Acadiana Profile August-September 2019

Lifesaving Medical Technology and Innovation P. 51

BEST BARS 9 places

in acadiana to imbibe

_ Old Fashioned from Social Southern Table and Bar in Lafayette

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aug/sept VOL u m e 3 8 n u m b e r 0 4

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l agniappe.......................................... 12

A Little Extra

features

note de l’editeur............................ 16

Editor’s Note lettres d’amour . . ............................ 18

Paying Attention on Bayou Teche Mother Nature’s lessons learned the hard way

food+drink sur le menu . . .................................... 32

Meal and Deal EatLafayette brings bargains and special menus to beat the heat de l a cuisine.. .................................. 34

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À la Minute Wow guests with table side service during yournext dinner party recettes de cocktails................. 36

Peaches in Paradise Antoni’s new rum cocktail blends flavors of a Southern summer with a tropical sweet-tart zip voyages............................................ 38

Grape Expectations Texas Wine Country offers charm and choices to oenophiles

home+style l a maiso n.. ........................................ 22

Tower on the Teche Rediscovering a neoclassicalmeets-midcentury family home on the banks of the bayou p our l a maison. . ............................. 26

Happy Paper Trails Create a smartly-designed entryway to combat the back-to-school blues

culture les artistes..................................... 60

Drawn to Story Lafayette children’s book illustrator Denise Gallagher les personnes.. ............................... 62

À l a mod e ......................................... 28

Keep on Truckin’ Brett and Amanda Stutes continue rolling out the culinary creativity

Pop a Cork Proenza Schouler has designed a convertible clutch that is abstract art you can hold in your hand

Le Congrès Mondial Acadien 2019 Vingt-cinq ans de congrès

en franç ais, s ’il vous pl aît........ 6 4

40 Best Bars

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Medical Innovations

It’s the perfect time to spotlight the + Annual Hospital thirst-quenching Listing watering holes throughout Acadiana pByo rfrt ri tazi tess kbye rr+o amleircoe p+ hriol impesr o

By C h e r é c o e n p h oto s by j o s e p h v i d r i n e

General and High Risk Obstetrics, Office Gynecology, Treatment of PMS, Laparoscopic and Laser Surgery, Infertility, Urogynecology, Treatment of Abnormal Pap Smears, Gynecology Surgery, Office Ultrasound, In Office Hysteroscopy, Bone Density Studies, Care of the Menopausal Patient

STANDING:

Mario Cardinale, MD / Mika King, MD

Truman P. Hawes, MD / Monique M. Monteilh, MD

Michael W. P. Boos Jr., MD / Erin Hemsell, MD

SITTING:

John L. Fuselier, MD / Breigh Foster, MD

A’Dair Herrington, MD / Francis J. Cardinale, MD

R. Joseph Fernandez, MD

aesthetic services

INTRODUCING A NEW SERVICE

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FDA-approved treatment for the reduction of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and frown lines

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4640 AMBASSADOR CAFFERY | LAFAYETTE, LA 70508 | 337-984-1050 | ACADIANAWOMENS.COM

What is your dream travel destination and why? awards lagniappe

A Little Extra

E d i to r i n C h ie f M a n ag i n g E d i to r

Learn French

example: J’aime voyager à la plage en été. translation: I like to travel to the beach in the summer.

Errol Laborde

Melanie Warner Spencer

A s s o ciat e E d i to r

Voyager (v.) to travel

International and Regional Magazine Association

EDI TOR IAL

Co py E d i to r

“My dream travel destination is Ireland and Scotland. My family heritage is a mixture of both and I would love to see the castles and the countrysides.”- Liz

Ashley McLellan

Liz Clearman

A rt Di r ec to r

Sarah George

L e a d P h oto g ra p h e r W eb E d i to r sty le E d i to r

Danley Romero

Kelly Massicot

Marie Elizabeth Oliver

E d i to r ia l I n t e r n

“As a Francophile, France is at the top of my travel list. I’ve visited Italy and loved it, but I won’t rest until Paris and Provence are stamped on my passport.” - Melanie

Alice Phillips

Gold Magazine Photographer Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Department

Colleen Monaghan

(504) 830-7215 / Colleen@acadianaprofile.com S a les M a nag e r

Rebecca Taylor

(337) 298-4424 / (337) 235-7919 Ext. 230 Rebecca@acadianaprofile.com

d i r ec to r o f m a r k et i n g & eve n ts E ve n t Co o r d i nato r

Jeanel Luquette

Abbie Dugruise

d i g i ta l me d ia a s s o ciat e

Silver Magazine Writer of the Year Silver Hed & Dek Silver Photo Series Bronze Portrait Series Bronze Reader Service Article

mar keting

Mallary Matherne

For event information call (504) 830-7264

Tour de cusine

Gold Overall Art Direction

Gold Food Feature advertising V ice P r e s i d e n t o f S a les

DID YOU KNOW?

2018

Bronze Travel Package Award of Merit Travel Feature Finalist Magazine of the Year

produ c tio n

You can appreciate international cuisine without leaving Acadiana. The “Around the World in Acadiana” Food Tour in Lafayette recurs weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Experience a variety of foods including Latin, Mediterranean, Asian and European cuisines. Guests try two or three samples at each stop along the 2 ½ hour tour.

Led by Cajun Food Tours, tickets are $49 for adults and $35 for children under 12. Groups of eight or more receive a discount. cajunfoodtours.com

P r o d u c t i o n m a nag e r

Emily Andras

P ro d u c t i o n Des i g n e r s

“Italy! So many kinds of food, culture, art and history — what’s not to love?” - Emily

Rosa Balaguer Meghan Rooney T ra f f ic co o r d i nato r

Lane Brocato

adm in istratio n Di st r ib u t i o n M a nag e r o f f ice m a nag e r

John Holzer

Mallary Matherne

S u bs c r i pt i o n M a nag e r

Brittanie Bryant

For subscriptions call (504) 830-7231 C h ie f E x ec u t ive O f f ice r P r es i d e n t

2017

Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Food Feature Silver Cover Bronze Magazine Writer of the Year

Todd Matherne

Alan Campell

E x ec u t ive V ice P r es i d e n t

Errol Laborde

2016

Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Silver Photo Series

1 1 0 V eterans B lvd . / S u ite 1 2 3 / M etairie , L A 7 0 0 0 5 / ( 5 0 4 ) 8 2 8 - 1 3 8 0 / ( 8 7 7 ) 2 2 1 - 3 5 1 2 1 2 8 D emanade / S u ite 1 0 4 / L afay ette , L A 7 0 5 0 3 / ( 3 3 7 ) 2 3 5 - 7 9 1 9 e x t. 2 3 0 Acadiana Profile (ISSN 0001-4397) is published bimonthly with a special issue in September by Renaissance Publishing LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 and 128 Demanade, Suite 104, Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 235-7919 ext. 230. Subscription rate: One year $10; Foreign Subscriptions vary.

Periodicals postage paid at Lafayette, LA, and additional mailing entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Profile, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2019 Renaissance Publishing LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark Acadiana Profile is registered. Acadiana Profile is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Acadiana Profile are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner.

Bronze Magazine Writer of the Year Bronze Portrait Series Finalist Magazine of the Year

ĂŠq u i p e d e ve n t e

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

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

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note de l’e di teu r

Finding gre at happy hours is a bit of a hobby for me. Perhaps

owing to a combination of the thrill of the hunt and the thrill of a deal or maybe I inherited the love of the game from my grandparents, who were ardent happy hour devotees. At first — and I’m sure many young cocktail enthusiasts can relate — it was born of the strict budget I was on in college and later, as a professional just starting out in my journalism career. Along with friends and colleagues, it became a contest to see who could find the best prices or the most upscale locale with too-good-to-be-true specials. Everyone was keen to play along, because everyone came out a winner. While I’m still a sucker for a great happy hour and am always on the hunt for new haunts, as my career progressed, I was of course able to enjoy cocktails that weren’t on special and added finding fabulous places to have a drink (happy hour or not) into my hobby repertoire. Which is why when we landed on the possibility of bars as our recreation feature this year, I enthusiastically (and perhaps selfishly) voted yes.

For our Best Bars feature, writer Cheré Coen did the tough job of scouring the region to discover the best bars in Acadiana. Whether you prefer kicking back with a cold beer, sipping wine or live for the sound of a cocktail shaker, there is a watering hole for you.

We also took into consideration breweries, patios and those other little details that can determine where drinks will be had at any given moment.

Tipplers rejoice, because not only do we have the comprehensive bar feature, but also our Voyages travel feature for this issue is about imbibing. Join us for a trip to the wineries of the Texas Hill Country. If you’ve never visited, I recommend a trip to Fredericksburg in particular as soon as you are able to get it on your schedule.

Any time of year, this charming town is a favorite destination to eat, shop, check out a festival or art show and — it is surrounded by wineries.

Not to make light of health issues, but in this issue we also have our annual Hospitals of Acadiana feature, which this time includes profiles of doctors who are working with new, life-saving tools, techniques and innovations. We are fortunate to have top-notch medical care in the region and look forward each year to learning about how the professionals in this sector are saving lives.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together. Have a great time checking out the bars in the region, but be sure to drink responsibly.

