ROUX Fall 2022

Half of your healthcare is in the stories you share with us. Because before you’re a patient, you’re a person – and what you’re thinking, feeling, and hoping for can help us to personalize your recovery and improve your outcome.

WE CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY. BUT ONLY YOU CAN TELL US WHAT KEEPS YOU YOUNG.

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• Writers

Helen Balensiefen Bow

Scott Brazda

Lee Ann Broussard

Brandy Cavitt

Jacque Fruge’

Taylor Geiger

Lisa Hanchey

Robyn Holbrook

Felicia Landry Matt Miller

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ROUX

NOTHING SAYS LOUISIANA MORE THAN THE WORD ROUX

ROUX, a magazine and more, is owned by Louisiana natives. In our culture, we say, “Good things starts with a ROUX.” A roux is the foundation of the flavor of Louisiana — loved locally and globally. Stir dat!

Visitors from around the world are as fascinated by our South Louisiana culture as we are. They travel here to soak up its unique beauty, warm hospitality, delicious food and one of a kind music. They want to eat gumbo, boiled crawfish, drink sweet tea and mint julips, enjoy Mardi Gras, dance to Cajun and Zydeco music, and experience the Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise of boating, hunting and fishing.

ROUX is the cutting-edge authority for anyone who is passionate about Louisiana. ROUX is also a magazine for anyone who are passionate about food, drink, music, shopping, travel, sports and leisure.

Please enjoy this issue, this foundation of flavor, as it is a showcase of Louisiana’s finest.

This issue is dedicated to my best friend...Kelly Sonnier. I met her later in life...now friends for 22 years. We have been through good times and bad. She makes me laugh like crazy and also always sticks up for me. The picture at the top of the page is a memory of one of my birthdays. Kelly said “Joan, we are driving to New Orleans after work to see Aerosmith!” We even had to change clothes in her jeep. Because we worked in the radio industry one of our radio buddies had set up my birthday backstage with Aerosmith - Dream On...Dream Until Your Dreams Come True! I love you Kelly!

Merci beaucoup, Joan Broussard joan@roux.vip

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Mercy Kitchen Lafayette’s newest cool vibe 42

The Country Club  Enjoy fine dining amidst an art gallery indoors, or in palm-shaded, poolside bliss outdoors 46 Events 50

Bowling a Strike Eat, drink, rock and bowl — all at once

MUSIC 58

Sharona Thomas — Mama’s Got a Brand New Bag Acadiana vocalist is taking the music scene by storm 62

Nebu Nezey: Our Own Backyard Queen of Soul The music is just a fraction of what she brings to our community 67

Haunted or not, people still flock to the Grand More than 100 years old, the Opera House in Crowley still lights up a stage

TRAVEL

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The Fisherman’s Paradise Next Door Matagorda is an angler’s dream on the Texas coast 79

SPORTS & ADVENTURE 92

Tee-Off Time Southwest Louisiana’s premier golf courses 94 Get Your Motor Running NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale

ARTS 96  Julie Siracusa

Hob-Nobbing in Atlanta: Starring You Visit the same places featured in popular movies 84

Galveston’s Grand Galvez Hotel Gets a Makeover New ownership transforms 110-year-old gem to her former glory

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ON THE COVER

Craft cocktails at Mercy Kitchen page 38. Photo courtesy of Kelly Morvant Photography LLC

LAFAYETTE’S NEW AIRPORT SOARS IN 2022

By Scott Brazda

courtesy of Travis Gauthier

TAKE-OFF

Photo

READY FOR TAKE-OFF

And when the Lafayette Regional Airport executive director uses the word future, he quickly adds linguistic relatives such as expansion, growth, and most fitting for the state-of-the-art terminal, tomorrow. You see, as much as Picou wants to make a difference for today’s travelers, he also wants to be ready for the travelers yet to come.

“Just in terms of sheer size, we’re ready to make a substantial difference in the air traveler experience for anyone who arrives at — or departs from — our airport,” he says. “We’re going from a 60,000-square foot facility to a 100,000-square foot facility.” So, just the drive-by visual is sure to elicit a “Wow, look at that!” But the oohs and ahs that are sure to come, explains Picou, owe a lot to what happened years before.

Cue: Picou’s eternal gratitude to the people of Lafayette for setting progress in motion.

“Prior to my arrival seven years ago, Lafayette voters passed a one-cent tax, and through that, we raised $33.5 million,”

recalls Picou. “That first step, having that amount of money in hand well before we even broke ground, truly made this all become a reality.”

Picou says that kind of foresight and initiative is a rarity for communities the size of Lafayette. “Typically, the city leaders go to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) with no money and say, ‘Here’s what we want to build.’ Then, the FAA looks at them and asks, ‘Well, what’s your plan?’ and those communities are usually turned down.”

“With $33.5 million in hand, we were able to tell them, ‘We already have a plan.’ They got silent, ready to turn us down. We headed to the door and when they realized what we’d just told them, the FAA incredulously asked, ‘Wait. What? You have what?!?’” Picou laughs for a few seconds. “That kind of support from the citizens of Lafayette was very beneficial.” Which leads this proudly repeated proclamation: “We’re underbudget and cost-free.”

“Everything you see, everything we’re planning, everything we’re doing with the new airport terminal,” begins Steven Picou, “is built…with the future in mind.”

Photos courtesy of Sides and Associates

2016. Agreements finalized with airport architects and design companies.

2018. Groundbreaking of new Lafayette terminal.

2022. New terminal opens to the public.

It’s all been a very long time coming. “The original terminal was built in the 1950s, and it was remodeled in the 1980s and early 1990s,” offers Picou. “After the FAA approved our project, we had three designs submitted, eliminated one, and then went back to the public who made the final selection of what’s happening here.”

Picou beams gratitude to the general public and pride for his team’s fiscal responsibility. “Our budget for the entire airport project — the terminal and all of the other items — was in the area of $150 million, and we came in a bit under budget, probably around $149 million,” says Picou. “We were able do it throughout; the terminal alone was budgeted at $65 million, and we came in at $62 million.” But dollars and FAAs and approvals will quickly be forgotten once the terminal is operational (at the writing of this article, that’s scheduled for late January 2022).

“Travelers will drive up, and right away they will see improved parking,” says Picou. “In fact, we’ll have 200 more parking spaces than we did at the old terminal. Add to that a well-lit canopy system to assist in parts of the walk to the terminal which, inand-of-itself, is a very modern building with durable flooring that looks great, with a lot of sparkle and brilliance.”

And then, the experience really begins.

“When you go to the ticket counter, you’ll be able to hand your bag directly to airline employees. You won’t have to bring it over to TSA agents the way you have to do it today. It will be scanned in the back, and you won’t see the bag until you arrive at your destination. Then, it will travel the carousel and be carried to your aircraft.” After that, news and gifts will be available on both sides of security checkpoints.

Then, it’s off to your gates, but not before you and your

carry-ons are analyzed. “There will be two full-service TSA lanes, although — keeping with our theme of planning for the future — we will have room for three,” says Picou. “Then you’ll enter the rotunda, with a great observation area from which you can look out onto the airport (utilizing glass that darkens and lightens as needed), and then a full-service restaurant and bar.”

Here’s one of my favorite amenities: In this age of connectivity, all chairs — that’s all chairs — will have USB ports and 110v-outlets within arm’s reach. “We’ll even have some areas that are kind of a cubicle, with charging ports, high-top tables, one or two seats, and some sound dampening qualities, kind of like a small personal office,” smiles Picou.

Restroom-goers have traditionally had to be amateur contortionists in the old terminal, but all of that’s about to change. “Oh, so much larger than the current building,” says Picou. “Everything’s built for comfort and ease of use. We’ve made the stalls longer, so travelers can wheel in their luggage with them, and then there are shelves right in front of you. Just grab your stuff and go.” Every restroom will have a family room associated with it, with diaper-changing stations. And for mothers nursing small children? “We’ll have two mother’s rooms, pre-security and post-security.”

Lights will be all LED. Jet bridges will be all brand-new. No more running on 40 year-old chillers held together by bubblegum and bailing wire. “And even though we don’t have them coming yet,” continues Picou, “we will be able to handle 737 traffic and other kinds of bigger aircraft. I truly believe they’re coming.”

A final note: The approved terminal design is called ‘Journey,’ a title that Picou believes is more than fitting for the new Lafayette Regional Airport.

“We are the Hub City. And Louisiana is a melting pot, made up of people of various ethnicities,” said Picou.

“We are honored and humbled to have a new facility worthy of those who have made up our past, present and future.”

By Lisa Hanchey

A Ring-tailed Lemur

(Photo courtesy of Courtney Oldenburg)

CULTURE

New Orleans native George Oldenberg moved to Lafayette to attend USL (now University of Louisiana Lafayette) and never went back. After 21 years in banking, he left his career in 2002 and bought Zoosiana in Broussard, La., one of a handful of privately-owned zoos in the U.S. “It’s a labor of love,” he gushes.

