Acadiana Profile Magazine June-July 2025 by Renaissance Publishing

30 A TOUR OF LITERARY ACADIANA

Come along for a bookish tour of Acadiana, where you’ll get a glimpse of legendary writers who’ve visited the region

FLAKIN’ OUT

NOTE DE L’EDITEUR

Here’s to Southern Literature Lovers

NOUVELLES DE VILLES

Happenings around the region

EN FRANÇAIS, S’IL VOUS PLAÎT

20 UN VOYAGE AU VILLAGE Eunice for Music

ÉTAT CULTUREL

Local filmmakers are passionate about making movies in their hometown

56 DU CHEF

The Little Big Cup in Arnaudville is a culinary destination that blends the food traditions of the Caribbean and Cajun Country, the respective cultures of its two founders.

RECETTE DE COCKTAILS

Refresh and unwind with Salt Revival Oyster Co.s cooling Coastal Berry Crush

64 EN FRANÇAIS, S’IL VOUS PLAÎT

Une distinction qui mérite une appellation

Un passe-temps qui s’en va en déclinant Acadiana

LA MAISON

The force is strong in this home’s tricked out, moody ‘Star Wars’ theater, but for those who resist the dark side, comfort –and lots of coffee – awaits

EDITORIAL

Editor Reine Dugas

Copy Editor Liz Clearman

Web Editor Kelly Massicot

Art Director Sarah E.G. Majeste

Lead Photographer Danley Romero

Food Photographer Eugenia Uhl

Home Photographer Haylei Smith

SALES

Sales Manager Rebecca Taylor

337-298-4424

337-235-7919 Ext. 7230

Rebecca@AcadianaProfile.com

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING

PRODUCTION

Digital Director Rosa Balaguer Arostegui

Senior Production Designer

Ashley Pemberton

Production Designer Czarlyn Ria Trinidad

MARKETING

Marketing Manager Greer Stewart

Here’s to Southern Literature Lovers

I LOVE EUDORA WELTY. And I’m not quiet about it. Most people I know understand that not only am I a Welty scholar, but I am a big fan of her work. I wrote my dissertation on her first collection, conducted research on her manuscripts at the archives in Jackson, visited her home (which you should do if you’re ever in Jackson, but be sure to make an appointment and stop at The Dinner Bell for lunch along the way) and teach her work to my students. To be fair though, I like most Southern writers, teach their work regularly and much of my own writing feels Southern as well.

So I was very excited when Erin Bass, editor of Deep South Magazine, wrote an

article about a literary tour of Acadiana. One, because I know that Erin’s depth of knowledge in Southern literature is extensive and two, for selfish reasons — I wanted to learn more. Erin discusses Flannery O’Connor, John Kennedy Toole, Ernest J. Gaines, James Lee Burke, Katherine Anne Porter and more. While New Orleans often gets most of the attention for literary accomplishments, the Acadian region is culturally rich and has had a magnetic pull on writers for some time.

We also have an Acadiana Field Guide written by Misty Milioto that offers lots of fun ideas for this summer in Acadiana. There are activities to do throughout the summer, both inside and out, including a few spots you might not have heard of, so check it out.

But back to Welty for just a quick minute. If you’re never read anything by her, please start with “A Curtain of Green: And Other Stories.” There might be some familiar stories in there (“Why I Live at the P.O.” or “A Worn Path”). Her entire collected stories are worth giving a read. There’s a linked collection, “The Golden Apples,” that has a few really iconic characters (looking at you King McLain and Virgie Rainey). If you’re into novels, check out “Delta Wedding” or “The Optimist’s Daughter” (she won a Pulitzer for this one). And if you’re a writer, read her for her craft. The attention to language and expertise at dialogue are master classes. Alright, I’m stepping down from my Welty soapbox. Happy reading y’all!

What I'm Loving

A FEW OF THE BEST THINGS I ATE, WATCHED AND READ LAST MONTH

WHAT TO DO

Go berry picking. There are several farms around the state that will let you pick blackberries, blueberries or strawberries. June is the perfect month to go.

WHAT TO WATCH

“The Residence” is a fun whodunnit murder mystery with an intelligent, slightly eccentric amateur sleuth whose love of birdwatching shapes her investigative prowess.

WHAT TO READ

“A Curtain of Green: And Other Stories” by Eudora Welty, naturally. I’ve read this collection so many times, but I keep coming back to it for the characters and to learn more about the craft of writing.

ARNAUDVILLE

Downtown on the Move

Arnaudville’s Bayou Teche Brewing, known for artisan beer, tiki drinks and weekend jams, is expanding to a second location with on-site beer production and Cajun Saucer’s pizzas in downtown Lafayette’s future 83-room Hotel Lafayette that’s currently underway (301 E. Vermilion St., formerly Don’s Seafood). Enjoy matcha, bubble tea, Vietnamese-style po’boys and sweets at the new Báhn Mì House (302 Jefferson St.). A co-working, pet-friendly establishment, Downtown WORKspace (116 E. Congress St.) has sitting and standing desks and private offices available in a sleek, modernist space. Uncle Bob’s Roundup (144 E. Cypress St) is a popular new food truck park downtown. Catholic Charities’ new 13,000-square-foot food pantry facility will soon become the permanent address for FoodNet Food Bank (613 W. Simcoe St.) featuring the first-ever grocery store-style experience, Client Choice Pantry.

AGENDA

JUNE 20-22

St. Landry BBQ Festival

Chefs compete for trophies during a complex, four-category BBQ cook-off. Carnival rides, live music and dancing add to the summer merriment.

JUNE 6-8

Gheens Bon Mangé Festival

Fans taste their way through the hearty gumbos, jambalayas, catfish platters, po’boys, rice dressings and sweet shop. Live bands, auctions, a cornhole tournament and a bounce house are among myriad family-friendly activities.

JUNE 6-8

MAURICE Of Boudin Balls and Biscuits

When slowing down along Maurice’s infamous speed trap on Highway 167, pull over for snacks and an energy drink at the new 36,000- square-foot Nunu’s Country Market (on Highway 167; 9512 Maurice Ave.), Nunu’s largest store to date. You’ll find Alani Nu’s new Sherbet Swirl energy drink (limited edition), crawfish boudin, pepperjack boudin balls, boudin biscuits, bakery cookies and artisan cheese. Don’t forget to load up the ice chest with specialty meats (from unique sausages to bison, elk and stuffed quail).

Cajun Heritage Festival

Drawing hunters from afar with an annual duck decoy show, carving demos and duck calling contests, the free festival celebrates the Cajun heritage of Lafourche Parish. Hundreds of uniquely designed duck decoys are on display in the Larose Civic Center.

JUNE 27-29

Ville Platte’s Smoked Meat Festival

The Louisiana Smoked Meat Festival attracts chefs vying to win the World Championship Smoked Meat Cook-off title in the “smoked meat capital of the world.” Enjoy a diverse live music lineup. Created to honor veterans, the festival displays a photo wall of local heroes who have served in the military.

