Acadiana Profile February-March 2017

Town of the Year: New Iberia

Top Doctors: Plus Toughest Cases

LIGHTEN UP 6 salads that pack powerful flavor & nutritional punch

p. 48

Spinach with boiled eggs & pomegranate arils

ADVERTISEMENT

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features CĂŠlĂŠbrer le mode de vie acadien

42

town of the year New Iberia by will kalec photographs by alysha jordan

48

Lighten up 6 salads that pack powerful flavor and nutritional punch recipes by stanley dry photographs by eugenia uhl

58

Health+Fitness Unlocking the Key to Well-Being by suzanne ferrara

63

Best doctors 134 Doctors in 36 Specialties + Toughest Cases profiles by fritz esker photographs by romero & romero

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contents february / march 2017 | volume 36, number 1

8 lagniappe

A little Extra 10 note de l’editeur

Editor’s Note 12 nouvelles de villes

News Briefs 16 le visiter

Calendar of Events

food+drink 33 sur le menu

Crawfish Tales: The best mudbugs in Acadiana are worth time, trouble and effort 36 de la cuisine

Spring Thaw: Winter’s heavy bounty gives way to light, seasonal vegetables 40 recettes de cocktails

Warming Effect: Blue Basil’s Thaitini will keep your spirits high

home+style 19 la maison

Artfully Refined Spaces: A continually evolving home reflects classic modern sensibilities and a Lafayette designer’s global appeal

culture

26

87

pour la maison

les artistes

Cactus-Crazed: Simple, on point style

Fighting Shape: Sunset sculptor Annie Hendrix spent decades bringing life to lumps of clay until a severe stroke suffered a year ago took away that gift… temporarily

28 À la mode

Pearls: Trend + Tradition

92 les personnes

On the Cover The salad we featured on the cover is not only pretty, but also a bit of a super salad. The combination of spinach with boiled eggs and pomegranate arils is as nutritionally dense as it is colorful and appetizing.

In fact, all of the salads in the “Lighten Up” feature on page 48 are loaded with flavor, vitamins, minerals, protein and everything you need for a healthy, happy meal. Bon appétit!

Quite the Collection: New Iberia Schoolteachers Becky and Wyatt Collins oversee an impressive and improbable folk art catalog 94 la musique

Ossun Original: French Zydeco musician Horace Trahan stays true to his roots, family 96 en français, s’il vous plaît

Les Grammys « Inattenduables »

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lagniappe

Learn French épinard (n.m.) spinach.

What is your favorite fitness activity?

“Getting outside for walking and biking top my list.

Yoga is great,

Editor in Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Art Director Lead Photographer Web Editor

especially during the long stretch of hot months, since I can stay in my routine at home.”

Vice President of Sales

Sales Manager

Account Executive

Sales Intern

Errol Laborde Melanie Warner Spencer Amanda Orr Sarah George Danley Romero Kelly Massicot

Colleen Monaghan (504) 830-7215 Colleen@acadianaprofile.com Rebecca Taylor (337) 298-4424 (337) 235-7919 Ext. 230 Rebecca@acadianaprofile.com Nikole Reich (407) 574-0066 (337) 235-7919 Ext. 231 Nikole@acadianaprofile.com Kaila Jackson

“Walking around my neighborhood lake and listening to podcasts is my favorite daily fitness activity.

Paddleboarding is my favorite fitness activity while on vacation, it’s easier than it looks!”

“I like activities that don’t feel like working out or exercise. Long walks through a museum or visiting shops around the city are favorites.

Taking my pup on a walk around my neighborhood also tops my list.”

Director of Marketing & Events Cheryl Lemoine

Event Coordinator Margaret Strahan

digital media associate Mallary Matherne

example: Veuillez acheter une botte d’épinards au marché. translation: Please get a bundle of spinach at the market.

Did You Know?

According to the “Farmer’s Almanac,” February and March are high time for harvesting spinach in Acadiana. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics cites spinach as a nutrient-packed green, with vitamins A and K, as well as folate, iron, fiber, magnesium, calcium and vitamin C. Popeye was onto something.

Behind The Scenes

For event information call (504) 830-7264

Production/Web Manager Staci McCarty

Senior Production Designer Ali Sullivan

Production Designer Monique DiPietro Traffic Coordinator Terra Durio

Distribution Manager John Holzer

Administrative Assistant Denise Dean

Subscription Manager Sara Kelemencky

Subscriptions assistant Mallary Matherne For subscriptions call (504) 830-7231

Chief Executive Officer President Executive Vice President

Todd Matherne Alan Campell Errol Laborde

2016 AWARDS Award of Merit to Melanie Warner Spencer for Single Story Award of Merit to Danley Romero for Single photo Bronze to Will Kalec for Magazine Writer of the Year Bronze to Danley Romero for Portrait Series Silver to Denny Culbert for Photo Series Gold to Denny Culbert for Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold to Sarah George for Art Direction of a Single Story Gold to Sarah George for Overall Art Direction Finalist for Magazine of the Year

Photographer Eugenia Uhl, whose images have appeared in Travel & Leisure, Metropolitan Homes, House Beautiful and countless other magazines and books, tinkers with the perfect placement for a ramekin of chickpeas for the kale with bell peppers, pumpkin seeds and chickpeas salad. For this particular shoot, Uhl was tasked with rounding up a host of wooden cutlery, bowls and plates, to add a hint of warmth to the shoot. Many of the items are from the photographer’s own vast collection of tableware.

Renaissance Publishing LLC • 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 • Metairie, LA 70005 • (504) 828-1380 • (877) 221-3512 128 Demanade, Suite 104 • Lafayette, LA 70503 • (337) 235-7919 ext. 230 Acadiana Profile (ISSN 0001-4397) is published bimonthly by Renaissance Publishing LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 and 128 Demanade, Suite 104, Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 235-7919 ext. 230. Subscription rate: One year $10; Foreign Subscriptions vary. Periodicals postage paid at Lafayette, LA, and additional mailing entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Profile, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2017 Renaissance Publishing LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark Acadiana Profile is registered. Acadiana Profile is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Acadiana Profile are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner.

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/acadianaprofile) and follow us on Twitter (@acadianaprofile) for daily updates, happenings in the area and other news! Please consider our planet and recycle this (and every) magazine.

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note de l’editeur

At the beginning of the year, many of us likely made a commitment to get

more active and eat more nutritious food in 2017, but right about now, the willpower is fading. We’ve got you covered with inspiration via a jam-packed fitness feature and also a spread of delectable and satisfying salads created by food writer Stanley Dry. This was one of the rare food photo shoots I came out of feeling not only full, but also energetic.

Dry’s flavor combinations sing and every bowl of greens is packed with nutrients. You won’t miss the greasy, fattening stuff one bit. (Our copy editor Amanda Orr doesn’t believe me on that last point, so be sure to give them a try and report back.)

Admittedly, I’m not what you’d call an exercise enthusiast. I don’t particularly enjoy going to a gym. That said, I love being active in other ways, such as long walks, bike rides and other outdoor adventures, as well as dancing and Acadiana has plenty of all of the above to keep me occupied and fit. For example, a long walk on the gorgeous University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus after a huge lunch plate of shrimp and grits at Ruffino’s on the River is my idea of great exercise. On one such occasion last year, my husband and I spied the Geaux Vélo bikes. The program, which launched on campus a few months earlier, was by April already being reported as a huge success by the Acadiana Advocate. It’s not surprising, given how often we see people getting out and getting fit in Lafayette. For those who already have bikes, there are several cycling clubs throughout the region. During the upcoming blissful few weeks of temperate weather, I’m looking forward to checking out the Bayou Teche Experience in Breaux Bridge for a little kayaking. If you prefer fitness centers and group classes, you are in luck, because Acadiana has a wealth of options, as reported by Suzanne Ferrara in our health and fitness feature on page 58. There’s truly something for everyone and every fitness level.

There isn’t much we love to do more at Acadiana Profile than celebrate the best of the region. One of the many ways we are doing that in this issue is with the unveiling of our Town of the Year. Flip to page 42 to learn more about this Cajun jewel, as reporter Will Kalec describes it.

sales team

Rebecca Taylor Sales Manager (337) 298-4424 (337) 235-7919 Ext. 230 Rebecca@AcadianaProfile.com

Nikole Reich Account Executive (407) 574-0066 (337) 235-7919 Ext. 231 Nikole@AcadianaProfile.com

Melanie Warner Spencer, Managing Editor (504) 830-7239 | Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com

(Editor’s Note: In the December/January issue, we referred to Wanda Barras of Belle Ècorce Farms as Wanda Barros. We regret the error. Also, in the boudin feature, the mention of Don’s on page 64 should have offered the full name of the local favorite, Don’s Specialty Meats.)

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Colleen Monaghan Vice President of Sales (504) 830-7215 Colleen@AcadianaProfile.com

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nouvelles de villes

by lisa leblanc-berry

Duke Erikson, Allison McGourty, and Bernard MacMahon together created, wrote and produced “American Epic.” MacMahon directed the films as well.

Lafayette

Film Features Cajun Musicians A new three-part documentary executive produced by Robert Redford, “American Epic,” featuring various Cajun musicians in addition to Elton John, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, is slated to air in mid-2017 on PBS and BBC. The musicians were filmed using a reconstruction of America’s first electrical recording system. The piece examines the trailblazing era from the 1920s when record companies toured America with a recording machine to capture the raw music of ordinary blues, country, gospel, folk and Cajun musicians.

The project sparked a cultural revolution that gave a voice to the nation’s poorest.

Redford describes it as “America’s greatest untold story.” Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings will release a companion series of archival recordings featuring groundbreaking audio restoration, while Third Man Records will release a deluxe box of vinyl records (americanpie.com). Among those Cajun musicians appearing in the film are husband-and-wife duo Joe and Cleoma Falcon and the Lost Bayou Ramblers.

The group has released their new Aloha Golden Meadow limited edition beer, born of their latest musical endeavors, the Aloha Golden Meadow single and Cote Clair.

Antiquity Opens A new south Louisiana-styled interior design and décor studio featuring everything

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

After three Acadiana groups were nominated for the Best Regional Roots Album as part of the “59th Annual Grammy Awards, “ which is broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. on Feb.12, Vermilionville hosted a send-off “Gateway to the Grammys” party that featured nominees Barry Ancelet and Sam Broussard, Joshua Caffery and 10-time Grammy nominee Joel Savoy, Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars.

The star-studded soirée was broadcast live on KRVS 88.7 FM, housed on the University of Louisiana, Lafayette campus.

from lighting to bedding, and chandeliers to furniture recently opened in Breaux Bridge. Housed in a renovated former antique store located at 115 Rees St. (337-298-9768,

While many of Louisiana’s 50,000 TOPS students have had to scramble to come up with funds for their Spring, 2017 semester due to the state’s unprecedented budget cuts, leaving most students with a 41.8 percent tuition shortfall, universities are reporting that our brightest and best are consequently exploring more out-ofstate college options, while enrollment in the National Guard has spiked by 20 percent. UL/Lafayette, which has around 7,000 TOPS students, is offering up to $1,000 (for the current semester) for its most needy students and up to $1,400 (for the current semester) through campus jobs. Payment plans have been extended from three installments to four. Legislators devoted to reversing the crisis hope to find around $89 million more to fund TOPS fully for the 2017-18 academic year.

cmacconstruction.com/antiquity), Antiquity is the brainchild of designer Lisa McDaniel and her husband, Beau — who has been building custom homes in South Louisiana for 13

World Championship mudbugs Put on your dancing shoes and arrive hungry for the 32nd annual World Championship Crawfish Etouffée Cook-off in Eunice, where more than 100 professional chefs and amateur cooks compete during the free March 26 festival. After sampling the etouffée and boiled crawfish, couples twirl to the music of live Cajun and zydeco bands while the kids enjoy a petting zoo and pony rides (etouffeecookoff.org).

Honored in Quebec Congratulations to Dr. William Arceneaux, president of CODOFIL. He was chosen as a recipient of L’Ordre des Francophone d’Amerique by the High Council on the French Language in Quebec for his lifelong commitment and unending devotion to French in Acadiana and beyond.

years. They are co-owners of C. Mac Construction, which specializes in custom homes.

Lisa’s creative vision inspires her clients through individualized consultations for their homes.

photo courtesy “American Epic”

Breaux Bridge

Grammy Nominees Party

TOPS Cuts Give Rise to Out-migration

Eunice

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nouvelles de villes

McNeese Band Headed for London

Calcasieu

Avery Island

Rabbits

Folklorists Gathering

Celebrating History

The Pride of McNeese Marching Band has received a prestigious invitation to the 2018 London New Year’s Day Parade and Festival from the former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster and Senior Parade Patron Catherine Longworth, who is representing Queen Elizabeth. Only 16 American bands and two university marching bands have been chosen to perform for the 32nd annual parade, which is expected to attract more than 650,000 spectators and over 350 million viewers for the worldwide TV broadcast.

Have you ever tried rabbit gumbo? Head to the Iowa Rabbit Festival March 17 and 18 where over 20,000 people gather annually to enjoy rabbit dishes galore, a rabbit cook-off, the Miss Bunny and Petit Lapin beauty pageants, carnival rides, local crafts, live Cajun and zydeco music (iowarabbitfestival.org).

The 61st annual Louisiana Folklore Society meeting is being held at the McIlhenny Archives at Avery Island March 10-11. The Society invites proposals for papers and other types of presentations on any aspect of Louisiana folklore, folklife and traditional artists throughout the state. Scholars, folk artists, musicians, students, and others interested in local Louisiana cultures are encouraged to participate. Submit 250-word abstracts for presentations via email to Jennifer Ritter Guidry, jennifer.guidry@louisiana.edu. The next Folklorists Retreat is taking place at the Gray Center in Canton, Mississippi April 7 to 9. The gathering of academic, public sector and freelance community scholars as well as graduate student folklorists will include networking, panels and professional development opportunities, so save the date.

The many intriguing and influential people and events that have shaped Terrebonne Parish are showcased in a beautiful new coffee table history book, “Terrebonne Parish: Stories of the Good Earth” (HPN Books, $39.95). The heavily illustrated volume contains more than 100 historic photographs, maps and paintings. Available at bookstores, amazon.com and through the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, the book’s historical narrative was written by Rachel Cherry, executive director of the Southdown Plantation House/Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society. On March 18, the Southdown Marketplace for Arts and Crafts festival is held at Southdown Plantation House featuring more than 300 local and national vendors, Cajun cuisine and tours of the plantation and museum.

Zachary Richard’s Video Singer Zachary Richard and “Les Etoiles d’Ibérie” immersion students from North Lewis Elementary in New Iberia recently released a French song, “La Belle Vie,” which can be downloaded at lesetoilesdiberie. com (sales benefit French education in Louisiana).

The students star in a new music video filmed by Eric Breaux that features New Iberia landmarks including Avery Island and Shadows-on-the-Teche.