It certainly is. Every day at 5 a.m., Oldenberg begins his day bottlefeeding his babies, including six monthold lion cubs Cypress and Magnolia, and six week-old leucistic (white) tigers Mitchell and Michael, named after his sons who attended LSU. Son Matthew is now the zoo’s general manager. “I had a great job at the bank, but I didn’t have a lot of time to spend with my kids,” Oldenberg reveals. “I like being outdoors, I like animals and I wanted to spend more quality time with my boys. Those times, I could never regain. It has been awesome.”

When Oldenberg appears, the feline cubs rush to the gate, making chuffing sounds. With young animals, Odenberg usually feeds them himself. “I enjoy doing that,” he says. “You bond with them.” These magnificent mammals are so adorable that it’s hard to believe they will grow to over 300 pounds in three years — and will no longer be so approachable. He also has a melanistic (black) leopard (panther) named Onyx, whose spots become visible in the sunlight, and a couple of clouded leopards named Cirrus and Cumulus.

Another new baby is giraffe, Millie, who hangs around with big sister Josie and Gabriel, their 17-foot-tall, affectionate dad who loves to give sloppy kisses. Oldenberg got Gabriel

From left to right: Mitchell, a male juvenile Tiger, looks on while licking his lips; a resident American Alligator (Photos courtesy of Courtney Oldenburg)

Opposite page: Owner George Oldenberg with his lovable giraffe — he’ll eat out if your hand! (Photo courtesy of Courtney Oldenburg)

Take a ride through hoof stock area, where you’ll feel like you’re on safari.

MORE IN STORE

when he was seven months old and slept in the barn with him for a week. Currently under construction is a giant giraffe barn, nursery and herd stall.

BIRDS AND BEASTS

Exotic birds are everywhere, including rheas, pheasants, toucans, macaws, parrots, parakeets that you can feed (and will land on you), cockatoos that whistle, talk and dance, a Eurasian eagle-owl and crown cranes — incubated and hatched by Oldenberg. Peacocks — including rare white ones — roost atop a 400-plusyear-old oak tree.

Zoosiana houses over 1200 animals and about 150 different kinds. Among guest favorites are the monkeys, including spider monkeys, capuchins and golden head tamarinds. Oldenberg imprinted with a monkey — Amanda Claire (AC), named after a zookeeper, who plays peek-a-boo with him. Neighbors include brown, ring-tailed, red ruffed and blackand-white ruffed lemurs, which bark like dogs. A marmoset couple tends to two babies who live in a tiny house made by Oldenberg. You can also spot a binturong (bearcat) hanging by its tail and African red river hogs, Harley and Davidson.

In the back is a petting zoo with goats, chickens and other small animals. There’s also a reptile house with nonvenomous snakes, turtles and lizards.

When Oldenberg purchased the zoo, it was about 10 years old. He built many structures himself, including the wheel and wagon at Jungle George’s Good Timing Gem Mining, where patrons can purchase a bag of rocks and put them through a sifter — just like the gold miners did.

At the entrance is an event building, the Bamboo Room, with a beautiful bar built by Oldenberg himself, round tables with chairs, warming kitchen area, buffet station, piano and dance floor. Holding up to 175 guests, the flexible space accommodates events from meetings to weddings (say “I do” at the zoo!).

Oldenberg has a staff of 35 employees in guest services, concessions and the train depot. Over the years, he has made changes — some unexpected. Three years ago, a fire occurred at the depot, burning the train and depot facility to the ground. Miraculously, the St. Francis of Assisi statue remained intact, and is now the centerpiece of a tranquil garden. The bright blue and yellow choo-choo, along with the concession stand and playground, has been totally rebuilt, and the entire road totally re-blacktopped. Coming this spring is a Tiffany carousel imported from Italy, new zebras and a male camel.

Though the zoo has been through rough times, Oldenberg has managed to chug along. “We’ve always pulled through,” Odenberg says. “The zoo is, in my opinion, an asset to the community.” R

Acadiana-based CajunCrawfish serves up memories nationwide

FRESH CRAWFISH ARE HARVESTED AND SHIPPED TO YOUR DOOR, READY TO BOIL

By Taylor Geiger

CajunCrawfish, a local, familyowned and operated farm based in Branch, La., is sharing Acadiana’s love of crawfish with the entire country. As one of the largest exporters of crawfish in the state, CajunCrawfish specializes in shipping live crawfish directly to your door, fresh and ready to be boiled.

Courtney Fruge, creative director and co-owner of CajunCrawfish, is proud of the quality which CajunCrawfish provides to customers. She attributes the freshness of crawfish from the farm to the fact that they do not use a middleman to resell their crawfish, but rather, the orders and shipments go directly through the farm. “The benefit is that your crawfish are as fresh as possible,” Fruge explains.

CajunCrawfish is based on the Fruge

family’s farm, Fruge Aquafarms. “My husband Michael and his brother Mark were pioneers in the crawfish industry. Their family had farmed rice since 1896 on 20 acres. The boys took those 20 acres and added crawfish to them and have grown it to thousands of acres,” recalls Fruge. This family business has expanded along with the increase in acres, with about 15 people working the farm during the off-season, and about 35 working during the main harvesting season. Additionally, the farm offers tours when requested and scheduled in advance.

Wondering about the difference between farm-raised and swamp crawfish? “Farmraised are like us, inland and raised on rice and bait. They are a sweeter crawfish. Swamp are wild crawfish that live off other wild things, so they have more of a bite to their flavor. Swamp crawfish generally are not

Opposite top to bottom: CajunCrawfish are ready to be eaten; Crawfish going through the grader, which sorts them by size before they are put into sacks; Courtney’s husband Michael and his brother Mark were pioneers in the crawfish industry. Their family has farmed rice since 1896 on 20 acres. The boys added crawfish and have grown the property to thousands of acres. This page: The fields at the farm are used alternatively to harvest rice and crawfish (Photos courtesy of Courtney Fruge, Fruge Aquafarms)

ready until May and sometimes available throughout summer (which is nice to extend a season). But they are not always available,” elaborated Fruge.

At Fruge Aquafarms, the Fruge family alternates crops of rice with crops of crawfish. This rotation is perfect because the crawfish eat the rice stalks. “Around October, we usually see a bunch of crawfish babies moving around. It takes three months to grow to maturity. A female can have anywhere from 200 to 800 eggs on her tail at one time. That is a lot of babies,” explains Fruge. “Live season is generally from January through the end of June, with March, April and May as your best months (cheaper, juicier, hardier and more plentiful).”

The beginning of crawfish season can vary per year but is generally December or January. “Our crawfish are caught on smallpushed boats. They have a mini-grader on board, and they throw back the tiny ones and any turtles, snakes, snails and grass. Once caught, they bring them back to the farm, and we put them on our washer–grader to be cleaned. No one wants a dirty crawfish,” explains Fruge.

At the start of the season, CajunCrawfish sells a mixed bag full of all sizes. But later when the crawfish are hardier and bigger, the farm grades out the larger ones.

“Then you would have two choices of sizes. Our ‘Quality’ sack will be mostly medium-sized, and our ‘Select’ sack will be the largest of the catch that day. Once

sacked, they are either put on our trucks to go to restaurants or individually packaged in a 3-inch-thick ice chest with gel ice and sent to customers’ doors via FedEx. The ice chest contains the live crawfish, seasoning (our special blend), and complete instructions on how to cook,” says Fruge.

Courtney is also an expert at crawfish shipments for events, such as company crawfish boils. “I love helping people with their events, showing them how easy we make it.”

CajunCrawfish has done a variety of events from family gatherings and birthday parties, to Mardi Gras festivities or political events and fundraisers. “We have the experience and staff to make your party a huge success and recognize that our customers are not just buying crawfish, they are making memories,” says Fruge. “Every sack we sell represents a special event, usually with family and friends.”

While events range in all sizes, one of the largest events which Fruge recalls involved shipping 37 ice chests to Washington, D.C., for a political fundraiser. That’s a lot of crawfish!

CajunCrawfish currently ships domestically within the U.S., with some exceptions due to individual state regulations. Since the shelf-life of the crawfish during their strongest point of the season is three to five days, “We do not ship internationally because they would not survive the trip,” explains Fruge.

Customers can purchase crawfish online at www.cajuncrawfish.com as well as at restaurants throughout Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.

We have the experience and staff to make your party a huge success and recognize that our customers are not just buying crawfish, they are making memories. Every sack we sell represents a special event, usually with family and friends.

— Fruge Aquafarms’

Courtney Fruge

Chipotle Crawfish Enchiladas

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds of crawfish tails

2 cups of heavy cream or half and half

½ stick of butter

4 oz of cream cheese

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese

1 bell pepper chopped

1 medium onion chopped

1 clove of garlic diced

½ to 1 chipotle pepper chopped (depends on spice tolerance)

1 TSP adobo sauce from can of chipotle peppers

1 jar of pimentos

1 small can of green chiles

1 TBSP Scott’s Cajun Seasoning

1 TSP salt

1 TSP cumin

1 TBSP Scott’s Cajun Hot Sauce

10-12 flour tortillas (taco size)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Add butter to a heated skillet.

3. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until onions are clear.