JUNE 30-JULY 4

Erath 4th of July Celebration

A tradition since 1936, the festival features a street fair with carnival rides, faisdo-do nights of dancing to Cajun bands and a fireworks finale. Cheer for your favorite participating fire department teams during the powerful water fights.

& LAFAYETTE

Hot Boudin-ina-Blanket

Noni’s Coffee & Eats (2424 Ambassador Caffery Parkway) is a cozy new family-run café owned by Jodi K. Taylor, a career RN and operations coordinator for Ochsner’s neuro-stroke unit. Featuring espresso drinks, frappes, fruit-flavored teas, heated boudin-in-ablanket, fresh-baked muffins, healthful salads and a new line of specialty energy drinks, Nonk’s Nitros.

For Sports Fans

Carencro will soon have a Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux (3500 block of NE Evangeline Thruway) that’s nearly half the size of the original 10,000-square-foot restaurant. The new design features a dedicated to-go area, enhanced acoustics and strategically placed TVs to heighten the sports-viewing experience among devoted fans.

AGENDA

JULY 4

Red, White, Blue & You Festival

Expect patriotic concerts and live music, food trucks and an Armed Forces salute culminating with a fireworks extravaganza in Lake Charles. Flyovers from Fort Johnson are among the various military activities planned.

JULY 5

Lebeau Zydeco Festival

Popular zydeco bands perform at the annual fest celebrating the unique genre and its roots in the Creole community. Tip: Don’t leave before sampling the famous pork backbone dinners.

JULY 13

Juice Festival

The 4th annual Juice Festival offers performances by dance/ school organizations, live bands, artists, food, raffles, scholarships and giveaways at Houma’s downtown Courthouse Square. The fest salutes Terrebonne Parish educator, Deejay Juice, giving back to the community through music and education. While serving as a DJ for elementary and secondary schools across the area, Juice fosters unity among students via his unique “Character Tour.”

JULY 19

Cajun Music & Food Festival

Get ready to two-step and twirl your way around the huge dance floor of the air-conditioned Burton Coliseum. Presented by the Lake Charles chapter of the Cajun French Music Association, an accordion competition debuts for both children and adults. Fans line up for Cajun food and hit the dance floor for live Cajun music and dance contests. Other perks include a kids zone, silent auction and dozens of booths featuring local arts and crafts.

LAFAYETTE

Eunice for Music

The prairie town of Eunice bursts with Cajun and Creole music history and a good day to visit is Saturday when several museums dedicated to music are open and it’s almost a given live music will be playing somewhere. They offer three not-to-be-missed sites. However, Eunice’s Liberty Center, where the live radio and TV show “Rendez-vous Des Cajuns” has been performing for decades, is currently closed for renovations but shall reopen soon; keep your ears open for the announcement. Until then you can listen to past “Rendez-vous” concerts on KRVS, Acadiana’s public radio station.

View

History

The Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice tells the history of the settlers to the prairies that stretch west of the Atchafalaya Basin to the Texas border. Visitors may view historic artifacts of the cultural mix of Cajun, Creole and cowboy and enjoy events such as cooking demonstrations and music concerts. The Center reopened at Mardi Gras after a renovation and currently greets visitors Thursdays through Saturdays. There is no admission charge.

LEARN HISTORY

There’s so much to learn about Cajun music and its evolution from the arrival of the Acadiens to Louisiana’s shores in the mid-1700s until today when Cajun music is performed worldwide. The Cajun French Music Hall of Fame & Museum explains this history but also honors the music greats of yesterday, such as Iry LeJeune, Dennis McGee, Sady Courville and Joe and Cléoma Falcon, who recorded one of the first Cajun songs, “Allons à Lafayette,” and “Jolie Blonde,” known as the “Cajun National Anthem.” The museum is supported by the Cajun French Music Association.

HIT THE DANCE FLOOR

Now that you’ve learned about Louisiana’s indigenous music, put on your dancing shoes and head to Lakeview Park & Beach to hear music performed live. The campground that includes RV sites, cottages, camping and a lakeside beach about 3 miles north of Eunice on La. Highway 13, brings in a variety of Cajun, zydeco, country, honky-tonk and blues bands on weekends and for special events. It all takes place in Lakeview’s old barn.

Lafayette On Screen

LOCAL FILMMAKERS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING MOVIES IN THEIR HOMETOWN

IN THE MOVIE WORLD, the term “summer blockbuster” means a successful feature film with a big budget and promise of an escape from the summer heat. Most of these movies are made on a Los Angeles set or filmed in Atlanta or New Orleans if they get anywhere close to home. But Lafayette filmmakers want to get Acadiana on the movie map and prove their stories are worth sharing — even if they have small budgets.

Filmmaker Cory St. Ewart graduated from Columbia University after getting his bachelor’s degree in digital and new media art from UL Lafayette. His short film, “Evangeline,” which premiered at Southern Screen Festival last November, is finishing its film festival tour and will be available by the end of the year. Filmed in St. Martin Parish over three days during his summer break, the film depicts a young Cajun girl in 1940s Louisiana who forms a bond with a rougarou to defy her father.

St. Ewart says he chose Columbia’s top-ranked film program to see if he could start telling Louisiana stories closer to what you see on the Sundance channel or in the indie film scene. He describes Lafayette’s film scene as “small but passionate.”

His plan after graduation is to be tricoastal, with a base in New York, one in Los Angeles and a third in Louisiana. “The best way to connect Louisiana to the world is to be in the room,” he says. “We have to maximize that opportunity and build avenues that amplify voices from here.”

Talented theater teacher Monique Morton Derouselle is preparing to turn her short film “The Candy Lady” into a feature-length production. She filmed at a private home in Lafayette over spring break last year and plans to release her short on YouTube to gauge interest before looking for investors and talent. “It’s not about how many people watch it but the right people,” she says.

“The Candy Lady” tells the story of a woman in the Black community who sells snacks to kids out of her house. Her day goes awry when she awakens a magical typewriter that brings her short stories to life. Derouselle describes it as “Jumanji” meets “Friday.”

No matter what happens, she’s intent on keeping her film in Louisiana. “There’s so much great talent here, and Louisiana plays a character in the film also, so it needs to be shot locally,” she says.

“The Cramps: A Period Piece” has a summer premiere planned in Lafayette. Filmmaker Brooke H. Cellars wrote the full-length script while healing from a hysterectomy. The film was shot in Franklin and New Iberia last June. Cellars describes it as “sweet horror” and compares it to “The Blob,” which was filmed in Abbeville in the late 1980s.

A graduate of UL’s Moving Image Arts program, Cellars says she always thought she would have to move away to make movies. “I never really thought I would be able to make a film in Louisiana. I mostly try to make my own movies because I’m always trying to make opportunities happen instead of waiting for somebody else to make a movie.”