Richard co-wrote the song with the children. “We managed to write a song during my visit in the spring of 2016 and the project was launched,” he said. “With the help and support of the whole community, we were able to record the song and shoot the video.”

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Lafayette

Agency Wins Big Entries from 22 countries were submitted for the recent Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the world’s preeminent business award for female entrepreneurs and executives. Lafayette-based brand communications agency BBR picked up a Stevie Award in New York as winner of the Fastest Growing Business of the Year.

phots courtesy: pride of mcneese marching band; lesetoilesdiberie.com; houma-terrebonne chamber of commerce

New Iberia

Terrebonne

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calendar

by kelly massicot

around acadiana Gatherings and activities around Acadiana

24.

Krewe of Aphrodite. 6.30 p.m., Houma

28.

Franklin Mardi Gras. 1.00 p.m., Franklin

24.

Krewe of Athena. 7.00 p.m., Golden Meadow

28.

Krewe of Coteau. 1.00 p.m., Coteau

24.

Youngsville. 11.00 a.m., Youngsville

28.

Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival. 1.00 p.m., Lafayette

28.

Krewe of Ghana. 1.00 p.m., Thibodaux

28.

Krewe of Choupic. 1.00 p.m., Chackbay

28.

Krewe of Maasai. 2.00 p.m., Thibodaux

28.

KADN/KLAF Independent. 2.00 p.m., Lafayette

28.

Krewe Chic-a-la-Pie. 2.00 p.m., Kaplan

28.

Krewe of Hephaestus. 2.00 p.m., Morgan City

28.

Family Affair Mardi Gras. 2.00 p.m., Loreauville

28.

Sunset Mardi Gras. 2.00 p.m., Sunset

28.

Carnival d’Acadie. 3.00 p.m., Crowley Krewe of Bonne Terre. 4.00 p.m., Houma

25. World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off. Lake Charles. 337-526 9009 or 337-475-7393.

25.

Baldwin Mardi Gras. 12.00 p.m., Baldwin

February

25.

Krewe of Apollo. 12.00 p.m., Lockport

2-4. Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Lake Charles. 337-944-9710.

lakecharlesrodeo.com

25.

Krewe of Atlantis. 12.00 p.m., Golden Meadow

25.

Children’s Parade. 12.30 p.m., Lafayette

11.

Dutch Oven Cooking. Abbeville.

337-501-1535. cityofabbeville.net

25.

Cypremort Point Boat. 1.00 p.m., Cypremort Point State Park

11.

Kenny Rogers concert. Lake Charles. goldennugget.com/lakecharles/ show_ballroom.asp

25.

Krewe of Dionysius. 2.00 p.m., Bayou Vista

12.

Krewe of Des Petite. 1.00 p.m., Golden Meadow

25.

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park.

2.00 p.m., near St. Martinville

25.

Jennings Mardi Gras. 4.30 p.m., Jennings

28.

17.

Krewe of Hercules. 6.00 p.m., Houma

25.

Le Krewe of Dubon Temps. 6.00 p.m., Larose

March

18.

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts concert.

Lake Charles. goldennugget.com/ lakecharles/show_ballroom.asp

25.

Krewe of Bonaparte. 6.30 p.m., Lafayette

25.

Krewe of Mardi Gras. 6.30 p.m., Houma

4.

18.

King Cake Taste Off. Sulphur.

337-313-1302. kgallegos@sulphur.org

26.

Taste de la Louisiane. Lake Charles.

337-436-9588.

18.

Carencro Mardi Gras. 11.00 a.m., Carencro

26.

Duson Mardi Gras. 12.00 p.m., Duson

18.

Le Krewe of Des T-Cajuns.

12.00 p.m., Larose

26.

Henderson Mardi Gras. 12.30 p.m., Henderson

18.

Krewe of Tee Caillou. 12.00 p.m., Chauvin

26.

Krewe of Cleophas. 12.30 p.m., Thibodaux

18.

Krewe des Chiens Canine. 2.00 p.m., Lafayette

26.

Krewe of Terreanians. 12.30 p.m., Houma

18.

Lake Arthur Mardi Gras. 2.00 p.m., Lake Arthur

26.

Krewe de St. Martin/Krewe de Chien.

1.00 p.m., Breaux Bridge

26.

Krewe of Chronos. 1.30 p.m., Thibodaux

18.

Krewe of Carnivale en Rio. 6.30 p.m., Lafayette

26.

Krewe of Galatea. 2.00 p.m., Morgan City

18.

Krewe of Aquarius. 6.30 p.m., Houma

26.

Krewe of Montegut. 2.00 p.m., Houma

19.

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Chicken Run. Lake Charles. 337- 660-1050. lakecharleschickenrun@yahoo.com

26.

Krewe of Nereids. 6.00 p.m., Golden Meadow

19.

Krewe of Versailles. 12.00 p.m., Larose

27.

Lundi Gras Bar-A-Thon. Lafayette. latrail.org/trail-store/lund-grasbar-a-thon-registration

19.

Krewe of Hyacinthians. 12.00 p.m., Houma

27.

Krewe of Amani. 2.00 p.m., Patterson

19.

Krewe of Titans. following Hyacinthians, Houma

27.

Queen Evangeline’s. 6.00 p.m., Lafayette

27.

Krewe of Cleopatra. 6.30 p.m., Houma

17-18. Iowa Rabbit Festival. Lake Charles.

337-433-8475. iowarabbitfestival.org

19.

Krewe of Ezana. 1.00 p.m., Jeanerette

19.

Scott Mardi Gras. 1.00 p.m., Jeanerette

28.

Iowa Chicken Run. Iowa.

337-842-1875 and 337-884-1403. visitlakecharles.org/swlamardigras/events

24-25. Toughest Monster Truck tour. Lafayette.

cajundome.com/arena_events.aspx

19.

Krewe of Shaka. 1.30 p.m., Thibodaux

28.

Half Fast Krewe of Frank’s.

9.00 a.m., Opelousas

25.

Cajun Comic Relief. Lafayette.

337-298-9717. facebook.com/CajunComicRelief

25.

Wild Beast Feast. Lake Charles.

337-433-1611.

19.

Krewe of Ambrosia. 2.00 p.m., Thibodaux

24.

Sara Evans concert. Lake Charles. goldennugget.com/lakecharles/ show_ballroom.asp

28.

King Gabriel’s. 10.00 a.m., Lafayette

28.

Grand Marais Mardi Gras. 11.00 a.m., Jeanerette

24.

Mardi Gras Merchants.

Lake Charles. 337-661-3361. visitlakecharles.org/swlamardigras

28.

Krewe of Houmas. 11.00 a.m., Houma

28.

Krewe of Kajuns. following Houmas, Houma

24.

Friday Night Parade. 6.30 p.m., Lafayette

28.

Krewe of Neptune. 12.00 p.m., Galliano

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Louisiana Winter Beer Festival. Lake Charles. 404-822-5847. lawinterbeerfest.com

10-12. Annual Black Heritage Festival.

Lake Charles. bhflc.org 10.

Monet. Method And Meaning. Lafayette.

337-482-2278. hilliardmuseum.org/ calendar/monet-method-and-meaning

11.

Cajun Chili Fest. Youngsville.

337-359-7081. familypromiseacadiana.org/ cajun-chili-fest-2017

11.

ZZ Top concert. Lake Charles. goldennugget.com/lakecharles/ show_ballroom.asp

11-18. Shadows Plein Air Competition.

New Iberia. 337-369-6446.

shadowsontheteche.org/plein-air-competition 12.

Zydeco Marathon. Lafayette. info@zydecomarathon.com. zydecomarathon.com

15. International Film Night at the Museum. Lafayette. 337-482-2278.

hilliardmuseum.org/calendar/

international-film-night-at-the-museum

26. Annual World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off. Eunice.

eunicechamber.com 31. Dave Robicheaux’s Hometown Literary Festival. New Iberia.

daverobicheauxliteraryfestival.com

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

home+Style Inspiration, dĂŠcoration et accessoires chic pour la vie

la maison

artfully refined spaces Silver wallpaper with touches of shimmery highlights complements a sconce that resides in a vestibule leading to the master suite.

A continually evolving Lafayette home reflects classic modern sensibilities and a designer’s global appeal

By Lisa LeBlanc-Berry Photos by chad chenier

Lafayette interior designer

Monique Breaux describes her 18-year-old home as an ongoing work-in-progress that changes monthly. The contagious passion she has for reinventing sophisticated settings has earned the attention of prominent New Yorkers and international power brokers who frequently

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

desire turn-key service. Just as soon as Breaux steps into a new space, the walls become a canvas and the artistry begins.

The award-winning designer recently caught the attention of Architectural Digest and the Wall Street Journal for one of her latest Manhattan masterpieces for Trump International Realty.

The 4,200-square-foot residence, in Trump Park Avenue, sold for a cool $14 million just two weeks after her design completion. Other recent projects for the Trump organization have included a stunning 8,000-square-foot apartment with a price tag of $35 million.

The president of Posh Exclusive Interiors, Breaux also fashioned a chic abode in Manhattan for President Donald Trump’s daughter, Tiffany.

“It’s her first apartment in the city, and it has amazing views,” she says. “It was in the renovation stage. We worked directly with Tiffany, and decorated it with our custom furniture, while utilizing a cleansed, light color palette.”

Working on various projects for the Trump organization for the past four years, Breaux ’s affiliation with the first family began well before the presidential election.

Her husband, Tim, who is president and CEO of Ironhorse Development/ Construction Company, serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Republican Party of Louisiana.

“I typically work under Ivanka’s direction,” Breaux says. “Since the Trump corporate headquarters are housed in Trump Tower, going to meetings there isn’t new to us, although now, there is increased security and media in the lobby.”

Breaux ’s ongoing projects for the immense Trump organization have included working with “clients from all over the world with many different personalities and ethnicities.”

Designed for multiple uses, the living room’s tufted ottoman, with its muted leopard pattern and acrylic tray, doubles as a coffee table with casters. A large, commissioned painting titled “Stella” by a Brazilian artist provides the sole vibrant colors in the room. The concave shapes of the sofas play into the soft shape of the woman’s hat and the round ottoman.

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top left The dining chairs, with their hourglass Christopher Guy silhouette, are covered in Italian silk woven specifically for Breaux. Timeless custom ruche silk window treatments and a towering 60-inch chandelier add touches of elegance. bottom left The tailored, monochromatic kitchen, with its textured wall of glass tiles, extends to the sunroom. The sofa is among Breaux’s custom manufactured bespoke pieces.

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Her portfolio ranges from posh penthouses to luxury yachts and planes, sprawling country estates, urban condos and beachfront dream homes. The designer also has a furniture line that she manufactures.

Breaux and Tim’s four-bedroom house, which was designed to afford multiple

views of their poolscape with fountains and fire features, is constantly evolving.

“Our home has had many different phases,” she says. “Styles change. That’s what makes us interesting as human beings, that we are constantly changing. That’s part of the evolution of design. When you’re not

duplicating design, everything becomes a test about how flexible you are to take it in a new direction.”

Among the couple’s many upgrades was an expansion of the kitchen/keeping room that now wraps around a sunroom overlooking the pool.

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“A few Christmases ago, we realized that there wasn’t enough room in the kitchen to hold 40 family members. When I returned home from one of my jobs, Tim had already removed the entire kitchen wall to extend the space. The project was finished in a couple of days. That’s how we live.”

Breaux explains that the kitchen is “classic modern,” her favorite design style that is incorporated throughout the residence.

“Classic modern has that new, fresh feel to it, but it’s not trendy, it’s not happening at the moment,” she says. “Two hours later, trendy is over. Trendy is the last stage before tacky. But if you keep your core element classic, or modern classic, then you can throw in an edgy coffee table, for instance.

It’s sort of how you dress, like wearing a Chanel suit [jacket] with a great pair of jeans. It’s knowing how to layer things.

“We don’t want to be a pedestrian design firm that produces trendy furniture such as pedestrian midcentury modern, which is out. We try to create everything from furniture to wall finishes that can stand the test of time.”

While the kitchen’s stone countertops have changed three times, Breaux has kept her original cabinets that are nearly as old as the house. A sleek custom island that’s shaped like a baby grand piano was designed to convey a sense of movement.

Her passion for creating unique colors and wall textures is evident throughout the home.

“We have great artistic capabilities for wall surface finishes,” she says. “The living room walls have a suede finish with crystal elements that give a little glimmer, which is similar to the master bedroom. We have an entire wall of glass tiles in the kitchen, and we built up depth with the Venetian plaster in the hallways. We’re not just buying Benjamin Moore paints. We’re taking elements to create different wall finishes per room. I want something that has texture and added dimensions.”

Breaux ’s dining table was custom designed with an 80-inch round glass top imprinted with etched water patterns underneath, so that fingerprints and other imperfections that often result from serving beverages wouldn’t be noticeable.

“We worked with a company that used an etching material designed to resemble splattered water marks beneath the glass.

It’s fun trickery that does a good job of masquerading anything else on the table.”

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Adding drama to the space is a considerable iron chandelier that’s almost as large as the dining table below.

“It’s held up by an 18-wheeler chain in the attic. I wanted something just over the top,” Breaux says.

The elegant living room, which has a view of the pool, is appointed with an ottoman on casters that doubles as a coffee table. It adheres to Breaux ’s philosophy that “good design is about multi-purposed pieces that can travel.”

“The reason creative designers are good at what they do is because they don’t let

the space define them,” she says. “Taking hold of a challenging space makes me think about how we can push it to another level. Ultimately, my objective is to create a unique, refined space that makes the client feel good.” top The master bedroom has a neutral, soothing palate with ivory and creams. The look is classic modern, with a pearlized leather headboard, vintage Chanel lamps, custom linen and velvet bedding. bottom Eldest son Jacques’ bedroom was designed to handle mounts from hunting excursions. His bed of coconut-inspired wood with leather and brass insets is from Posh Interiors’ couture line.

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style+home

pour la maison

cactuscrazed Simple on point style by amanda arceneaux photo by romero & Romero

Say so long to cooler

temps and hello to Southwestern-chic. Cactus plants are an easy way to heat up your home dĂŠcor.

No green thumb necessary.

1. Barrel Cactus buds typically start to bloom their bright flowers in April. Get yours now at Native Sun Nursery & Landscaping, LLC, 1401 E. Broussard Road, Lafayette. 337-857-0856. nativesunnursery.com

Watch out for these microspines or glochids. They stick to anything they touch.

Try removing them from skin with tape.

2. Pick up this Prickly Pear (with gloves) at All Seasons Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. 2974 Johnston St., Lafayette. 337-264-1418. buyallseasons.com 3. The Coral Cactus gets its name from the reef it resembles. Although not particularly spiny, this unique beauty is poisonous.

Keep it away from small children and pets.