4. Add garlic and allow to cook for 2 mins.

5. Add cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, green chiles, pimentos, Scott’s Cajun Seasoning, salt, cumin and Scott’s Cajun Hot Sauce. Allow to simmer for 10 mins while stirring often.

6. Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Stir well until fully melted.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Fill tortillas with crawfish mixture and roll up. Place in a 10” x 13” baking dish.

9. Using the remaining filling, drizzle over the enchiladas.

10. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese over the top.

11. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 15 mins.

12. Remove foil and place back in the oven with the broiler on and allow the cheese to brown slightly (approximately 2 mins).

Makes 10-12 enchiladas, feeds 4-6.

Alternate recipe: Make sauce as indicated above and toss with cooked fettuccine pasta.

Everything is better with Scott’s! Whether it is Scott’s Cajun Seasoning, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Pastalaya, Red Beans, and Dirty Rice Mixes, Scott’s Cajun products are delicious and easy to make! His website also includes other great products like Scott’s Cajun Fish Fry and Scott’s Hot Sauce. Many of his products are ready in 30 minutes or less and taste homemade!

Scott Gros is the founder and owner of Scott’s Cajun Market, and is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. The oil industry gave Scott and his family the opportunity to travel around the world for many years. During their travels, Scott developed his own Cajun seasoning so that his family would always have a taste of home. This delicious seasoning is now available on his website www.scottscajun.com along with many other amazing cajun products and recipes. Follow him on Facebook for updates. R

Green Beans with Bacon, Egg and Creole Mustard Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup white vinegar

3 TBSP creole mustard

1 TBSP honey

2 TBSP warm bacon grease

2 lbs. fresh green beans (stems removed)

1 pack bacon (chopped 1” pieces)

4-6 boiled eggs (8 minute eggs are my fave)

1 TBSP butter Salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add butter and 2 TBSP salt. Add the green beans and cook until just tender (4 to 5 minutes). Drain and run under cold water to cool; transfer to a serving platter.

2. Get out your skillet and cook bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon onto a paper toweled plate. Take bacon drippings and pour into a glass mixing bowl, around 2 tablespoons’ worth. Add creole mustard, vinegar and honey. Whisk until combined.

3. Sliced boiled eggs. Layer over green beans. Sprinkle with bacon pieces. Drizzle vinaigrette over all.

Definitely meal-worthy or a dang good side!

ENJOY DAHLINGS!

Meet Robyn Holbrook. Some know her as Horn & Halo. Horn & Halo is a short but catchy way to describe her style in the kitchen. It translates to Naughty & Nice… Indulgent & Healthy. Making classic favs that you dare not to ask for the calories - to - healthier versions or lifestyle dishes (vegetarian, vegan, keto, low iron) Over the years she has expanded her range of knowledge on simple ingredients to complex superfoods. Follow her! @hornandhalo.

Grillin’ with the Guru

By Jacque Fruge’

Want to know how to get the most out of your grill? Want to know about grilling temperatures, which woods to use, how long to cook that chicken? Be sure to tune in Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. or anytime online at kdcg.com and Facebook.

Budget Pork Tenderloin Pasta

Just because food costs are high, and your budget is tight doesn’t mean you have to settle for dull, boring food. This pork tenderloin dish is easy to prepare, incredibly affordable, and smacks you in the mouth with flavor.

The real bonus is that you can transform the dish into a sandwich that’s even better than the pasta.

INGREDIENTS:

Olive Oil

2-2½ lbs. pork tenderloin

2-3 large zucchini (cut into 2-inch-thick rounds)

1 lb. short cut pasta of choice

2 TBSP unsalted butter

1 medium onion (yellow, chopped)

3-4 cloves garlic (chopped)

2 cups chicken stock

2 TBSP corn starch (dissolved in

2 TBSP cold water)

1 lb. grape tomatoes

1 cup green onions (sliced)

Louisiana Love Seasoning Blends to taste Italian seasoning blend to taste

METHOD:

1. Prepare a hardwood fire on your grill.

2. Clean the tenderloin of connective tissue and silver skin, lightly oil, and season well with Louisiana Love.

3. Grill until internal temperature reaches 130 – 135˚, the remove to a plate and let cool.

4. Lightly oil zucchini, season with Louisiana love and Italian seasoning, and grill until just tender but still somewhat firm, remove, and reserve about 5-6 pieces and cut their thickness in half.

THE GURUS

One of Keith’s hobbies is making his own fishing lures. No kidding. He turns wood on a lathe, then paints a design that no unsuspecting bass can so no to, mounts the hardware, then lacquers and waterproofs. Do they work? Ask him!

You may know that Curt has his own seasoning brand called Louisiana Love. What you may not know is that he spends almost all of his free time cooking with his seasoning blends trying to make them better. The bonus is he gets to eat the results!

BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET

This recipe is the first installment in the Guru’s “Ballin’ on a Budget” series. Let’s face it, it’s getting tough for everyone financially. Going to the grocery store is almost horror-movie scary.

Curt and Keith are here to help you make the most out of your food dollars. Their Ballin’ on a Budget series will show you how to shop cheap but bring huge flavor. R

5. Boil pasta until tender, drain, and reserve.

6. Place a large, heavy skillet over the fire and add butter.

7. Slice tenderloin into thin rounds, about ½ inch, reserve about ½ pound.

8. Add onions, garlic, zucchini, and sauté until onions are clear.

9. Add chicken stock and bring to boil, then stir in the corn starch solution until desired thickness is reached and reduce fire to a simmer.

10. Add tenderloin pieces, tomatoes (reserve about ½ cup), green onions, Louisiana Love and Italian seasoning to taste. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the sauce. Serve over pasta.

Just a couple of Gurus - Curt Guillory (R) and Keith Guidry (L). (Photo courtesy of Curt Guillory)

Palmyre

EUROPEAN COCKTAIL BAR ADDS SOPHISTICATION TO LAFAYETTE’S BAR SCENE

By Lisa Hanchey

From the moment you walk into Palmyre, you feel transported to a European destination. The knowledgeable staff — ladies dressed in flouncy blue and white toile dresses and gentlemen in French chore jackets (a trend dating back to 1800s France) designed by celebrity stylist Lindsey Dupuis Bledsoe — guides you through the unique craft cocktail and swanky bites menu. You’ll find caviar service, truffled deviled eggs and decadent sweets. Somehow, you’re not in Lafayette anymore.

Owned by Stuart and Colleen Ottinger of Mercy Kitchen, Palmyre blends Parisian antique with mid-century modern, creating an atmosphere unlike any place in Acadiana. French for “Little Palm,” Palmyre is named for Colleen’s socialite great-great grandmother.

“We wanted to bring a place to Lafayette where you felt like you were transported, like landing on a European vacation or in a nice hotel bar in perhaps Manhattan,” Stuart explains. “Palmyre is a place to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday or a night out on the town. It has the elegance of a Parisian cocktail bar with the fun and hospitality of the South.”

Palmyre interior (Photo courtesy of Lauren Blanda).

Behind the unique décor is renowned Nashville-based designer Lindsay Rhodes, who selected custom-made wallpaper and Venetian chandeliers, creating a beautiful yet comfortable retreat from everyday life. Nestled downstairs is a private wine room storing reserve and international wines from France, Italy and Spain, curated by sommelier Lauren Blanda.

On a recent visit, my friend Stacy and I selected a cozy spot for afternoon cocktails, sipping on the tequila-focused El Diablo. The rose-colored concoction was smooth with a slight kick — absolutely divine. Impressionist lover Stacy chose the Claude Monet, a treat of Thai infused bourbon, orgeat, blood orange, lime and amaretto, accented with mint.

At the bar, Ray Ward, vice president of Libations, carefully crafted a smoke-infused bourbon specialty from the custom-created cocktail smoker. Stuart graciously shared a sip of his smokeinfused glass — ah, so civilized. “We’re focusing on the cocktail but also on the presentation,” Stuart says. “We’re doing some things here that you don’t see elsewhere in town.”

With its prime location at 201 Settlers Trace Boulevard in River Ranch, Palmyre is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and light bites after work or for a nightcap.

Palmyre is open Tuesday-Thursday from 3-11 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. R

Left to right: Claude Monet; El Diablo; (Photos courtesy of Stacy Lee)

Mercy Kitchen

LAFAYETTE’S NEWEST COOL VIBE

By Lisa Hanchey

Well-traveled couple Stuart and Colleen Ottinger set out to recreate their favorite bigcity eating experiences at home. The Lafayette natives love sampling spots at chic hotels, sparking them to launch Mercy Kitchen, a neighborhood eatery and drinkery located at 1312 Verot School Road (formerly Bon Temps Grill). “When we set out to create Mercy, it was to fill a void that we feel Lafayette had,” Stuart Ottinger explains.

And it worked. The buzz around Lafayette is that Mercy is the “in” place,

from the eye-popping art (literally – the Dodge truck out front has eyes painted on it) to the boisterous bar to the inspired menu. “We really wanted to have a vibe in here that was unlike any other restaurant,” Ottinger says.