All of these filmmakers speak to Lafayette’s collaborative nature and the desire to help others in the local industry succeed. “I’m hoping we can be the people who affect the change to show there is good art in this area,” adds Derouselle.

MOVIES TO SEE

“Evangeline” by Cory St. Ewart

“The Candy Lady” by Monique Morton Derouselle

“The Cramps: A Period Piece” by Brooke H. Cellars

“Heritage” by Chasah & Charliese West

“Spooky Crew” by Donny & Erin Broussard

“Pointe Noire” by Pat Mire

“Footwork” by Drake LeBlanc

A New Hope

THE FORCE IS STRONG IN THIS HOME’S TRICKED OUT, MOODY ‘STAR WARS’ THEATER, BUT FOR THOSE WHO RESIST THE DARK SIDE, COMFORT — AND LOTS OF COFFEE — AWAITS

IN A LONG, GALLERY-STYLE HALLWAY not so far, far away, a storm trooper, Boba Fett, Darth Vader and the Emperor Palpatine live in relative harmony. It helps that they are in the form of a suit (for the storm trooper) and busts (the rest), otherwise it might not be so harmonious, despite being on the same team — the dark side. The hall leads to a 26-foot-wide by 35-foot-long theater room that seats 12, is designed to look like it’s located on the Death Star and is presided over by none other than R2-D2 and C-3PO. That is, life-sized

“Chateau Eminence,” as the owners dubbed it, is the approximately 13,000-square-foot home of Michelle and (resident “Star Wars” devotee) Charles Dyess located on nine acres overlooking a natural bluff.

models of the two iconic droids from “Star Wars.” If you aren’t a fan of the franchise created by George Lucas in 1977, keep reading. There’s something for everyone at “Chateau Eminence,” the approximately 13,000-square-foot home of Michelle and (resident “Star Wars” devotee) Charles Dyess.

Situated on nine acres overlooking a natural bluff, the Dyesses’ home is an homage to the entrepreneurial couple’s work, lives and interests. From Charles’ “Star Wars” obsession, born as a teen when the first film in the saga was released, to Michelle’s love of Murano glass and their shared hobby of travel, their home celebrates it all in eclectic style. Michelle, president, CEO and owner of Eagle Electric Machinery, Inc. and Tulco II, LLC., and Charles, who works for

both companies and is also a music and video production professional, are both Alexandria natives. The couple’s design team consisted of Jeff Burns Designs, Paige Pebbles Interior Design, EC Smith Building Contractor and cabinet builder CL Specialties, with whom they worked closely for two years on customizing everything to their wants and needs.

“Light, bright and happy,” says Michelle, describing the home’s interior. “That’s what I wanted. Opposite of what I had in the past.”

Michelle and Charles’ former home was “dark and gothic.” The couple was keen to flip the script for the design of their “second forever home” as Charles calls it. With the exception of the “Star Wars” gallery and theater, inspired by a trip to Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Los

“Light, bright and happy,” says Michelle, describing the home’s interior. “We love entertaining and company.” The couple has an open-door policy for friends, neighbors and even their former sub-contractors. “Everybody loves to come by here for coffee every day.”

Angeles, the home stays true to Michelle’s resistance to the dark side. A feature of the old house that did carry over to the new is a center hall with rooms off to the right and left. Michelle and Charles worked with Burns from the center out to design an open floor plan that lined everything up, just so.

“You come in the front door, and you can stand at one end and look all the way to the other end,” says Charles. “Your eyeline takes you all the way through the living room, all the way through the big hall, straight into the pool room, straight outside.”

The through line can be interrupted, however, via the office, guest suite or TV sitting room, which each have doors to close them off from view. The home also has a primary suite, a coffee bar (room), music studio, indoor pool and a tornado vault, with various architectural features outside, including a pavilion and a pigeonnier (which they call the guard house).

“We built both houses with entertainment in mind, because that’s who we are; we love entertaining and company,” says Michelle, sharing their open-door policy for friends and neighbors, with even their former subcontractors frequently dropping in. “Everybody loves to come by here for coffee every day.”

The coffee bar — which could easily be mistaken for a service kitchen — features a white, backlit quartzite center island

with seating for five. “I wanted the coffee bar to be solid white, so I could put any color I wanted,” says Michelle. Copious white cabinetry is broken up with white shelving upon white walls, which houses colorful glassware, tableware and small artworks. An oval window above the sink floods the room with light. European white oak covers the floors in this space and throughout the adjacent open living areas.

The decorative color palette of the home is inspired by Michelle’s favorite hues of blue, turquoise and navy, and her love of the ocean and sea life. Elements such as cozy overstuffed chairs and

couches, soft, velvet-covered slipper chairs (with lots of Scotchgard, jokes Michelle) and wide, open spaces serve as an invitation to kick back with a cup of coffee and stay a while.

“I didn’t want people to come in and feel like they were scared to touch anything; I was trying to create elegance with warm welcome,” says Michelle, who, despite going in a vastly different direction for the rest of the home, says she loves the “Star Wars” theater. To which we like to think Charles — the Han Solo to Michelle’s Princess Leia — says, “I know.”

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the home is the a 26-foot-wide by 35-foot-long “Star Wars” theater room that seats 12 and is designed to look like it’s located on the Death Star. Lifesized figures of R2-D2 and C-3PO live in the theater, and in the gallery-style hallway, visitors are confronted with a life-sized storm trooper, Boba Fett, Darth Vader and the Emperor Palpatine.

A TOUR OF LITERARY ACADIANA

COME ALONG FOR A BOOKISH TOUR OF ACADIANA, WHERE YOU’LL GET A GLIMPSE OF LEGENDARY WRITERS WHO’VE VISITED THE REGION

BY ERIN Z. BASS ILLUSTRATIONS

S.E. GEORGE

IN THE SUMMER OF 1960,

John Kennedy Toole lived in a small apartment on the corner of Convent and Lafayette streets in Lafayette. His friend and fellow writer Joel L. Fletcher remembers him describing it in Conradian metaphor as “a cramped heart of darkness with cockroaches and a linoleum floor.” Fletcher also recalls drinking beer in country bars with Toole at places like Mulate’s in Breaux Bridge and talking about Flannery O'Connor and Evelyn Waugh.

Acadiana’s literary history is sprinkled with tales like these, some of them hidden and almost forgotten. Other places like UL Lafayette’s Ernest J. Gaines Center and Cavalier House Books keep the area’s literary heritage alive through author events and special programs. Take a tour of literary Acadiana with us as we turn the page on the authors and locations that inspired some of their most famous works.

