Visit Lake Charles Inspiration Guide Fall/Winter 2022

Reasons to Choose Lake Charles

Golf in Southwest Louisiana

Sports Betting at Casino Resorts

Gift Guide & Shopping Events

10 Live Music & Nightlife

12 Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

14 Festivals & Holiday Events

15 Mardi Gras Parades & Events

16 Culinary Q&A Special Section

17 Q&A with Chef Amanda Cusey

18 Q&A with Chef Lyle Broussard

19 Q&A with Gus Garden

20 Q&A with Mama Reta Durgan

21 Q&A with Michael Gardner

22 Chuck Eats Restaurant Week

3 Local Insights 4 10 Hover your mobile device over the QR code to get the latest episodes of the podcast.

23 Where to Stay

Shea Duncan,

Manning

Shalisa Roland

more information,

Lake Charles staff

337-436-9588

Southwest Louisiana’s new travel podcast!

Visit Lake Charles has a brand new podcast called “Louisiana’s Playground.” Co-hosts Brady Renard and Anna Strider are uncovering hidden gems by talking to locals and guests about a gamut of topics ranging from culinary arts, sporting events, new developments in the area, to what’s trending in Southwest Louisiana. Tune in to Louisiana’s Playground on your Apple/ Android devices, or find the show online at VisitLakeCharles.org/Podcast!

W S

E

LAKE CHARLES SULPHUR WESTLAKE DEQUINCY VINTON IOWA

LOCAL INSIGHTS

with Mother Son

Kimberly & Austin Dellafosse

Kimberly Dellafosse and her son, Austin, enjoy spending time together out and about in the city whenever he comes home to visit from college. She shared some local insights so that you can experience Lake Charles like a local! Since this issue is all about delicious food, they have some tips.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER

Top picks are The Bekery, The James 710, and Pujo Street Cafe for lunch. Kimberly loves breakfast from Leonard’s Food Quarters and Big Daddy’s and brunch offerings at Calla and Drago’s. For dinner, she and Austin enjoy 121 Artisan Bistro, and she and her husband recently tried Area 337 and had a tasty experience!

DESSERT

As for dessert, Austin does not have much of a sweet tooth, but Kimberly’s go-to pick-me-ups for a sugar fix are tea cakes from Sweets and Treats or cinnamon rolls from Helen St. Bakehouse! Kimberly also recommends the delicious “signature” chocolate chip cookies from Twanie’s Terrific Treats or the strawberry cupcakes from Pronia’s Deli & Bakery.

CAJUN/CREOLE CRAVINGS

As far as traditional Cajun/Creole dishes, Kimberly said that the one that she craves most often is boudin. Austin’s favorite Cajun dish is boiled crawfish, preferably from Honey B Ham or Heinen’s Boil-n-Go. When he comes home from Howard University in Washington D.C., at the end of the spring semester, he plans to indulge in a few pounds of crawfish with a side of boiled potatoes, corn, and sausage.

ACTIVITIES IN THE LAKE AREA

There’s more to Lake Charles than food! One of their favorite festivals to attend is Chuck Fest, which is set for Oct. 22. They love the diversity of musical performances and the atmosphere. Top things that they recommend to visitors are checking out the galleries at 1911 Historic City Hall, festivals or spending time in the outdoors.

FOODIE QUOTABLES

Kimberly describes Southwest Louisiana residents as “Friendly people who love to feed you!”

“My mom and I are definitely foodies; we really share a love of great food.

Whenever I am away at school, I often think about the delicious food back home in Louisiana.”

– Austin Dellafosse

The Bekery at Walnut Grove

10 Reasons to Choose Lake Charles

You can choose Lake Charles because you need a moment with Mother Nature, or you can choose Lake Charles because nothing competes with our culinary scene. Better yet, choose Lake Charles because it’s the ultimate way to unwind in Louisiana’s Playground, and there’s no place on earth like it.