Cheers to your health!

M e l a n i e Wa r n e r S p e n c e r , M anaging E ditor

c o n ta c t mel a n ie / 5 0 4 - 8 3 0 - 1 3 8 0 . M e l a n i e @ A c a d i a n a P r o f i l e . c o m .

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let t res d’amo u r / P e n n ed by a d if f e r e n t aut ho r in ev e ry iss u e

Paying Attention on Bayou Teche Mother Nature’s lessons learned the hard way By m a r g a r e t s i m o n i llu s t rat i o n b y C h r i s t i n a B r ow n

“Pay attention, and it will break your

heart a dozen times before dinner,” wrote Margaret Renkl in “Surviving Despair in the Great Extinction,” in The New York Times Opinion section on May 13, 2019. I have been blessed to live near water for most of my life. For the last 15 years, I’ve lived on the Bayou Teche in New Iberia.

Bayou Teche is a slow-moving stream that runs a winding 135-mile path from Port Barre south to Berwick, where it feeds into the Atchafalaya River.

Looking outside from my living room, I can watch the greening of the 100-year-old cypress tree and watch the moss sway from the Grandmother Oak, which is over 250 years old. An occasional canoe takes me back to the times of early Acadiana when the bayou was the road way from one homestead to another.

This winter I urged my husband Jeff to attend a wood duck house workshop sponsored by the T.E.C.H.E. Project, a nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of this amazing waterway. Little did I know what heartbreaking drama we were getting ourselves into.

From the workshop, we learned of wood duck enthusiasts who place cameras in their nest boxes to monitor activity. When I heard about this, I pushed Jeff to build a wood duck house. We also bought a Ring doorbell camera, so every time a duck goes into the house, the camera records a video.

You can imagine our excitement when the very next day, a wood duck hen came into the nest box. We watched with awe and wonder as she came and went, eventually laying some 21 or so eggs. Days passed and our phones were buzzing with alerts that mama wood duck was in the house sitting on the eggs. With all this activity, the camera battery had to be changed.

This was a bit of a challenge to do when she was not in the house, and one time, we scared her away. She didn’t return for almost 12 hours.

And it was one of those cool spring nights.

After 40 days of anxious watching, we realized the eggs were not going to hatch. The typical incubation time is 28-31 days. On Easter evening, we emptied the dead eggs into

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the bayou, cleaned the shavings, and put in a dry layer of new shavings.

The wood duck house adventure has taught us some hard lessons about nature: It is unpredictable and cruel and doesn’t always have a happy ending. In May, another wood duck hen was sitting on a new clutch of eggs.

Fingers crossed, I hope to see a brood of

ducklings jumping from the box to the bayou, a feat of nature on the day after hatching called Jump Day. n About the author: Margaret Simon lives on Bayou Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana with her husband, Jeff. She wrote a book of children’s poetry, “Bayou Song: Creative Explorations of the South Louisiana Landscape,” UL Press. She currently teaches in Iberia Parish and blogs regularly at reflectionsontheteche.com.

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I n s p i r at i o n , d ĂŠ c o r at i o n e t a cc e s s o i r e s ch i c p o u r l a v i e

M e et a mo d e r n h om e t h at pays h om ag e to t h e n at u ra l wo r l d at e v e ry t u r n .

home+sty le / l a m a iso n

Tower on the Teche Rediscovering a neoclassicalmeets-midcentury family home on the banks of the bayou

By M a r i e E l i z a b e t h O l i v e r p h oto s by h ay l e i s m i t h

W hen a rchitec t Her m a n Ge s ser, Jr.

began designing a home for Edward T. Weeks, III and his nature-loving family of five in 1971, he had one directive.

“All they said was they wanted something different,” says Gesser.

More than 45 years later, the white, castlelike facade still stands apart from any home in New Iberia’s established Duperier Oaks neighborhood.

Nestled amid ancient oaks and cypress trees, the meticulously-crafted structure rises above the meandering Bayou Teche like an architectural relic. No Acadian columns to see here.

“It was probably one of the most advanced houses of its time in the area,” says Gesser.

The home, which now belongs to Margaret and Jeff Simon, recently opened its doors to the public as part of the New Iberia Modern Home Tour organized by the Louisiana Architecture Foundation, Iberia Cultural Resources Association and Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau. (Note: Be sure to read Margaret Simon’s essay in “Lettres D’Amour on page 18.) According to the Daily Iberian, The architect’s original design emphasized the open flow of the home, particularly from the front foyer into the glass-walled living area. These two-story windows put on a daily show starring a towering cypress and the meandering Bayou Teche. The outside world simultaneously seeps into every fabric of the home’s aesthetic, from the earthy color palette to the art displayed on its walls. The homeowners’ eclectic collection includes local artists, such as Melissa Bonin, Paul Schexnayder, Jerome Weber and Kate Ferry.

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The home’s original owner — a shipbuilder — wanted to craft a staircase for the house in his boat manufacturing plant (now the Episcopal School of Acadiana’s Lafayette campus), according to Gesser. The architect says he suggested a freestanding spiral design, which had to be installed before the walls themselves. The facade’s distinctive turret became a direct result of the staircase.

“The brickwork was intricate, but it wasn’t decoration,” Gesser clarifies. “The brickwork was part of the structure.”

the house, received with fresh eyes, became a “fan favorite,” awing guests with its skylightcapped spiral staircase, original slate floors and intricate brickwork.

The Simons, who describe the house as having “strong opinions,” have embraced the character of the space, maintaining and restoring its modernist bones over time.

Central to the home’s aesthetic is its location on the Bayou Teche. Two-story picture win-

dows in the living room showcase the natural beauty of the property, which flows through each room in the house. Gesser says the Weeks family built the home with both formal and informal entertaining in mind. It’s easy to see how the midcentury ethos paved the way for the type of open floor plan so common in contemporary design.

“It was the beginning of the open floor plan,” explains Gesser. “It’s not as open as we see

today. You didn’t open the kitchen into the den, that was a no-no.”

For the Simons, who have hosted everything from family weddings to artists-in-residence, hospitality remains ingrained in the spirit of the house. However, Margaret Simon says the home’s greatest gift is the everyday magic of experiencing the natural world through her kitchen window or back deck. “It’s the best view ever.” n

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home+sty le / p o u r l a m a iso n

Happy Paper Trails Create a smartly-designed entryway to combat the back-to-school blues

by M a r i e E l i z a b e t h O l i v e r p h oto by R o m e r o & R o m e r o

children, the end of summer means a shift in entryway litter. Sometime around mid-August, wet bathing suits and towels get replaced by backpacks, lunch boxes and lots and lots of paper. Insert face-palm emoji.

No matter your home’s size or layout, an organized entryway is completely within reach, according to designer Nicole LeBlanc. LeBlanc says her cozy Saint Streets cottage lacked any sort of formal entryway or mudroom, so instead, she created a hardworking space near her home’s front door.

She designed the nook to cater specifically to the organizational needs of her three children, and says she is living proof you don’t need an HGTV-worthy locker room to win the backpack battle.

“I just needed something very practical that would keep everything in one spot,” she explains.

LeBlanc’s custom solution involved a plank of old cypress, which she embellished with whimsical antique-store hooks and brightlypainted files. However, she says the same type of storage can be accomplished through something store bought. The most important step is evaluating what type of clutter naturally gets strewn near your door and then creating an organized system to house it.

“Observe how your family is moving through the space,” she recommends. “Maybe you have another space for the hooks or maybe it’s About the Designer: about sports gear.”

Nicole LeBlanc is a graduate of the interior design Once you have the function under control, program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette LeBlanc suggests adding and recently launched accents to make the NLB Design, specializing in residential interiors. With space more aesthetically her husband, Mark Falgout, pleasing. Whether it’s she is the owner of Blue incorporating special Moon Saloon & Guest flooring, paint, light fix- House and Warehouse 535. tures or cheery artwork, all it takes is a few elements to define a welcoming entry space.

But, her No. 1 piece of advice is to solicit help from the kids themselves: “Involve them in the process because then they’ll want to use it. It will give them ownership.” n For anyone with school-aged

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How To

DIY Family-Friendly Entryway

1

Define the entry space and assess its storage potential.

2

Observe what types of items naturally accumulate.

3

Add functional pieces, such as hooks, seating and open files.

4

Invite your children to help customize the space.

Nicole LeBlanc / 337-322-8508. nleblancdesign@gmail.com.

5

Bring in accents to make the area feel welcoming and personal.

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home+style / a l a mo d e

Drop Everything

Pop a Cork Proenza Schouler has designed a convertible clutch that is abstract art you can hold in your hand. Brushstrokes of every color are cast over the purse’s cork construction like a rainbow refraction when glass is held up to light. Pops of cardinal red accent the sides of the bag, providing stability as well as a punch of color. Its metallic latch closure keeps the casual cork polished, and its removable strap means you can wear it on your shoulder or as a crossbody.

by A s h l e y H i n s o n photo by R o m e r o & R o m e r o

K i k i / 1 9 1 0 K aliste S aloom R oad . L afay ette . shopkikionline . com .