Katherine Anne Porter

Twentieth-century novelist Katherine Anne Porter was born in Texas in 1890, but she spent two and a half years of her life in Lafayette. From the summer of 1906 to the fall of 1908, she lived near what is now downtown with her first husband John Henry Koontz. Aged 16-18 during that time, Porter has said the marriage was abusive but that she loved Lafayette. In her biography, Joan Givner writes that Porter sought out native artists and theater troupes that passed through town. She also tried to organize a little school near her home, which was close to F.O. Broussard’s Grocery on Convent Street.

Ship of Fools

Katherine Anne Porter published the book that brought her literary fame in 1962. “Ship of Fools” is about a group of characters sailing from Mexico to Europe aboard a German passenger ship. It was made into a film starring Vivien Leigh in 1965.

HENRY WADSWORTH

LONGFELLOW

The legend of Evangeline was made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1847 epic poem of the same name. Longfellow first heard the story of Evangeline and her lover Gabriel at a dinner party with this friend and fellow writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. Longfellow spent time researching the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia and their relocation to Louisiana in what is known as Le Grand Derangement, but he didn’t intend his poem to be an accurate historical account. In his “Evangeline,” the two lovers are separated on their wedding day amid the Acadian’s rush to leave their homeland. When she arrives in Louisiana, Evangeline hears that Gabriel is on the banks of the Teche in the town of “St. Martin.” She tracks him up and down the bayou and the lovers finally reunite briefly in old age before Gabriel dies in her arms. In St. Martinville, visitors can see a statue of Evangeline, the Evangeline Oak tree and Acadian Memorial.

A Tale of Acadie

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s

CENTER FOR LOUISIANA STUDIES

Now in a new home at the historic J. Arthur Roy House on the corner of University Avenue and Johnston Street, the center also houses UL Press. Books are on sale downstairs and author events are held periodically. The world’s largest collection of Cajun and Creole field recordings, oral histories and other folklife materials are also available to scholars and researchers upon request. The Roy House is open to the public MondayThursday.

MARY ALICE FONTENOT

Best known for her “Clovis Crawfish” series of books, Mary Alice Fontenot was born in Eunice and worked as a journalist before publishing her first book in 1961. There are 18 books in the Clovis Crawfish series, and Fontenot also wrote “Mardi Gras in the Country,” which tells the story of how Mardi Gras is celebrated in rural areas, and co-authored the cookbook “Cajun Accent.” Her final book “Clovis Crawfish and Silvie Sulphur,” was published posthumously in 2004. Fontenot’s papers are housed at Dupré Library in the UL University Archives.

Now in a 60th anniversary edition, the first story in the

emphasizes the importance of friendship amid the beauty and dangers of bayou life.

Clovis Crawfish and His Friends

Clovis Crawfish series

Evangeline:

first epic poem is set against the backdrop of the deportation of the Acadians and became a huge success.

ERNEST J. GAINES

Ernest J. Gaines was born on a plantation near New Roads, but he was a writer in residence at UL Lafayette from 1983-2004. In 2010, UL formally opened the Ernest J. Gaines Center, an international research center on Gaines and his work. Gaines’ original manuscript and papers, all editions and translations of his work and memorabilia gifts from the Gaineses to the University, are housed at the center — located on the third floor of Edith Garland Dupré Library and open Monday-Friday.

A Lesson Before Dying

published in 1993,

CAVALIER HOUSE BOOKS Downtown

Lafayette’s independent bookstore stocks fiction, nonfiction, local interest books, kids’ titles and gift items. Author signings, story time and book club events are held weekly. To join the book club and find out what they’re reading each month, use the app The StoryGraph. Cavalier House is open Tuesday-Sunday.

JAMES

BURKELEE

James Lee Burke once said in an interview: “I dream about New Iberia all the time. My earliest memories are there.” His family has lived on Bayou Teche since 1836, and he spent summers with his grandparents at their home at 715 E. Main St. He expertly blends the past with the present in his Dave Robicheaux series of novels, which now total 24. Burke lives in Montana, but scenes from his books are scattered throughout New Iberia, and downtown store Books Along the Teche carries signed copies of his novels. A literary festival by the same name was inspired by Burke and takes place each year in early April, and a statue of him was erected in Bouligny Plaza in 2024.

Clete

The latest book in James Lee Burke’s “Dave Robicheaux” series brings Dave’s partner and friend Clete Purcel to the forefront for the first time as the pair attempt to stop ruthless smugglers of a dangerous new drug.

First

Ernest Gaines’ story of a young Black man sentenced to death is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s.

Morris Raphael

The late journalist and writer was a resident of New Iberia from 1964 until his death in 2011. He wrote and published 14 books, wrote a Sunday column for The Daily Iberian, stories for Acadiana Lifestyle and served as editor of the Franklin Banner-Tribune. He has been called “one of the finest historical writers to come out of Louisiana,” and his books have titles like “The Battle in the Bayou Country” and “Murder on the Teche Queen.” Several of the jacket covers feature artwork by George Rodrigue, who was a personal friend. His daughter now distributes his books to Books Along the Teche and Shadows-on-the-Teche in New Iberia, and his papers, including his research on local history, can be found at Dupré Library on the UL campus.

Published in 1990, “The Loup-Garou

JOHN KENNEDY TOOLE

In the summer of 1959, having recently graduated from Columbia University, 20-year-old John Kennedy Toole crossed the Atchafalaya Basin into Cajun Country to teach freshmen-level writing courses at what is now UL Lafayette. He lived in a ground-floor apartment on Convent Street and called his university colleagues “a faculty composed of fiends and madmen.” Toole wouldn’t start writing his famous novel “A Confederacy of Dunces” until four years later, but two characters he met during his time in Lafayette are said to be possible models for Ignatius J. Reilly. Other local ties to Toole include late university professor of English Dr. Patricia Rickels, who is quoted in the book “Butterfly in the Typewriter” as saying Toole was in his “season of glory” in Lafayette. He only stayed for one year, but the impression he made on the town and impression its people made on him lasted much longer. UL Lafayette’s acquisition of Toole’s papers and memorabilia at auction only helps to cement his connection to Lafayette. The apartment he lived in is now located behind the historic DenboMontgomery House off Girard Park Drive, and his former office was where Griffin Hall now stands on campus.

A Confederacy of Dunces Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, John Kennedy Toole’s now cult classic follows main character Ignatius J. Reilly on a hilarious spree through the streets of New Orleans.

The Loup-Garou of Côte Gelée

of Côte Gelée” reveals the life of a struggling Cajun family and a boy who has experiences with a loup garou or werewolf. The book includes drawings inside and a cover by George Rodrigue.