Whether you’re seeking a luxurious stay at one of our casino resorts, a laid-back getaway under the stars at our state park, or a quick trip for a Cajun/Creole plate, you’ll find the true essence of Southwest Louisiana lives in its culture. These options are endless, and there’s no wrong choice, but here are 10 new reasons to choose Lake Charles:

1. You won’t find more affordable, pleasant outdoor accommodations under the stars than Sam Houston Jones State Park.

2. Lake Charles Carriages provide the most romantic ride for couples, especially under a vibrant sunset in downtown Lake Charles.

3. Twanie’s Terrific Treats is no cookie-cutter bakeshop. These cookies are a thick and gooey sugar bomb with all traditional and seasonal flavors.

4. There’s an eclectic gift shop for melomaniacs everywhere, and it’s called Panorama Music Exchange. You can get all your retro music memorabilia and more.

5. If you want to tee off on brand-new greens, visit Mallard Golf Club, which was recently added as a stop along the Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail.

6. Book a ride on the Lake Charles Trolley because having a chauffeur at the party amps up the fun factor!

7. Choose Barstool Sportsbook at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles or DraftKings Sportsbook at Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino because winning in two ways is better than one.

8. Plan your visit around Southwest Louisiana’s inaugural Chuck Eats Restaurant Week, Jan. 20-29, 2023, so you can indulge in delicious meals on a dime.

9. Attend the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival, Sept. 14-17, 2023, because who wouldn’t want to eat and drink with their loved ones all day?

10. The crawfish queso at Tin Lizard at Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino will have your tastebuds in a frenzy.

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Hitting the Greens in Southwest Louisiana

Golf in Lake Charles features lush scenery and indigenous plants, making the courses picturesque backdrops with birds and other wildlife paying quick visits along the way! Over the past year, there have been several additions to the golf scene including an entirely new golf course that recently debuted, Mallard Golf Club – a true Scottish links experience. The National Golf Club of Louisiana features a brand-new club house and The Max restaurant that also includes an expansive screened in porch, providing an ideal place to watch the

sunset over the golf course. The Chart House at Golden Nugget offers a fine dining experience with a sweeping view of the Country Club at Golden Nugget course, and next door, Contraband Bayou Golf Course at L’Auberge boasts of having a renowned golf architect, Tom Fazio designed course. Across the river in Sulphur, Frasch Golf Course offers a 71-par course as well as a driving range with chipping and putting greens and a pro shop with a clubhouse and grill. While you’re here, be sure to play a round in Louisiana’s Playground!

Hover your mobile device over the QR code to check out golf courses in Southwest Louisiana!

The National Golf Club of Louisiana

Elevate Your Idea of Entertainment

WITH SPORTS BETTING IN LOUISIANA’S PLAYGROUND

From super fans and superstar athletes to triumphant teams and die-hard underdog supporters, sports have a powerful way of uniting people toward a common goal. Southwest Louisiana can elevate your competitive edge and sports entertainment experience at our casino resorts.

Reimagine sports betting with three new sports betting lounges decked out with all the man cave must-haves, such as HD TVs, cold beer, warm food, patio access, as well as a racino with live thoroughbred horse races that run from October through February.

Invest in your favorite team or player from major sports leagues, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, boxing, UFC, tennis, motorsports, and more. Then, watch your fortune follow suit in real-time.

Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino

DRAFTKINGS

SPORTSBOOK

Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino

Expect nothing less than a top-notch experience at Golden Nugget. This casino resort speaks for itself with comfortable hotel suites, Vegas-style gaming, spa, barbershop, shopping, beach, marina, golf course, tennis court, and more than 15 dining options, including traditional bars, a beachside bar, swim-up bar, and DraftKings Sportsbook. DraftKings is your gameday headquarters, offering self-service kiosks at various locations throughout the property.

With over 3,200 square feet of LED screens and two dining options, all your gameday needs are covered.