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About the shop New York-based brand Proenza Schouler, founded in 2002, is emblematic of the kind of brands Kiki carries: newer, younger and cooler, but with an elegant edge. The shop is highly-curated yet has a sense of refined ease, striking a balance unique to Acadiana retailers. Proenza Schouler was recognized for its potential in 2004 when it earned the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award and has since earned the Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2007, 2011 and 2013, among other accolades.

In a world full of minimalists, be a maximalist in these perfectly-engineered and intricately-designed Erica Courtney drop earrings. Each earring is comprised of three pieces — one hoop, or “huggie,” encrusted with tiny white diamonds, another golden drop, and finally, a chandelierlike silhouette with a dollop of green amethyst. These earrings are innovative in their construction, which enables the one who adorns them to add elements fit for her level of decadence for the day. Each piece can be purchased separately and added on over time, making for a romantic gesture of a promising future. Find them at Kiki.

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Ça c’est bon

g et t h e LG BT S a n dw i ch f rom av ec b aco n a n d ot h e r D i n i n g d e a ls a bo u n d a s EATLAFAYETTE co n t i nu es t h ro u g h m i d -s e pt e m b e r

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fo o d+dr i nk / su r l a m e nu

Meal and Deal EatLafayette brings bargains and special menus to beat the heat

Special, elegant and, on the fine dining side in terms of price, say the password at Café Vermilionville and proprietors Ken & Andrea Veron will offer up a special four-course menu for a thrifty $25.

by J y l B e n s o n p h oto s by d e n n y c u l b e r t

EatL afayette, the annual celebration

of Lafayette’s local restaurants, from humble to haute, continues through Sept. 15. Created by Lafayette Travel in 2005 to boost things a bit during the sultry summer months with cool-on-the-wallet offerings, to qualify as a local eatery, restaurants must have gotten their start in Lafayette Parish. Today, what started out with 18 participating restaurants now has over 100.

Many participating restaurants feature Louisiana’s native Cajun and Creole cuisines but the exploration of flavors does not end there. World cuisines Snack Attack reflecting the culinary cultures of France, Spain, Italy, Asia, Assortment of the American South and the pizza from Bread & Circus Provisions.

Mediterranean are also repThe Whole Farm resented.

Standout Deals When You Mention EatLafayette

sandwich from Avec Bacon Cafe.

Paul Ayo at Avec Bacon Cafe will toss in an order of his crisp-from-the-fryer fries gratis when you order a sandwich. He puts his sensational house-cured bacon to stellar use on most of his sandwiches but the LGBT, which combines greens, gouda cheese, bacon, fresh tomato, and spicy mustard on multi-grain bread from Poupart Bakery is a real standout. New on the menu The Whole Farm sandwich combines bacon and chuck, topped with cheddar cheese, two strips of bacon, an over-easy egg, greens, fresh tomato, and spicy mayo on a Poupart’s brioche bun.

For dinner, lunch, brunch and a show wildman Chef Manny Augello’s Bread & Circus Provisions is always a sure bet for a fun time and a fine meal. The focus here is on Sicilian fare, wood-fired cooking, and Neapolitan pizza ... not Neapolitan “style.” This is the real deal. At lunch you will score a piece of that fabulous pizza for $1 a slice. Hit him up at dinner and the magic words will score you a split of Tiamo Prosecco with purchase of main entree. Go for Saturday brunch and an order of The Original Bounut (boudin filled donut) is all yours.

EatLafayette / eatlafayette.com

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At The Cajun Table a mention of the dining special with score you an order of Nonky’s Fonky Potatoes (seasoned, boiled potatoes diced up and deep fried then smothered in signature cheesy crawfish queso and topped with

Bonus Bite Are you traveling to Lafayette? Mouton Plantation, a seven-room B&B near downtown Lafayette, is a circa-1820 restored, raised Creole manor home in the Sterling Grove Historic District. The main plantation is surrounded by quaint cottages along an alley of ancient oak trees and surrounded by lush gardens. Comfortable and romantic, each room, some of which are pet-friendly, is decorated with old world furnishings offset by modern amenities — a large flat screen TV, WiFi, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Each night from 4:30 to 6:30 complimentary hors d’oeuvres and house libations are offered along with tours of the house. Special nights feature live music performances by the celebrated Louis Michot, and every day begins with a lavish breakfast from Chef Craig Kimball — think fresh Gulf shrimp and stone-ground grits and hot biscuits served with excellent fig preserves made in the plantation kitchen. Mouton Plantation 338 N. Sterling St. Lafayette. 337-233-7816. moutonplantation.com

pork rind croutons and green onions) for $5. That is a fun, indulgent meal for a bargain price.

Are you in the mood for barbecue?

Head to Hub City Diner where the EL special is a barbecue brisket sandwich topped with cole slaw and served with potato salad and lemon meringue pie for $9.99.

A buy-one-get-one deal, when you buy a starter, side or small plate at lunch or dinner Monday through Friday, the celebrated Saint Street Inn will shave 25 percent off the second of each when you mention EatLafayette.

The restaurant that made downtown Lafayette cool again, Tsunami prides itself on “LA flare with southern care” with a diverse menu that takes sushi in inventive, globally-inspired directions. Mention EL to receive the Grilled Spicy Yellowtail for $20 — plated on a bed of Asian salsa (made in-house with Fiji apples, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, avocado, and jalapenos), garnished with micro greens, yuzu tobiko and a drizzle of Asian chimichurri sauce. A serious deal. n

Avec Bacon Cafe 4807 Johnston St. Lafayette. 337-789-6121. avecbacon.com Bread & Circus Provisions 258 Bendel Road Lafayette.

337-408-3930. bandcprovisions.com Cafe Vermilionville 1304 W. Pinhook Road Lafayette. 337-2370100. c afev.com The Cajun Table 4510 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy. Ste. D. 337-806-9565. thec a juntablellc.com Hub City Diner 1412 S. College Road Lafayette.

337-235-5683. hubcitydiner.com Saint Street Inn 407 Brook Ave. Lafayette. 337-534-8112. s aintstreetinn.com Tsunami 412 Jefferson St. Lafayette.

337-234-3474. servingsushi.com

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fo o d+dr i nk / de la c u isine

À la Minute Wow guests with tableside service during your next dinner party

by M a r c e l l e B i e n v e n u p h oto & s t y l i ng by E u g e n i a Uh l

Tableside service (the preparation

of a dish by a server at your table) went out of vogue for a while, but according to trendspotters, it’s becoming popular once again. Having an entire meal, from soup to dessert, prepared tableside is something that I do a couple of times a year at a small dinner party. It takes a little preparation and practice to pull it off, but it is well worth the effort.

Your guests will love it.

You don’t have to have a gueridon (a movable trolley or table) for tableside dining. I use a cocktail cart on wheels, which is ideal to use for the salad preparation. I also have a portable butane burner that I put on the cart to use for the flamed items.

Let’s begin with a salad — specifically, the Caesar salad, which was historically prepared tableside. Culinary lore tells us that the salad’s creation is generally attributed to restaurateur Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who operated restaurants in Mexico and the United States. Cardini was living in San Diego but working in Tijuana where he avoided the restrictions of Prohibition. His daughter Rosa (1928–2003) recounted that her father invented the dish when a 4th of July 1924 rush depleted the kitchen's supplies. Cardini made do with what he had, adding the dramatic flair of the tableside tossing “by the chef.”

A number of Mr. Cardini's staff have claimed to have invented the dish. Julia Child claimed to have eaten a Caesar salad at Cardini's restaurant when she was a child in the 1920s.

Nonetheless, the earliest contemporary documentation of Caesar salad is from a 1946 Los Angeles restaurant menu, 20 years after the 1924 origin asserted by the Cardinis. n

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C r ê p es S uz et t e i s rumo r e d to h av e b e e n c r e at e d i n 189 8 for the Prince of Wa l es , t h e f u t u r e E dwa r d VII , at t h e C a f é d e Pa r i s i n Mo n t e C a r lo. I t wa s na m e d by t h e prince himself a f t e r h i s b e au t i f u l com pa n i o n , S u z et t e .

starter

EMERIL’S CAESAR SALAD

Rub the inside of a large wooden bowl with 2 garlic cloves then finely chop. Add 4 egg yolks, garlic, 6 anchovies and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the bowl. Whisk until incorporated, then add juice of two lemons (about 6 tablespoons). Slowly drizzle 1 cup olive oil while whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Gently tear 2 large heads Romaine lettuce (washed, ribbed and patted dry) into bitesize portions and add to the salad bowl. Using a handheld grater, grate 3 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into the bowl. Add 12 ounces salad croutons. Toss the salad completely and re-season if necessary.

Serve the salad on cold salad plates. Makes about 6 servings

main course

Steak Diane

TIP Have all your ingredients measured out, and be sure to have the necessary equipment (like the hand grater) at the ready.

This is called mise en place (everything in its place).

The origin of Steak Diane continues to be a mystery.