Available at All Seasons Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. 2974 Johnston St., Lafayette. 337-264-1418. buyallseasons.com

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style+home

À la mode

pearls Trend + Tradition by amanda arceneaux photo by romero & Romero

If diamonds are a girl’s

best friend they better watch out because pearls are making waves this season. You won’t have to go diving in Tahiti to gather these multi-colored gems. Find an ocean of elegant, timeless pieces at your local jeweler.

1. Surrounded by a halo of diamonds this 10.5mm pearl is set in 14k white gold. Try it on for size at Armentor Jewelers, 1921 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette. 337-5348529. armentorjewelers.com 2. Make a statement with this 10 millimeter black Tahitian pearl necklace attached with a 14k white gold clasp. Armentor Jewelers, 1921 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette. 337534-8529. armentorjewelers.com

3. Ranging in size of 9 to 11 millimeter this multi-colored strand of South Sea Cultured Baroque pearls are a pearl aficionado’s dream. Armentor Jewelers, 1921 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette. 337-534-8529. armentorjewelers.com

5. This “Diamond in a Pearl” ring

by Galatea symbolizes the grain of sand swallowed by an oyster which when covered in nacre creates the pearl. Available at Armentor Jewelers, 1921 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette. 337-534-8529. armentorjewelers.com

4. This 52 pearl strand features a perfect mix of round pastels.

Get this cultured beauty or any other custom piece at Dianna Rae Jewelry, 500 Settlers Trace Blvd., Ste. 1, Lafayette. 337-706-7316. diannaraejewelry.com

6. Pretty in peach, this 18-inch strand of oval freshwater pearls is secured with a 14k yellow gold clasp. Dianna Rae Jewelry, 500 Settlers Trace Blvd., Ste. 1, Lafayette. 337-706-7316. diannaraejewelry.com

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PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Junior League of Lafayette

Kitchen Tour Saturday, March 18th, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

Tuten Home

TALK ABOUT GOOD KITCHENS! Junior League of Lafayette is excited to announce the return of last year’s hit event, Kitchen Tour! This year’s Tour will take you on a self-guided tour of six kitchens and outdoor entertaining spaces in the Lafayette area.

A special aspect of the 2017 Kitchen Tour allows you to explore the beauty and regrowth stemming from the devastating floods of 2016. We will showcase inspiring renovations in homes destroyed months earlier. Whether you are spending an afternoon with friends or gathering ideas for your own kitchen remodel, you are certain to enjoy your time viewing these magnificent kitchens, all while supporting Junior League of Lafayette.

Join Junior League of Lafayette on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 12 pm – 4 pm for an afternoon of fun and fabulous kitchens! Visit juniorleagueoflafayette.com to purchase your ticket. Your $25 ticket will include entry into six homes as well as sampling of taste treats from League cookbooks throughout.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LAFAYETTE MISSION Junior League of Lafayette is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Our Value to the Community Junior League of Lafayette • Has served the Lafayette community since 1957 • Leverages local nonprofit partnerships to better the community • Offers direct assistance in the form of resource and enrichment grants awarded to nonprofit agencies • Trains its members to assume leadership positions within and outside Junior League • Members sit on outside boards of nonprofit agencies throughout the community Scan for More

Information

In 2015-2016: 650+ membership of women

6,594 People Impacted

25,391 Member volunteer hours spent supporting community agencies and programs

$135,000 awarded in grants to local nonprofit agencies

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

President Julie Broussard President-Elect Corinne Cotten Sprague Co-Chairman Misti Landry Bryant Co-Chairman Elise David

PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Homes Featured on the Tour

The 100 block of Fleur de Lis Lane, The Storment Home - After touring this stunning, bright and airy kitchen, you will have the chance to enjoy a relaxing outdoor entertaining space.

The 700 block of Girard Park Drive, The Tuten Home - You will be drawn to the unique, custom made nickel and brass hood, which, as an added bonus, was locally made!

The 100 block of Southwark Drive, The Broussard Home - The beauty is in the detail in this immaculate renovation.

This home includes a stunning 1,000+ square foot outdoor entertaining space!

The 100 block of Bonner Drive, The Laborde Home – You will enjoy the warm welcoming feel in this recent renovation that kept much of the original woodwork in the kitchen.

The 100 block of Bonner Drive, The Roy Home - It is hard to miss the custom French door style cypress barn doors, made from reclaimed wood from the New Orleans area.

The 1300 block of East Bayou Parkway, The Moncus Home - You won’t want to stop at the kitchen in this fabulous new construction home. You will enjoy the exquisite kitchen, sunroom, bar area and outdoor space. acadianaprofile.com

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Coming in October of 2017 NEW ORLEANS KINGFISH PROMOTIONAL SECTION

New orleaNs kiNgfish promotioNal sectioN

Todd Tournillon direcTor, PosTleThwaiTe & neTTerville, aPac as a Director in the postlethwaite & Netterville (p&N) accounting and assurance group, todd tournillon, cpa, serves clients in a wide range of industries including oilfield services, manufacturing, construction, hospitality and non-profit organizations, to name just a few. tournillon also leads the New orleans office’s college recruiting program and oversees its “volunteer award” programs. his commitment to the community is demonstrated by his volunteer board member roles with several local non-profit organizations—including the University of New orleans international alumni association, New orleans oyster festival, and what You give will grow. todd is a proud UNo graduate and served as president of the University of New orleans international alumni association during the 2016 year. with the influence and support from his family, todd’s volunteer efforts not only give him joy personally but also encourage others at p&N to volunteer and give of their time and/or talents.

Acadiana Profile’s Kingfish special section is a celebration of the accomplished Businessmen of Acadiana.

4a. Kingfish.indd 90

Do you know a businessman who exemplifies the attributes of a powerful Acadiana Kingfish?

Contact

12/15/16 9:54 AM

New orleaNs kiNgfish promotioNal sectioN

Frank J. D'amico, Jr. attorney New orleans native and loyola University graduate frank J. D’amico, Jr. has been practicing law across the United states since 1986.

D’amico is not afraid to fight hard for every dollar his clients deserve. his law firm has handled thousands of personal injury cases, and, by developing specialized expertise within the realm of personal injury, has obtained judgments and settled cases exceeding one million dollars. the law offices of frank D’amico, Jr. puts clients first; through the “strong arm of the law,” they consistently maximize their clients’ recovery. after more than 30 years at their Baronne street location, the office has recently moved to a new location in metairie for the convenience of their clients, with easy access to the interstate and plenty of parking.

Rebecca Taylor Sales Manager 337-298-4424 Rebecca@acadianaprofile.com

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12/15/16 9:54 AM

food+drink Ça c’est bon

sur le menu

crawfish tales The best mudbugs in Acadiana are worth time, trouble and effort

by Jyl Benson Photos by denny culbert

I’m convinced that Cajuns

keep the best crawfish for themselves. While people in New Orleans thrill over piles of specimens measuring between three and four inches in length our brethren to the west are bellying up to tables mounded with crawfish the size of kittens. They take the consumption of crawfish seriously, often forgoing hours of time, creature comforts and impressive sums of money for the pleasure of tearing through five to 10 pounds of the critters in a sitting.

As is evidenced at Cajun Claws in Abbeville, the Cajun people of southwestern Louisiana eat their crawfish with seasonings generously sifted over the boiled specimens. In the southeastern part of the state, cooks boil their crawfish with the seasonings. It does not matter how you prepare them: Freshly boiled crawfish are always wonderful.

food+drink

sur le menu

Crawfish Bisque from Yellow Bowl Fried crawfish tails and crawfish stew at Yellow Bowl

Bonus Bite The telephone at Hawk’s rings incessantly with lost souls trying to find their way. There’s a map on the restaurant’s website but the place is so buried in the middle of nowhere that you should plan on getting lost even if you have been before.

It’s worth the effort. You will know you have arrived when you come upon the jammed parking lot.

“Down in New Orleans people hire others to stand in line for them so they can get a table at Galatoire’s,” says Janice “Boo” Macomber, a masterful private Cajun chef and author of “Tastes, Tails & Tales with The High Priestess of the Bayou.”

“Here in Abbeville, we sometimes trade a few beers to get someone to stand in line for us at Cajun Claws. Either that or you better show up at 3:30 in the afternoon to get a table for round one of the crawfish eating when they open for dinner.”

When it comes to where to eat and what to order anywhere in Acadiana Boo is one of my go-to sources.

“They have that fried seafood platter absolutely down pat at Shuck’s,” she says. “And for the best, I mean the best crawfish bisque you ever want to eat — the old fashioned kind with stuffed heads that’s such a pain in the ass to make — I’m heading to the Yellow Bowl on Highway 82 in Jeanerette.”

Cajun Claws. 1928 Charity St., Abbeville. 337-893-9437. cajunclaws.com Hawk’s. 415 Hawk’s Road, Rayne. 337-788-3266. hawkscrawfish.com Shuck’s. 701 W. Port St., Abbeville. 337-898-3311. goeatshucks.com Yellow Bowl Restaurant.

19466 Highway 182 W., Jeanerette. 337-276-5512

In 1978, after securing a peaceful legal emancipation from his parents when he was 15, Anthony Arceneaux obtained a $60,000 loan from the Farmers Home Administration, bought some boats and traps and leased 480 acres. He lied his way out of afternoon classes in high school and began calling himself a crawfish farmer, ultimately working his way up to 12,000 acres. His father, Hawk, followed him into the business in 1982.

By 1983, they were so loaded down with crustaceans they opened Hawk’s Crawfish in a shed-like structure on their property so they could move more of the swarm. The senior Arceneaux, obsessive about the purity of the crawfish, found a purging technique developed

by Texas A&M University.

In the beginning, Hawk’s started with select, live, hand-graded crawfish, then placed them in the well for up to 24 hours. It was a labor-intensive, expensive process, resulting in an average 9 percent loss due to crawfish death and the sheer volume of dirt the bugs gave up in the process.

Indulging the elder Arceneaux’s passion for purity paid off for the family: Hawk’s was an instant success due to the clean, fresh flavor of the product. People started driving hundreds of miles to the 1,000-squarefoot shack in the middle of nowhere to experience the connoisseur’s boiled crawfish.

The meat is pearly white and the fat is golden yellow.

The restaurant, which has expanded four times in its 30-year history, has its own extensive purging facility and is only open from early February until the beginning of May. Hawk’s moves an average of 7,000 pounds of boiled crawfish a day. Every batch is boiled and seasoned to order.

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food+drink

de la cuisine

To prevent the browning of the artichoke leaves, place the artichokes that have already been cut in a bath of water and ¼ cup lemon juice or ¼ cup white vinegar. Keep them in the water until all are ready to be cooked. Because artichokes are buoyant and tend to bob around in the water in the pan, a heat-resistant plate in the pan can be used to hold them upright while cooking.

spring thaw Winter’s heavy bounty gives way to light, seasonal vegetables by marcelle bienvenu photo & styling by eugenia uhl

Just when I thought I

couldn’t stand another day of pewter-colored skies and the lifeless landscape of late winter, a red bird appeared, darting along the fence line bordering my property on the bayou. I reached for the binoculars. The bird, perched on a cypress limb naked of any leaves, appeared to be surveying the scenery. Did I spy a few tiny, green leaves on the

36 | acadiana profile february/march 2017

willows across the bayou? Were the bald cypress trees just about ready to begin sprouting?

When the sun peeked out a few days later, I began a general cleanup. I poked and dug around the fern bed that borders the patio and there in the damp mulch I spied some tender tendrils sprouting upward. Yahoo! There is life in that there dirt. Maybe spring really is just around the corner.

Just seeing the new growth gave me some inspiration. Smelling the dark, damp earth as I hoed, weeded and trimmed, I dreamt of the spring vegetables that

will soon be flooding the produce markets and roadside stands.

Ah, some nice, tender, pencil-thin asparagus, sweet, bright green peas, and maybe, just maybe some sweet onions would be welcome on my dinner table, which is getting boring with cold-weather soups, gumbos and stews.

I can easily make a meal of nothing but asparagus — lightly blanched and drizzled with wasabi-flavored mayonnaise or gently sautéed in olive oil and butter are both definitely appealing.

Stuffed Artichokes Although artichokes are not a local product, they are in season in the spring and they never fail to tickle my taste buds. I was taught this preparation by a neighbor years ago when I lived near Audubon Park in New Orleans.

4

medium-size fresh artichokes

3

teaspoons salt

4

tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4

tablespoons butter

3

tablespoons olive oil

4

shallots, finely chopped

¼ cup finely chopped yellow onions 1

cup boiled shrimp, peeled, deveined and coarsely chopped

1½ cups seasoned and dried fine breadcrumbs ⅛ teaspoon hot sauce 1

egg, beaten

With a knife or scissors, cut off the top third of the artichokes.

Pull off the large, tough outer leaves around the bottom. Cut off the stem flush with the base.

Open the center and clean out the fuzzy leaves all the way down to the heart. You can scrape the heart in the center, very gently, with a spoon.

Put the artichokes in a saucepan large enough to accommodate them snugly.

Add 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and enough water to cover. Cover artichokes and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the centers are tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the artichokes from the pan and turn upside down to drain. Set aside.

Combine butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and onions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add breadcrumbs. Add chopped shrimp and season with remaining teaspoon salt. Add the remaining lemon juice, hot sauce and egg. Mix well. Gently spoon small amounts into the leaves and the center of the artichokes.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place the artichokes in a shallow pan with about 1 inch of hot water. Brush artichokes with the remaining tablespoon olive oil, cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes or until bread crumbs are lightly browned.

Makes 4 servings

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de la cuisine

Two-Pea Spring Mix

Baked Vidalia Onions

Tender green and crispy sugar snap peas only need fresh mint and shredded lettuce to enhance the flavor. I like this paired with chunky chicken salad and toasted French bread for lunch.

4 large Vidalia or other sweet onions

2

tablespoons butter

½ cup coarsely chopped fresh leeks

(white part only) 1½ cups shelled English peas ½ cup chicken stock ¾ pound sugar snap peas, trimmed 1

tablespoon chopped fresh mint

½ Head Bibb lettuce, rinsed

and shredded

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring until tender, about 2 minutes. Add English peas and stock. Cover and simmer gently until the peas are just tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add sugar snaps and mint. Cover and cook until the snaps are crisptender, about 3 minutes. Add lettuce and cook until it just wilts. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Makes about 8 servings

5

tablespoons butter

½ cup freshly grated

Parmigiano-Reggiano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 F. Trim off root tendrils of onions, leaving all layers attached to the root end. Cut out stem ends, leaving a shallow, cone-shaped well in the top of each. Peel off outer skins and lightly rub onions with about one tablespoon of butter.

Place stem side up, in a shallow baking dish that will hold them snugly and top each with a tablespoon of butter.

Bake in the upper third of oven, basting with juices, until nearly tender, about 45 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.

Return to oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving with juices.