BARSTOOL SPORTSBOOK

L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

L’Auberge is stacked with high-end amenities and luxurious experiences including comfortable hotel suites, Vegas-style gaming, sports betting, concerts, a golf course, spa, barbershop, family-friendly arcade, upscale shopping, and nine restaurants, including one inside of Barstool Sportsbook. Barstool is the new sports betting lounge that brings a sophisticated lounge for spectators to place wagers on their devoted game. The lounge features a 24-foot video wall, 16 betting kiosks, 18 slot machines, daily dining, and drink specials, as well as 45 TVs for viewing the best games.

LIVE THOROUGHBRED RACING & FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino

Located in Vinton, Louisiana, Delta Downs presents visitors with fast-paced casino action with live thoroughbred horse races, sports betting opportunities, slot machines, three restaurants, a pool, and a hotel. The racino offers unique experiences on their multi-track, state-of-the-art Off-Track Betting Parlor, with a nonsmoking room and private betting carrels. In addition to racing, Delta Downs recently introduced Fanduel Sportsbook, which is located on the casino floor.

DraftKings Sportsbook, Golden Nugget Lake Charles

Hover your mobile device over the QR code to check out area casinos.

Get it All This Fall

Shopping Events Pack the Calendar

Handmade jewelry, soap, baked goods, and art – farmers’ markets are the place to be in Southwest Louisiana for unique finds that warm the heart! Check out the Charlestown Farmers’ Market every Saturday, with artist and musician participation at Meet Me at the Market the first Saturday of the month. Also, enjoy Cash & Carry Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays or the Moss Bluff Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

Fall shopping events are all the rage, leading up to the holiday hustle and bustle. The Sulphur Heritage Fall Market on the grounds of Heritage Square features jewelry to art, baked goods to essential oils; it’s a perfect way to chat with local artisans on Oct. 29, next to the Henning Cultural Center with rotating exhibits. Flea Fest is a bargain hunter’s dream including antiques, retro and vintage items, handcrafted items, toys, collectibles, unique clothing, artwork, comic books, furniture, gifts, unique jewelry, plants and a farmers’ market Nov. 12-13.

Holiday shopping kicks off with the Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market on Nov. 18-20 at the Lake Charles Civic Center; followed by The Holiday Art Walk on Nov. 26 with local artisans, food trucks, a kid zone, and open-air market. The culmination of the holiday shopping season is Christmas Under the Oaks Dec. 1-3.

In addition to shopping events this fall, check out boutiques, antiques, local art, downtown shopping, and fashion-forward selections at a wide variety of locallyowned storefronts in the Lake Area!

Hover your mobile device over the QR code for a full list of shops.

LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLIFE &

The thump of a bass drum, the strum of a six-string, and the energy that comes from listening to live music from a Louisiana band! It’s enough to make you get up and dance. And, in Louisiana’s Playground, you can let your hair down, slip on your dancing shoes, and enjoy dancing the night away or relaxing to an acoustic set. Many local musicians have also developed restaurants to go along with music venues or double as chefs, so it’s no surprise that you can enjoy the taste and sounds – in style.

Hover your mobile device over the QR code to check out live music.

Panorama Music House

If you like mirror balls, eclectic music décor, a welllighted stage and acoustics along with a rooftop bar, good food and drinks, this place is for you!

Rikenjaks

Two stages are perfect for entertainment while dining outside under the lighted oaks or indoors for a more intimate setting. Sundays feature a band for brunch and jazz in the evening.

Crying Eagle Brewing Company

Crying Eagle also houses The Bistro with delicious Louisiana fare and oven-baked pizzas – perfect for having a round of brews, wine, or spirits with the crew while listening to live music.

Luna Bar & Grill

A crowd favorite, check out Luna’s Sunday Jazz Brunch or live music and incredible recipes that make Luna one of the top restaurants in the Lake Area by popular vote.

Blue Martini

Golden Nugget’s Blue Martini has an elegant bar area with plenty of space to dance the night away to live music or DJs.

Old Bastard's (OB's)

American cuisine and cocktails served in a chill, brick-lined space with a wraparound bar and pool table near the heart of downtown Lake Charles. Great place to hear local bands.