However, I did learn that the description à la Diane in French cuisine is given to certain game dishes that are dedicated to the goddess Diana, the huntress. Game such as venison is coated with a Sauce Diane which is a highly peppered sauce with cream and truffles. I surmise that perhaps a beef lover (like me) may have substituted steak for game. The first mention of Sauce Diane (as opposed to à la Diane) comes from the culinary icon Auguste Escoffier in 1907. He added hard-cooked egg white to the à la Diane formula. But, the consensus is that the dish was probably created in America, most likely in New York City in the 1950s. makes 1 serving

Salt Freshly-ground black pepper 2 (3-ounce) beef tenderloin medallions, lightly pounded to 3/8-inch thick 2 cups olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon minced shallots 2 teaspoons Cognac 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 4 ounces demi-glace (available at most supermarkets) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ cup heavy cream

1

Season medallions on each side with salt and pepper. Put oil and butter in a skillet and heat until almost smoking. Lay meat in pan until browned, then turn over. Push to one side and add shallots. Stir until fragrant and translucent.

2 3 plate.

When meat is browned, but still undercooked, transfer to a warm plate and top with another warm

Remove pan from burner, and carefully add Cognac, then return to burner. Tilt pan forward to allow the flame to jump into pan. Reduce heat to medium, then add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up browned bits and stir to blend.

4

Add demi-glace and whisk in mustard with a fork. Pour in enough cream to enrich the sauce.

Allow mixture to reduce just enough to thicken it, then return meat and its juices to the pan.

5

When meat has been coated in and warmed with the sauce, transfer to a dinner plate to serve.

Small buttered potatoes and julienned carrots (cooked) are ideal sides to serve with this dish.

dessert

CrêpeS SUZETTE

①

Combine 2 eggs, 1 stick (8 tablespoons) melted butter, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ cup water, ½ teaspoon salt and 1¼ cups all-purpose flour in a blender. Blend until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to lightly coat a spoon.

If it is too thick, add a little more water.

②

Lightly oil a small skillet with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Heat skillet. When hot, thinly cover with batter. When the edge of the crêpe turns brown and small holes appear (about one minute), flip and cook for about 30 seconds longer.

Turn out onto a paper towel and repeat until all the batter is used. Set aside eight crêpes. The rest can be refrigerated or frozen (in between sheets of wax paper) for later use.

③

Combine 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter and ½ cup sugar in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until sugar is caramelized and the color of amber.

Add ⅓ cup fresh orange juice, a little at a time, and continue stirring until all juice has been added and mixture is smooth.

Reduce heat to simmer.

Add crêpes, one by one, placing each flat in the pan, and spooning the sauce over it. Fold the crêpes in half and in half again to form triangles. When all the crêpes have been sauced and folded, add 3 tablespoons brandy and ignite carefully. Spoon the flaming sauce over the crêpes until the flames are extinguished. Serve two crêpes per person with some of the sauce.

Makes 4 servings

ac adianaprofile.com 35

fo o d+d ri n k / r ec et t es d e co c kta ils

Peaches in Paradise Antoni’s new rum cocktail blends flavors of a Southern summer with a tropical sweet-tart zip

recipe

Just Peachy

by L i s a L e B l a n c- B e r r y p h oto by R o m e r o & R o m e r o

Th e c u m u l at i v e e f f e c t o f

Antoni’s Just Peachy cocktail can be compared to the ineffable chemistry of a couple falling in love. When adding up all the elements, it’s plain to see that peaches and spiced rum were meant to be together.

It’s a timely tipple, since August is National Peach Month and Aug. 16 is National Rum Day. Such a double-hitter cocktail, garnished with luscious, juicedripping-down-your-chin peaches, can also bring a little sunshine into September’s peak hurricane season.

Bartender Ryan Tauzin utilizes the quintessential summer spirit and sun-ripened peaches with lime, mint and a fizzy finish to create an island paradise right in your glass.

You’ll find him on Saturdays at Lafayette’s legendary Italian café. Antoni’s affable owners, Holly and Eli Cure, have been partnering with Eat Fit Acadiana to add low-calorie options and new gluten-free offerings. They’re also participating in EatLafayette through September (a three-course feast for $25).

Fresh mint simmered in simple syrup amply jazzes up the Just Peachy, a cooling concoction that can bring the heavenly flavors of summer all year long. n

Antoni’s Italian Café / 1118-A Coolidge Street. Oil Center Gardens. Lafayette. 337-232-8384. Antonisitaliancafe.com.

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In a bar shaker, add: 1¼ ounce Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, ½ ounce mint simple syrup, ½ ounce peach puree, squeeze of fresh lime.

Strain over ice into a snifter glass, layer lime wheels, mint leaves and fresh peach slices inside the glass, then top with soda.

just minted For mint simple syrup, combine 2 to 3 sprigs fresh mint, ½ cup water and ½ cup. Simmer until a light golden color is achieved, approximately 10 minutes. Add 1 cup fresh diced peaches to ½ cup simple syrup and blend in a food processor for the peach puree.

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fo o d+dr i nk / voyag es

Grape Expectations Texas Wine Country offers charm and choices to oenophiles

boards, then enjoy the landscaped grounds, sometimes accompanied by live music.

And that’s just two of the more than a dozen wineries located in the Hill Country, their owners as proud of their homegrown product as they are of the Alamo. At Texas

Heritage, Johnson’s ancestors peer down from photos lining the walls. She even named one of her wines “Lizzie Rosé” for her grandmother Elizabeth Rose of Victoria, Texas.

“It’s all about honoring your heritage,” Johnson said. n

By C h e r é C o e n

Susa n Johnson h a il s from a long

line of Texas pioneers, so when she retired from her office job and contemplated opening a winery, the name seemed all too clear. Johnson owns Texas Heritage Vineyard outside Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, an homage to her family and her state.

It all began when she attended Texas Tech viticulture studies to learn more about growing grapes.

“The next thing we know we’re ordering a lot of grape nubs,” she explained while pouring samples of her Texas wines in the winery’s tasting room.

The grapes came from California based on her property’s soil samples, then took 18 months to graft. Johnson planted the first vines in 2015 and now produces wines from her 12-and-ahalf acres. Since opening the estate winery and making the vineyard public in 2015, her wines have nabbed numerous awards.

Johnson’s story has been replicated many times throughout the Lone Star State, which now stands as the United State’s fifth largest wine-producing state. The Hill Country is one of eight federally-approved viticultural areas in Texas, where 85 percent of the wine must be produced from grapes grown within those designated boundaries. For varietals, 75 percent of the wine must be made from the grape variety.

The Hill Country, with Fredericksburg as its heart, includes 110 square miles of its viticultural area. Combined with the town’s charming German-style accommodations, fine restaurants and boutiques and art galleries, Fredericksburg continues to attract wine enthusiasts and is routinely named to top wine and travel lists.

Signor Vineyards, for instance, lies within the rolling hills of Central Texas where the Pedernales River Valley meets Grape Creek, a short drive from Fredericksburg. The facility contains an elegant tasting room and outdoor patios beside fire pits and beneath ancient live oak trees. Visitors may arrive Thursdays through Mondays to taste their seven Texas varietals and purchase bottles and charcuterie

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Tasting wines in Fredericksburg For a taste of Hill Country Texas, Lost Draw Cellars pours 21 varieties in their downtown Fredericksburg tasting room and offers new wines every month. Lincoln Street Wine Market sells a large selection of wines,

but also doubles as an oasis for visitors to sip wine by the glass while indulging in comfy seats both inside and out. When the weather turns cold, there’s a cozy fireplace as well. For a meal of a lifetime, complete with a

choice of more than 75 Texas wines, the largest Texas wine list according to Chef-owner Ross Burtwell, enjoy dinner at Cabernet Grill. Visitors may even stay at Cabernet’s many authentic Texas log cabins on site.

ac adianaprofile.com 39

BEST BARS Something about summer makes us thirsty — wonder why that is? It’s the perfect time to spotlight the exquisite watering holes throughout Acadiana, everything from beer taprooms and live music venues to ethnic experiences and high-end restaurants where signature cocktails are served. ¶ Here are our picks for the best bars in Acadiana, but we’re only scratching the surface. Like its world-famous cuisine, South Louisiana has a lot to offer those who are parched. This list will get you started.

by C he r é C o e n p ho to g raphs by J o sep h Vid rine

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ac adianaprofile.com 41

Best Bourbon Bars

Social Southern table & bar

3901 Johnston St. Lafayette 337-456-3274 socialsouthern.com

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as Rocky Mountain for mountain-based distilleries or Canadian for Canadian whiskeys.

“It’s a fun way for us to play around and it’s something our customers ask for,” Thom said.

Social reuses oak barrels that have been dropped off by distilleries and used once or twice in the restaurant to barrel age bourbons for their Manhattans, Sazaracs and old fashioneds. Once the barrels have run their course for cocktails, the kitchen uses them to barrel aged items such as honey, vinegar and hot sauce.

Above all, it’s the wide selection of bourbons that draw in customers. Social is one of the few establishments to carry the select brand of Pappy Van Winkle and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. It also serves three select brands in whiskey cocktails.

“We try to showcase them in our cocktails or let them shine alone,” Thom said.