Makes 4 servings

Perfect Asparagus

dijon dressing

wasabi mayonnaise

Blanch 2½ pounds fresh asparagus (trimmed) in boiling, salted water until just crisp (3 to 5 minutes).

Cooking time will depend on the size of the asparagus spears.

Drain and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, 1 teaspoon Dijontype mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Arrange asparagus in a serving plate and drizzle with dressing.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 4 teaspoons soy sauce, 1½ teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons wasabi paste until sugar is dissolved. Drizzle over asparagus and serve as an appetizer or as a side to a perfectly grilled steak of your choice.

Serve with Dijon dressing or wasabi mayonnaise.

Makes 6 servings

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

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food+drink

recettes de cocktails

warming effect Thaitini at Blu Basil in Lafayette will keep your spirits high

By Lisa LeBlanc-Berry photo by romero & romero

When the wind howls

through the marsh well into February, we yearn for hot soups and comforting drinks to stay cozy until spring’s first kiss. Blu Basil Wine & Grill in Lafayette has a new cocktail that is sure to diminish the chill.

The refreshing drink is equally apropos for the warmer days ahead. Less than a year old, the popular 120-seat Vietnamese restaurant has a full bar and a soothing ambience enhanced by glass waterfalls and cherry blossoms. Live music attracts after-5 p.m. diners who enjoy small plates like duck sliders and buttery crab claws paired with creative craft cocktails.

From Carnival to St. Patrick’s Day and beyond, Blu Basil’s Thaitini is fitting for any celebration. With hints of cinnamon and vanilla, it will bring out your inner child, with a nice little adult kick. The cool, subtle sweetness of condensed milk harmonizes with a dash of spiced rum that adds a comforting, warm sensation, while a shot of vanilla vodka enhances the long, tingling finish. Executive Chef and co-owner Dang Nguyen complements such elegant cocktails with steaming bowls of Pho (opt for the filet mignon add-on), plus simmering hot pots with cook-your-own meats, seafood and vegies, festively served fondue-style.

Chef Dang Nguyen and Chris Nguyen also own the more casual, 45-seat Saigon Noodle (2865 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, 337-4563317. saigonnoodleslafayette.com), which was the first Vietnamese restaurant in town.

Thai Tea Spiced Martini Place a scoop of ice in a cocktail shaker and add 4 ounces freshly brewed Thai tea, ½ ounce condensed milk, 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka, 1 ounce spiced rum, 1 ounce heavy whipping cream, a splash of vanilla extract and a splash of simple syrup, and shake the mixture hard for at least 10-12 seconds. Strain liquid into a martini glass rimmed with a light drizzle of condensed milk, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top, and place a cinnamon stick in the drink laid on its side with a star anise floating in the cocktail for a spirited treat.

Blu Basil Wine & Grill 5451 Johnston St.. Lafayette.

337-456-1120. blubasilwineandgrill.com

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acadianaprofile.com

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NEW

by WILL KALEC photographs by ALYSHA JORDAN

W

A Cajun jewel carved from the Bayou Teche, New Iberia's successful recipe as a community blends old-school values with the modern-day job creation and economic development methods, sprinkled with a liberal pinch of good times.

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A As Taylor Barras — the Louisiana Speaker of The House in temporary title, a proud product of New Iberia in perpetuity — takes a walk down memory lane, he’s soothed by the knowledge that the road remains the same, even if the sturdy, wood-frame country store is long gone.

Without question, the Shadows On The Teche remains the crown jewel of downtown.

Built in 1834, this former sugar plantation is visited by more than 25,000 tourists annually and was the first National Trust for Historic Preservation site in the Gulf South.

In the 1950s and most of the 1960s, if you lived in New Iberia and needed flour for that roux, eggs for that birthday cake, or sugar for your coffee, the best place to find all of that under one roof was the grocery owned by Barras’s father, Elton.

The scents changed with the seasons and the sections of the store, the yeasty smell of baked goods in one corner, a refreshing waft of produce in another. The patrons used pleasantries with the shop hands — the littlest pair belonging to Taylor. Throw in a whistling theme-song for a soundtrack, and it was pretty much Mayberry.

“I don’t know if I could call it working,” says Barras. “I called it working, but I’m sure my father would question that use of the word, considering we were busy enjoying the candy counter and the cookie counter, for sure. But it was a different time. You paid cash, and if you didn’t have cash you put it on a tab and came back at the end of the month and paid my dad for your groceries. And I’m just like wow, that was credit before I even knew what credit was. But these are the type of stories that if you don’t come from New Iberia, if you’re in a bigger larger community, you wouldn’t have the opportunity to appreciate. “ For the next few minutes, as he tries to beat a nasty-looking storm home from Baton Rouge to New Iberia, Barras reminisces about the past before purposely fast-forwarding to the here and now. As much fun as it is to reflect on what New Iberia was, analyzing what New Iberia is also produces the same warm fuzzies as venturing back into yesteryear.

New Iberia is a vital and strategic economic piston powering South Louisiana, a tiny town in population but nonetheless an energy and agricultural titan that’s home to the Port of Iberia, a 2,000-acre

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industrial and manufacturing site for more than 100 companies in fields like oil and gas fabrication and production, materials handling and marine services.

New Iberia is home to a public education system whose district performance scores have increased for nine consecutive years and a vocational/ technological college that partners with local businesses to turn out graduates that are “work-ready” for highly-skilled, competitively-compensated jobs.

New Iberia is witnessing an infrastructural revolution.

Bridges and roads are being expanded and repaired at a dizzying pace while the Acadiana Regional Airport is experiencing a complete transformation including a brand new terminal along with other improvements, not to mention the 64.3-acre site on the property that was recently certified and is now classified as “development-ready.”

And finally, New Iberia is a downtown destination on Friday nights, Saturday nights, heck, really, any night. Nestled along the Bayou Teche, Main Street features new shops, restaurants, museums and is the backdrop to some of the most well-attended festivals in the state, the Sugarcane Festival provides, more than enough reason for the thoroughfare to be recognized at a National Register Historic District, and for it to win the Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

For all that (and more, which we’ll get into) New Iberia is Acadiana Profile’s City of the Year for 2017 — a place that has evolved but done so without compromising its cultural authenticity.

“Considering I’m born there, grew up there, went through elementary, junior high and high school there and live there

46 |

now, you can say New Iberia has been a part of my entire life,” Barras says. “It’s a community with quality neighborhoods and schools, teachers that I still know today, a close-knit church and faith family, and jobs that can provide.

“So, it’s carried me far and it’s carried a lot of other people far.”

Like many communities in Acadiana along the Highway 90 — a major asphalt artery of the energy sector — New

certainly been a challenge for all the parishes that are heavily involved in oil and gas, but we’re optimistic about 2017.”

Perhaps Tarantino’s positive thinking is rooted in economic developments at the Port of Iberia in 2016, where several major expansions of existing facilities or construction of new businesses were announced last year.

Logan Industries, an oilfield services and equipment

“” It’s a community with quality neighborhoods and schools, teachers that I still know today, a close-knit church and faith family, and jobs that can provide. So, it’s carried me far and it’s carried a lot of other people far.

Iberia certainly wasn’t immune to the two-year long economic sucker punch to the gut caused by the drop in oil prices. The bad news? In June 2016, Iberia Parish reached 10.3 percent unemployment — its highest rate since the turn of the century. The good news?

The price per barrel looks like its slowly crawling up from the canvas, causing a quick bump for those seeking work according to the latest number at press time. Oct. 2016 reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the unemployment rate at a more tolerable 8.7 percent.

“Oil and gas is still king,” says Mike Tarantino, CEO and President at the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation. “The vast majority of our economy either supports or is directly involved with the oil and gas business. So, of course, 2015 and 2016 have

acadiana profile february/march 2017

company, is currently building a $4.5 million dollar facility to store deep-water drills — similar to the building found at company headquarters in Texas. Once operational, Logan Industries estimates it will hire 300 employees to man the new site. Bayou Companies, an oil pipe producer, is spending $39 million to modernize its facility.

Dynamic Energy Services International has begun delivery on the topside modules fabricated at the Port of Iberia for the Sasol Ltd., ethane cracker project being built in Lake Charles. They are also currently working on fabrication of a number of modules for Shell Oil’s Appomattox project.

In total, Dynamic Energy hired 500 workers combined for these two projects.

“We’re attractive (for businesses) because we’re a coastal community and we market ourselves as intermodal,”

Tarantino says. “In other words, if you want to bring in goods, or bring in raw materials and ship out goods, you can move those things in our parish through water, air, rail or truck — anyway that you can move items, we can do it here.

“We have great assets, great workers, great work sites, but the thing we’re focusing on is improving the infrastructure — roads, bridges, sewer pipes — so that when oil and gas comes back like we all predict it will, we’re ready to take full advantage of that economic upswing.”

One road that crews in New Iberia can pretty much leave alone is Main Street. This once depressing vestige of the 1980s oil bust was resuscitated roughly a decade ago. Without question, the Shadows On The Teche remains the crown jewel of downtown. Built in 1834, this former sugar plantation is visited by more than 25,000 tourists annually and was the first National Trust for Historic Preservation site in the Gulf South. Downtown also hosts the annual World Championship Gumbo Cook-off, an event so flavorful the Chamber of Commerce tells those looking for directions to “Drive into Iberia Parish on Hwy 90, Hwy 182, Hwy 31 or Hwy 13. Roll your window down — inhale — and follow your nose to downtown New Iberia. Aroma should get stronger as you get closer.”

“It’s been a transformation, a good transformation,” Barras says of downtown. “The closed theater is now the Performing Arts Center, and an old sports club where guys would go and play cards and smoke cigarettes and have sports on in the background is now a museum.

Little bit of culture, a lot [of ] art and historical properties — it is just an interesting combination that allows the whole community to appreciate it.”

The closed theater is now the Performing Arts Center, and an old sports club where guys would go and play cards and smoke cigarettes and have sports on in the background is now a museum.

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6 salads that pack powerful flavor and nutritional punch

LIGHTEN  

F

or years, the typical American salad was based on iceberg lettuce. While iceberg still has its advocates, the average supermarket now features a dazzling array of salad greens from which to choose. Farmers’ markets and specialty stores offer even more alternatives. We also have a multitude of oils and vinegars that we can use to dress our salads, as well as herbs, seeds, nuts, cheeses, fruits and vegetables that can go into the salad bowl.

With so much to choose from, there is the temptation to use a little bit of everything, which is always a mistake. Restraint produces a good salad, excess does not. Consider the salad green that is the base of your salad and add only what will either complement it or add an interesting contrast. Kale will accommodate a number of strong tasting ingredients, but Bibb lettuce is delicate and easily overwhelmed.

When composing a salad, consider texture and color, as well as flavor. Tear greens instead of cutting them, or use whole leaves when appropriate. Remember that every salad does not have to include tomatoes, particularly when they are not in season. The general ratio for vinaigrettes is 3:1, that is three parts oil to one part vinegar, but that is not written in stone. Personally, I often prefer a 4:1 ratio, but that also depends on the acidity of both the vinegar and the oil.

  UP

BY STANLEY DRY PHOTOS BY EUGENIA UHL

Kale with bell peppers, pumpkin seeds & chickpeas

Anchovy dressing pg. 57

Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, fiber and phytonutrients. Chickpeas provide protein and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin seeds contain protein, vitamins and minerals.

Arugula with persimmons & parmesan Persimmons contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Fuyu persimmons can be eaten while they are still crisp, like an apple. ParmigianoReggiano provides calcium, vitamins and minerals. Olive oil contains vitamins E and K, as well as phytonutrients.

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Butterhead with pistachios & champagne vinegar Pistachios provide protein, fiber, vitamins E and B6, as well as minerals and phytonutrients.

There are many varieties of butterhead, including some that are red or dappled with red.

Know Your Leaves

Kale

Arugula

Butterhead

with bell peppers, pumpkin seeds and chick peas

with persimmons and parmesan

with pistachios and champagne vinegar

Kale

READY IN 20 MINUTES // SERVES 4

bunch kale

8

1

large red, yellow or orange bell pepper

½ cup pine nuts

¼ cup roasted pistachio oil

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

1

cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon champagne vinegar

4

teaspoons balsamic vinegar

coarse salt

1

Fuyu persimmon

¼ cup roasted and salted pistachios, shelled

¼ cup toasted sesame seed oil

Arugula

Arugula, also called rocket, is a peppery green that belongs to the broccoli and cabbage family. It contains vitamins K and C as well as minerals and phytonutrients.

Butterhead

Soft, delicate leaves and a buttery flavor devoid of bitterness are characteristic of butterhead or Bibb lettuces, the most familiar of which is Boston lettuce. Good source of vitamins A, K and C plus various minerals.

cups arugula

READY IN 10 MINUTES // SERVES 4

1

¼ cup pumpkin seeds, hulled Kale is often called a super food, and for good reason. It is loaded with antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, K and C. There are many varieties of kale in shades of green, red and purple.

READY IN 15 MINUTES // SERVES 4

4

teaspoons sherry vinegar

Italian Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano)

coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1

cup croutons

Cut out the center rib of kale leaves and discard. Tear kale into bite-size pieces. Wash and dry kale, then measure out 8 cups and add to salad bowl.

Remove core, seeds and ribs from bell pepper and cut into small dice. Add to salad bowl, along with chickpeas.

Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, while tossing and turning them, until they begin to brown and are fragrant.

Remove from skillet, sprinkle with salt and set aside.

Combine toasted sesame seed oil and sherry vinegar in a small bowl and whisk to emulsify. Add vinaigrette to salad bowl and toss well until each piece of kale is coated.

Season with salt and grind some pepper over the salad, then toss again. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and croutons.

freshly ground black pepper

Wash and dry arugula, remove any large stems and place arugula in salad bowl. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, while tossing and turning them, until they begin to brown and are fragrant. Remove from skillet, sprinkle with salt and set aside.

Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and whisk to emulsify.

Add to salad bowl and toss until each arugula leaf is coated. Season with salt, then toss again.

Peel, quarter and thinly slice persimmon. Arrange slices on top of arugula.

Using a vegetable peeler, shave some Parmesan over the salad, then sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Grind pepper over the top.

2

small heads Boston lettuce

coarse salt

Cut off base of each head, then wash and dry lettuce, discarding any wilted or bruised leaves. Add leaves to salad bowl. In a small bowl, whisk pistachio oil and champagne vinegar until emulsified. Add to salad bowl and toss until leaves are coated. Season with salt and toss again. Chop pistachios and sprinkle over salad. Once dressed, the salad should be served immediately or the delicate leaves will become sodden.

STORAGE SUGGESTION

Some salad gurus recommend storing washed and dried salad greens rolled up in a kitchen towel.

That works well, but I also have luck keeping lettuces in the salad spinner (refrigerated, of course) after I’ve washed and dried them.

CROUTONS These are used in the Kale Salad and the Spinach Salad.