DESIGNING WOMEN

At Mercy, you’ll feel like you’re not in Lafayette anymore. Neon lights and a disco ball greet you inside. Bartenders vigorously shake cocktails and perfectly pour them into classic glassware. Tiny textured birds flock the wallpaper and perch Elvis’ shoulder. A tiger donning Elton John attire commands the dining room.

This page: Rodeo Queen add your Prosecco as it melts; (Photo courtesy of Denny Culbert); Opposite: Left to right: Amanda Newbery, Stacy Lee (in truck bed); Lisa Hanchey and Melissa Bonin (Photo courtesy of Mercy Kitchen staff).

Behind the decor is Colleen and her team, including award-winning designer Kelly Sutton and artist Ellen Macomber. Ottinger describes the atmosphere as, “energetic, funky, fun and full of life. When you order a cocktail, you get a lot of ‘oohs and aahs.’”

KICK-ASS MENU

On the menu, you’ll find unique shareables like a Whipped Cheese Board with house-made cheeses; Hallelujah Bread with white truffle oil, four cheese blend and herbs; and Gulf Shrimp Lettuce Wraps topped with pineapple pico, jalapeno ranch and sirachi.

Fan favorites include the Mercy Burger – ground chuck steak, goat cheese, peach aioli, house pickles and arugula served on a brioche bun, and The Hangover Salad – butter lettuce, tomato, fries, jalapeno, avocado, bacon, gouda sauce and Mercy Burger patty.

“If it made it on our menu, it had to kick ass,” Ottinger emphasizes.

LUSCIOUS LIBATIONS

Master mixologist Ray Ward crafted Mercy’s incredible cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Popular pics are Frequent Flyer — vodka, celery, elderflower, lemon and black pepper garnished with a paper airplane; Mercy-Lago — ghost pepper tequila, passion fruit, lemon, grilled pineapple topped with pineapple froth; and Rodeo Queen — Boozy Snowcone with gin, watermelon, lime, aperol and a shot of Prosecco.

“It’s not just drinking, it’s the visual of it being made, presented at the table, and pouring Prosecco on top of it,” Ottinger explains.

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER

For Ottinger, Mercy Kitchen is about having fun. “I love being here. I don’t call it work.” R

Opposite: Frequent Flyer — whole lot of shakin’ going on. This page: Crispy Chicken Sandwich — customer favorite; Whipped Cheese Board — cheeses are made in-house (Photos courtesy of Denny Culbert).

If it made it on our menu, it had to kick ass.

— Mercy Kitchen’s Stuart Ottinger

By Brandy Cavitt

The Dining Room (Photo courtesy of Brandy Cavitt).

To quote Sheryl Crow, “This ain’t no disco. And it ain’t no country club, either.” It is about as close as you can get, though. One of the prices of progress has been the loss of the great American gay bar, and The Country Club is one of New Orleans’ last handful of establishments that caters to the city’s well-established LGBTQ+ community.

Situated on a large lot in the mostly residential Bywater neighborhood a few blocks north of the Mississippi River, The Country Club is a 40 year-old restaurant, community swimming pool, sauna and bar – and it is one of the best kept secrets of bohemian locals. The exterior of the 137 year-old building could easily be mistaken for one of the gorgeous Victorian-era mansions for which New Orleans is known. If not for the small wooden nameplate above the huge covered front patio, it would be easy to drive by and mistake it for a diplomat’s fancy home in any city. When you step inside, though, you can’t help but think that this is the type of place that could only exist in New Orleans.

Above: Front entrance. Opposite: the bar; cocktail; brunch; breakfast sandwich (Photo courtesy of Brandy Cavitt).

A grand foyer leads you down a well-appointed hallway. Every room flanking the hall has a completely different vibe. A one-of-a-kind chandelier here, some priceless European wallpaper there, local artwork by famous and infamous painters, tiny tile work so intricate that you have to get a few inches away to truly appreciate it, a random piece of antique furniture placed “just so” in a hallway that draws your whole attention – it feels more like someone’s dream residence than a public space.

The hallway ends in a gentlemanly, cheerful barroom with tons of natural light, black walnut and granite from the floor to the ceiling. The bar opens to the main attraction, a one-plus acre colorful courtyard with a Finnish sauna, papasan chairs, palm fronds galore, two additional outdoor bars, elegant dining tables, lounge chairs and a pristine Olympic-sized pool. The daily menu includes delicious snacks and cocktails, as well as competitive fine dining options for those with a bigger appetite. Give yourself the better part of the day to enjoy The Country Club. There’s a whole lot of charm to uncover. R

The Country Club is a 40 year-old restaurant, community swimming pool, sauna and bar – and it is one of the best kept secrets of bohemian locals.

For home-style cooking, ForLouisiana home-style cooking, Louisiana hospitality, and good times, just make hospitality,your and good times, just make your way to Pat's Fisherman's wayWharf! to Pat's Fisherman's Wharf!

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Bowling a Strike

EAT, DRINK, ROCK AND BOWL  ALL AT ONCE

By Matthew Miller

You know how annoying it can be to plan an evening out with friends. You want to go out to eat, but your friend wants to go drinking at a bar. Your other friend wants to hear some live music, and your quirky friend wants to go bowling. How can you possibly decide? You’re in luck. Lafayette has welcomed Rock’n’Bowl to our proud roster of entertainment venues, and it’s a wacky, novel concept that works well in our wacky, novel city.

What exactly is Rock’n’Bowl? Well, let’s see. It’s a bowling alley. Wait, no, it’s a restaurant. Oh, wait, it’s a bar. No, no, no, it’s a live music venue. Which is it? Yes.

So how did this interesting combination come about? It was originally the creation of John Blancher in New Orleans. Beginning as a bowling alley that hosted bands in 1988, it had become an important part of the New Orleans music scene by 1993. It was when Blancher began hosting a Zydeco night every Thursday night, however, that things really took off, as it turned out that there was a huge demand for Zydeco music in New Orleans.

Ye Old College Inn, a venerable old restaurant down the street, came up for sale, and after much deliberation, Blancher and his sons decided to buy and try to revitalize it. Through hard work, they managed to make it a successful restaurant and connected it to the bowling alley in 2009. Blancher credits his faith and God’s hand in his success.

Enjoy bright and colorful bowling on 16 lanes (Photo courtesy of Larry Hamburger Jr.).

Our more recent Lafayette edition is an all-in-one place for fun. According to Marketing Director Larry Hamburger Jr., “We are a live music venue and entertainment complex. You will find the fastest bartenders in Lafayette, some of the best food in Lafayette, the best entertainment in Lafayette, and the biggest and best dance floor in Lafayette.”

Let’s begin with the music. Rock’n’Bowl regularly hosts great music acts. Musicians on the upcoming schedule include Wayne Toups, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Wave Runner, Jonathon Long, Dustin Sonnier & The Wanted, Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band, and Bag of Donuts. Since the music is live, many patrons love to take advantage of the large dance floor and cut a rug all night long.

If you like drinking the night away, there is a full-service bar staffed with bartenders eager to serve you up something special. If mixed drinks are not your thing, there is also a full list of red, white and sparkling wines, as well as port.

Hungry? Rock’n’Bowl offers an inventive menu of shareable appetizers, flatbreads, burgers, steak-frites and dessert. Some of the shareable dishes include such options as black garlic hummus, and oysters bleu. The muffuletta flatbread is another creative selection. Seeking good old Americana? Try a satisfying double cheeseburger.

If you want a full-service restaurant experience, take a trip down I-10 to the Crescent City to check out the original location. Ye Olde College Inn there offers dining, with a much larger menu. Start with some crab fritters, pickled and fried okra, or black garlic focaccia, along with several other options. For your main course, enjoy an 8-ounce filet, a local market-choice fish served with lump crabmeat, a pan-seared duck breast, or one of the other tempting offerings. All of the desserts sound delicious, but the fried bread pudding po-boy earned the Best of Show award at the Second Annual Po-Boy Festival.

At both the Lafayette and New Orleans locations, you can pair your food with a custom mixed drink, choose from a solid menu of red, white and sparkling wines, or have a glass of port with your dessert. If alcohol is not your personal preference, you can enjoy any number of non-alcoholic beverage options.

Rock’n’Bowl is, after all, a bowling alley, so be sure not to leave without bowling a few games. A full sixteen lanes means there’s always room for more friends, and the prices are reasonable: $25 per hour per lane, with up to six people per lane, and bowling-shoe rental is only one dollar.

It is hard to imagine not finding something fun for everyone at Rock’n’Bowl. Mr. Hamburger summarizes it in this manner: “We are certainly the most unique live music and party venue around. We are the party headquarters as we host birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, rehearsal dinners, business luncheons, conventions, high school and family reunions, holiday parties, and any other event you can think of. [In the] month of December alone, we have hosted 200+ events.” Why not check it out on your next night out with friends? Eat, drink, bowl, listen to music, and dance the night away.

Sharona Thomas Mama’s Got a Brand New Bag

On stage, “Sharona Thomas and SOLID Soul” have a calling card a mile high and a mile wide. If there is a venue or an event that wants golden music, they want Sharona. SOLID Soul has been that funky extra something added to her performance. It’s her very own band that formed in January.