Cowboys Cowboy’s has been a tradition for a nightclub atmosphere for 30 years in Southwest Louisiana.

Frosty Factory

For frozen drinks and karaoke, you will not want to pass up spending an evening with friends at the newly renovated Frosty Factory.

Crying Eagle Brewing Company

CREOLE NATURE TRAIL ALL-AMERICAN ROAD

Look to the skies on the Creole Nature Trail during fall and winter! Fall migration of Neotropical songbirds add to the hundreds of bird species that reside in Southwest Louisiana year-round. In the winter, hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese make this area home. Days when the sun is out, you can still catch an American alligator warming up on the banks of the water, especially along Pintail Wildlife Drive!

TOP SITES:

• Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point

• Pintail Wildlife Drive, Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

• Rutherford Beach

• Wetland Walkway, Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

• Holly Beach

• Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary

CREATURE COMFORTS:

• Anchor’s Up Grill in Cameron (handmade hamburgers, kickin’ shrimp, po’boys)

• Chesson’s (burgers, chili dogs, boudin, soft-serve ice cream)

• Bayaks Country Store (jambalaya, seafood bisque, po’boys)

PRO TIPS:

Since you are in Louisiana’s Outback, be sure to come prepared with your car gassed up! You might want to bring snacks, water, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, a towel or beach chair for an afternoon enjoying watching the surf roll in. Don't forget a bag for seashells!

Hover your mobile device over the QR code to learn more about the Creole Nature Trail.

FESTIVALS

HOLIDAY EVENTS &

Dec. 3

Hover your mobile device over the QR code for a full schedule of festivals & holiday events.

Nov. 26

Brother Bubba’s Back Porch Christmas

West Cal Events Center

Oct. (Fri./Sat. + Halloween)

Lost Hollows Haunted Attraction

The Lost Hollows

Oct. 13

Cal-Cam Fair

West Cal Arena

Oct. 22

Chuck Fest

Downtown Lake Charles

Nov. 26

Holiday Art Walk

Downtown Lake Charles

Nov. 26

Light Up the Lake Lake Charles Civic Center

Dec. 1-3

Christmas Under the Oaks Henning Cultural Center, Sulphur

Henning Cultural Center

DeQuincy Christmas Event

Railroad Museum Grounds

Dec. 9-10

The Nutcracker

Tritico Theatre, Lake Charles

Jan. 13-14

Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival

Cameron

Jan. 16

MLK Coalition Festival

Downtown Lake Charles

Feb. 14

Valentine’s Concert Lake Charles Symphony

MARDI GRAS

PARADES EVENTS&

Jan. 7

Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is a next-level celebration filled with festive parties, neighborhood parades, king cake-flavored everything, and the locals drenched in purple, green and gold.

From Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday, you’ll see more than 60 krewes in flamboyant costumes and festive décor at various restaurants and events around the city. Mardi Gras revelers can catch colorful beads and trinkets from parade floats and feel right home with the rest of us. Our family-friendly Carnival fun keeps the spirit of Mardi Gras alive from gumbo cook-offs to Chicken Runs!

12th Night Car Show & Festival Lake Charles Civic Center

Feb. 15

Taste of Mardi Gras

Feb. 16

Mardi Gras Boat Parade Civic Center Seawall

Feb. 17

Merchants’ Parade Ryan Street

Feb. 18

Gumbo Cookoff Lake Charles Civic Center

Feb. 18

Krewe of Omega Parade Enterprise Boulevard

Hover your mobile device over the QR code for a full list of Mardi Gras events.

Feb. 18

Krewe of Barkus Lake Charles Civic Center

Feb. 19

Children’s Day Lake Charles Civic Center

Feb. 19

Children’s Parade Ryan Street

Feb. 20

Royal Gala Lake Charles Civic Center

Feb. 21

Fat Tuesday Parades Iowa Chicken Run

Ryan Street Parade Route

CULINARY CONVERSATIONS with LAKE CHARLES FOOD ARTISTS

From our bayous to the soul, right into a piping-hot bowl, you’ll get a traditional taste of Louisiana’s Cajun/Creole staples, including jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish, muffulettas, étouffée, po’boys, red beans and rice, bread pudding, and more. In Southwest Louisiana, we’ve excelled the culinary status quo by creating unorthodox food trails, highlighting international eats, hands-on dining experiences, grab n’ go options, and seafood galore. The food is only a fraction of Southwest Louisiana’s culinary story. For a genuine taste, you must meet the people preparing the plate.