Remove crust and cut day old French or Italian bread into cubes about a halfinch square to yield 1 cup. Pour 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil into small skillet and heat. Add cubed bread. Fry on medium heat, turning bread frequently, until browned. Remove croutons and sprinkle with Coarse salt. Makes 1 cup croutons.

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Most of us are only familiar with the green romaine lettuce that is a staple of salad bars and Caesar salads, but there are many other varieties, including some that are red and dappled red. Gardeners should seek out seeds for an Austrian heirloom called Forellenschluss (Flashy Trout’s Back) for its beauty and fine flavor.

Romaine with pears, walnust & feta cheese Feta is a source of calcium, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Walnuts contain a high level of phytonutrients, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Spinach with boiled eggs & pomegranate arils Eggs are high in protein, as well as vitamins and minerals. Pomegranates provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients.

Spring Mix with sprouts, basil & red wine vinegar Sprouts, such as alfalfa and radish, contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, as do both parsley and basil. Olive oil has vitamins and minerals, as well as polyphenols with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.

Romaine with pears, walnuts and feta cheese READY IN 15 MINUTES // SERVES 4

½ cup walnuts 1

romaine lettuce

¼ cup roasted walnut oil 4

teaspoons white wine vinegar

coarse salt

1 pear ½ cup feta, crumbled

freshly ground black pepper

DRESS IT UP

Spring Mix

with boiled eggs and pomegranate arils

with sprouts, basil and red wine vinegar

Anchovy Dressing

READY IN 15 MINUTES // SERVES 4

This dressing would work well in a kale, spinach or romaine salad.

8

Combine 6

4

teaspoons cane vinegar

tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 or more anchovies to taste. Mash

coarse salt

2

hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1

cup croutons

anchovy with a fork.

Add 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, while tossing and turning them, until they are fragrant.

Remove from skillet, sprinkle with salt and set aside.

Cut lettuce from its base, discarding any limp or bruised leaves. Wash and dry romaine.

Tear leaves and add to salad bowl. In a small bowl, whisk roasted walnut oil and white wine vinegar until emulsified.

Add half of the vinaigrette to salad bowl and toss to coat lettuce. Season with salt and toss again. Peel, core and slice pear. Arrange pear slices on top of salad and top with feta. Drizzle remainder of vinaigrette over pears and cheese. Sprinkle walnuts and grind some black pepper over the salad.

Spinach

and whisk to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper.

Makes about ½ cup.

Yogurt Dressing This dressing could be used in a spinach or romaine salad.

Whisk ½ cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

together, then season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If dressing

is too thick, thin with a little water.

cups baby spinach

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

½ cup pomegranate arils (seeds)

freshly ground black pepper

Wash and dry spinach, discarding any wilted or bruised leaves. Place spinach in salad bowl. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, mustard and cane vinegar until emulsified.

Add vinaigrette to salad bowl and toss until spinach is well coated. Season with salt and toss again. Add chopped eggs, croutons and pomegranate arils. Grind black pepper over the salad.

READY IN 10 MINUTES // SERVES 4

8

cups spring mix

1

cup sprouts, such as alfalfa or radish

1

cup basil and parsley leaves

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1

tablespoon red wine vinegar

coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Wash and dry lettuce, discarding any wilted or bruised leaves. Combine spring mix, sprouts, basil and parsley leaves in salad bowl. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil and vinegar until emulsified.

Add to salad bowl and toss until all leaves are coated, Season with salt, grind over some pepper and toss again.

ADD SOME FLAVOR

There are a number of ways to incorporate the flavor of garlic in a salad dressing. If you’re using croutons in the salad, you can season them with garlic. One easy way to do that is to heat the oil with several peeled garlic cloves until they brown. Then remove the garlic and toss the croutons in the oil. Another option is to macerate garlic in the vinegar, then use the vinegar to dress the salad.

Makes about ½ cup.

Romaine Know Your Leaves

Romaine is an extremely nutritious lettuce, loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Spinach Popeye was right, spinach packs a punch. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fiber and protein.

Spring Mix This is an assortment of baby salad greens and is sometimes called mesclun mix.

The contents vary, but one I purchased recently was made up of 14 different varieties, including many exotic greens.

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HEALTH&FITNESS Finding the Key to Well-being There may not be a magic potion for longevity, but the insurmountable power and scientific evidence behind exercise, stress relief activities and nutrition has doctors today prescribing much more than a dose of medicine for improved health.

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“There’s really no excuses because there are too many options out there, but it’s best to do something that you like and that works for you,” says Acadiana internist Dr. Stephen Salopek. Cardiologist Jon Leleaux, with Cardiology Specialists of Acadiana, is quick

to give his fitness formula.

“I’m looking for a moderate sustained aerobic exercise protocol for 30 minutes a day about six days a week, while feeling some degree of stress.” Salopek concurs.

“Doing something is better than doing nothing.”

Here are 10 Acadiana-wide fitness trends and tools packed with powerful health benefits to help promote and maintain both physical and mental well-being.

by S u z a n n e F e rra ra

Strength to the Core Now more than ever, many physical therapists and physicians are referring their patients to Pilates studios, and there are good reasons for this touted physical prescription for healing.

Pilates, founded by German-born Joseph Pilates, is designed to build strength, flexibility, improve posture and balance while helping one gain inner awareness.

Pilates incorporates mat work and the use of an exercise machine, the Universal Reformer, which resembles a bed with adjustable springs.

In Lake Charles, you will find Cindi Smith, a deeply passionate and consummate Pilates instructor, at Pilates to Fit. Smith, a PMA(Pilates Method Alliance) certified teacher, completes a physical assessment of each client and then uses that information to develop an individualized Pilates Method program.

At In Balance Palates Studio in Lafayette, you will also find a PMA-certified trainer, plus private individual, duo and trio sessions.

Broussard, Louisiana, just landed its first classical Pilates studio, Align Pilates Studio, which offers individual, group and tween sessions.

Move Over Jazzercise!

The legendary Jazzercise has been reinvented over and over again as fitness instructors of this era try to quench the thirst of those yearning for more dance fitness while Zumba, the Latin variation of dance fitness, is speedily evolving to stay fresh.

fitness central All across Acadiana, fitness centers vary in shapes and sizes, atmosphere and options, the latter of which has exploded to meet the growing demand of millennials and baby boomers seeking improved health in this era of fitness.

Sitting along Bayou Terrebonne on Park Avenue is Powerhouse Gym Houma, where you will find two weight rooms with premier exercise equipment

From the bayous to the swamps, these addictive and fun classes are in full swing and giving fullbody workouts.

At Gerami Academy of Dance, they take the lead with numerous alternative dance-inspired exercise classes, classes that range from Drummin (moving to pulsating rhythms while beating drumsticks) to Ballet Buff (a

and professional personal trainers. Les Mills group fitness programs, dance fitness, yoga, and spin classes reign here; there’s also a smoothie bar with snacks, supplements and child care at this 24/7 gym.

has kept this institution fresh by meeting the ever-evolving fitness trends of today; among the offerings are comprehensive weight training options, pools, tennis courts, and a plethora of fitness classes.

In the heart of Cajun country lies the iconic Red Lerille’s Health and Racquet Club, a sprawling 200,000 square-foot facility that has been operating for more than half a century and is south Louisiana’s largest health club. Eighty-year-old owner Red Lerille (former Mr. America and Mr. Universe)

In the heart of downtown Lake Charles is Gigi’s Downtown Fitness Club, run by owner Gigi Kuehn. Varied workout options range from bodyflow to yoga classes, plus cardiovascular and weight equipment, and amenities include massage, chiropractic services, a steam room and a health bar.

muscle-toning and strengthbuilding class done to the classical masters).

Thibodaux’s 409 Fitness Studio and Morgan City’s Atchafalaya 24 Hour Fitness.

Down Highway 90 to Morgan City and Thibodaux, Zumba’s Fitness Dance Party is all the rage. This high-energy, calorie-burning workout done to a variety of Latin and international music genres, is sure to be addictive.

Group classes are offered at both

If you like hip hop or kickboxing, then Brickhouse Cardio Club in Houma offers some great workouts to energetic beats.

Turbo Kick and Cize Live are just a few of their rotating classes which are part of the Beachbody program.

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Yoga’s Healing Journey Westernized fitness-based power yoga and traditional therapeutic yoga are simulataneously sweeping the nation by storm.

The explosion of yoga studios offering the best of both of these worlds is feeding a new generation seeking alternative methods to mending the body, mind and spirit. This ancient practice is used to heal injuries, anxiety, depression; not only that, but yoga can improve sleep, sexual function, blood pressure and lung capacity.

The Yoga Garden in Lafayette prides itself as a therapeutic yoga center assisting in healing through the ancient roots of yoga. This oasis has an outdoor garden for a variety of yoga practices, including aerial yoga and an indoor studio.

Two Wheels If you enjoyed riding your bike when you were a kid, then cycling may be your key to fitness. If that’s the case, you’re in luck because there are several cycling clubs straddling Acadiana — organizations whose members are in it for the joy of the ride, its vital health benefits or both. Cycling is a great way to stay in shape and

Healing Touch The human touch is being used now more than ever to help with a plethora of symptoms from stress relief, depression, insomnia and physical pain; many see it as an alternative antidote for anxiety and a decreased immune system.

At Lafayette’s Spa Mizan, the therapeutic journey actually begins well before a massage, just inside its tranquil meditation

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improve cardiovascular health without pressuring the knees and other joints.

In Lafayette and its surrounding towns, you can join a handful of groups, including the Petite Paris Cycling which spins out of Youngsville, Arnaudville and Carencro or the Krewe de Velo in Opelousas. If you are a beginner, the Couch Potatoes cycling group is a great option, while for a more advanced pace there’s

room with a client sipping Aveda's Comforting Tea. Among Spa Mizan’s array of services is the popular stress fix massage, which includes guided meditation, and the therapeutic body massage; both incorporate stress-melting aromatherapy.

Inside an historic red-bricked church on Bayou Teche in Breaux Bridge is Visions Salon & Spa whose 30-year reputation extends far beyond the Crawfish Capital of the World. Swedish

acadiana profile february/march 2017

Cajun Cyclist whose biking routes begin in Lafayette.

In Terrebonne Parish, specifically Houma, you will find Bayou Country Cycling which welcomes riders of all skill levels; the same can be said at Calcasieu Parish’s Lake City Cyclist, in Lake Charles.

(Safety Tip: As opposed to cycling alone, there’s safety in numbers, thus making group cycling a much safer option).

and deep-tissue massage reign here, the latter of which features the ancient cupping suction technique. (Fun fact: Michael Phelps used cupping during the Olympics).

At the palatial 8,700-square-foot Spa Du Lac inside L’Auberge Casino Resort, relaxation unfolds amid a luxurious setting. Among their extensive menu of unique massages are two favorites, the Himalayan salt stone and Sugar Baby body scrub.

On Lafayette’s southside, you’ll find Oui Yoga where the room temperature is usually set at 95 F and power yoga dominates, offering a more vigorous intense challenge. Oui Yoga also offers a YOD (Yoga of the Day).

In Houma, The Yoga Center has a wide range of practices from stretch and strengthen to regenerate and restore classes.

Root2Rise in downtown Houma delivers power yoga, chair yoga and meditative sessions.

Shall We Dance?

Whether you like to dance or have two left feet, this aerobic activity is packed with benefits for the both the body and the mind. In addition to helping overall fitness, dancing can tone muscles and help sharpen cognitive function.

In downtown Houma, you can get a great cardio workout like the contestants on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars,"

Digesting Good Health

Wearable Tech

The mounting scientific evidence of the power of nutrition has taken off, warranting the proliferation of health food outlets. Nutrient-rich foods can help ward off diseases like cancer and aid in our overall longevity; even more immediate, some studies find that healthy foods can can combat fatigue, ADHD, and help us fight weight gain.

Fitness apps for your smartphone and tech gadgets like smartwatches and fitness trackers have become integral parts of the personal fitness universe.

The Beet Juice Bar in Lafayette serves mouth-watering, coldpressed organic juices which are simultaneously nutrient-dense and mineral-rich. It’s all about anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and probiotic creations at The Beet where the power-packed bottled mixes include the “Head to Toe” which is packed with fortifying ingredients. Juices are also custom-blended according to an individual’s health needs or medical conditions. The Beet’s owner, Patti Howell, is a certified Holistic Health Counselor who conducts nutrition classes and food demonstrations for clients at Miles Perret Cancer Service.

Helping people eat healthier, whether at home or in restaurants, is the Greenhouse Salad Company, a first-of-its-kind for Lake Charles. The Greenhouse offers both fresh and organic ingredients in its signature salads, or you can create a nutritionpacked salad of your very own. The Power House and the Kale-Yea’ are two of its most popular choices.

These activity trackers which, among many things, measure heart rates, quality of sleep, blood flow and step counts, are being used to help motivate people to reach their fitness goals.

The tech trend is expected to continue to explode in coming years.

While fitness trackers can be a useful monitoring tool, some doctors say be wary about whether or not readings truly mean you had a good workout.

“My concern is that people will say ‘my FitBit says I walked three miles today’, but the problem is that is not sustained walking,” says Dr. Leleaux.

Fitness tech wearables on the horizon? Smart shoes, biometric shirts, and smart bandages, and, as with technology, much much more.

but — get this — you can be a complete novice and still reap the rewards. Studio 371 offers tango, rumba and cha-cha lessons, to name a few, and walk-ins are welcome.

Laissez les bons temps rouler and at the same time, stay fit as you move to the sound of Cajun and zydeco dance. The atmosphere is always alive at Dance Around the World in Lafayette, where Cajun and zydeco lessons are among the lengthy repertoire of classes.

Move a few miles east to Breaux Bridge, and you’ll find Cajun Dance Lessons

by Cal & Lou, a dynamic husband and wife team who will bring the dance instruction to your very own doorstep.

Looking for something eclectic? Then head straight to the International Dance Company in Lake Charles, and try your hand at the Hawaiian hula, belly or tribal dancing.

Paddle Fitness While hiking is great exercise, some might say that Acadiana’s hiking actually takes place on paddling trails. More and more people are utilizing Louisiana’s waterways to improve physical fitness and, at the same time, enjoy Acadiana’s unmatched cinematic backdrop. The experts agree: paddling works out the body’s core and is an instant destressor.

While paddling is for all skill levels, Kayaking 101 classes are offered at Pack and Paddle in Lafayette. Acadiana Fitness Paddles in Lafayette offers weekly paddle trips led by Alexis Romero on Lake Martin, the Atchafalaya Basin and Lake Chico.

Take your paddle workout through several Acadiana parishes while on Bayou Teche, which was just designated a national paddle trail. Bayou Teche Experience in Breaux Bridge provides shuttle service and kayak rentals for those who don’t own their own boats, and it has qualified instruction and paddling excursions on other Acadiana waterways as well.