Once Thomas graces the stage and begins to vocalize, one quickly realizes there is something special about this amazing artist. She has earned the reputation of being one of the most sought-after female vocalists in the Acadiana area. Thomas is dynamically versatile in various types of musical genres. In raw energy, she dominates the stage. That’s why her current work roster also includes lead vocal roles for the bands, “Gritz ‘N Gravy” and “Basin Street Band.”

As the child of a preacher, her roots are deeply cultivated in Gospel music. But this was after a time spent in a broken foster care program. “I’m from Delaware and the system charged with caring for children failed me. I was separated from my siblings, and I never had a person in my corner,” says Thomas.

After many years of just trying to survive, Thomas was reunited with her real family. Having musically inclined siblings and a father who led a church, Thomas was turned on to the solid soul music of her day. That is evident now, whether she is singing funk, blues, R&B, or even rock. She is a power-lead vocalist who, after moving to Louisiana and calling it home, was quickly invited to sing with such heavy locals as “The Robbie Bush Band,” “Krossfyre,” “GTO and The D Street Brass Band,” “Major Handy and The Louisiana Soul Revue,” and the party band “SOULED OUT.”

In addition, Thomas is a natural fit for the Blue Monday Concert Series. Supporting Acadiana’s aging musicians, Thomas is a mainstay with the Blue Monday Allstar Band. Being part of this philanthropic music project has given Thomas the opportunity to perform and share the stage with such headliners as Marc Broussard, Steve Riley, Yvette Landry, Roddy Romero, Steve Adams, Warren Storm, Ronnie Eades (Muscle Shoals Horns) and Grammy Award winner Lee Allen Zeno, just to name a few.

Thomas MUSIC

ACADIANA VOCALIST IS TAKING THE MUSIC SCENE BY STORM

By Lee Ann Broussard

Her accolades are many. In 2010, Thomas was named “Acadiana’s Next Superstar” by local affiliate FOX 15, KADN/My KLAF and BIG 102.1 FM. In 2019, Thomas performed at Festival International de Louisiane with the Blue Monday Allstar Band and later performed at Festivals Acadiens et Créoles with Major Handy and the Louisiana Soul Revue. Also that year, Thomas performed for the Baton Rouge Blues Gala Awards Ceremony held at the Old Governor’s Mansion. The event honored Blues legends Clarence Williams, Lil’ Buck Sinegal, Rob Payer, Willie Durisseau and Bobby Rush. She recently performed for the Washington D.C. Mardi Gras Ball with the Bayou Boys.

Thomas has been called upon to perform at Lafayette’s premier performing arts venue, Acadiana Center for the Arts, performing for the sold-out CD launch for “The Good Dudes” and for Zeno Fest, the fundraiser for Lee Allen Zeno. Thomas has also sung the National Anthem at the CajunDome for Lafayette’s former professional hockey team, The Ice Gators.

In 2020, Thomas was slated to perform again at Festival International de Louisiane and debut at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, but both were canceled due to the COVID pandemic. While COVID prevented her performances at those two events, it didn’t stop her from sharing her gifts.

The talent of Thomas has given her the opportunity to be a frequent recording studio session vocalist at the famed Dockside Studio in Maurice, La. She has recorded with local acts Laura Huval, Julian Primeaux, Greg Gordon, and her own daughter Gabby Rhinehardt. In addition, she has toured throughout Louisiana and Mississippi supporting some of the most sought-after groups along the Gulf Coast. In addition, Thomas was tapped to be part of the Christian Youth Theater (CYT) teaching staff. The CYT gig enables Thomas to teach and encourage young people to let their talent bloom.

COVID also provided Thomas a chance to explore her own music. When SOLID Soul guitar player Tony Goulas took time out to write music during the pandemic, he decided to write a song for Thomas. The result was a single titled, “Lonely Girl.” It has gotten plenty of airplay and radio interviews for the very patient Sharona Thomas, and it could also be a contender for a Grammy nod.

Now, with a song to call her own and a band made up of some of Lafayette’s most talented musicians, Sharona Thomas is at the top of her game. She is an inspiration and a mentor to a younger group of musicians and creatives. And every weekend she has been able to perform live during COVID, she is bringing nothing but joy and soul to the many fans at the place she can now happily calls home. R

Photo courtesy of Nikia Reaux

Good Good

MUSIC

Our Own Backyard Queen of Soul

NEBU NEZEY

THE

MUSIC IS JUST A FRACTION

OF

WHAT SHE BRINGS TO OUR COMMUNITY

By Lee Ann Broussard

This past year, as with every year, Nebu Nezey and her family ended 2020 by doing something special for the children in her community. Nezey and her husband, Brandon, bring toys to children in their community so they can have a special Christmas. The family actually goes out shopping, chooses age-specific toys, personally wrapping each one, and heads over to the Northgate Mall where children of all ages can celebrate the magic of Christmas.

It’s something you might not expect from a husband who is a multi-platinum producer for Cupid, whose projects and success at Hub City Studios in Lafayette are endless. And Nebu Nezey is on a successful merry-go-round when it comes to her own musical career. You might find her fronting the corporate wedding band, “Sold Out.” She is often featured at the Blue Monday Concert Series, and she performs her own music from her album, Nebula.

The couple are some of the hardest working people in our community, but they always give back.

Nebu is a highly skilled vocalist, who has always had music in her veins. As a toddler, it was inevitable that she would be an entertainer. Her influences are diverse — Whitney Houston, SWV, Queen, Cathy Dennis, Chaka Kahn, Donny Hathaway, and Selena — giving way to her unique sound. She is grateful to the “Most High” for her many blessings as she has toured as an opening act for mainstream artists like Ginuwine, Avant, Urban Mystic, Jon B., and Bruh-Man from the Martin TV show.

The Nebula album brings her music to the forefront of many stages. She was able to collaborate with Grammy award-winner Lee Allen Zeno and multiplatinum artist Cupid on two tracks off of Nebula.

“Giving my best is something I will always do, no matter what,” she said. “I don’t care if it’s an audience of 5 or 5,000, I’ll give my best show. If someone was curious enough to support me, I won’t take that for granted.”

Last week, the multi-platinum Grammy winning artist Neyo put Nezey’s music on his Stay Lit playlist. With fans all over the world, the nod from Neyo gives a new audience to our very own soulful Queen.

Music, Nezey describes, is only a part of who she is. She will quickly tell you that she is a mama first and believes it’s important to maintain consistency in her children’s lives.

“Whether it’s my own kids or anyone I mentor, my message is clear — know and trust your dopeness,” she said.

The multi-faceted Nebu Nezey is often noted for her many accomplishments. But you rarely hear about the grind — the daily vocal regiment, gigging on a Saturday night, followed by leading worship on Sunday morning, all while keeping mom duties and her faith in God at the forefront. That’s because she takes it all in stride and lets the talent in each area of her life speak for itself.

This past year, those children receiving gifts from the Nezey family may not have known who made their Christmas a little more special. But in quiet humbleness, Mama Nezey is putting in the work in all facets of her life to teach everyone she meets — in her musical audiences, in her church congregation, and for the children of need she blesses each holiday season – to trust their own, inner dopeness. R

Photo courtesy of LUXOR Photography

Haunted or not, people still flock to the Grand

MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD, THE OPERA HOUSE IN CROWLEY STILL LIGHTS UP A STAGE

By Lee Ann Broussard

Photo courtesy of Edward Leger

The vision of David E. Lyons was never a ghost. He had one vision and that was to bring culture to his beloved town of Crowley, Louisiana. He did so by building the Grand, a twenty-two thousand square foot second-story opera house, which was a rare feat when not too many two-story opera houses existed.

Lyons was born in 1867, and at the age of 29, he purchased the property for a mere $500 and began building his magnificent opera house, completed two years later, for $18,000. He carefully constructed his masterpiece using virgin Louisiana cypress, pine and oak.

The mostly wooden structure was accented with pressed tin tiles and hand painted angel medallions in the four-boxed seats. The steep

slope of the floor created perfect sight lines for the one thousand seats it is said to have held. Opening night was November 23, 1901. Research shows that 800 patrons showed up to see Harry Ward’s Minstrels. The local newspaper wrote of the night: “It was a pleasant surprise to all of them that Crowley possessed such a beautiful little playhouse.” For 39 years it served as host to such big names as Huey Long, Clark Gable, Enrique Caruso, Babe Ruth, and Madame de Vilchez-Bisset of the Paris Opera.

In 1916, D.W. Griffith’s epic masterpiece, “Intolerance,” about man’s inhumanity was a major event at the Grand Opera of the South in Crowley. The $2 million dollar cost of the silent film is often recalled as one of the two or three most influential films ever made. The Grand promoted their Symphony Orchestra of 20 and a Chorus. It cost between 75 cents to $1.50 to attend, depending on where you wanted to be seated in the theatre. Matinees cost as low as 50 cents. A film like this at the time was promoted as “colossal.” Advertisements further stated that 125,000 people , 7,500 horses, and 1,200 chariots were used in the film, along with 3,000 scenes that made the two-day stay at the Grand something that great-grandparents of Crowley told their children about through the years. When Lyons died in 1940, the opera house closed and was left nearly untouched and, fortunately, well preserved. Although research

Photos courtesy of Edward Leger

says it was hidden from the view of the public for nearly 69 years, it was never forgotten by its former patrons.