Social Southern has happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Happy hour also means half-priced fried green tomatoes and flatbread and on Wednesdays it’s $6 old fashioneds all day.

ining the walls at Social Southern in Lafayette are custom-made cabinets full of select bourbons, part of the more than 150 bottles the restaurant and bar has on hand.

And it keeps growing, said Brian Thom, wine director and assistant manager.

“Every time they build us a cabinet, we fill it up in days,” he said.

It’s why the Bourbon Review has chosen Social Southern as one of the nation’s top bourbon bars five years running.

“It’s a cool thing, something we’re really proud of,” Thom said.

Ru n n e r Up In fact, the hip restaurant and bar has \ Folks enjoy Cinclare Southern Bistro so many bourbons, it instituted what it calls the “Social Outcask.” Thom takes in Thibodaux for its distinctive and versatile five to six bourbons off the shelf, mixes menu that utilizes Louisiana produce and them together inside a 10-liter oak barrel, products, but the restaurant also features then waits about five to seven weeks to signature bourbon cocktails such as the serve the result. traditional old fashioned, one of owner Chef “The first one was created as a way to Michael Dalmau’s favorites. Sample his classic move some bottles that had been sitting cocktails or be adventurous with one of the there forever,” Thom explained. “It’s been restaurant’s revolving drinks, such as the fun to provide a product you can’t get Summer Trail made with bourbon, Carpano anywhere else and to move a product.”

Antica vermouth, strawberry-infused Aperol, Social Southern is now on its fifth OutRabarbaro and muddled strawberry. cask, serving up its shots for $14 a piece.

In the past, many have had themes such

ac adiana profile august/september 2019

\

Old Fashioned

Brian Thom of Social Southern offers this recipe: Mix 2 ounces bourbon or rye with ½ ounce of sugar syrup (one part sugar to one part water) and add four dashes of Angostura bitters and three dashes of orange bitters.

Stir and pour the cocktail in a short glass with ice. Slice the outside of an orange and express its juice (exterior peel side), then drop the juice and orange peel into the drink.

\

negroni

Combine 1 ounce each of Campari, gin and sweet vermouth, stir and pour over ice or serve neat.

ethnic Bars

Pamplona’s Tapas Bar

he owners of Pamplona’s Tapas Bar studied the culinary landscape of downtown Lafayette, examining what was being offered and, most importantly, what wasn’t. Even though Louisiana’s heritage contains decades of Spanish rule, the Spanish culinary heritage was missing from the

Ru n n e r Up \ It doesn’t get more Celtic than McFarland’s Celtic Pub in Lake Charles, which pours 40 brands of Scotch and 135 different beers and serves a menu of Old World favorites such as the Scotch Egg, corned beef and cabbage and fish and chips. There’s live Celtic music and a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., not to mention nightly drink specials. Try the Scotch Flight — four Scotches for $20.

town where most restaurants gear their menus with Cajun and Creole traditions.

So, in December 2007, Pamplona’s Tapas Bar opened, with Spanish tapas the focal point an a full bar offering Spanish wines, specialty cocktails and both red and white sangria. What makes the bar scene special — besides the photos of Ernest Hemingway, portraits of bull fighters and an actual bull mount — is that Pamplona’s mixologists create cocktails in a pre-Prohibition style, explained General Manager Andrew Payne.

“Everything has to be fresh,” Payne said.

“No mixes. Juices are squeezed daily.”

Pamplona’s sangria, for instance, incorporates fresh fruit and juices, wine, Triple Sec with pear schnapps in the white sangria and cherry brandy in the red.

“They’re a big hit,” Payne said. “We sell hundreds of gallons the weekend of Festival International alone.”

Customers still ask for traditional cocktails, Payne added, and Pamplona’s serve up the classics as well as signature drinks. In the past, Pamplona’s has participated in Lafayette’s Absolut Best Martini contest, offering their unique twist on the standard cocktail.

“We take the classics as our base and we have a few originals we make and we try to change things up seasonally,” he said.

Pamplona’s also serves 10 types of absinthe, two of which made are made in the U.S. “The same year we opened Pamplona’s, absinthe became legal again in the United States,” Payne said.

Pamplona’s has happy hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and all day Wednesday with $4 well drinks, $3 sangrias and house wine and $1 off beer. Tapas are 25 percent off from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday as well.

631 Jefferson St.. Lafayette. 337-232-0070. pamplonatapas.com. ac adianaprofile.com 45

“The boudin beer was crazy,” said Karlos Knott, president. “It was gone in like 30 minutes.”

So, it’s no wonder they offer fun every weekend in the brewery’s taproom and surrounding grounds \ Arnaudville Fun has always been part known as the “beer garden.” There’s live music of the manifesto at Bayou Teche Brewing in from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and from 3 p.m. to 6 hebeers downtown Arnaudville. Their European-style have music scene in Lake Charles continues to evolve Saturdays, song trivia on Saturday afternoons and the Dead latest kidp.m. on the block mixes an innovative menu with sported names such as The Walking and aaCajun jam session on the brewery’s porch on live music six nights week. coffee kolsch, Cinco de Bayou and A Giant Hop Sundays, followed by games such as bean bag toss definitely about music,” said Panorama General for Mankind double IPA. Last Mardi“We’re Gras, the and bourré. On Thursday evenings, it’s “Arnaudville Acadiana brewmasters mixed boudin, Steen’s Manager knownTheatre” simply as “D.C. ” “Music, food andfiction drink. ” with family-friendly science films. syrup and coffee into a limited-edition Cajunvenue located at 331 Broad Street grows quiet The large “Every Thursday through Sunday we do someBreakfast Stout. on Mondays and there’s a different vibe every night from Best Beer

Bayou Teche Brewing

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ac adiana profile august/september 2019

live music venue

Panorama Music House

T

331 Broad St. he downtown music scene in Lake Charles continues to evolve and Lake Charles the latest kid on the block mixes an 337-602-6343 innovative menu with live music six thepanoramamusicnights a week. house.com The large venue located at 331 Broad Street grows quiet on Mondays and there’s a different vibe every night from Tuesdays through Sundays. Tuesdays features jazz bands, Wednesdays is ladies night with a house band and Thursdays the venue hosts acoustic acts. Fridays and Saturdays bring in local and regional touring acts and Sundays it’s open mic with the Good Samaritans.

“We have a wide assortment,” D.C. explained. “We’re not committed to one genre. We love all kinds of music. We try to get as much music and be as diverse as we can be.”

The menu’s diverse as well, including flatbread pizzas, hamburgers, salads and appetizers, plus “Grown Up Grilled Cheese.” The Goldband Burger — featuring goat cheese, portabellas, mayonnaise and pesto — is a nod to the former Goldband Studios of Lake Charles, where Ru n n e r Up Dolly Parton cut her first single.

Panorama may be new to down\ Visitors come for the antique town, but the site has seen a long list car memorabilia and the pizza and of Lake Charles notable businesses.

Cajun dishes at Buck and Johnny’s Rikenjaks used to be located here, as of Breaux Bridge, located in the old well as the Lake Charles American Domingue’s Motors building. But it’s Press newspaper, Sloppy’s Downtown the music that packs the place, from and Happy Hippie Pizza.

Yvette Landry and Richard Comeaux Daily specials range from drink on Thursday nights, Doyle Tauzin’s discounts to bingo, a washer touracoustic country on Fridays and the nament and $10 mimosa and sangria “World Famous Zydeco Breakfast” carafes on “Fuzzy Sundays,” topped with a revolving lineup starting at 7 off by the Panorama Pajama Jam a.m. on Saturdays. open mic from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Daily happy hour is 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

thing [at the brewery],” said Knott. “It’s fun and we figured if we’re having fun, they’re having fun. It’s a great [place] to bring your family and enjoy an adult beverage.”

Not to mention the taproom pouring signature brews every day of the week — look for a blackberry lemonade sour beer and peach IPA this summer — and Neopolitan pizzas served hot from the brick oven Thursdays through Sundays.

Knott has been fired up about the homemade pizzas, pun intended, now that the brewery has

taken on additional brew staff. He incorporates house-smoked meats and homemade sauces and hopes to create his own mozzarella soon.

“I’ve always been a foodie,” he said. “I’ve been making pizza at the house for years. Our goal is to be the best in the state.”

Because Bayou Teche is a craft brewery, they experiment and serve small batch brews

to weekend customers. That boudin beer may make a return appearance when the weather chills out, Knott said.

The on-site taproom is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fridays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Scheduled tours of the brewery are offered on Saturdays, but may be arranged.

1106 Bushville Highway. Arnaudville. 337-754-5122. bayoutechebrewing.com.

ac adianaprofile.com 47

\

classic martini

Pour 1½ ounces gin, 1½ ounces sweet vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters into an empty cocktail shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice and stir with a bar spoon (unless you’re 007’s James Bond and prefer it shaken). When chilled, strain and serve into a martini glass and garnish with lemon peel.