Pelican Paddlers organizes trips for all fitness levels in Lake Charles and Sulphur. The group’s jaunts predominately take place on Lake Charles, the Houston River, Prien Lake and Indian Bay near the I-210 bridge.

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TOP DOCTORS 134 Doctors in 36 Specialties

We know the key to health

is to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. We aren't however always good at following this simple advice. In Acadiana for example, diabetes is one of the top health issues facing the population, as we reported in the August/September 2016 issue. The good news is, the human body has a remarkable ability to heal and repair itself, especially when under the care of an adept doctor.

As part of this issue's fitness and nutrition coverage, we're offering up our first ever Top Doctors list.

The doctors in this list are at the top of their fields and have passed a rigorous screening process to be included. Read about the toughest cases of three of the doctors and save this list for when you need to call in a professional.

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is a healthcare research and information company founded in 1991 by a former medical college board chairman and president to help guide consumers to America's top doctors and top hospitals. Castle Connolly's established nomination survey, research, screening and selection process, under the direction of an MD, involves many hundreds of thousands of physicians as well as academic medical centers, specialty hospitals and regional and community hospitals all across the nation. Castle Connolly's physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels.

Its online nominations

process – located at castleconnolly.com/nominations - is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether the nominated physicians is, in their opinion, among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty.

Careful screening of doctors' educational and professional experience is essential before final selection is made among those physicians most highly regarded by their peers. The result - we identify the top doctors in America and provide you, the consumer, with detailed information about their education, training

and special expertise in our paperback guides, national and regional magazine “Top Doctors� features and online directories.

Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected and profiled as Castle Connolly Top Doctors Physicians selected for inclusion in this magazine's "Top Doctors" feature may also appear online at castleconnolly.com, or in in conjunction with other Castle Connolly Top Doctors databases online and/or in print.

TOP DOCTORS

Allergy & Immunology

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Jibran E. Atwi Women's & Children's Hospital-Lafayette Pediatric Group of Acadiana 401 Youngsville Hwy., Ste. 100 Lafayette (337) 330-0031

Kenneth C. Civello Jr. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Louisiana Cardiology Associates 7777 Hennessy Blvd.

Medical Plaza II, Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 767-3900

John E. Erffmeyer Ochsner Medical Center-Baton Rouge - Allergy & Immunology 9001 Summa Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 761-5200 Bernard C. Fruge Jr. Women's & Children's Hospital-Lafayette Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Ctr of SW LA 320 Settlers Trace Blvd.

Lafayette (337) 981-9495 Bina E. Joseph Women's & Children's Hospital-Lafayette Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Ctr of SW LA 320 Settlers Trace Blvd.

Lafayette (337) 981-9495 James M. Kidd III Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Kidd Allergy Clinic 8017 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 769-4432 Powlin V. Manuel Women's & Children's Hospital-Lafayette Manuel Allergy Center 104 Genevieve Drive Lafayette (337) 984-0110 Prem K. Menon Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Center 5217 Flanders Drive Baton Rouge (225) 766-6931

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

N. Joseph Deumite Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Louisiana Cardiology Associates 7777 Hennessy Blvd.

Medical Plaza II, Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 767-3900

Cardiovascular Disease Bart G. Denys Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute of the South 1320 Martin Luther King Drive Thibodaux (985) 446-2021 Michael Z. Dibbs Heart Hospital of Lafayette, The Cardiology Center Of Acadiana 121 Rue Louis XIV Bldg 4, Ste. B Lafayette (337) 984-9355 Daniel T. Fontenot Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Baton Rouge Cardiology Center 5231 Brittany Drive Baton Rouge (225) 769-0933 Nakia A. Newsome Baton Rouge General-Bluebonnet Baton Rouge Cardiology Clinic 8888 Summa Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 769-0933 John M. Winterton Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Heart & Vascular Surgery Center 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 2nd Fl Lake Charles (337) 494-3278

Kevin R. Young Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Heart & Vascular Surgery Center 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 2nd Fl. Lake Charles (337) 494-3278

Clinical Genetics Duane W. Superneau Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center 8415 Goodwood Blvd.

Ste. 202B Baton Rouge (225) 765-8988

Dermatology Mary C. Dickerson Louisiana Dermatology Associates 10154 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge (225) 927-5663 Laurie H. Harrington Advanced Dermatology 20474 Old Scenic Hwy. Zachary (225) 654-1124 W. Trent Massengale Atlas Dermatology 17503 Old Jefferson Hwy. Prairieville (225) 313-4560 Elizabeth A. Mcburney Dermasurgery Center 1245 Camellia Blvd., Ste. 300 Lafayette (337) 839-2773 Ann C. Zedlitz Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Z Aesthetic Dermatology 5305 Flanders Drive Baton Rouge (225) 778-7540

Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Robin E. Kilpatrick Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group 5428 O'Donovan Drive Baton Rouge (225) 300-1076

Joel D. Silverberg Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center The Baton Rouge Clinic 7373 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 769-4044

Family Medicine Walter J. Birdsall Jr. St. Charles Parish Hospital Ochsner Health Center 1057 Paul Maillard Rd. Luling (985) 785-3740 Donald V. Brignac Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Family Practice Associates 12525 Perkins Rd., Ste. A Baton Rouge (225) 761-4256 Nandita Chadha DeQuincy Memorial Hospital 140 W Fourth St. Dequincy (337) 786-5007 Karrie V. Kilgore Acadia General Hospital The Family Clinic of Crowley 345 Odd Fellows Rd. Crowley (337) 783-7004 Elizabeth W. McLain Lafayette General Medical Center Family Medicine 1211 Coolidge St, Ste. 404 Lafayette (337) 289-8478 Arthur W. Primeaux Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Imperial Health 771 Bayou Pines Drive East Lake Charles (337) 433-1212 Paul B. Stringfellow Acadia General Hospital The Family Clinic of Crowley 345 Odd Fellows Rd. Crowley (337) 783-7004

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MY TOUGHEST CASE

Dr. Peter Fail Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Houma cardiologist Dr. Peter Fail is on the front lines of the war against the disease.

By Fritz Esker Portrait by Romero & Romero

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

A

ll doctors want everything to be just right for their patients.

While some medical fields may have a forgiving margin of error if something goes wrong, that is not true for cardiologists. When the heart fails, people die. It’s a challenge welcomed by Dr. Peter Fail, director of the cardiac catheterization laboratories at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South.

Dr. Fail’s most challenging case came in April 2016.

His patient was an extreme surgical risk. The man had already undergone one chest surgery, was severely diabetic and had lung issues. He probably would not survive having his chest cracked open. So, Dr. Fail needed to think creatively. He tried an aortic valve replacement using a valve that was in the early phase of a clinical trial.

At first, the insertion appeared to go well.

Then it suddenly moved to a sideways position. It obstructed blood flow to the heart and leaked. If it failed, advanced surgery would be required and the patient would likely die. Dr. Fail inventively inserted a balloon into the valve. After inflating the balloon, he used it to pull the valve out into the aorta.

Then, he inserted a second valve into position and it held. The patient was able to go home in two days.

While most valve insertions go fine, a good doctor always has to be prepared for issues and complications. He cannot shut his brain down and panic if the original plan

goes awry. The job requires physical and mental dexterity.

“You have to think on your feet to get out of trouble,” said Dr. Fail.

To this day, Dr. Fail is not sure what exactly went wrong with the trial valve. It could have been a positioning or a size issue, but he recently saw the patient for his six-month check-up and was pleased to see him doing well. Solving problems for patients and seeing them healthy again is why Dr. Fail still loves his work after over 25 years.

“I enjoy my patients,” Dr. Fail said. “Most of the ones I treat are miserable when they come in (pain, difficulty breathing, among other problems caused by heart issues)…After you fix these people, it’s like a switch goes on and it’s so rewarding to see them get back to their lives.”

When asked what he does for fun outside of medicine, the 61-year-old Dr. Fail laughed and said that his nurse says that work is what he does for fun. He does have other interests, the main one being flying, he's also a skilled pilot with his own plane, a Cessna 182.

Dr. Peter Fail, a native of Titusville, Florida, earned his B.A. from the University of South Florida and his M.D. from the American University of the Caribbean. The latter college was in Montserrat when Dr. Fail attended, but is now on the island of St. Maarten after the catastrophic volcano eruption on Montserrat in 1996. He has been married for 30 years to his wife Jean and they have two children: Allison (age 20) and Nicholas (age 24).

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TOP DOCTORS

Gastroenterology

Geriatric Medicine

Stephen G. Abshire Lafayette General Medical Center Gastroenterology Clinic of Acadiana 1211 Coolidge Blvd., Ste. 303 Lafayette (337) 232-6697

Tahmina Hassan Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center 5247 Didesse Drive Baton Rouge (225) 765-3076

Irfan R. Alam Lafayette General Southwest 4212 W Congress St. Ste. 2400E Lafayette (337) 984-4350 Charles C. Berggreen Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Gastroenterology Associates 9103 Jeerson Hwy. Baton Rouge (225) 927-1190 Richard K. Broussard Lafayette General Medical Center Acadiana Gastroenterology Associates 439 Heymann Blvd.

Lafayette (337) 269-0963 P. Hooper Nichols III Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Imperial Health 501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive 1st Fl Lake Charles (337) 312-8462 David C. Pellegrin Terrebonne General Medical Center Gastroenterology Center of the South 8120 Main St., Ste. 200 Houma (985) 851-5206 Douglas C. Walsh Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Gastroenterology Associates 9103 Jeerson Hwy. Baton Rouge (225) 927-1190 Nathaniel S. Winstead Terrebonne General Medical Center Houma Digestive Health Specialists 1026 School St. Houma (985) 772-6997

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Gynecologic Oncology Milton G. Fort III Woman's Hospital Gynecologic Oncology 500 Rue de la Vie, Ste. 407 Baton Rouge (225) 216-3006

Hand Surgery Rasheed I. Ahmad Baton Rouge General Medical Center Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd.

Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 924-2424 Michael Robichaux Baton Rouge General Medical Center Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd.

Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 924-2424

Internal Medicine Michael S. Alexander Lafayette General Medical Center Internal Medicine of Acadiana 461 Heymann Blvd.

Lafayette (337) 289-8717 Leo P. Blaize III Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 7000 Baton Rouge (225) 765-8829

Brian D. Clements Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles 2770 3rd Ave, Ste. 350 Lake Charles (337) 494-6800 C. Ray Halliburton Jr. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 7000 Baton Rouge (225) 765-8829 Susan B. Ieyoub Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles 2770 3rd Ave, Ste. 350 Lake Charles (337) 494-6800 Bradley L. Meek Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 7000 Baton Rouge (225) 765-8829 Katherine F. Pearce Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group - Primary Care for Women 5131 O'Donovan Drive, Ste. 201 Baton Rouge (225) 374-0220 Karen R. Smith Lafayette General Medical Center 461 Heymann Blvd.

Lafayette (337) 289-8646

Interventional Cardiology Peter S. Fail Terrebonne General Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute of the South 225 Dunn St Houma (985) 876-0300

Andrew P. Rees Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Louisiana Cardiology Associates 7777 Hennessy Blvd.

Medical Plaza II, Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 767-3900 Christopher S. Thompson Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Heart & Vascular Surgery Center 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 2nd Fl Lake Charles (337) 494-3278

Maternal & Fetal Medicine Paul K. Dibbs Women's & Children's Hospital - Lafayette Maternal Fetal Medicine of Acadiana 105 Corporate Blvd.

Lafayette (337) 593-9099

Medical Oncology Deborah Abernathy Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group - Medical Oncology 8119 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 757-0343 Bryan J. Bienvenu Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates 4950 Essen Ln Baton Rouge (225) 767-1311 B.J. Jay Brooks Jr. Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge 9001 Summa Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 761-5446

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MY TOUGHEST CASE

Alan Hinton, MD Alan Hinton, MD treats his patients like family and literally helps them get back on their feet again.

By Fritz Esker Portrait by Romero & Romero

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obility is something most people take for granted. When one joint starts to fail, whether it be a knee, a hip or a shoulder, it can affect the entire body.

It can make a person’s life miserable and render simple, ordinary tasks either impossible or painfully frustrating. Alan Hinton, MD, of Hinton Orthopedics in Lake Charles, takes pride in being able to get his patients back to their lives.

The 54-year-old Dr. Hinton recalled a case from three years ago where he helped a patient regain his mobility and independence.

A man in his early 40s had struggled with morbid obesity. He was bedridden.

Successful weight loss surgery reduced his weight from over 400 pounds to 250. Still, he couldn’t resume a normal life because of crippling arthritis in his knees. Many patients with arthritis have knees that look fairly normal, but this man’s knees were bent and crooked. Walking and driving were impossible.

Dr. Hinton helped by replacing both of the man’s knees. The patient stayed in the hospital for a couple of nights, then went to in-patient physical therapy for two weeks, followed by home-care physical therapy for a month and then out-patient therapy. The hard work paid off. He now leads a relatively normal, active life and holds a job.

About six months ago, Dr. Hinton ran into his former patient at the grocery store and was happy to see him getting around easily.

“It (the surgery) was really a life changing event for the guy,” said Dr. Hinton.

Hinton Orthopedics is a family-run practice. Dr. Hinton’s wife, Bridget, who has a degree in mechanical engineering, works as the office manager. Dr. Hinton said he doesn’t advertise and relies on word-of-mouth to attract new patients. To achieve positive word-ofmouth requires both strong medical treatment and a caring personal touch.

“We know our patients by name,” Dr. Hinton said.

“They’re not numbers here.”

When he is not practicing medicine, Dr. Hinton is a passionate beekeeper who owns 17 hives. Last summer, he harvested 28 gallons of honey. It’s a hobby Dr. Hinton laughingly attributed to his fondness for baklava and other sweet desserts. The hives require maintenance, but he doesn’t find the work intimidating or scary.

“If you’re too rough or excited, the bees can sense that,” Dr. Hinton said. “But if you move slow and stay calm, then the bees stay calm.”

Dr. Hinton was born in Lake Charles. He stayed in Lake Charles through college, graduating from McNeese State with a BS in chemical engineering in 1985. He attended medical school at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans, graduating in 1989.

Outside of his work with his patients, he is also currently working on a grassroots research project with McNeese State and the New Orleans BioInnovation Center using stem cells for meniscus regeneration in pigs. He and his wife (and office manager) Bridget have three children: Lauren (age 26), Kristen (age 25), and John (age 20).

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TOP DOCTORS

Nephrology Raynold J. Corona Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Renal Associates of Baton Rouge 5131 O'Donovan Drive, Ste. 100 Baton Rouge (225) 767-4893 Mitchell J. Hebert Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Renal Associates of Baton Rouge 5131 O'Donovan Drive, Ste. 100 Baton Rouge (225) 767-4893

Neurological Surgery Alan Appley Lafayette General Medical Center Acadiana Neurosurgery 155 Hospital Drive, Ste. 100 Lafayette (337) 235-7743

Neurology Gerard R. Dynes Jr. Baton Rouge General Medical Center The Baton Rouge Clinic 7373 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 769-4044

Obstetrics & Gynecology Randall L. Brown Woman's Hospital Louisiana Women's Healthcare 500 Rue de la Vie, Ste. 100 Baton Rouge (225) 201-2000 Francis J. Cardinale Women's & Children's Hospital - Lafayette Acadiana Women's Health Group 4640 Ambassador Caery Pkwy.