Today, it seems that most young folks or long-term residents of Crowley have more of an interest in the “haunting” of the Grand. Ghosts are on the lineup just as a rock and roll group like Louisiana’s LeRoux or the Cajun/ French triad, Sweet Cecilia. Yes, it does appear that this gem of the south had a dark side … and to many, it was considered a haunted opera house. One group in particular over the years was given permission to find out what evidence there might be of the paranormal right in Crowley. Dark things indeed transpired in the history of this establishment.

A photo taken in the 1920s shows what appears to be a figure standing in one of the box seats. Cold spots have often been felt by construction workers, shadows have been seen, and electronic devices have failed to work in certain areas. History has also shown that the opera house was the scene of several grizzly events. Two individuals were murdered upstairs, another two individuals died of natural causes, and one worker died from strangulation on the rafters above the stage. His death was neither labeled accidental or a suicide.

Haunted Nation and their staff set up eight infrared cameras on two DVR systems focusing on the stage box seats, and the

area once used as a brothel and saloon. The group conducted very technical exercises to get the paranormal readings they hoped to find. Once an official investigation began, several unexplainable spikes in the electromagnetic field were detected where the maintenance man died from being hanged. No other findings were worth noting except for an audio clip where a female could be heard saying, “I can hear.” Unfortunately, paranormal investigations are no longer allowed, but in 2008 — haunted or not — the Grand reopened after receiving a grant from the State of Louisiana. A massive remodeling of the Grand took place and much of it was brought back to its former glory.

Throughout its history, the Grand has intrigued generations. During the time the Grand was closed, the downstairs was a working hardware store. In 1999, the now National Historic Landmark was purchased by the Gielen family of Crowley, the owners of the hardware store. Today, the Grand is a 501(c)(3) organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. This treasure found in a small community and surrounded by prairie land is once again in line with its original mission, bringing stellar performances to audiences hungry for culture, entertainment, and a stage for established, emerging and local artists. R

It was a pleasant surprise to all of them that Crowley possessed such a beautiful little playhouse.

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Rogers Photography

The Fisherman’s Paradise Next Door

MATAGORDA IS AN ANGLER’S DREAM ON THE TEXAS COAST

By Helen Balensiefen Bow

No question about it, the Louisiana Gulf Coast is known for its world-class fishing. Yet, if you’re an angler who has accessed the Gulf from Cocodrie, Venice, Pecan Island, Point à la Hache and other coastal towns in the state more times than you can count — do yourself a favor and set your GPS to Matagorda, Texas, for a change of scenery.

About a five-hour drive from Lafayette, Matagorda is south of Houston where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico, and its bay is one of seven major estuaries dotting the Gulf Coast of Texas. Like most coastal fishing

towns, Matagorda is sparsely populated, with a little more than 400 residents. Compared to fishing off the coast of Louisiana, you don’t have to go as far out to catch fish as the water gets deeper faster.

Kyle Landwehr, Lafayette resident, purchased a fishing camp in Matagorda in 2005 and often takes his 21-foot boat, “The Saucy Wench,” out in the Gulf.

“Unlike Galveston, for example, Matagorda is not overcrowded, and the fishing is damn good,” says Landwehr. “I particularly enjoy fishing for flounder and redfish in the fall, and coming back to the camp and watching football on TV with my friends.”

Crash Pads

In addition to renting a house, Matagorda is home to Full Stringer RV Park, which offers both cabins and RV space rentals with daily, weekly and monthly rates. Modern and clean, the park has many amenities including a laundromat, swimming pool, barbeque pits, a catch and release fishing pond, WiFi, cable TV, and two covered pavilions with picnic tables.

Supplies

The only two places to get groceries in Matagorda are Stanley’s and Dollar General, so it’s best to stop at H-E-B in nearby Bay City.

You’ll need to get your fishing license from Stanley’s or online. I recommend going to Rawlings’ Bait Camp, Buddy’s or The Harbor to get your fishing bait--and the staff will be happy to advise which bait is best for catching which fish.

There are merely a handful of restaurants, with the fanciest being Waterfront at the harbor. Be sure to mingle with the friendly locals over a game of pool and a cold beer at The Cove or Plugger’s.

Reel Deal

“Fish on!” could be heard every few minutes when six of us were fishing for Red Snapper in my dad’s 31-foot

PRO TIPS

• Bean bags are ideal to nap on the long, bumpy ride in the deep waters.

• There are very few restaurants in Matagorda, and most kitchens close at 7 p.m.

• Apply sunscreen frequently.

• Never swim against the current if you encounter a rip tide.

• A $10 Matagorda County beach vehicle permit is required to drive on the beach.

Jupiter, “Flea Flicker,” last July. While it took two hours for us to reach our destination 40 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, all of us caught our limit in less than 20 minutes.

My dad, Johnny Balensiefen — a former Lafayette resident — has enjoyed deep sea fishing all over the globe and has made Matagorda his new home, primarily because he says, “the fishing here is outstanding.” He calls Matagorda a “secret spot,” so he’ll probably blame me if he starts seeing lots of Louisiana license plates in town.

(Whoops!)

And if you’re too tired or sunburned to clean and fillet your fish, there are typically people at the dock who will do it for you. Last summer, I saw a guy expertly fillet a Red Snapper in about 30 seconds — and I’m not telling fishing tales, either.

No boat? No problem.

Besides fishing, Matagorda Beach is the main attraction to visitors. Matagorda, meaning “thick brush,” is also popular with hunters and bird watchers alike. People can also be spotted fishing and crabbing off the piers and canals.

“The kids particularly love catching crabs, and they’ll fill an ice chest full in an hour or so. And best of all, no pierpressure,” Landwehr said, with a laugh. Get it? R

The Red Snapper limit is two fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum in federal water. If it’s caught in state waters, the limit is four per person daily and a 15-inch minimum. To determine the fishing seasons for recreational anglers, check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website at tpwd.texas.gov.

Reed Through The Lens Photography

KLC Photography

By Helen Balensiefen Bow

NOBBING HOB STARING YOUin Atlanta: W

ith more than 30 beautiful lakes, mountain vistas, beaches and a temperate climate showcasing all four seasons, Georgia is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world.

This ecological diversity, along with attractive tax credits, are some of the reasons that Georgia is the top location for feature film production in the world.

Plan an adventure to three of Atlanta’s venues that have been highlighted in movies filmed in the city.

ECCO MIDTOWN

ECCO-ATLANTA.COM

40 7TH ST NE, ATLANTA, GA 30308 (404) 347-9555

Ecco Midtown was referenced and filmed in “The ChangeUp,” the 2011 comedy in which workaholic Dave (Jason Bateman) and slacker Mitch (Ryan Reynolds), are envious of each other’s lives, switch bodies to discover things aren’t as great as they seemed, and try to find a way to return to their normal lives.

Dave, who is actually Mitch, suggested that Mitch, who is actually Dave, go out with his colleague, Sabrina (Olivia Wilde). He urges the two get to know each other, shouting, “You guys should go out! Absolutely … What about Ecco on 7th Street, Saturday at 8:30!”

The following scene is Sabrina and Mitch post-dinner, in front of Ecco’s beautifully lit entrance and patio, discussing their next adventure: getting a tattoo.

While I may not know much about tattoos, I can tell you that Ecco Midtown is a gem and delivers on ambiance, delightful modern European fare, an impressive wine list and impeccable service. My dining group typically orders a couple of entrées so we can share and sample various dishes at Ecco.

Suggestions:

★ Bottle of Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Selection ‘Farconnet’

★ Fried goat cheese drizzled with honey and black pepper

★ Braised pork pappardelle with peppadew peppers, garlic and basil

★ Potato gnocchi with lamb shoulder, red wine jus, shallot and sage

★ Praline sweet bun

THE SILVER SKILLET

THESILVERSKILLET.COM 200 14TH ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30318 (404)874-1388

Seeking the best hangover breakfast in the city? I’ve got you covered: The Silver Skillet. This charming, late ‘60s-era Southern diner is famous for its homemade biscuits, country ham and award-winning lemon ice-box pie.

While The Hangover movie didn’t feature The Silver Skillet in any of its scenes, the diner has been highlighted in countless movies, commercials, videos and print ads. The list is as long as a CVS receipt, but here are just a few of the movies or TV series filmed there: “Anchorman 2,” “Getting Out,” “Ahead of the Curve,” “The Founder,” “Survivor’s Remorse,” “Ozark” and “Remember the Titans.”

