S O U T H E R N H O S P I TA L I T Y
A Home for a Time REVELING IN THE RED STICK’S OPEN ARMS By Kristina Pepelko
Hunting for Veggie Eats
Photo courtesy of the author.
W
hen my husband David and I crossed over the Mississippi state line in the spring of 2019, we had no connections to Louisiana—no friend, family member, or acquaintance we could rely on as we settled in. This was back in the spring of 2019. We were traveling from Michigan, the state where we were both born and raised. David secured a job in Baton Rouge and I was coming along for the ride. We also had little to no understanding of the local area and its culture—and whether we would be a good fit for it, or not. Knowing nothing for certain, I did somehow feel confident telling my Michigan friends that Louisiana would not be a forever place. At that time, I couldn’t imagine our move being more than a brief stop-over. And 32
D E C 2 1 // C O U N T R Y R O A D S M A G . C O M
work and David’s, coworkers turned into friends with plenty of good times shared over happy hours at Cocha, Happy’s Irish Pub, Hayride Scandal, and The Vintage. We joined Forum 225, a young professionals’ organization, which provided ample opportunities to meet Baton Rouge natives and transplants like ourselves. Near our apartment, BR Krav Maga became our gym, where we were warmly welcomed by owner Destin Thibodeaux and many fellow members. For me especially, BR Krav Maga proved to be a valuable place, as it set the cadence for a routine early on—one that I continued throughout our two years in the city, even as workouts went virtual during the early stages of the pandemic. Soon after arriving in Baton Rouge, I also signed up as an Adoption Matchmaker Volunteer at Cat Haven, a no-kill cat shelter. The gig provided a sense of comfort and purpose in an unfamiliar place—where I could help locals discover their forever friends and find my own ease among the many furry companions. Other spaces that became important during our newness were the local markets—especially MidCity Makers Market and Red Stick Farmers Market, operated by Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA). As I attended these events week after week, month after month, familiarity set in as some vendors started to greet me with a wave and a warm smile; I was proud to be recognized as a regular. At MidCity Makers Market, I discovered a wonderful array of hard-working creatives, many of whose products now reside in my Michigan home, including: a handmade mug decorated with a gray cat sitting atop a camper from Ghada Henagan Ceramics; a colorful set of ceramic tumblers from Pollumination; an array of therapeutic, hand-poured candles with intentional names like “Awaken” and “Surrender” from a Sacred Space co.; and relaxing, all-natural bath salts from August.Sunshine Shop. At Red Stick Farmers Market, I fell in love with the amazing array of fresh produce on offer, including new-to-me foods like radish microgreens from Micro Pharms, Japanese eggplant from Fullness Farm, and zipper peas from Chenier Farms. The Farmers Market in particular became a special haven for me during the early summer of 2020, as the most challenging days of the pandemic unfurled. The drive-thru market experience that BREADA created was a consistent bright spot. It provided me with the opportunity to get out safely, support my favorite farmers, and gather healthful, local produce and products to bring home, including a sweet treat or two from The Sugar Mill Confections.
indeed, on paper, that may be exactly what it looks like as I write this from Michigan, two years later. But Louisiana was so much more. Our two years in the Pelican State were marked by the freedom to grow, explore, and flourish on our own terms. While I may not be able to pronounce most Creole-French words to save my life (I still say “lagniappe” as “la-gin-a-pay” in my head), Louisiana, for at least a little while, became home.
Embracing Local
To get acclimated to the area, we tried to get out as much as we could. I searched for a full-time local job, eventually landing one at Kids’ Orchestra, a nonprofit organization serving East Baton Rouge Parish. At my
Speaking of food, I’m a vegetarian—a challenge for a person living in a place like South Louisiana. As a newcomer, though, I enjoyed the chance to hunt for delicious veggie meals. Upon first moving and asking about plant-based options in the area, responses would range from “Good luck” to “So, you can have the chicken, right?” Over time, I learned to scour menus and made a list of places to try, which I checked off as we went and still keep on my phone for future visits. For homemade vegan chocolate chips cookies, I’d look no farther than Plant Based Sweets by Lotus. For a hug in a bowl, try the June Noodles from Chow Yum Phat or Vegan Shoyu from Bōru Ramen. For amazing veggie-friendly pizza, go for the Margherita or Pesto from Rocca Pizzeria (make it vegan by subbing vegan cheese) and the Farmerita from Istrouma Brewing at