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afterwork stress reduction

charley g’s 3809 Ambassador Caffery Parkway Lafayette 337-981-0108 charleygs.com

C

harley G’s is a Lafayette landmark that’s the place bar, where for $55 participants may enjoy a variety of tapas to enjoy a great meal any time. The award-win- with three full wine tastings. ning restaurant and lounge — Executive Chef In addition to the restaurant’s outstanding wine list, Holly Goetting has nabbed numerous awards one of the best in the state said Caldwell, the bar serves — has been serving up exquisite dishes in the up classic, Prohibition-style and original cocktails. Be sure Hub City since 1985. to try “The Hot Mess” consisting of grapefruit vodka, St. But the bar at Charley G’s remains the hot local watering Germain and fresh lemon juice that’s topped with sparkling hole to relax, enjoy a cocktail or glass of fine wine and a Cava. delicious appetizer after work. The space adjacent to the Charley’s G’s happy hour includes special discounts restaurant fills up every afternoon and early evening, mostly from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays but in with locals gathering for good company. On any given the fall the restaurant will serve up free appetizers to the afternoon, one may spot politicians, business executives after-work crowd on specific Fridays. Check the restaurant’s and dignitaries, said Justin Caldwell, general manager.

Facebook page for updates.

There’s also live piano music by well-regarded pianists — a long-standing tradition — from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For years Grammy AwardR u nn e r Up winner David Egan performed at Charley \ Go for the cocktails, stay for the food. That’s the thinking behind the G’s, attracting famous musicians who would after-work crowd making their way down Jefferson Street in downtown come to hear him play.

Lafayette. At Spoonbill, the new restaurant helmed by Chef Jeremy Connor, “I was lucky to have worked here during there’s outside tables, a cozy inside ambiance and a bar serving up classic Egan’s tenure,” Caldwell said. and signature cocktails, plus a “Tiki Time” selection that arrives in South Charley G’s celebrates its 35th year in Pacific-style mugs. In addition to the creative pies, Central Pizza serves both 2020 and many anniversary events are original and traditional cocktails at its 25-foot-long bar. Or pick up a cocktail planned, including high-end wine and and enjoy the parklet right outside the front door. whiskey dinners, Caldwell stated. Starting now, on the last Wednesday of every month, Charley G’s will offer tapas tastings in the ac adianaprofile.com 49

MEDICAL INNOVATIONS and Annual hospital listing

a

cadiana is filled with history, culture and places that exude small-town charm, but the region is also full of talented physicians employing cutting-edge technology in state-of-the-art hospital facilities.

Whether you’re suffering from orthopedic problems, heart disease, cancer or any other ailment, Acadiana’s doctors and hospitals are at the forefront of medical care.

Local doctors are using the newest technology to do things like help patients monitor their high blood pressure remotely instead

of visiting hospitals on a weekly basis. They are also using new radiotherapy systems to more accurately deliver radiation to cancerous tumors in all areas of the body. Not only are these treatments more precise, but they also are often done in shorter amounts of time than previous treatments.

New technology is available to more quickly detect strokes (where time lost equals brain lost) and allow doctors to better customize knee replacements for their individual patients. Surgical procedures like implanting a left atrial appendage closure are rescuing

people from potentially fatal blood clots. The 3 Tesla MRI is providing clearer pictures than ever for patients undergoing MRIs. Patients never want to go to the hospital.

No one visits the doctor for fun. There will always be a level of anxiety and apprehension involved. But with all of the gifted physicians in Acadiana using the latest in surgical techniques and medical technology, the outlook is much brighter even for patients facing life’s most serious health problems. Now more than ever, patients can walk into hospitals with a feeling of hope for the future.

by fritz esker with hospital list compiled by alice philips

Medical Innovations

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center

TrueBeam Radiotherapy System

a

cancer diagnosis remains one of the scariest diagnoses any person can face. People often aren’t just scared of the cancer; the treatment options can be intimidating, too. For a long time, radiation therapy has been one of the primary forms of treatment for various cancers. At Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, doctors are using the TrueBeam Radiotherapy System to give patients the best treatment possible with the quickest speed and the fewest side effects.

Greg Stock, CEO for Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, said the hospital has been using the new TrueBeam system for about a year and a half. Stock likes a lot of features the TrueBeam offers. One is the ability of the machine to adjust to a person’s movement. While patients are told to be as still as possible during radiation treatments, it’s impossible for a person to be totally still. After all, people have to breathe, so the lungs will be moving during a treatment.

The TrueBeam has an image guidance system that allows doctors to see in real time what they are radiating. It can adjust to even the smallest movements inside the patient while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in delivering the radiation.

“This machine is way more flexible than what was available in the past,” Stock said.

The accuracy is important for two reasons. One is because it allows doctors to do more damage to the tumors. The other is that it lets doctors radiate cancerous tissue without damaging the healthy tissue around it. In the past, cancer would be treated with a shotgun approach. Cancerous

tissue and healthy tissue would end up receiving radiation. But the TrueBeam spares the healthy tissue. As a result, the patients require fewer treatments and suffer less pain and discomfort from them.

In some cases, tumors can be in extremely delicate positions. Stock remembered a patient at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center who had a tumor wrapped around her heart. In this case, the doctors had to be careful not to damage the heart while delivering radiation. The delivery was made more difficult by the fact that a beating heart moves. But the TrueBeam was able to radiate the tumor without damaging the patient’s heart.

At Thibodaux Regional, Stock said he and his doctors could not be happier with the TrueBeam.

“It puts us at the forefront of the fight against cancer,” Stock said.

The TrueBeam can treat common cancer types like head and neck, breast, lung, and prostate cancers. The system’s digital architecture allows for an intelligently-guided, automated workflow. It’s intuitive, making it easy for doctors to learn how to use it. It also allows doctors the flexibility to tailor treatment plans for each patient. No two cancers are identical and the TrueBeam allows the doctors to create treatment plans based on the patient’s specific needs. At Thibodaux Regional, doctors integrate the TrueBeam with the Eclipse treatment planning system to better manage their treatment workflows.

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ac adiana profile august/september 2019

TruMatch

Knee Replacement

At Lake Charles Memorial

Hospital, Nathan Cohen, MD was recently ranked No. 1 in the world for most knee replacements using TruMatch Technology developed by DePuy Orthopaedics.

In a press release, Lake Charles Memorial outlined the TruMatch process. Using a CT scan of the patient’s entire leg, 3-D images are constructed of the knee. Doctors can design the implant’s position on their computers accordingly.

The plans are sent to DePuy, who constructs a 3-D print of the knee and sends sterilized cutting guides to the doctors.

Once the surgery begins, the guides are applied to the knee.

After the doctor positions the new implant, the knee is closed. The result is extremely accurate, in part because all major decisions are made before the patient even enters the operating room. Not only is it accurate, it makes for shorter surgery times, too.

RAPID Technology for

Stroke Detection

At Our Lady of Lourdes Regional

Medical Center in Lafayette, the hospital recently unveiled its latest tool in detecting and treating strokes. A press release from the hospital described its new RAPID technology as the most advanced brain imaging platform available.

In the past, most stroke patients received treatment within six hours of the onset of symptoms.

RAPID allows doctors to expand the treatment window to up to 24 hours. The new technology gives radiologists a clearer visualization of the stroke. The allows for a more effective diagnosis.

Minutes matter with strokes and the faster data can be delivered to doctors, the better the outcome for the patients. Currently accepted practices for stroke diagnosis can take hours to complete, but RAPID technology lives up to its name by providing automated analysis in just minutes.

ac adianaprofile.com 53

Medical Innovations

Oncologics Inc.

Hypofractionated Radiation for Prostate Cancer

HOSPITALS

Acadia Parish Acadia General. 1305 Crowley Rayne Hwy., Crowley. alh.org. 337-783-3222 Allen Parish Allen Parish Hospital.

108 Sixth Ave., Kinder. allenparishhospital.com.

337-738-2527 Oakdale Community Hospital. 130 N. Hospital Drive, Oakdale. facebook.com/ oakdalecommunityhospital.

318-335-3700 Ascension Parish Our Lady of the Lake Ascension. (St. Elizabeth changed name). 1125 W. Hwy., 30, Gonzales. steh.com. 225-647-5000 Assumption Parish Assumption Community Hospital. 135 Hwy. 402, Napoleonville. ololrmc. com/location/assumption-community-hospital. 985-369-3600 Christus St. Patrick Hospital. 524 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive, Lake Charles. christusstpatrick.org.

337-436-2511 Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. 1701 Oak Park Blvd., Lake Charles. lcmh.com. 337-494-3000 West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. 701 Cypress St., Sulphur. wcch.com. 337-527-7034

P

rostate cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in American men. Radiation therapy has long been a favored method of treating the disease.

But at Oncologics Inc., Dr. Jonathan Thompson uses hypofractionated radiation to improve outcomes for his patients.

For a long time, radiation treatments for prostate cancer would last 8-9 weeks. With hypofractionated radiation, the patients receive a slightly higher, targeted dose. This shortens the duration of treatment to 4-5 weeks.

Dr. Thompson said the shortened time frame serves patients in many ways. Radiation is often successful in treating prostate cancer, but the frequent trips to the doctor are a big hassle. People have to take time off work to see the doctor. If they live in small towns, they may have to drive a long way to get to the hospital. By shortening the treatment time from 8-9 weeks to 4-5 weeks, doctors save patients time and money while still delivering top-notch results.