“There are many places popping up these days that are trying to spin the old-school diner feel, but none can match the true authenticity of this one — it’s without question the real deal,” said Guy Fieri, host of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

The Silver Skillet opens daily for breakfast and lunch — and depending upon your arrival time, you may encounter a line to get seated. It’s worth it, I promise. And once you’re seated, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is amazing. Those fluffy, hot biscuits, though …

Suggestions:

★ Vanilla old-fashioned milkshake

★ Skillet country ham with red eye gravy (1/2 center slice)

★ Biscuit and gravy (there are 10 biscuit specialties to choose from, but I kept it simple)

★ Old fashioned buttermilk pancakes

Photo courtesy of Heidi Harris

Photo courtesy of The Silver Skillet

JOHNNY ’S HIDEAWAY

JOHNNYSHIDEAWAY.COM 3771 ROSWELL RD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30342 (404) 233-8026

This legendary hole-in-the-wall has been an Atlanta tradition since 1979, and as soon as you walk in, you’ll step back in time amidst the vintage photos and art. Also note the red room, filled with red lamps, red cocktail tables and red club chairs — ff you can see all of the decor, that is. Like any good hideaway, Johnny’s is dimly lit. So much so, that you may still see visions of black and red when you exit the juke at 3 a.m.

Open late seven days a week, Johnny’s Hideaway often has DJs spinning hits from the 50s to current pop music — but definitely has a crooners’ supper club vibe a la its Sinatra Room and the King’s Corner, a tribute to Elvis Presley.

In 2011 comedy, “Hall Pass,” best friends Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis), who are both struggling in their marriages, receive a “hall pass” for one week by their wives and are permitted to have sex with other women.

Johnny’s Hideaway is the perfect backdrop for the two drunken men epically failing at picking up women at the bar. Fred asks random women, “Do you know how much a polar bear weighs?” and holds up bar napkins, inquiring, “Do these smell like chloroform to you?”

Day three of the weeklong hall pass concludes with Fred getting knocked out by a huge guy for insulting his girlfriend — at Johnny’s Hideaway. You’ve got to check this dive out.

Suggestions:

★ Walk around. Check the place out. Take pictures (use your flash!).

★ Expect your mixed drink to arrive in a retro stemmed glass or a plastic cup.

★ Hit the dance floor.

★ Talk to the bartenders and the locals.

★ Forego the corny pickup lines — lest you get clocked, like Fred.

While I may not know much about tattoos, I can tell you that Ecco Midtown is a gem and delivers on ambiance, delightful modern European fare, an impressive wine list and impeccable service.

Open late seven days a week, Johnny’s Hideaway often has DJs spinning hits from the 50s to current pop music — but definitely has a crooners’ supper club vibe a la its Sinatra Room and the King’s Corner, a tribute to Elvis Presley.

“There are many places popping up these days that are trying to spin the old-school diner feel, but none can match the true authenticity of this one — it’s without question the real deal.” — Guy Fieri, host of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” on Atlanta’s The Silver Skillet

Galveston’s Grand Galvez Hotel Gets a Makeover

NEW OWNERSHIP TRANSFORMS

110-YEAR-OLD GEM TO HER FORMER GLORY

By Taylor Geiger

Photo courtesy of Darryl Hill, Grand Galvez

While the historic Grand Galvez hotel in Galveston, Texas, has always been an esteemed vacation destination, recent renovations are making this hotel truly stand out amongst other Galveston accommodations.

“Grand Galvez is the only historic beachfront hotel in Galveston. Proudly overlooking the Gulf of Mexico for 110 years, her majesty offers a rich history as well as luxurious amenities,” explains Darryl Hill, the asset manager for Saint Hotels as well as the general manager of Grand Galvez.

In April 2021, the Grand Galvez was purchased by Mark and Lorenda Wyant, a well-known hotelier and graphic designer duo, based in Dallas. The Wyants have a reputation for several other transformations of historic properties, making them hip, modern and trendy new locales to see — and at which to be seen. As one of the first steps in the renovation, the couple created a stir amongst locals by changing the Grand Galvez’s exterior paint to a chic shade of pink. Indeed, you might know the hotel by its previous name, the Hotel Galvez. The name changed to Grand Galvez as a result of the new ownership and vision.

As a historic hotel, the hotel had already made quite a name for itself throughout the years. “Grand Galvez has a long history of serving Galveston Island. She opened her doors on June 10, 1911, at 6 p.m. This followed the completion of the seawall, built in response to the devastating storm of 1900. Within a year the hotel was named ‘Queen of the Gulf’ and deemed ‘best arranged and most richly furnished seaside hotel in America’ by Hotel Monthly,” explains Hill. In addition to a whole host of accolades, the Grand Galvez has also played host to several celebrities throughout the last century.

The Grand Galvez “served as a temporary White House for the staff of President Roosevelt, and has housed other presidents and celebrities over the years. During the second World War, the hotel functioned as a working facility for the U.S. Coast Guard. These are just a few of her many memories over the years,” said Hill. “We look forward to making new memories with a new look and new leadership for many more years.”

For those who have never been to Galveston or for those returning for the 100th time, the Grand Galvez provides the perfect base for exploration. “With the longest consecutive sidewalk in America, there are 10.3 uninterrupted miles to walk or bike along the beach. There are multiple attractions, including the historic Pleasure Pier which is just a couple of blocks from Grand Galvez. We also have the historic downtown area providing shopping, museums, restaurants and historic homes,” recommends Hill.

However, some vacationers may not find any need to depart from the property with its many amenities. “We offer direct access to the beach, and our beautiful pool area caters to both playtime for the kids and relaxation for parents,” explains Hill. “With a heated pool and hot tub, the water is always warm enough. The seasonal swim-up bar offers the utmost convenience in refilling your drink without ever leaving the water. Be sure to try our signature Ghost Bride drink.”

Additionally, the Spa at Grand Galvez offers a variety of services including facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. “A glass of champagne in the Relaxation Room is the perfect way to unwind before your service. Our Vichy treatment is always a favorite. Spa reservations can be made by phone and are available to the public,” says Hill.

Thanks to the hotel’s privileged location, stunning views can be had from several areas around the hotel. “It’s hard to choose only one picturesque space, as our Terrace/Veranda ballroom has a beautiful view of our Oleander Garden as well as the Gulf, while our Music Hall overlooks the Centennial Green out to the Gulf,” said Hill. “Meanwhile, the interior just gets lovelier by the day with the ongoing updates and renovations.”

The complete renovations on the hotel are due to be completed by July 2022, but guests are welcome to book a stay even sooner to enjoy the charms offered by Galveston’s gem on the Gulf. R

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Tee-Off Time

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA’S

PREMIER GOLF COURSES

By Scott Brazda

Southwest Louisiana has some great golf courses. With us, L’Auberge and Coushatta, any group could play for days on top-ranked courses.” — John Hurt, head professional at The Country Club at Golden Nugget

From Lake Charles to Kinder and back again, golfers wishing to test themselves against some of the South’s best courses have numerous options. Three immediately come to mind, and each member of this linksthemed trio has its own personality, its own challenges and its reason to crow a bit. R

THE COUNTRY CLUB AT GOLDEN NUGGET

LAKE CHARLES, LA.

“We’re ranked no. 1 in this year’s Golfweek ranking of top Louisiana courses,” beams John Hurt. “It’s a tremendous accolade for our relatively new course, and it definitely helps when you can put ‘no. 1’ on your advertising.”

Located adjacent to the Golden Nugget Casino, the five-and-a-halfyear-old course knows its place in the entertainment cosmos of its resort, and proximity and accessibility are key buzzwords. “Our guests can leave their rooms 10 minutes before their scheduled tee times and have plenty of time to start,” explains Hurt.

“I’ve been told that we’re the only destination that has two courses within walking distance of the casino resort.” And with golf, 12 restaurants, a pool, spa and casino, guests never have to leave the resort.

Their lofty Golfweek ranking becomes even more notable when you consider that 2020’s Hurricane Laura forced the removal of nearly 400 trees on the course. “Laura forced us into renovating our bunkers,” adds Hurt. “While the golf course isn’t considered long by today’s standards (7,000 yards from the back tees), the almost daily wind makes it challenging for golfers of all skill levels.”

Hurt says those wind and tree factors make The Country Club a true ‘links-style course.’ “We’re different from most Louisiana courses because we’re situated on the Calcasieu River, and five holes border the water.”

“To have such fabulous golf courses so connected to a city of 100,000 people is pretty amazing. Right here, on nearly any given day, they can come out play one of the finest courses around.” — Tim Jaquez, head professional at Koasati Pines Golf Course at Coushatta Casino Resort.

courtesy of The Country Club at The Golden Nugget

Photo

KOASATI PINES GOLF COURSE AT COUSHATTA

CASINO RESORT

KINDER, LA.

From the outset, it’s clear you’re on a world-class golf course; and just when you think you’re about to finish, that’s when Koasati Pines adds something extra-special.

“We have a very unique 19th hole,” smiles Jaquez. “Once you finish your 18th, we give you one more. It’s a little par three, 130-yard ‘Gambling Hole’ we call it, with an absolutely beautiful island green, which provides an absolutely special ending to your round.”