Lafayette (337) 984-1050 Edward B. Darby West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital 1200 Stelly Ln Sulphur (337) 312-1000

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Bradley K. Forsyth Lake Charles Memorial Hospital 1890 W Gauthier Rd., Ste. 145 Lake Charles (337) 480-5540 J. William Groves Jr. Lake Charles Memorial Hospital 1890 W Gauthier Rd., Ste. 130 Lake Charles (337) 480-5530 Ann Marie Lafranca Woman's Hospital 500 Rue de la Vie, Ste. 210 Baton Rouge (225) 928-5951

Ophthalmology Frank J. Culotta Jr. Lafayette General Medical Center Acadiana Retina Consultants 1101 S College Rd., Ste. 304 Lafayette (337) 232-2710 Donald C. Falgoust CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Falgoust Eye Medical & Surgical 1980 Tybee Lane Lake Charles (337) 477-0963 Thomas J. Heigle Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Eye Medical Center 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 4000 Baton Rouge (225) 766-7441 Jonathan M. Joseph Bohn & Joseph Eye Center 609 Guilbeau Rd. Lafayette (337) 981-6430

Orthopaedic Surgery Joseph E. Broyles Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge 7301 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 200 Baton Rouge (225) 766-0050

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MY TOUGHEST CASE

Dr. Jibran Atwi Dr. Jibran Atwi has dedicated his medical career to the service of children in a long journey that has taken him from the Middle East to Cajun country.

By Fritz Esker Portrait by Romero & Romero

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t’s hard to think of something more heartbreakingly vulnerable than a sick child. Not only is the child distressed, the parents are anxious and eager for their son or daughter to recover and be themselves again.

They turn to pediatricians for help. As a pediatrician, Dr. Jibran Atwi has been making children’s and parents’ lives better since 1991.

Dr. Atwi is the director of the Pediatric Group, a network of 32 physicians in 14 hospitals in and around Acadiana. His work is now primarily in pediatric immunology and allergy treatment. He is affiliated with numerous hospitals, including Lafayette General Medical Center.

When asked about his most challenging case, the 57-year-old Dr. Atwi recalled a patient he first met in 1995. The patient was a 6-month-old boy. He had chronic diarrhea, he wasn’t growing, he had recurrent respiratory infections and his bone marrow wasn’t making enough white blood cells. Dr. Atwi was able to diagnose him with hypogammaglobulinemia, an immune disorder characterized by a reduction of all types of gamma globulins, including antibodies that help fight infection.

The disease was treated with monthly infusions of immunoglobulins. While the boy still had side effects from the disease, he was able to carry on with his life.

Dr. Atwi treated him for 15 years and became close with the patient’s family. The combination of helping the boy and forming a personal relationship with him and the family was immensely rewarding.

Other challenging cases Dr. Atwi sees include children who have severe cases of eczema, a chronic skin condition that can cause painful inflammation and itching. It can also cause social embarrassment when it’s prominent on the face or hands. Sometimes, it’s exacerbated by food allergies.

In these instances, Dr. Atwi is able to help the patients get some relief from the eczema.

“Every now and then, we get a stunning success,” said Dr. Atwi. “It’s very gratifying to see how relieved the family is after an intervention."

Thankfully, most cases are not hair-raising. Most of Dr. Atwi’s work involves children having simple issues that can be resolved without much difficulty.

“The bulk of what we do is small things,” said Dr. Atwi. “They have an acute problem that is easy to solve.

The parents are reassured, the child bounces back and everyone’s relatively happy.”

Dr. Jibran Atwi was born in Lebanon. He did his undergraduate work and earned his M.D. at the American University of Lebanon. He continued his training in the United States in New York City and Philadelphia, where he met his wife, Celina. While training in the United States, a civil war ravaged his native country of Lebanon (he would be unable to see his parents for close to 10 years). Eventually, Dr. Atwi and his wife, also a doctor, chose Louisiana as their home base. They have nine children and three grandchildren. When he’s not enjoying the company of his family, Dr. Atwi is also an avid gardener.

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TOP DOCTORS

Geoffrey J. Collins West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Collins Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine 1625 Wolf Circle Lake Charles (337) 905-7100 Henry L. Eiserloh III Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd.

Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 924-2424 R. Bryan Griffith Jr. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd.

Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 924-2424 M. Alan Hinton CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital 230 W Sale Rd. Lake Charles (337) 477-5252 Thomas J. Montgomery Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center - Lafayette Montgomery Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 1301 Camellia Blvd., Ste. 102 Lafayette (337) 235-2264 David M. Pope Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge 7301 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 200 Baton Rouge (225) 766-0050 Catherine J. Riche Woman's Hospital Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd.

Ste. 1000 Baton Rouge (225) 924-2424

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Matthew D. Williams Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center - Lafayette The CORE Institute Louisiana Orthopaedic Specialists 108 Rue Louis XIV Lafayette (337) 235-8007

Otolaryngology John W. Alldredge Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center - Lafayette Lafayette Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists 225 Bendel Rd. Lafayette (337) 232-2330 Moises A. Arriaga Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Hearing & Balance Center 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 709 Baton Rouge (225) 765-7735 Maria M. Doucet Women's & Children's HospitalLafayette Doucet ENT 4630 Ambassador Caffery Parkway A Bldg - Ste. 402 Lafayette (337) 989-4453 J. Kevin Duplechain 1103 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Ste. 300 Lafayette (337) 326-5158 Phillip E. Noel Abbeville General Hospital Sinus Allergy & Sleep of Louisiana 2615 North Drive Abbeville (337) 706-0456 Daniel W. Nuss Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center 4950 Essen Ln, Ste. 400 Baton Rouge (225) 765-1765

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TOP DOCTORS

Pain Medicine Jimmy N. Ponder Jr. Terrebonne General Medical Center Headache & Pain Center 123 Frontage Road-A Gray (985) 580-1200

Pediatric Gastroenterology Patrice J. Tyson Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group 7777 Hennessy Blvd.

Plaza 1, Ste. 502 Baton Rouge (225) 765-6834

Pediatrics Jennifer A. Boustany Women's & Children's HospitalLafayette 4630 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy.

Ste. 102 Lafayette (337) 989-2322 Robert E. Drumm Woman's Hospital The Baton Rouge Clinic 7373 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 769-4044 Jennifer V. Hogan Woman's Hospital 9001 Summa Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 761-5200 Michael K. Judice Women's & Children's HospitalLafayette 4630 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy.

Ste. 102 Lafayette (337) 989-2322 Jamar A. Melton Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center The Baton Rouge Clinic 7373 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 246-6000

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

Henry M. Peltier Thibodaux Regional Medical Center 604 N Acadia Rd., Ste. 200 Thibodaux (985) 448-3700 Edward D. Sledge Jr. Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge 9001 Summa Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 761-5200 Mark J. Waggenspack Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center The Baton Rouge Clinic 7373 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 769-4044

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Gregory Ward Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet Louisiana Institute of Physical Medicine 8338 Summa Ave, Ste. 500 Baton Rouge (225) 766-1616

Plastic Surgery Michael S. Hanemann Jr. Baton Rouge General Medical Center 5233 Dijon Drive Baton Rouge (225) 341-7796 Kenneth L. Odinet Jr. Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center - Lafayette 200 Beaullieu Drive, Ste. 6 Lafayette (337) 234-8648 E. Clyde Smoot III Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Lake Charles Plastic Surgery 4150 Nelson Road, Bldg A-2 Lake Charles (337) 478-5577

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TOP XXXXXX

DOCTORS

Taylor B. Theunissen Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center 5233 Dijon Drive Baton Rouge (225) 424-1470 James W. Wade II Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center 5233 Dijon Drive Baton Rouge (225) 769-9966

Psychiatry Renee M. Bruno Woman's Hospital 7470 Highland Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 615-8102 Gerald C. Heintz Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Family Center 7777 Hennessy Blvd.

Baton Rouge (225) 765-8648

Pulmonary Disease Glenn M. Gomes Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge 9001 Summa Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 761-5271 G. Gary Guidry Lafayette General Medical Center Lafayette Pulmonary Clinic 155 Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 Lafayette (337) 234-3204 Mark K. Hodges Baton Rouge General Medical Center The Baton Rouge Clinic 7373 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 769-4044 Gary J. Kohler Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Associates of Southwest LA 2770 3rd Ave, Ste. 110 Lake Charles (337) 494-2750

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Reproductive Endocrinology Susan C. Conway Women's & Children's Hospital - Lafayette Fertility Answers 206 E Farrel Rd. Lafayette (337) 989-8795 John M. Storment Women's & Children's Hospital - Lafayette Fertility Answers 206 E Farrel Rd. Lafayette (337) 989-8795

Rheumatology Stephen M. Lindsey Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge 9001 Summa Ave. Baton Rouge (225) 761-5481 James M. Lipstate Lafayette General Medical Center Lafayette Arthritis & Endocrine Clinic 401 Audubon Blvd., Ste. 102B Lafayette (337) 237-7801 Jennifer K. Malin Lafayette General Medical Center Lafayette Arthritis & Endocrine Clinic 401 Audubon Blvd., Ste. 102B Lafayette (337) 237-7801 John E. Marshall Woman's Hospital The Baton Rouge Clinic 7373 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge (225) 246-9751 Sean E. Shannon Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 501 Baton Rouge (225) 765-6505

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TOP DOCTORS

Surgery Daniel J. Carroll Lafayette General Medical Center 1000 W Pinhook Rd., Ste. 310 Lafayette (337) 233-9900 Michael W. Hailey Woman's Hospital Breast Specialty of Baton Rouge 500 Rue de la Vie, Ste. 201 Baton Rouge (225) 751-2778 Mark Hausmann Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 612 Baton Rouge (225) 769-5656 Richard T. Shimer Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Surgical Associates of SW Louisiana 2770 3rd Ave, Ste. 120 Lake Charles (337) 494-4868

Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery C. Swayze Rigby Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center CVT Surgical Center 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 1008 Baton Rouge (225) 766-0416

Urogynecology/ Female Pelvic Med & Reconstruct Surgery Phillip A. Barksdale Woman's Hospital 500 Rue de la Vie, Ste. 511 Baton Rouge (225) 752-3000 Ralph R. Chesson Jr. Women's & Children's Hospital - Lafayette Women's Multi-Specialty Group 4630 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy.

Ste. 308A Lafayette (337) 989-7350

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William S. Kubricht III Baton Rouge General Medical Center Louisiana Urology 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 3000 Baton Rouge (225) 766-8100

Urology Kenneth M. Blue III Baton Rouge General Medical Center Louisiana Urology 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 3000 Baton Rouge (225) 766-8100 James J. Jancuska Lake Area Medical Center Lake Area Physicians Urology Center of SWLA 234 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive Lake Charles (337) 439-8857 William B. Roth Lafayette General Medical Center Southern Urology 1000 W Pinhook Rd., Ste. 304 Lafayette (337) 289-9155 Farjaad M. Siddiq Lake Area Medical Center Lake Area Physicians Urology Center of SWLA 234 Dr. Michael Debakey Drive Lake Charles (337) 439-8857

Vascular Surgery Michael S. Conners III Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center CVT Surgical Center 7777 Hennessy Ave, Ste. 1008 Baton Rouge (225) 766-0416 P. Michael Davis Jr. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center CVT Surgical Center 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Ste. 1008 Baton Rouge (225) 766-0416

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culture Joie de vivre

les artistes

fighting shape Sunset sculptor Annie Hendrix spent decades bringing life to lumps of clay until a severe stroke suffered a year ago took away that gift… temporarily

By William Kalec Portrait by romero & Romero

Though it is wet, though it

is cold, though it temporarily stains Annie Hendrix’s talented and tired fingers there is a comfort in holding clay.

Inside a room that looks like all the other rooms in this cookie-cutter, senior-living community in Sunset, Hendrix squeezes the gray clump in her left hand, an act so simplistic it doesn’t really warrant description until you realize she can’t do the same with her right.

Once the loquacious general to an army of customer-adored figurines, and a regular vendor who sold what she sculpted at festivals and art markets throughout the Gulf South, Hendrix hasn’t added to her fleet in more than a year. In December 2015, after selling out of her supply at a two-day

“People came and hugged me and I didn’t know their names — that’s what the shows were like. It’s a whole comradery surrounded by all the art. It’s another whole family. It is.

We refer to each other as family.”

culture

les artistes

art festival, Hendrix had a stroke. When paramedics arrived at the scene, Hendrix was not responsive. Eventually, she came to, but the entire right side of her body was “frozen,” as she puts it.

The long road back has been like a freeway on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving — tiresome, maddening, stop-start-stop-start, progress measured in feet not miles.

“I still don’t quite understand this stroke,” Hendrix says, somewhat defeated, somewhat determined. “I had never met anyone with a stroke, so this

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was all new to me, for sure. I’ve had problems before. At 60, I had open heart surgery, which wasn’t great but it let me do more shows, ya know? But this, this I can’t really do anything with one hand. It’s frustrating, but I’m going to do it again.”

The deep attachment Hendrix formed with this for-now lost love of making clay figurines originated on a night Annie took a musician home. No, it’s not what you’re thinking. Sure, back in the day, the bands at Maison Bourbon — when the French Quarter was really the French Quarter

acadiana profile february/march 2017

— knew her by name and often invited Hendrix on stage to sing, play guitar or pound a few bars out on the piano. But this has nothing to do with that.

No, this musician was the short, quiet type — four or five inches tall, Hendrix reckons, sporting a kiln-hardened perpetual expression. They met, Annie and the “laidback musician” as she’d called him and hundreds others over the years, at a continuing education class at then-named University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1987. The focus of study: ceramic art.

The way Annie tells it, she decided to enroll when she was 42 years old, doing so on the recommendation of a friend who suggested Hendrix stop messing around with children’s clay and graduate to the real thing. On the first day of class, the instructor proudly pronounced that she’d teach everything — including how to “throw” on a spinning wheel.

Annie stood up.

“Oh, I’m not interested in throwing on the wheel,” she said.

“I make things. It’s different.”

Surprised, the teacher responded, “Well, that’s what I

teach, so you’re gonna have to learn to throw on the wheel.”

Annie pauses now (not then) and laughs a little at the retelling.

“I said, ‘That’s fine, but I just wanna know about clay.’ So I took the class and threw on the wheel a couple times and I said to her, ‘You know, I really make things. Maybe one day in my life, I’ll throw on a wheel but I really just wanna make things.’”

Perhaps exasperated, the teacher said, “OK, Annie, go make something.”