This also saves insurance companies money, so it’s a win-win for all involved parties.

“It costs everyone less money,” Dr. Thompson said.

The treatment delivery is the same. A linear accelerator generates what are essentially super-charged x-rays that treat the targeted area. In the past, there could be some side effects with the radiation hitting not just the prostate, but other areas like the rectum.

Evangeline Parish Mercy Regional Medical Center. 800 E. Main St., Ville Platte. mercyregionalmedicalcenter. com. 337-363-5684 Savoy Medical Center.

801 Poinciana Ave., Mamou. savoymedical.com.

337-468-5261 Iberia Parish Iberia Medical Center. 2315 E. Main St., New Iberia. iberiamedicalcenter.com.

337-364-0441

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According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes. In 2019, there will be an expected 174,650 new cases of prostate cancer and 31,620 deaths from prostate cancer. The biggest risk factors are age, race (African-American men are at greater risk for undetermined reasons), family history, and obesity. There may be no symptoms in the early stages, but trouble urinating and a decreased force in a urine stream are known symptoms.

ac adiana profile august/september 2019

Dr. Thompson said these side effects are reduced with the use of the spaceOAR. The spaceOAR is implanted behind the prostate and in front of the rectum. It separates one from the other, making it easier for the radiation to only hit the prostate. Even if a little radiation does reach the rectum, the added distance makes it a weaker dose.

Overall, it reduces the chances of unpleasant side effects involving bowel movements.

The implantation is simple and only takes fifteen minutes. It does not limit patients’ activity. Dr. Thompson has been using it on his patients for a little over six months and is happy with the results.

“The differences have been very profound and I’ve recommended it to all of my patients,” Dr. Thompson said.

Dr. Thompson emphasized that the hypofractionated radiation, and the shorter treatment period that goes with it, is thoroughly endorsed by medical governing boards. The treatments have been studied in numerous trials.

“It [hypofractionated radiation] is a very well-supported national guideline,” Dr. Thompson said.

Jennings American Legion Hospital. 1634 Elton Road, Jennings. jalh.com. 337-616-7000 St. James Parish

3 Tesla

MRI West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

recently announced they would be using new 3 Tesla MRI technology.

The new tech provides exceptional anatomical detail on MRI scans on any part of the body. Not only does the 3 Tesla provide clearer pictures, it gets them faster than its predecessors. Anyone who has ever had an MRI can tell you it is no fun to be lying perfectly still in an MRI tube. By getting results quicker, the 3 Tesla reduces the amount of time a patient must spend in discomfort.

St. James Parish Hospital.

1645 Lutcher Ave., Lutcher. sjph.org. 225-869-5512 St. John the Baptist Parish Ochsner Health Center – River Parishes. 502 Rue de Santé, LaPlace. ochsner. org/locations/ochsnerhealth-center-riverparishes. 985-652-3500 Lafayette Parish Heart Hospital of Lafayette. 1105 Kaliste Saloom Road,. Lafayette. hearthospitallaf.net.

337-470-1000 Lafayette General Medical Center. 1214 Coolidge St., Lafayette. lafayettegeneral. com. 337-289-7991 Lafayette General Surgical Hospital.

1000 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette. lafayettegeneral. com/our_facilities/ main_facilities/lafayette_ general_surgical_hospital. aspx. 337-289-8095

WATCHMAN

Left

Atrial Appendage Closure

Christus Ochsner St. Patrick

Hospital in Lake Charles successfully performed the first implant of the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device on a patient with atrial fibrillation in southwest Louisiana.

In a press release, the hospital stated that the procedure offers an alternative to the lifelong use of Warfarin for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. The WATCHMAN closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage to keep blood clots that can form there from entering the bloodstream. If the clots were to get into the bloodstream, they could cause a stroke. The device is implanted in a one-time procedure. It does not need to be replaced and cannot be seen outside of the body.

Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital. 1101 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette. lafayettesurgical. com. 337-769-4100 Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.

4801 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette. lourdesrmc.com.

337-470-2000 Park Place Surgical Hospital. 4811 Ambassador Caffrey Pkwy., Lafayette. parkplacesurgery.com.

337-237-8119 Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital.

2810 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette. lafayettegeneral.com/ location/lafayette-generalorthopaedic-hospital. aspx. 337-981 -2949 University Hospital.

2390 W. Congress St., Lafayette. lafayettegeneral. com/location/universityhospital-clinics.

337-261-6000 Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital. 4600 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette. lourdesrmc.com/location/ our-lady-of-lourdeswomens-childrenshospital. 337-521-9100

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Medical Innovations

motivational technology

get app-y Mako

Robotic-Arm

Assisted Surgery

Lafayette General

Workout Music Apps Most people can use a little extra motivation when working out. Often, that motivation comes from a killer workout playlist. The good news is there are now apps that can help you with your fitness music.

FIT Radio, RockMyRun, and Spring Running Music are all worth checking out. They can help you find songs to match your individual running or workout tempo. They can also let you adjust the music based on your workout of choice, whether it’s running, yoga, or a session on an elliptical machine.

Short Workout Apps You’re busy, but you want to make the most of what little time you have to exercise. The 7-Minute Workout (by Wahoo Fitness) and The Johnson & Johnson Official 7-Minute Workout are both designed for people looking for brief workouts.

Whether you’re a fitness novice or you’re trying to cram in a short workout while traveling or navigating a hectic work week, these apps can help you maximize your workout in the limited time available to you.

Lafourche Parish

St. Charles Parish

St. Martin Parish

Lady of the Sea General Hospital. 200 W. 134th Place, Cut Off. losgh.org.

985-632-6401

St. Charles Parish Hospital.

1057 Paul Maillard Road, Luling. ochsner.org/ locations/st-charles-parishhospital. 985-785-6242

St. Martin Hospital. 210 Champagne Blvd., Breaux Bridge. lafayettegeneral. com/our_facilities/main_ facilities/st_martin_hospital. aspx. 337-332-2178

Ochsner St. Anne Hospital.

4608 Hwy. 1, Raceland. ochsner.org/locations/ochsnerst-anne. 985-537-6841 Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. 602 N. Acadia Road, Thibodaux. thibodaux.com. 985-447-5500

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St. Landry Parish Opelousas General Health System. 539 E. Prudhomme St., Opelousas. opelousasgeneral.com.

337-948-3011

ac adiana profile august/september 2019

St. Mary Parish Franklin Foundation Hospital. 1097 Northwest Blvd., Franklin. franklinfoundation.org.

337-828-0760

Teche Regional Medical Center. 1125 Marguerite St., Morgan City. techeregional.com.

985-384-2200 Terrebonne Parish Physicians Medical Center.

218 Corporate Drive, Houma. physicianshouma.com.

985- 853-1390 Terrebonne General Medical Center. 8166 W. Main St., Houma. tgmc.com. 985-873-4141

Orthopaedic Hospital recently trumpeted its Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for patients. In a press release, Lafayette General stated the new technology created better outcomes, fewer complications, and faster recovery times for patients. The arm does not perform the surgery, but serves as a precise, effective tool for surgeons.

The new tech helps surgeons create a plan for the procedure before it begins. It provides a detailed 3-D model that captures the patient’s unique anatomy. This is important because even though human joints are similar, there are thousands of tiny differences in each person’s bones, ligaments, cartilage and muscles.

The Mako enables surgeons to safely remove diseased parts of the joint while sparing the healthy tissue. It also assists in bone preparation to make sure the implant is properly positioned.

Vermilion Parish Abbeville General Hospital.

118 N. Hospital Dr., Abbeville. abbgen.net. 337-893-5466 Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital. 1310 W. 7th St., Kaplan. lafayettegeneral.com/ our_facilities/main_facilities/ abrom_kaplan_memorial_ hospital.aspx. 337-643-8300

1103 Kaliste Saloom Rd # 104 Lafayette, LA 70508

(337) 289-9129

Southern Spine Institute is an outpatient physical therapy clinic that treats a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to neck and back injuries; shoulder and upper extremity injuries; and hip, knee or ankle injuries. The staff at Southern Spine Institute is committed to providing quality physical therapy services with an emphasis on returning the client to the highest level of functioning. We now offer dry needling.

Most insurances are accepted. ac adianaprofile.com 57

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ac adiana profile august/september 2019

art i st D en i se Gallag h er

c u ltu r e / l es a rt ist es

Drawn to Story Lafayette children’s book illustrator Denise Gallagher adds another chapter to her accomplished art career with her first solo, expansive exhibit at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard Museum

by W i l l K a l e c p o r t ra i t by R o m e r o & R o m e r o

For artist Denise Gall agher, whose

professional career has pretty much been a fairytale while drawing and writing fairytales, this standalone exhibit of her children’s literature illustrations at the Hilliard Museum could be considered her storybook finish, her happy ending — although that designation isn’t entirely accurate.

Sure, this display — which runs until the end of August — is a joyous occasion, an honor. But there’s no finality to all this. Heck, Gallagher is currently writing and illustrating a middle school novel about a young violinist, the idea stemming from a sketch she authored while watching her son at music camp.