Owned by the Coushatta Tribe in Kinder, La., Jaquez calls Koasati Pines “… a hidden jewel in the middle of nowhere.” But ‘nowhere’ is roughly only 40 miles from Lake Charles and plays host to 20,000 rounds of golf each year. “We’re the second longest golf course in Louisiana at 7,600 yards. With six sets of tees, it can be as hard or as easy as you’d like.”

The 65 acres of gently rolling terrain, dotted with looking glass lakes, are meticulously manicured and maintained — and that, says Jaquez, helps Koasati Pines stand out from the rest. “We’ve always been a Top 5 course in Louisiana and spare no expense in the upkeep. Our staff takes great pride when they bring any guest from the casino to the course.”

“You want to do a local trip to the Lake Charles area, and there’s a wide variety of stuff to do. You want golf? We’ve got three great golf courses within 40 miles of each other.” — Scott Davey, director of golf, Contraband Country Club at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles.

Photo courtesy of L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

CONTRABAND COUNTRY CLUB AT L’AUBERGE CASINO RESORT

LAKE CHARLES, LA.

Lake Charles, by its very geographic location, has been historically a huge draw for residents of southeast Texas, particularly Houston. “We’re now getting more people from the Austin area and the panhandle,” says Davey, “and they come back. You come to our place, you’re family. And we’re not just looking at numbers and pushing people through turnstiles.”

Davey recognizes that Contraband is, in terms of the big picture, an amenity to the resort, and he also knows that he oversees a true golfing gem. “It’s a great little scenic course, not tricked up. The greens are pretty flat and what you see is what you get, which makes it very playable.” But what about the holes that are usually deemed ‘playable’? “Well,” laughs Davey, “our par 3s are really, really tough!”

Modern technology — namely golf carts with GPS systems (that will have newer longer-lasting lithium batteries in place this spring) — helps Davey and his staff control the pace of play. “We can send messages like, ‘Hey, let the group behind you play through’ or ‘Please pick up the pace,’ and we can spotlight sponsors for the many charitable events we hold.”

But to Davey, it all comes back to combining first-class customer service with a first-class golf course. “You make someone’s day, that means the world to them.”

Photo courtesy of Coushatta Casino Resort

GET YOUR

M O T O R

RUNNING

YOUR RUNNING

By Felicia Landry

Motorsports fans with the need for speed can head to NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale to witness adrenaline pumping stock car racing or even get behind the wheel of their own go-kart at top speed. Touted as the “premier racing venue in the greater New Orleans area,” the park offers a 2.75-mile main track as well as a world-class karting facility on 30 acres, 32,000 square-foot event center, 720,000-square-foot paddock, speed shop, and 44 RV hookups with power and water.

Although it’s been around since 2011, the park recently underwent repairs and upgrades to enhance user experience and allow the facility to retain its designation as a worldclass racecourse.

“We revealed several repair initiatives that continue to make us a premier racing venue,” General Manager David Pace said. I’ve seen firsthand the camaraderie and excitement motorsports can bring. I wanted to position NOLA Motorsports Park as a cornerstone in the community.”

RECENT UPGRADES AND REPAIRS:

Earlier this year, significant renovations were made to the grounds, paddock areas, tracks, and internal systems. This included repaving the entire straightaway and several turns to eliminate raised bumps and re-sloping to minimize standing water that accumulates during heavy rainfall. The facility also purchased new karts, updated the lobby and rooftop dining area, and created a new viewing area on the north side of the track.

“When new management came in, some of the biggest feedback we got from teams and drivers was that the track was bumpy and undrivable. So, our first line of business was to get those repairs done on the racetrack. We put new asphalt in, and we ground a lot of the bumps from turn 16 to turn one and then again at turn four through turn eight,” Director of Marketing and Events Erin Grosclose said.

She noted the upgrades also included drainage work and enhanced spectator areas.

“We had a big issue with the track becoming undrivable when it rained. “The track was so bumpy because the ground it sits on is swampland. When we take the bumps out, that helps pro drivers get around the track without wrecking out. No one wants to come to a track they can’t drive, and drainage was a big issue because we have so much rain. As a race car driver, you should be able to drive in the rain, and that was becoming impossible. These fixes really help us in that aspect.”

Grosclose said they added a new grass berm or general admission area and a 1,000-person grandstand to address the past lack of viewing spaces that plagued fans.

“The viewing areas were limited, and one of our goals was to start putting in new spots around the track so it was not just one flat view of one turn,” she said. “Now, fans can see all the angles. We have 16 turns out there but only had eyesight for four to five of those from the event center. Adding those grass berms gives you a view of many more turns.”

Grosclose said a walking path around the back area of the track, expansion of the grass berm, and a 12-mile off-road ATV

course are also in the works in the next two to three years. “Once we put in the walking path, that will provide fans a whole new view of the track.”

PARK FEATURES:

The park’s main track touts a 16-turn road course with a 5,800-foot straightaway that meets FIA Grade 2 standards.

“With our FIA Grade 2 license, we can go for higher levels of racing,” she said. “We can attract some of the top levels which really benefits our fans here. They get to see better, bigger racing. And it’s a safety standard also and shows that we have achieved that.”

Hailed as the “fastest track in the South,” the karting facility features 30 acres of track with over 80 configurations. It’s open to the public and available for private events.

“We are an arrive and drive so anyone can show up during our open hours to rent one of our go-karts and do heats. This really appeals to tourists. We host parties where groups can get a private space and race each other. And, we have sprint car racing and a go-kart racing series where groups come and execute exactly what the cars do on the big track.”

This skidpad feature is open to the public but is used mainly by manufacturers and drifting groups to hone their driving skills and techniques. “It’s an autocross so you can put cones up and do different exercises in preparation for the main track. You can put water down on it and do those types of techniques. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office comes out and does pursuit training here,” Groseclose said.

There is also a two-story speed shop featuring a vintage Porsche showroom floor, mechanic shop, and private rental space that overlooks the track and showroom, as well as a 20,000-square feet separate event space on site.

Motorsports Popularity and Prime Location

“Overall, in the U.S., Nascar has always been very popular and Indy car is growing. Now you have shows like Formula 1: Drive to Survive that I believe is making a mass appeal right now,” Grosclose said.

And while NOLA Motorsports Park can cash in on the sport’s popularity in America, it also has the advantage of being so close to New Orleans, which was ranked as the #2 city for travel in the U.S. in 2022 by Travel & Leisure magazine. Grosclose explained that the closest comparable racetracks are Barber Motorsports Park outside Birmingham, Circuit of the Americas in Austin, and Sebring Raceway in Florida.

“We’re in a really good place being right outside New Orleans and the fact that it’s a top U.S. tourist destination,” she said. “We have something for everyone. Our karting facility is always going to appeal to the tourist side and it’s a huge part of our business.

“With the racing series, they love coming to areas like ours because they can go out after the races. It’s a fun city. They can host sponsors and manufacturers and take them to dinner or do other fun things. I think that’s what we have to offer here. People drive from Texas to Florida and we’re right there in the middle of that drive. I think that’s where we can capture a lot of people,” she said. R

Julie Siracusa, The Ocean Artist

1 Vitamin Sea – Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Oil on canvas, 60” x 40” x 2.5”

2 Vitamin Sea – Spotted Eagle Ray, Oil on canvas, 36” x 36” x 2.5”

3 Vitamin Sea – Octopus, Oil on canvas, 36” x 36” x 2.5”

4 Ocean Alive – Riva, Oil on canvas, 12” x 12” x 2.5”

My passion is all about the beach and the ocean. I am Julie Siracusa, The Ocean Artist. The feeling you get when you are at the beach or out on the water is why I paint the ocean. So, I hope you feel the breeze, smell the salty air, and take the plunge into the ocean, right there along with me!

For every original painting sold, a new reef system is started. I am passionate about saving our oceans and reefs. This is why my artist partnership with No Shoes Reefs continues to influence my work. As a result, I’ve become a student of sea life.

Keys in the Conch Shell by Kenny Chesney was playing on my studio radio back in 2020. I do love Kenny’s island tunes! And there I was, having a Caribb on the shore of Megan’s Bay, hanging with my friends. Living the life!

I looked up from the ocean art I was painting and dialed up Kenny on

Instagram. My work as an artist was about to dramatically change. Kenny’s No Shoes Reefs non-profit had just been launched. I knew at that moment this was what I was supposed to do. So, right then, I offered my artistic services. It was my way to give back to the oceans that I love, the inspiration of my art.

It was meant to be. As the artist partner of No Shoes Reefs, I have become a student of the oceans and sea life. Every project teaches me a new lesson about our coral reefs’ ecosystems. I do love sharing all that I learn with you.

No Shoes Reefs has inspired an organic evolution of my work. Sea life has arrived on my canvases. My Vitamin Sea Series is now alive. Each new sea creature teaches me yet another layer of how our reefs’ sea creatures are interconnected. Anyone removed will throw the life cycle out of balance.

So now, with every piece of original art sold, a new reef is planted by No Shoes Reefs nonprofit.

Join me in celebrating and saving the reefs. Learn more at www. NoShoesReefs.org Check out my Ocean Alive and my Vitamin Sea series at www.JulieSiracua.com

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