SU MM ER

Get out and about this summer to discover

MISTY MILIOTO

WWhat Not to Miss

LAKE CHARLES Downtown at Sundown Concert

Lake Charles hosts the Downtown at Sundown Concert Series on four consecutive Fridays through June 13 from 6-9 p.m. on the corner of Ryan and Broad streets. This year’s lineup includes Bayou Rhythms Night in conjunction with the opening of a Lake Area Music History exhibit at the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. In addition to live music by local and regional artists, the events feature tabletop art galleries, activities for children and food booths for downtown restaurants. All beverage sales will benefit the Literacy Council of SWLA. visitlakecharles.org

While Acadiana is a destination that beckons any time of year, the summer is an especially great time to enjoy all that Cajun Country has to offer. In addition to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine (and an all around stellar food scene), the region is home to incredible architecture, public art, festivals, live music, outdoor recreation and so much more. Here are some of our top recommendations for the summer season.

NEW IBERIA Teche Area Farmers Market

Discover a harvest of homegrown produce from local farmers, plus a wide selection of homemade products by area artists and crafters, at the Teche Area Farmers Market (2:30-6:00 p.m. each week on Tuesday). facebook. com/techeareafestivalandfarmersmarket

LAFAYETTE

Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market

The Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market, with its many tents at Moncus Park, is the place to go for seasonal, farm-fresh produce and artisanal crafts — plus live music with the Cajun Jam. It takes place every

Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. marketatmoncuspark.com

LAFAYETTE

ArtWalk Lafayette

ArtWalk Lafayette occurs every second Saturday in downtown Lafayette with exhibitions, live music, theatrical performances and immersive art experiences. Summer dates are June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9. downtownlafayette.org

LAKE CHARLES Rikenjaks Brewing Company

Join up with friends and family for Sunday funday Zydeco Brunch at Rikenjaks Brewing Company from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music by Zydecane starts at noon, so be sure to get there early. rikenjaks.com

LULING

Dr. Rodney R. Lafon Performing Arts Center

The Dr. Rodney R. Lafon Performing Arts Center in St. Charles Parish offers opportunities to engage in the creation and appreciation of the arts. In addition to regular performances, the center also hosts Summer Spotlight Intensive Camps in visual arts (June 2-6) and musical theater (June 9-20). facebook.com/ lafonartscenter

LAKE CHARLES

Escape Room Louisiana

Downtown Lake Charles is home to Escape Room Louisiana, where friends and family can work together — collecting clues, solving puzzles and deciphering codes — to find a way out. Themed rooms from which to choose include Grandma’s House, The Ship and The Manor. escaperoomlouisiana.com

Where to Take the Family

Holly Beach Crab Festival

A fun weekend is in store at the Holly Beach Crab Festival June 13-15. Located along the Creole Nature Trail AllAmerican Road, the event includes a crab cook-off, crab bingo, live music, axe throwing, food vendors, sandcastlebuilding lessons, a dunking booth, sno cone vendors and more. visitlakecharles.org

THIBODAUX

The Bayou Country Children’s Museum

Kids learn through interactive play

as they explore the local culture on exhibits like a sugarcane harvester, shrimp boat and Mardi Gras float. bayoucountrychildrensmuseum.org

LAKE CHARLES

Lake Area Adventures

Opened in March 2023, Lake Area Adventures is a 35,000-square-foot family entertainment center with a ropes course, gamers lounge, airpark, climbing wall, an aquatics center and The Terrace restaurant. lakeareaadventures.com

WHERE TO STAY COOL

LAKE CHARLES

Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park

In addition to trampolines, the indoor playground also features bumper cars, go-karts, climbing walls, a ropes course, a tubes playground, an arcade and more. urbanair.com

LAKE CHARLES

Millennium Park

Located near the waterfront, the park features a playground with themed equipment like a pirate ship, Hazel the Steamer and a Cajun cabin; a splash pad; and a separate area for toddlers with swings. visitlakecharles.org

SULPHUR

Bayou Games Paintball Complex

An outdoor complex with four fields on more than 31 acres is the perfect place for some competitive

LAKE CHARLES L’Auberge Casino

Resort Lake Charles and Golden Nugget

Lake Charles Hotel & Casino

Side-by-side casino resorts are connected by a boardwalk along the Calcasieu River

play in paintball, airsoft, laser tag and gellyball. There’s also a 33-foot, seven-screen video game trailer featuring new and classic video games on Xbox One, PS4, PS VR and Nintendo Switch stations. bayougames.com

LAKE CHARLES Port Wonder

A new family-friendly destination located on the lakefront, the 32,000-squarefoot complex is home to the new Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Nature & Science Center. Enjoy aquariums, plus galleries focused on nature, health, technology and city living. Port Wonder also features outdoor play areas, a covered fishing pier and walking trails that connect to the Cypress Alligator Pond and the Lakefront Boardwalk Promenade. portwonder.org

and have unlimited options for staying cool this summer. Float down their lazy rivers or hang out by the pools with a sno cone in hand from Lulu’s Specialty Snocones that offers regional flavors and tons of toppings. Beaches with volleyball nets, restau-

rants, marinas and tons of activities also are onsite. llakecharles. com; goldennugget. com/lake-charles

SULPHUR

SPAR Waterpark

Located on the west side of Calcasieu Parish, SPAR Water-

park is a great way to cool down this summer. In addition to adrenaline-pumping waterslides, there’s also a peaceful lazy river, the Lagoon Pool, Splash & Play Island, Patch’s Splash Pad and more. sulphurparkswaterpark.com

LAPLACE

Bonnet Carré Spillway

Head to the 850-acre Bonnet Carré Spillway near Norco and Laplace for a day of adventure. The smooth and rough riding trails weave and twist through nature and are perfect for four-wheels, dirt bikes or ATVs. Other activities allowed here include fishing, crawfishing, hunting, dog training, camping and wildlife watching.

NEW ORLEANS Wild Louisiana Tours

Enjoy kayaking and canoeing through the historic Manchac Swamp with Wild Louisiana Tours. While paddling the bayou, participants learn how this body of water came into existence and its significance to the Manchac Greenway. wildlouisianatours.com

WHERE TO G0 OUTSIDE

SULPHUR

Creole Nature Trail

Discover more than 400 bird species, alligators, marshlands and 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico beaches, fishing, crabbing and Cajun culture along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. A designated scenic byway, the Creole Nature Trail also features the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point — a free attraction with hands-on displays, nature education and more. Just down the road from Adventure Point is Almosta Ranch, where families can interact with farm animals and exotic birds. visitlakecharles.org

PORT FOURCHON

Coastal Wetlands

Park

Tidal Creek

Developed by the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, Coastal Wetlands Park Tidal Creek is open from sunrise to sunset and features a mile-long loop for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. lacajunbayou.com

The Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is a great stop along the Creole Nature Trail, featuring educational exhibits and scenic boardwalks.