Meet CHEF

AMANDA CUSEY

Name: Amanda Cusey

Restaurant: The Villa Harlequin

Specialty: Italian Cuisine

Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona

Chef Amanda Cusey is responsible for the Italian food art served at the Villa Harlequin in downtown Lake Charles. Crowned the 2022 Louisiana Seafood Queen by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board at the 15th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-off in June, Cusey was a first-time contestant and the second-ever woman to claim the royal title with her panseared fish dish.

A QUICK TASTE

What’s currently on your playlist?

“So Good” by Halsey and “Coming for You” by The Offspring

Where is your happy place in Lake Charles?

Sam Houston Jones State Park

What brings you gratitude?

Bringing people together and rescuing dogs

Q&A

1. You’ve made food your life’s work, why?

I cooked for my mom when I was young and never stopped playing around in the kitchen even into adulthood. I’ve washed dishes, bussed tables, served customers, and cooked in many kitchens, but I never stopped moving forward. The ultimate goal was to cook in an upscale restaurant.

2. How do you contribute to the culinary culture of Southwest Louisiana?

The Lake Area is rich and diverse. I contribute to the diversity of flavors by offering foods with Italian influences, cordon bleu training, and European influences.

3. Describe the ambiance of your restaurant.

It’s the ultimate date night with a low-lit casual, fine dining atmosphere. We don’t serve American Italian food, so you’ll experience upscale artistry from the menu options, and each plate is embellished with traditional Italian cuisine.

4. What is your culinary background?

Most of my formal training was earned internationally. I received my Cordon Bleu training at the Tante Marie Culinary Academy in Surrey England and worked with Michelin Star Chef Oliver Dunne as Head Chef at Eataly in Dublin’s City Center.

5. Where do you like to dine in Lake Charles?

Everything on Area 337 LC’s menu is banging, but if Caribbean food isn’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with a meal from Calla, Pujo Street Café, and Buffi’s Peaux Boys.

6. Use your five senses to describe your favorite culinary experiences.

I love the smell of fresh basil, the taste of roasted garlic, the feel of slicing tomatoes, the sound of fish searing in a pan, and the sight of a happy kitchen.

7. Who is the chef to watch in Lake Charles? Colin Nunez, my sous chef. He’s creative, and his desserts are flawless. You can tell he’s passionate about food because he pays attention to every detail.

8. I would love to be featured on ________ . Ahhh, it would be cool to have a role on Food Network’s series Chopped. I like quickfire challenges, so it’s fun to watch, but being on the show would feel like a dream.

9. How did recent years alter the way you prepare meals and dining experiences?

Loyalty meant a lot to me before, but now, it’s almost everything. As I mentioned, food was my life’s work, so I really appreciate the staff and community that stayed by my side and supported me throughout all the chaos.

“I cooked for my mom when I was young and never stopped playing around in the kitchen even into adulthood.”

Meet CHEF LYLE BROUSSARD

Name: Chef Lyle Broussard, Jr.

Restaurant: Barstool Sportsbook at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles Specialty: Southern Cuisine Hometown: Lake Charles

Barstool Sportsbook is a new sports lounge with all the bells and whistles that every sports fan is craving, but its competitive edge is Chef Lyle Broussard, who was named 2016 Chef to Watch by Louisiana Cookin’ Magazine. Lyle has consistently represented authentic Southwest Louisiana cuisine by participating in countless culinary media events, as well as contributing 17 years to crafting several menu items at various restaurants inside of L’Auberge Casino Resort, including the full menu at Barstool Sportsbook.

