a cooking class in Peru.
Her “rockstars” also benefit from her affiliation with Virtuoso, which provides perks like early check-in, late check-out, and free upgrades. She also advocates for trip protection to give her clients peace of mind and arranges private transfers to and from airports, which she calls “absolutely chef’s kiss” for a stress-free start to a trip.
Her own next ambitious trip is to Ireland with her husband, three-year-old, and six-month-old. It will be the family’s first trip as a family of four and her first time driving on the opposite side of the road.
“When you’re traveling with small kids and families like that, it’s really just important to have that perspective change,” she says. “That it’s just going to be a different experience than one you’d have on an adultonly vacation”.
For her, the win is being in a new country and experiencing different flavors and sounds, not necessarily checking off every item on a to-do list. R
Everything you need for your special celebration
Dine In Delivery Catering
Large Private Room “Riverside’s Cooking Cottage” Available for parties & more
Theme: Kentucky Derby Party
Venue: River Oaks
Catering: Brian Blanchard (Owner of River Oaks)
Welcome Cocktails:
Mint Juleps made with JT Meleck Whiskey
Pink Pony made with JT Meleck Vodka
The Menu: Passed Appetizers
Praline Chicken on a Stick
Cucumber Finger Sandwiches
Shrimp Cups
Bruschetta
Puff Pastry cup filled with Crawfish Dip
Asparagus wrapped in Phyllo Dough
Mini Crab Cakes
Boudin Balls
Buffet Table:
Charcuterie Board – served with crackers
Iced Shrimp Cocktail
Seafood Crepes
Grits & Grillades
Crawfish & Tasso Pasta
Assorted Bite Size Desserts
Special Guests and Entertainment:
DJ and Piano Man Hunter DeBlanc
Sylvia McLain and her 2 precious horses
“Trash” and “Jill”
AJ Hebert live painting
The Kentucky Derby on the big screen.
Hats. Dresses. Suits. Prizes!
saturday & sunday brunch
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Dreams Become Reality! Hope to see you in early 2026!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 11AM - 3PM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 11AM - 3PM
Make your weekend extraordinary when you enjoy brunch favorites like our Shrimp & Grits and Bang Bang Shrimp® Eggs Benedict paired with a specialty brunch cocktail!
3PM – 6:30PM | EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
3PM – 6:30PM | EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Gather with friends to relax and unwind with exciting NEW menu items and irresistible cocktails, available every day!
Gather with friends to relax and unwind with exciting NEW menu items and irresistible cocktails, available every day!
Make your weekend extraordinary when you enjoy brunch favorites like our Shrimp & Grits and Bang Bang Shrimp® Eggs Benedict paired with a specialty brunch cocktail!
Join us for our exclusive communal dining experiences where chef-crafted courses are perfectly paired with wines and hand-crafted cocktails. Visit BonefishGrill.com for details.
Join us for our exclusive communal dining experiences where chef-crafted courses are perfectly paired with wines and hand-crafted cocktails. Visit BonefishGrill.com for details.
PERFECT FOR:
PERFECT FOR:
OFFICE EVENTS • CELEBRATIONS • DINNER PARTIES • SPORTING EVENTS
OFFICE EVENTS • CELEBRATIONS • DINNER PARTIES • SPORTING EVENTS
LEARN MORE AT BONEFISHGRILL.COM/CATERING
LEARN MORE AT BONEFISHGRILL.COM/CATERING
SIGN UP FOR Monday thru Thursday: 11am-10pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday: 11am-9pm
INGREDIENTS:
1 Rock Candy Sugar Stick
2 dashes of bitters
2 ounces of Simple Syrup
2 1/2 ounces of Bourbon
1 orange slice
2 maraschino cherries
METHOD:
1. Place sugar stick in a rocks glass.
2. Add 2 dashes of bitters and Simple Syrup.
3. Add bourbon, then ice.
4. Squeeze orange into the mixture, and top with cherries.
NOTES:
Since 1934, Don’s has used the rock candy stick in this drink - and it still does today.
• In 1806, this “cocktail” was a morning drink.
• It was also the favorite drink of President Harry S. Truman and his wife, Bess. In 1884, a nearly identical drink is mentioned in “The Adventures of Huck Finn.” R