Where to Learn

THIBODAUX

Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

Get a hearty dose of all things Cajun. Located within the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, the center highlights the music, religion, cuisine, recreation and livelihoods of the Cajun population through a series of exhibits and films. Swing by on Tuesday nights for the Music on the Bayou and bring an instrument to play along. nps.gov

LAFAYETTE

Les Vues

Held on the last Monday of each month at the Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park, Les Vues is a free cultural film series curated by filmmakers and enthusiasts across the state. Films range from features to documentaries, and an open discussion with a curator takes place after each screening. The films are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. bayouvermiliondistrict.org

RIVER PARISHES

Plantations

One of the most beautiful plantation homes along the Mississippi River, San Francisco Plantation features stunning colors and intricately carved gingerbread, reflecting the Steamboat Gothic architectural style. Meanwhile, the Destrehan Plantation (which features educational exhibits and demonstrations) and Ormond Plantation exemplify West Indies Creole-style architecture. Evergreen Plantation in Edgard offers a large

range of architectural styles with numerous homes, cottages, pigeonniers and barns. Whitney Plantation is home to the only remaining French-styled barn in the country and the oldest detached kitchen in the United States, and Laura Plantation is a gorgeous example of a raised Creole cottage. Oak Alley Plantation flaunts sprawling lawns and open pastures dotted with mature trees, ornamental gardens and agricultural crops. Finally, the massive St. Joseph Plantation and Felicity Plantation still operate as a working sugarcane farm. lariverparishes.com

LAKE CHARLES

Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center

Explore three stories of galleries, including the Black Heritage Gallery, and rotating exhibits. Since opening its doors as the City of Lake Charles' public art gallery and cultural facility in 2004, the center has displayed solo exhibitions

by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Ansel Adams, Norman Rockwell and Tasha Tudor, as well as many traveling group exhibitions. The HCH A&C Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free. cityoflakecharles.com

LAFAYETTE

Acadiana Center for the Arts

Fifty-year anniversary special exhibitions are now taking place in the Coca-Cola Studio (located on the first floor) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday. Also as part of its anniversary celebrations, AcA invites the public to contribute personal memories, experiences and reflections on its website for a new publication that will be released this fall. acadianacenterforthearts.org

IN ACADIANA, WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF FRESH INGREDIENTS AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND. IF YOU USE FRESH FRUITS OR VEGETABLES, CONSIDER ADDING A FEW ICE CUBES TO KEEP YOUR SMOOTHIE COLD. IF THE PRODUCE YOU DESIRE ISN’T IN SEASON, YOU CAN ALWAYS USE FROZEN ITEMS FROM THE GROCERY STORE. HOWEVER, WE STRONGLY BELIEVE IN SUPPORTING LOCAL LOUISIANA AND ACADIANA BUSINESSES, SO CHECK OUT YOUR AREA FARMERS MARKETS FOR FRESH INGREDIENTS. RECIPES BY SARAH RAVITS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS BY EUGENIA UHL EXCERPTED FROM THE FEB/MARCH 2016 ISSUE

Smoothies

SWEET POTATOES ARE RICH IN VITAMINS B6, C, D AND MAGNESIUM, AND THE ADDITION OF BANANA GIVES YOU A POTASSIUM BOOST.

Sweet Potato Blend

While most of these recipes use raw ingredients, for this one, you’ll need to bake or microwave the sweet potato until soft; then peel it and toss it in your blender.

1 cup vanilla soy, coconut or almond milk

½ sweet potato, cooked until soft & peeled

Green Machine

1 banana a few ice cubes

We all know that spinach and kale are packed with nutrients, but the secret weapon in this recipe might just be the kiwi fruit, which contains vitamins C and K, copper and dietary fiber. It's also a good source of vitamin E, potassium, folate and manganese.

1½ (10 oz) cups almond milk

Handful kale, peeled off the stalk

Handful spinach

½ Granny Smith apple (de-seeded and sliced, but not peeled)

1 kiwi, peeled

5-6 chunks of frozen pineapple

A few ice cubes

LOCAL FARMS Garber Farms (Iota) sweet potatoes // Covey Rise Farms (Husser) turnips, Brussels sprouts, peas, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard greens, kale, spinach

La Vie en Rose

Strawberries can help control three of the risk factors associated with heart disease: high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high homocysteine levels.

¼ cup almond, soy or coconut milk

1 cup frozen strawberries

THE ADDITION OF A TANGELO (A CITRUS FRUIT HYBRID OF A TANGERINE AND GRAPEFRUIT OR POMELO) GIVES THIS SMOOTHIE A TART, SASSY KICK AND IS PACKED WITH VITAMIN C.

½ cup frozen raspberries

1 banana

½ orange (peeled) or tangelo

LOCAL FARM Eddie Romero's Orchard (New Iberia) apples, blackberries, citrus, figs, grapes, nectarines, pears, peaches, persimmons

IF YOU'RE EXERCISING REGULARLY, CONSIDER ADDING A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT OR POWDER TO YOUR SMOOTHIE. SOME OF THEM ENHANCE THE TASTE AND CAN ADD NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS, BUT ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR TRAINER WHICH WOULD WORK BEST WITH YOUR ROUTINE.

Tropical Twist

Give your taste buds a tropical vacation that benefits your body, too. Pineapple has high amounts of vitamin C and manganese (which is important for antioxidant defenses). It also gives you a vitamin B boost and some dietary fiber.

tangelo (peeled)

LOCAL FARM Southern Grove Citrus (Kaplan) satsumas, navel oranges, grapefruit

BRUNCH SPOTS

The best brunch Acadiana has to offer

Ruby Slipper

Sweet, Savory, or Syrupy—whatever you're craving, we've got it. Our legendary biscuits are crafted from scratch and baked fresh all day, every day. Fun Fact: we serve over 40,000 biscuits a week! And the best part? These buttery clouds of goodness come with our signature housemade cane-syrup butter. Join us at one of our many locations, where it’s all about one thing: Brunch. RubyBrunch.com

SWEET HEAT CHICKEN AND FRENCH TOAST BITES

Fried chicken and fresh strawberries tossed in hot honey glaze over French toast bites

Ruffino’s on the River

With locations in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Ruffino’s is a Steak, Seafood and Italian inspired restaurant that focuses on the Celebration of Life, regardless of the occasion. Whether it’s the food we serve or the service we provide, our goal is to ensure a remarkable experience for our guests that will always be remembered. RuffinosRestaurant.com

SHRIMP AND GRITS

Jumbo Gulf shrimp, tasso cream and creamy polenta

SoLou Lafayette KK’s Café

If you're craving a delicious, home-cooked meal but don't feel like cooking and cleaning up afterwards, why not stop by KK's Cafe? Our family owned restaurant is a local favorite in the Youngsville, LA area. We're serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites that will keep your whole family happy. KKsCafeYoungsville.com

BOUDIN BISCUIT

Egg cooked to order, boudin topped with pepper jack cheese, cracklins and Steen’s Syrup

Where Southern charm meets modern cuisine. Located in the heart of Lafayette, SoLou offers a unique dining experience featuring Louisiana-inspired dishes, farm-to-table ingredients, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly restaurant, a romantic date night spot, or a place to enjoy brunch with friends, SoLou has something for everyone. Enjoy our vibrant atmosphere with outdoor seating, perfect for brunch, happy hour, or a casual dinner. EatSoLouLafayette.com

BOUDIN BENEDICT

Poached eggs atop crispy fried boudin patties and a fluffy biscuit smothered in rich hollandaise and served with a side of breakfast hash

Community Kitchen

THE LITTLE BIG CUP IN ARNAUDVILLE IS A CULINARY DESTINATION THAT BLENDS THE FOOD TRADITIONS OF THE CARIBBEAN AND CAJUN COUNTRY, THE RESPECTIVE CULTURES OF ITS TWO FOUNDERS.