A QUICK TASTE

What’s your favorite movie?

Life with Eddie Murphy & Martin Lawrence

What’s currently on your playlist?

“Rather Lay with You” by Curley Taylor

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t doubt yourself.

Q&A

1. You’ve made food your life’s work. Why?

It feels like a duty beyond me - not like a chore, but a deeper purpose. I know that I’m meant for this.

2. What’s the culinary culture of Southwest Louisiana?

I can’t think of a better place to call home. It’s unique because we have Cajun and Creole cuisine with significant East Texas influences. We’re surrounded by water, so you have fresh seafood galore, but we’re also a skip and a hop away from Texas, which makes us a maestro of smoked meats.

3. Describe the ambiance of your restaurant.

Man, you want to be in this room. You can feel the energy from sports fans the moment you walk through the door.

The good vibes and big smiles are endless.

4. Explain your culinary background. My love for cooking was inherited from family, and I earned my culinary certification at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, but nothing prepares you for the food and beverage industry like working in a restaurant. You can have every degree in the world, but until you walk into a kitchen at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night, you’re not truly prepared.

5. Where do you like to dine in Lake Charles?

I often eat at Lil’ Mama’s on Common Street and order the coach burger – everything is handmade. It’s perfectly imperfect just like my mama used to make them.

6. Use your five senses to describe your favorite culinary experiences.

I love the smell of fresh waffles, the taste of peanut butter gelato and bacon jam, the texture of freshly sliced catfish, and the sound of chicken wings frying. But when I see a happy staff in the kitchen, nothing can ruin my day.

7. Who is the chef to watch in our area?

Amanda Cusey at the Villa Harlequin. She conquered that Louisiana Seafood CookOff competition like a boss. It was her first time entering the contest, and she beat a bunch of big dogs in the competition. I’m so proud of her.

8. I would love to be featured on ________ . Man, it would be great to showcase my skills on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay.

9. How did recent years alter your perspective on the food and beverage industry?

I pay more attention to food inventory than I ever have because recent inflation caused products to double in price. It forces me to be creative with the ingredients, which isn’t always a bad thing.

“It feels like a duty beyond me - not like a chore, but a deeper purpose. I know that I’m meant for this.”

Name: Gustavo “Gus” Garden

Restaurant: Area 337 LC

Specialty: Latin American Cuisine

Hometown: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Area 337 LC is a charming restaurant that represents a significant portion of Lake Charles' locals and visitors with its fresh Latin Caribbean flavors. Gus Garden, the owner, developed a menu that offers authentic Latin American dishes and craft cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. His restaurant is the ultimate cure for the cravings of Latin-Caribbean food lovers.

A QUICK TASTE

What’s currently on your playlist?

“Titi Me Pregunto” - Bad Bunny

What’s your favorite movie?

Iron Man

What brings you gratitude?

Family

Meet GUS GARDEN

Q&A

1. You’ve made food your life’s work. Why?

Instead of work, I get to spend my life connecting with friends over a good meal. I consider my customers to be friends because we become familiar with one another. There’s trust built into every plate and interaction.

2. What’s the culinary culture of Southwest Louisiana?

Gumbo is a huge deal in Louisiana. At Area 337 LC, we serve fricassee. This dish gives that same warmth and abundant flavor with fresh and clean ingredients as a gumbo but with a Latin twist. You can order fricassee with meats like goat and rabbit, as well as the traditional chicken, pork, and beef.

3. Describe the ambiance of your restaurant.

The goal is to transport you to an authentic Latin scenario. The moment you enter Area 337 LC, you’ll see vibrant colors, hear Latin music, and you’ll get a taste of Caribbean blends from Dominican, Puerto Rican, Colombian,

Venezuelan, and Cuban cultures.

4. Explain your culinary background. I went to school for nursing, so I never expected to own a restaurant. I worked at restaurants while in college and learned a lot, but the best training I received was the hospitality I inherited from my mom and dad.