So she did — the aforementioned musician, to be specific.

His nose was perfect. His hair was slick, even after it hardened under the 1,450-degree heat.

His hat was tilted, all cool-like.

He’d be the first of many — jazz musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, cowboys, chefs — that Annie’s skilled hands would bring to life over the next 28 years.

She showed the instructor the finished project. The teacher looked the musician over a few times before surrendering by saying, “Annie, you know what, you do make things.”

Without missing a beat, Annie replied, “Yeah, I do.”

Six months later, Hendrix secured a booth at Jazz Fest. It was a thrill. Strangers handed her money. People whose names Hendrix didn’t know gushed over her little creations. Single purchases morphed into full collections as Hendrix expanded her figurine list to accommodate

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a receptive customer base.

Equal parts sad and beautiful is the fact that other than a few holdover figurines, Annie is pretty much out of inventory.

For now, she says. For now.

“As far as working with clay and sculpting again, I’ve told that it could be never or I’ve been told it could be years,” Hendrix says. “I’m not so sure about all that. They say, ‘Annie, it’s a long road. You’re just gonna have to keep working at it.’ And that’s fine. Trust me, I’m trying real hard.

“But right now, it just feels good to feel the clay in the hand. It’s just nice to have that connection to the thing I loved doing above anything else in life. You can ask anyone here and they’ll tell you, I’m full of determination.”

To learn more about Annie Hendrix and her work, visit anniehendrix.com

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culture

les personnes

quite the collection New Iberia Schoolteachers Becky and Wyatt Collins oversee an impressive and improbable folk art catalog

By William Kalec | Photo by romero & romero

When considering a piece for their collection, Wyatt Collins studies the background of artists, collectability and the value of the work.

Becky Collins has an eye for great pieces and for her part in the collection collaboration follows her gut and heart.

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acadiana profile february/march 2017

From the very beginning, The Becky

and Wyatt Collins Folk Art Collection — the same collection you can see at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette’s Paul and Lulu Hilliard Art Museum from now until the end of the summer — was D.O.A. Which, when you think about it, makes sense considering the first piece Wyatt ever ordered was a tiny coffin by James Henry “Son” Thomas, the blues singer from Greensville, Mississippi.

“I still think it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Wyatt says. “Becky hates it.”

Wait, wait…what was wrong with the coffin, Becky?

“Probably the fact that it was just so ugly,” she says without hesitation thanks to the equity built up in a long marriage.

“So primitive. The day the package arrived from Texas, Wyatt screamed, ‘Becky, you have got to see this!’ His face was as lit up as a Christmas tree. ‘My first piece of folk art has arrived! I can’t wait to show it to you.’ And he opened it up and I looked at it and here is this dead man in a coffin with a tooth and I’m going, ‘Allllllllllright?’

But because I have so much faith in my husband, I didn’t voice any reservations.”

That’s a good thing, because had Becky objected way back when, surely the Collinses’ modest home wouldn’t be bursting at the seams with folk art like it is today. Close to 2,000 pieces — from here, there, and basically everywhere — fight for precious real estate among bothersome necessities like furniture and refrigerators.

Not to get too Seussian, but there’s art on the walls, in the halls, crammed in a box, next to the rocks, scattered on the floor and tucked away in the attic there’s some more. Heck, there’s even art hanging on the ceiling. So watch your head.

“We really don’t have any more space,” Wyatt says. “But that never stopped us.”

For a few months, anyway, the Hilliard Museum at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will help lighten that creative load via an exhibit titled, “Spiritual Journeys: Homemade Art from the Becky and Wyatt Collins Collection.” Museum staff along with art students at the university assisted in researching artists, restoring and cleaning certain pieces that might not have received marquee display status.

According to the brochure, the display is “an encyclopedic survey of vernacular Southern art …the very subjective and social constructions of cultural categories such as ‘self-taught,’ ‘outsider,’

‘contemporary,’ ‘folk’ and ‘visionary’ art forms. The diversity of materials and backgrounds represented in this exhibition forges a dynamic understanding of place.”

Sure, it’s all that, but hidden between that fancy, syllable-ridden, PR language is a love story — a testament to what blossoms when you share a hobby with your honey.

“Wyatt collects with his head and I collect with my heart,” Becky says. “It means he’s an expert, and I’m really not. Wyatt studies and spends hours researching.”

Wyatt interjects.

“I have studied contemporary folk art a lot, and do think I know a lot about it — the background of the artist, their collectability and value,” he says. “But Becky’s taste is something I respect. Her eye for a quality piece is something. She has a knack for it.”

Knack is one thing. Nerve is another.

Luckily, Becky isn’t afraid to go the distance when hunting for an artistic gem. In fact, while the pieces within their collection are treasured, the true reasons for all this effort — for all those U-turns and unleaded fill ups on the weekends as they bounce from auctions to flea markets — are the free stories that come with the purchase.

“It’s more than the piece of folk art,” Becky says. “It’s noodling around to see if you can find obscure pieces, poking in boxes, peeking under tables. And once you find them, you learn about the artist and the motivation behind the work. Then they open up and [are] all so willing to share with you — share their life and their story. For all the years doing this, we’ve yet to meet any stinkers. There may not be any stinkers in the folk-art community, and if there are, we’ve been lucky enough to avoid them.”

The exhibit at the Hilliard Museum isn’t the first instance that the Collinses have loaned their folk art to a museum. In 2008, the Acadiana Center for the Arts formally displayed the collection in an exhibit called “From Inside Our Hearts: Outsider Art.” Then, in the spring of 2016, the Kentuck Art Center in Northport, Alabama hosted the Collins Collection for two months.

“We don’t have the money to buy a Picasso or a Renoir or what have you — because if I had that kind of money, we’d be collecting $51 million Warhols,” Wyatt says. “But this is something we never really did to have an exhibit someday, or to make money doing. This is just something we enjoyed doing together and have never stopped enjoying doing together.”

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acadianaprofile.com

| 93

culture

la musique

ossun original French Zydeco musician Horace Trahan stays true to his roots, family

By Michael Patrick Welch Photos by romero & romero

Standing on stage in his

short-sleeved button-down shirt and beige baseball cap, accordion player and singer Horace Trahan does not look the part of the French zydeco superstar. Trahan saves his self-expression for the music he creates.

“We play some old traditional standards, but mainly we play original music,” says Trahan, an Ossun native. “All the way back from when we did the “Butt Thing” CD.” One of Trahan’s biggest hit songs, “That Butt Thing,” wasn’t initially meant to even grace the 2003 CD that would go on to bear its name.

“We was just cutting up in the studio, it was just a joke that wasn’t gonna be on the record,” says Trahan. “But my friend who had the Maison De Soul record label out of Eunice, Louisiana, he convinced us to keep it. It’s become one of our most popular songs.”

Trahan’s lyrical depth is also apparent in “Same Knife Cut the Sheep Cut the Goat,” a title he says derives from, “an ancient proverb talking about how what you put out, is what you get back.”

Trahan’s most prescient tune these days is “The Government’s Been Dirty Since Day One.” “That’s an old song I wrote 15 years ago.” Trahan says. “I wrote it at the same time as “Legalize It,” “Keep Walking,” “Guilty,” “King of Sand.” That was a more rebellious time in my life.

But that song isn’t about this election. People were asking me

94 | acadiana profile february/march 2017

Horace Trahan started playing the accordian when he was 15 and got his first gig at Prejean’s six months later.

if it’s about the election since the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Fest in 2004. What it’s about is like, Christopher Columbus didn’t really discover the USA, he was greeted by people who’d been living here for hundreds of thousands of years, but then you moved here, now you live here and you take over. That’s day one. My song is not about one administration or another; it’s just about a fact.”

Nonetheless, Trahan recently re-released “The Government’s Been Dirty Since Day One” as a single on iTunes.

Trahan tapped into music early during his childhood in Ossun.

“I remember when I was too short to reach the record player myself, I loved when mommy and daddy spun “Splish Splash” or Hank Williams’ “A Country Boy Can Survive.” I started playing saxophone in fifth grade, guitar at 12 years old, then accordion when I was 15 … Six months after picking up the accordion I had my first paying gig at Prejean’s restaurant in Carencro, with the Branch Playboys. I got a little money and all the Cokes I wanted to drink.”

Trahan went on to travel with famed Cajun artist D.L. Menard.

“He took me all over the world,” Trahan says. “Then I started the Original Ossun Express around ‘96 or ‘97” In 2010, Trahan would moreor-less marry into his new band.

“I knew Shane Bernard, he plays the drums,” Trahan says. “… It just so happened we’d been playing together for four or five years, when I asked him one day, ‘What’s your sister doing?’

And that’s how she and I met.”

Trahan’s wife, Chantell Trahan, now handles marketing for the band.

“I film them, do write-ups and bios,” she says. “When we started dating in 2008, Horace wasn’t playing with his own band, and I asked him why — cause I remember, he grabbed that guitar and did some acoustic stuff for me, then he grabbed his accordion and

played. After I saw that, I been helping…”

Trahan also inherited Chantell’s father, Mr. Rodney Bernard.

“He sits in and sings old-time rock ‘n’ roll songs with us, like “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” but with the rubboard,” says Trahan.

“Mr. Bernard been playing for years, longer than I’ve been alive. It’s a great honor to play with him.”

Today, along with his relatives Shane and Rodney, Trahan employs Doug Garb on sax, flute and harmonica, James Prejean on the bass guitar, and Cook Morvant on the guitar.

“This band started with me and Prejean and it has been mostly the same people playing together for 15 years,” says Trahan.

Chantell sees the particular makeup of this band as the key to its success.

“They are all very talented, but more than that very versatile and diverse,” she says.

“Horace is 40 and can speak French fluently, whereas I am 5 years older and never learned the language. So the fact that they can sing in French and English, that’s diversity. And the background of the band members are Cajun and Creole, and even the saxophone player has German in his background, and Irish, so they have that cultural versatility.”

Trahan and Chantell currently run the Redemptive Process record label as well as their Cajun Creole Lawn Service.

“You can definitely feel the family in everything we do, you know?” says Chantell. “Even our kids play music, my son plays drums and sings, my girl like to dance a sing and plays a little accordion. When you keep it about the family, it makes it easier for you to do what you’re inherently meant to do.

“It was always in Horace,” she makes sure to add, “but family helps make it more real, and more comfortable, in a way that lets you be who you are.”

acadianaprofile.com

| 95

culture

en français, s’il vous plaît

les grammys « inattenduables » par david cheramie

Un ami a dessiné une carte

une fois qu’il appelait, « Je ne suis pas sûr, mais je crois que toute musique vient de la Louisiane ». La page était remplie d’images d’artistes associés avec plusieurs endroits à travers l’état. Évidemment Louis Armstrong à la Nouvelle-Orléans et Elvis au Louisiana Hayride à Shreveport y figuraient, mais aussi des praticiens de blues, de gospel, de musique classique, de zarico et de musique cadienne dans de nombreuses villes. C’est comme si la terre du delta du Mississipi nourrissait plus que le coton et la canne à sucre.

Un lien existe certainement entre ce travail agricole et la création musicale florissante.

La carte témoignait d’une forte concentration de musiciens de grand talent à Lafayette et ses environs. La majorité des gens étaient des inconnus pour la plupart qui n’ont jamais imaginé qu’ils faisaient une contribution culturelle importante. Ils n’auraient jamais cru que la musique qu’ils jouaient pour s’amuser après une dure semaine de travail aurait mérité une reconnaissance spéciale, encore moins sa propre catégorie aux Grammys.

La 59e cérémonie de remises des statuettes en forme de gramophones aura lieu le 12 février 2017. À date, on ne connaît que celles et ceux qui sont en lice pour recevoir ce trophée tant convoité. Il est modelé sur l’invention de Thomas Edison, mais le premier appareil qui transcrivait le son était le « phonautographe » inventé en 1857 par le Français Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville. Sa machine ne pouvait pas reproduire le son, seulement le tracer sur du papier. Mais, en

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2008, une équipe d’ingénieurs a pu transformer des lignes tracées en 1860 en son pour révéler le plus vieil enregistrement de la voix humaine connue, la comptine classique, « Au clair de la lune ». Avec toutes ces connections culturelles et historiques, ce n’est pas étonnant que les musiciens louisianais dominent dans plusieurs catégories, notamment celle des Racines régionales qui compte cette année des disques surprenants pour ne pas en dire plus. Malgré la riche tradition musicale, ce n’était pas toujours évident qu’elle soit reconnue à part entière.

En 1996, le groupe Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet a gagné le Grammy dans la catégorie Folk traditionnel, une sorte de

acadiana profile february/march 2017

fourre-tout où l’on trouvait des artistes célèbres comme Bob Dylan et Pete Seeger. Pour rendre la compétition plus juste, Terrance et Cynthia Simien ont mené une bataille tenace qui a abouti à la création de la catégorie Zarico et Musique cadienne.

Elle n’a duré que quatre ans, mais c’était assez pour que Beausoleil gagne une deuxième fois, ainsi que Simien, Chubby Carrier et le regretté Buckwheat Zydeco. Depuis l’établissement en 2012 de la catégorie Racines régionales, le cadien, le zarico et d’autres genres typiquement louisianais, mais aussi d’autres comme les musiques hawaïenne et amérindienne se regroupent.

On domine largement avec les cinq gagnants jusqu’à date étant louisianais d’origine ou

d’adoption : Rebirth Brass Band, Courtbouillon, Terrance Simien, Jo-El Sonnier et Jon Cleary. Une belle palette des couleurs vives qui montrent une large gamme de talent.

Trois des cinq nominés cette année sont louisianais, mais à les regarder de près, on observe un condensé de plusieurs influences musicales et de quelque chose d’ « inattenduable » selon le comité de sélection. Curieusement, il n’y a pas d’artiste qu’on peut strictement classifier comme cadien ou zarico. « I Wanna Sing Right : Rediscovering Lomax in Evangeline Country » une compilation de plusieurs artistes, « Gulfstream » de Roddy Romero et les Hub City All-Stars, et probablement le plus atypique de tous, « Broken Promised Land » de Barry Jean Ancelet et Sam Broussard se présentent contre des nominés amérindiens et hawaïens. Sing Right est basé sur des chansons traditionnelles premièrement enregistrées par Alan Lomax et re-envisagées par des musiciens modernes sous l’égide de Joshua Caffery et de Joël Savoy. Gulfstream est plutôt dans le genre Americana avec une bonne dose de soirée louisianaise du samedi soir. Le dernier est sui generis, d’où la qualification d’ « inattenduable ». Un peu de blues, une pincée de poésie, beaucoup de ballades traditionnelles. Vraiment du jamais entendu. Enfin, on ne devrait pas s’étonner. Si la diversité de la culture de la Louisiane nous a appris une chose, c’est qu’il faut s’attendre à l’inattendu.

For an English translation, visit acadianaprofile.com.