WHEN SANJAY MAHARAJ opened The Little Big Cup with his then business partner Kevin Robin in 2012, the duo envisioned a coffee shop where the Arnaudville community could gather. The space would include a kitchen to be used as a catering space. In time, the concept grew and evolved, and The Little Big Cup morphed into a popular Cajun restaurant that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back again and again. Maharaj (born in the Caribbean islands Trinidad and Tobago) and Robin (a native of Arnaudville) couldn’t have come from two more distinct places, but their cultures combined seamlessly.

Crispy, savory crabcakes, seasoned just right with a little liquid crab boil

MEET THE CHEF

SANJAY

MAHARAJ

• MOST MEANINGFUL ITEM IN KITCHEN: In my kitchen currently is my ex-partner’s grandfather’s old boudin/sausage maker from the ‘60s. Every time I look at it, I reflect on how, even though food is evolving through research and technology, in the past, your heart and soul and hard work went into making and crafting food. • MUSIC TO COOK BY: I am an ‘80s child, so ‘80’s music definitely is always in the background as I try to follow my mother’s footsteps in the kitchen and even when I turn the dishwasher on (I hate doing dishes!).

“I have always been passionate about food and the stories it tells,” says Maharaj. “Kevin would comment how our cultures had so [many] similarities. We spent countless hours in our grandfathers’ supermarkets serving the public and building bonds with them. This childhood experience inspired our journey and built a tremendous foundation to build our business.”

Maharaj credits his ex-partner with The Little Big Cup’s décor and many of the menu concepts, praising Robin’s vision, hard work and dedication. While Maharaj is now the sole owner, he continues to honor their respective culinary legacies.

“Food is such a huge part of the Cajun and Caribbean cultures,” says Maharaj, who says both he and Robin spent hours in the kitchen with their mothers and grandmothers learning how to cook with simple ingredients. “I remember the aromas and flavors of my mother’s kitchen was my first lesson in how food could evoke memories and emotion and bring family and friends together.”

Before calling Louisiana home, Maharaj lived in New York where he worked in finance. He cites swimming, family time and world travel as foundational pastimes in his youth that are still mainstays in his adult life. Added to that now, however, is photography. Maharaj admits to being the guy at the table taking quick snaps of the food before everyone digs in.

“Growing up, journeys around the world further exposed me to diverse culinary traditions, all which were the centerpiece in bringing people together,” says Maharaj. “The concept of The Little Big Cup has wonderfully turned out to be a ‘Cajun eatery’ where families and friends get together to laugh, celebrate and enjoy food — exactly what my memories were as a child.”

STACKABLE

CRAB CAKES

Our kitchen manager [suggests] gently folding the crabmeat into the mixture to keep the lumps intact. Then chill the formed cakes before frying to help them hold their shape.

PREP TIME: 45-60 MIN COOK TIME: 8 MIN YIELD: 12-16 CRAB CAKES

FILLING

1 can backfin crab meat

1 egg

¾ cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons liquid crab boil seasoning

1 tablespoon dry crab boil seasoning

½ cup parsley, chopped (reserve some for garnish)

½ cup green onion, chopped

1 cup bread crumbs

2-4 ounces clarified butter (or more as needed)

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

Eggplant, sliced

In a mixing bowl, add crab meat, egg, mayonnaise, liquid and dry crab boil seasoning, parsley and onion and combine. Form mixture into patties and set aside.

Heat 2 ounces clarified butter in a frying pan. Coat eggplant slices in bread crumbs and fry in butter until golden and crispy. Set aside. If using the same pan, discard butter and wipe out the pan. Heat 2 ounces clarified butter in a frying pan. Coat each crab cake patty on both sides in bread crumbs. Fry in clarified butter until bottom of crab cakes starts to brown, then flip and repeat.

For each serving, place two slices of eggplant side-byside on a plate. Add a crab cake on top of each slice of eggplant. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and drizzle clarified butter from pan on top.

Elements of Summer Sipping

REFRESH AND UNWIND WITH SALT REVIVAL OYSTER CO.S COOLING COASTAL BERRY

CRUSH IT’S WAY PAST HAPPY HOUR and the blistering sun is melting into twilight. You’re by the pool or on the porch, craving a sweet, ice-cold cocktail and some fresh seafood.

Consider the Coastal Berry Crush, a fruity summertime sipper from Lake Charles’ latest upscale seafood eatery, Salt Revival Oyster Co., an extension of the pioneering oyster farm of the same name.

Opened in August 2024, the stylish 200-seat haven is the brainchild of chef-owner and oyster farmer David Sorrells (former chef/founder of Calla) and restaurateur Ben Herrera, majority owner of Calla, former owner/founder of 121 Artisan Bistro and the shuttered The James 710.

“It’s refreshing and sweet with a little tang,” says general manager Kelseigh Ramirez.

Sweetened by executive chef Roman Ardoin’s fresh blackberry purée, the tequila-spiked cocktail is blended with the citrusy sweetness of triple sec and fresh lime.

It’s a crowd-pleaser at the oyster bar, where fans belly up for Sorrells’ briny boutique bivalves raised in floating cages. Sorrells’ innovative oyster farm in Cameron’s 48-acre Alternative Oyster Culture Park is revolutionizing the way oystermen can earn a living by harvesting succulent oysters year-round.

Fans gravitate to the patio for cocktails and bites on live music weekends.

BEGIN WITH THE BLACKBERRY PURÉE: 2 PINTS OF FRESH BLACKBERRIES, JUICE AND ZEST OF 1 LEMON, A PINCH OF SALT, ½ CUP SUGAR BLEND AND STRAIN TO REMOVE SEEDS. SET ASIDE. TO BUILD THE DRINK: 1.5 OZ OF YOUR FAVORITE BLANCO TEQUILA, 1 OZ. TRIPLE SEC, 1 OZ. BLACKBERRY PURÉE, 1 OZ. AGAVE, 1 OZ. LIME JUICE. COMBINE AND SHAKE. SUGAR RIM A ROCKS GLASS, FILL WITH ICE AND THEN POUR. GARNISH WITH LIME.