5. Where do you like to dine in Lake Charles? Anything from Victoria’s Taqueria is a hit. They’re consistent with service and authentic Mexican flavors. My wife and I also love the shrimp remoulade and 1855 Cuban-style hanger steak at The James 710 because we get to experience our culture from someone else’s hands. It’s always fresh.

6. Use your five senses to describe your favorite culinary experiences. I love the smell of seafood soup, the sweetness of plantains, the sound of handsqueezed juices, the feel of flan custards, and the sight of the golden-brown plantains. It's like sunshine on a plate.

7. Who is the chef to watch in Lake Charles?

I admire the head chef at Restaurant Calla because we have the same goals in mind - serving fresh food.

8. I would love to be featured on ________ .

It’s my dream to cook for Shaquille O’Neal. His curious and confident personality seems like he would be open to trying something new. His honesty belongs in every kitchen. Maybe Netflix could document the entire experience. Haha!

9. How did recent years alter your perspective on the food and beverage industry?

It made me realize the power of humanity. When you experience tragedy, it makes you refocus and understand that supporting one another is most important. It made me a better restauranteur, husband, friend, and son.

“... I get to spend my life connecting with friends over a good meal.”

Meet MAMA

RETA

Name: Reta “Mama Reta” Durgan

Restaurant: Mama Reta’s Kitchen

Specialty: Comfort Food Hometown: Lake Charles

One word that comes to mind when locals describe Mama Reta is warmth. To have a warm personality means that a person shares a congenial, affectionate, enthusiastic aura with everyone they interact with. Warmth is at the root of Southern hospitality, and Mama Reta is serving up warm meals for Southwest Louisiana from a drive-thru lane or walk-up window. Her fried chicken and smothered meats are coined as Lake Charles legacies.

A QUICK TASTE

What’s currently on your playlist?

“Great Are You Lord” by Dante Bowe

What’s your favorite comedy TV show?

Sanford And Son

What brings you gratitude?

Being a blessing to someone else.

Q&A

1. You’ve made food your life’s work. Why?

It’s simple. I’m passionate about my meals and everyone that I prepare them for.

2. What’s the culinary culture of Southwest Louisiana?

The food out here really is the best that the state has to offer.

It’s the home cooking that feels like your grandmother’s house. I’m serving that same good ol’ Southern comfort food that I grew up on.

3. Describe your restaurant.

It’s nothing but love from the moment you hit the pavement because you’re at mama’s house now, so I’ll treat you just like family.

4. Explain your culinary background.

In my early age, I learned from fast food restaurants like Church’s Fried Chicken, but it all started when I was a kid. I was the youngest of eight children, and my mother gave birth to me at age 42, so she was no longer cooking every day. If I wanted a warm meal, I had to make it. So, that’s how it all began...

5. Where do you like to dine in Lake Charles? I love The Seafood Palace. They have the best boiled shrimp and crab in the city, and they fry their fish to perfection. It’s extra crispy just how I like it.

6. Use your five senses to describe your favorite culinary experiences.

I love to see the steam rising off the fresh plate of food, the taste of my smothered okra, the sound of fried chicken sinking into pipinghot grease, the warmth of the plate right before I serve it, and the aroma of a clean kitchen.

7. Who is the chef to watch in Lake Charles? Jo at Jo’s Party House. I’ll order any cupcake from that place because the moisture of those cupcakes is unreal, plus the artistry of the icing…. mmmm, it’s so delicious.

I have to get my hands on another one soon.

8. I would love to be featured on ________ .

I’d love to be featured on Food Network with Guy Fieri or Bobby Flay. I just know that we’d share some good laughs.

9. How did recent years alter your perspective on the food and beverage industry?

Life changes, so I’m enjoying the journey. Things aren’t the same, but honestly, I’m just grateful to still serve others from a place of my own.

“It’s simple.

I’m passionate about my meals and everyone that I prepare them for.”

Name: Michael Gardner

Restaurant: Pasta Lab Specialty: People & Pasta Hometown: Bay Area, California

Michael Gardner is the owner and operator of Pasta Lab, a micro food factory in Lake Charles. Michael is an expert at both people and pasta, and he loves to blend the two, whether it’s a pasta-making class or an interactive shopping experience when purchasing the product. His talents thrive beyond the basics because he has a knack for using his food artistry to connect with you, from pasta to plate to palate.

A QUICK TASTE

What’s currently on your playlist?

"Cars” by Gary Numan

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Stay out of your own way.

What brings you gratitude?

Sobriety

Meet MICHAEL GARDNER

Q&A

1. You’ve made food your life’s work. Why?

I love food, and if culinary appreciation is in you, it’s in you for life.

2. What’s the culinary culture of Southwest Louisiana?

Southwest Louisiana’s food is the best-kept secret, and it’s my duty to learn it and honor it. My contribution to our food scene is the crawfish étouffée and Tasso ravioli that can be purchased or prepared at my lab.

3. Describe your micro food factory.

It’s kinetic. From the people and products to the heavy machinery and interactive experiences, there is always something moving. That’s the scientific answer, but in short, it’s just fun.

4. Explain your culinary background.

Informally, I’ve lived and breathed the food and beverage industry for 45 years, but the pasta mastery has been self-taught. My skill was born in intensive

repetition, and that’s how Pasta Lab came to be.

5. Where do you like to dine in Lake Charles?

I supply pasta and pizza dough to 121 Artisan Bistro and fusilli pasta to 1910 Restaurant in downtown Lake Charles. I love to eat there because I get a chance to see how other chefs prepare my pasta.

6. Use your five senses to describe your favorite culinary experiences.

I love the smell of pine nuts toasting, the taste of fresh pesto, the feel of pasta ridges, the sound of equipment running, and the sight of pasta drying. During my pasta classes, I have a sixth sense for engaging with indifferent participants.

7. Who is the chef to watch in Lake Charles?

A good chef takes it all in. It’s not just the food, customer service or the ingredients, but they consider everything including finances, menu design, staff management, and more. That’s Chef Larry at 121 Artisan Bistro. He’s good.

8. I would love to be featured on ________ . Put me on the cover of TIME Magazine as man of the year. Why settle for anything less?

9. How did recent years alter your perspective?

Pasta Lab opened in the middle of all the unpleasantness. It was like starting a 50-yard dash with ankle weights, but you adapt. Eventually, you build the muscle and finish the race, but that looks different for everyone.

Hover your mobile device over the QR code to watch videos of each inspiring chef.

“I love food, and if culinary appreciation is in you, it’s in you for life.”

CHUCK EATS

The inaugural Chuck Eats Restaurant Week, January 20-29, 2023, will feature 10 days of food specials served at local restaurants across Southwest Louisiana. This region is known for its iconic Cajun/Creole food scene and fresh seafood year-round, but Chucks Eats Restaurant Week will give food lovers a chance to dine on a dime and save! It’s the hungry holiday you’ve been waiting for.

“Local food artists pour their creativity into bringing out authentic flavors of the region in a bold way. We're looking forward to putting a spotlight on eating local during Chuck Eats Restaurant Week.”

– Dave Evans

Chef Dave Evans, Luna Bar & Grill

Hover your mobile device over the QR code for information on Chuck Eats Week.

Stay Play in Louisiana’s Playground

A wide variety of places to stay is at your fingertips in Southwest Louisiana. There are upscale, recently remodeled accommodations as well as affordable places to overnight throughout the area in addition to more nontraditional selections. Luxurious casino resorts, plush with amenities, music, dining, and fireside chats, offer an

assortment of room options to fit your style. Or, stay connected to nature and under-thestars at Sam Houston Jones State Park with Tentrr for glamping or rent a new cabin with all the creature comforts of home. Vacation rentals are also prevalent with an array of choices, or if you’re traveling through with an RV, we have you covered there too!

Hover your mobile device over the QR code to check out ways to stay in Southwest Louisiana!

Bord du Lac Marina

Hotels

Vacation Rentals

Casino Resorts

RV Parks

Cabins