Flakin’ Out

WARM, FLAKY BISCUITS

HEADLINE AT PARISH BISCUIT COMPANY

BREAKFAST MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL of the day, but Steven Laborde and his team at Parish Biscuit Company have elevated the meal to a divine art form.

¶ The menu at the eatery — located in Lafayette’s Oil Center business district — is a fusion of South Louisiana, old Southern, and American culinary inﬂuences.

¶ Note, the biscuit is the centerpiece, the headliner, the

all-star or whichever other words can be used to describe the restaurant’s namesake.

Warm, soft and moist is the simple way to describe the biscuits. Another way to put it ... they taste like somebody's grandma from the previous century prepared them early in the morning before the family woke up.

“That’s exactly what we want you to remember. Your grandmother,” said Laborde.

The 47-year-old has logged three decades in the restaurant business. He led the opening of Bonefish Grill in Metarie, operated Carabba’s in Lafayette and held a key management position at Waitr, a food deliver app.

Eventually, Laborde found himself examining life and what he wanted to do the rest of his.

Breakfast seemed to be a calling.

He explained that the Biscuit Company is the result of breakfast-eating engagements with his buddies in Lafayette.

The Allen biscuit includes a fried boneless pork chop, fried egg, smoked sausage and tasso gravy, green onions and fig preserves

“We would eat breakfast regularly and went to two or three places all the time in Lafayette. I saw how well brunch does in the city on Saturday and Sunday too,” he said.

After some deep thinking and initial business planning, Laborde pitched a restaurant concept to his eventual partner, Andrew Ahrens. After they decided to move forward with more planning, Laborde started working with Chef Mike Richard. The two spent nine months creating recipes and the restaurant theme on Laborde’s dining room table.

On September 12, 2023, Parish Biscuit Company opened.

Be warned, lines are known to develop outside the restaurant. People in Acadiana know good food and are willing to be patient for what the Laborde team prepares daily.

Buttermilk biscuits are the starting point. You can order one biscuit with

honey butter (scratch recipe from Laborde and Richard).

Other breakfast biscuits on the menu include the Vermilion (biscuit, fried egg, American cheese and a choice of sausage patty or bacon), Saint Charles (buttermilk biscuit, fried alligator, sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles) or the Lafayette (buttermilk biscuit, fried boudin patty and creole mustard aioli).

Southern-inspired menu items include shrimp and grits, fried cat fi sh and grits, chicken and waffles and grits and grillades.

Laborde’s wife Kristin is from Alabama and swears that the dishes prepared will fulfill anyone's hankering for food and flavors that will satisfy the soul.

“When they were working on the menu, our kids and [I] taste tested. It is good food, and we love it and are happy others feel the same way,” she said.

TRY THIS

1

A Southern specialty amped up with Acadiana know-how. What could go wrong when pairing fried green tomatoes, crawﬁsh étouffée, fried crawﬁsh tails and green onions? Absolutely nothing.

Somebody ought to give an award to the Laborde team for this culinary creation. Dig this biscuit with a fried boneless pork chop, fried egg, smoked sausage and tasso gravy, green onions and ﬁg preserves. Lawd have mercy ... this is so delicious!

ZYDECO GREEN TOMATOES ALLEN REDFISH TACO

Southern food staples headline the Parish Biscuit Company menu. Lo and behold, the team serves grilled redﬁsh, coleslaw, blueberry chipotle sauce and pico de gallo wrapped in a tortilla. Priceless.

Un tit conte à ce matin !

UN PASSE-TEMPS QUI S’EN

VA EN DÉCLINANT

“DANS CE TEMPS-ÇA, ils onviont pas beaucoup des affaires à faire d’autre chose que s’assir et conter des contes.” Entre le temps que Marcellus Deshotels — que son jeune temps son garçon, Elby "Grand Bee" Deshotels, parle pour ici — était un petit gamin, assis sus la galerie à écouter le vieux monde barguiner des contes et remplir la soirée avec des éclats de rire et de moquerie, et puis le temps que son garçon Bee a proclamé ces motsici — durant une conversation de 1975 avec Dr Barry Ancelet et défunt M. Revon Reed — le pays avait vu beaucoup des changements. Défunt Bee, un élève de l’Anse-Grise, un voisinage rural entre les villages de Mamou et la Prairie-Pinière, a profité lui-même dans un temps bien différent avec le nôtre, mais c'était sa génération à lui qu'a vu, durant le milieu du siècle dernier, la révolution de technologie qu’a mené à l’arrivée et à l’ubiquité actuelle de la radio, la graphophone et la télévision, et, ultimement, le computeur, l’internet et les phones-smattes d’aujourd’hui. À mesure que les années ont changé, cette génération a témoigné aussi le déplacement — en effet, le franc remplacement — de beaucoup de formes traditionnelles d’amusement par ces nouveaux avancements technologique, qui comprend une en particulier qui caractérise l’expérience humaine depuis nos premiers débuts dans la préhistoire, une qu’était, jusqu’à dernièrement, bien développé et bien populaire ici dans la Louisiane: le racontage de contes. Àjourd’hui, équand on a une question qu’on veut une réponse, ou on a envie de nous renseigner dessus un topique, c'est de plus en plus facile de sortir notres phones ou ouverre un livre et

venir carrément à trouver l’information qu’on cherche; pareillement, si on veut écouter, lire ou regarder une histoire ou une œuvre de fiction, on a des choix en masse et en pile, optenable à la main à tout moment. Les autres fois, par exemple, dans une société qui manquait la capacité de récorder la voix humaine et l’information culturelle qu’alle porte, et une qu’était pour plus grande partie illettré, ayoù la vie de chaque jour rencontrait bien rarement la parole écrite, la seule manière de trouver ou de rencontrer n’importe quel boute de ça qu’on appelle "la culture" — que c’était une chanson, un tit conte, une farce, une histoire de famille, une superstition, un dit-on, une observation naturelle, une idée religieuse, un conseil de mariage, un avertissement, etcétéra — c’était soit de connaître déjà l’affaire toi-même, soit

de connaître quelqu’un qui la connaisserait. Une conséquence importante de cette mode culturelle sans écriture qu’on nomme l’oralité c’est que s’il n-a quelque-chose qu’est jamais passé à la prochaine génération, la chose en question, sans moyen de la récorder autre que la mémoire humaine, va, totalement, complètement et pour toujours, s’ôblier. Ce fait a un corollaire: dépuis que notres mémoires est pas infini, les éléments de la tradition orale populaire qui réussit à survivre sont ces affaires qu’est intéressant ou autrement pertinent, et que le monde contuine a partager et propager — qui veut dire que, même pour les contes et les traditions qui retrace leurs origines dans la passée lointaine, dans une telle société, ces boutes de cultures reste dynamique, en évolution continuelle et, tout simplement, amusant et servable.