So this isn’t a finish. This isn’t an ending.

It’s … it’s … it’s …

“I mean,” Gallagher says before a pause for thought, “it’s really something!”

OK, that’ll work.

Popular characters such as Peg Bearskin, Bastien, BouZou and Slick Jim Jack— all of which Gallagher drew to life — cover the gallery walls of the A. Hays Town Building this summer, giving children full access to all of the heroes and villains they’ve seen at home or in classrooms for years. Beyond that, for Gallagher, the exhibit is also sort of unintentional confirmation that this former advertising designer who made the “scary decision” to venture off on her own years ago to illustrate storybooks did the right thing.

“The whole building is filled with my work,” Gallagher says. “Have you ever heard of Imposter Syndrome? Where you think you’re just fooling everybody, and how did I get to this place? I almost had a panic attack about that.

“But really, it’s a big deal and I’m excited about it. I hope it’s something families can come and enjoy together, because I love to meet little kids who love to write and love to draw and love to be creative. And they ask the best questions, which makes my day — just sharing that passion for art and literature.”

Though the majority of children’s books are limited to 40 pages or less, Gallagher’s

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storyboard

WHAT A CHARACTER Illustrator Denise Gallagher takes us through her Top three characters she’s drawn to life.

illustration process tends to last nine months — which is standard in that line of work. What’s cool about the Hilliard exhibit is Gallagher decided to include several of her initial character sketches, allowing patrons to see the entire artistic evolution from concept to completion, and the changes in color and design that take place along the way.

“My work has always had this playful, whimsical style, even as a graphic designer,”

Gallagher says. “My mom was a kindergarten teacher, and I still have picture books from when I was a child, and I would climb into those worlds that those picture books provided.

“And I want to do that same thing for children today with the books I illustrate. To do that, you have to keep that childlike outlook on your world — which isn’t always a great thing in all aspects of your life, but it is for this.” n

❶ PEG BEARSKIN of the book Peg Bearskin

“She was fun to draw because of the challenge. The author calls her big, hairy and ugly, so you struggle with, ‘What is ugly?’ And she has two beautiful sisters, but her sisters and vapid, uncreative and lazy. Peg is clever and smart. She Iis the hero. So even though she had furry arms and warts and crazy orange hair, I got to draw her with this sparkle in her eyes. Just a great character.”

❷ BASTIEN from her upcoming novel Bastien and Berlioz and the Teaspoon

“He’s dear to my heart, because he’s sort of based on my son, Oliver. Seeing him progress and grow as a musician led me to writing this story — an orphan boy who uses music to sooth himself,

save himself and his friend, a dancing bear. And the music ties the whole story together. Bastien is skinny and wears hand-me-down boots that are too large for him, mismatched clothes. But he does the best with what he has — which is a great message.”

❸ BouZou from the book A Tip Tap Tale

“I was born in New Orleans and grew up in Metairie, and now I’ve spent half my life in Lafayette. So I kind of have a foot in both areas. And BouZou does the same — going back and forth from the swamps to the big city. Someone asked if BouZou is autobiographical, and I said, ‘Not really.’ Deep down, he’s just a hound dog that likes to sign in the swamps.

He likes the simple things.”

ac adianaprofile.com 61

c u ltu r e / l es p e rso n n es

Keep on Truckin’ Brett and Amanda Stutes continue rolling out the culinary creativity — whether on wheels or at their brick and mortar storefront

by W i l l K a l e c p o r t ra i t by R o m e r o & R o m e r o

L i t t l e d o L a k e C h a r l e s l u n ch e r s

know the reason there’s sauce on the side of your face and napkins pinned under your thighs to keep them from blowing away in the wind is because a loving mother underestimated the spoken capabilities of her toddler.

Rewind back to the winter of 2015. Brett and Amanda Stutes are riding around town with their middle child, Fletcher, in the back seat. Amanda can’t remember where they were going, and honestly, it’s not important.

The point is, for years, Brett, a born entrepreneur who had pretty much gotten into a routine doing construction, always talked about opening a taco-only restaurant — the concept being his “baby” as Amanda tells it.

So, perhaps looking for a sign, (or more likely, a surefire way to get what he wanted) Brett rolled the dice and shifted all of his tortilla-wrapped dreams upon the unsuspecting tongue of his 18-month-old son.

“If Fletcher can say taco, we’re opening this restaurant,” Brett bargained with Amanda.

For whatever reason, Amanda went along with the deal.

“Fletcher can you say ‘taco’?” Brett asked, putting the toddler on the spot.

Without hesitation, Fletcher blurted out, “Taco!”

“In hindsight, it was probably bad agreement on my part,” Amanda reflects, “because Fletcher was always very smart and well spoken, even at that age. I was like, ‘You little stinker.’”

Founded on Fletcher’s clutch performance, The Sloppy Taco in all its incarnations — at first a festival booth, then an about-town mobile food truck, and ultimately as a cool, funky storefront on Kirkman Street — has evolved into one of Southwest Louisiana’s most differently delicious culinary go-to’s.

Featuring an ever-changing menu, The Sloppy Taco offers a comforting mix of traditional Mexican dishes like chicken tacos

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ac adiana profile august/september 2019

and more adventurous creations such as an Oyster Taco and an Asian-Fusion taco complete with wasabi and soy sauce. Whatever is ordered, the overflowing, heavily-sauced and seasoned filling assures the restaurant lives up to its name.

“Brett and I, we both need creative outlets,” Amanda says. “And for us, this does

that. When we first rolled out, the public was pumped. ‘Heck yeah, finally a food truck in Lake Charles.’ Running a food truck, and being the first mobile food truck in Lake Charles, it was long and interesting journey, because there were no guidelines. There was no plan to follow or road that someone else had already been down. We had to take that

TACO YOUR PICK

Popular and unique menu items.

❶ Grilled Veggie Taco

leap. So it was scary in that regard, but the scariest things can also provide the most satisfaction, too.”

With no path to follow, the Stutes figured out the steps to this complicated Food Truck dance as they went, admittedly stepping on their own toes more than once.

Signing permits and paperwork was an everyday occurrence. Cold calling businesses, asking for permission to set up shop on their private property, was surprisingly not easy in the infant years of The Sloppy Taco simply because these owners never had to answer that question before. A few didn’t want the truck on the grounds — a humorous anecdote now since events and businesses often solicit the truck to set up shop, essentially flipping the script from just a few years ago. Then, there’s the challenge of how much food to bring — “you never want to run out of menu items,” Amanda says — and the eloquent maneuvering required to prepare tacos in such close quarters.

“I remember lying on the lawn of our first festival, afterward — our first festival with the truck,” Amanda says. “And my husband is there, and my brother-in-law is there, and we’re all looking at each other thinking, ‘Man, we just got our butts kicked.’ But it was so cool. At that time, that’s what we needed to keep pushing forward.”

The loyalty of The Sloppy Taco patrons, and the frequency with which they hunt down the truck or dine in at the restaurant, has afforded the Stutes the flexibility to let their culinary freak flag fly. They’re all about the unconventional. Oyster Tacos, sure. Chipotle Shrimp tacos — why not?

Regular nachos are great, but so are Mango Crab nachos served on a bed of sturdy fried wonton chips — a brilliant alternative to tortilla chips that turn soggy under the weight of hot, gooey toppings.

“Our mentality is simple — the tortilla is just a vessel to get the goodness in your mouth,” Amanda says. “So there is no limit to what you can create. Some you’ll be like ‘Oh, that doesn’t work.’ Some you’ll say, ‘Oh man, that tastes great.’ That’s why we have to put it on [a tortilla] and find out. Live and learn.” n

This meatless menu option features grilled squash, grilled zucchini and sautéed bell peppers, complemented by black beans, jalapenos, guacamole, a sprinkling of queso fresco and fried green tomatoes. Instead of a flour tortilla, all the ingredients are held together by a giant cabbage leaf — a satisfying, crunchy alternative that vibes nicely with the mostly guilt-free theme.

❷ Ribeye Roll

The taco’s interior is a ground ribeye blend hugged by black beans, jalapenos and bell peppers. A liberal scoop of queso and a handful of shredded cheese cover all that. Because of the taco’s heft, the Stutes use a 12-inch tortilla as opposed to the normal 6-incher.

Oh, almost forgot the best part…they deep fry the whole thing and serve it with a side of their signature cilantro ranch sauce.

❸ Crispy Pork Taco

The pork is braised then fried lightly, as if it was prepared in a wok. After that, the meat is coated with a sweet Asian-inspired and partnered with shredded cabbage, cucumber, an avocado-wasabi cream sauce and Sriracha.

ac adianaprofile.com 63

c u ltu re / e n f ra nç a is, s ’il vo us p l a ît

Le Congrès Mondial Acadien 2019 Vingt-cinq ans de congrès pa r Dav i d C h eram i e

En 1604, Pierre Dugua de Mons a fondé une colonie française sur l’île Sainte-Croix, aujourd’hui dans l’état du Maine. Après un hiver meurtrier, il l’a déplacée de l’autre côté de la Baie Française (Fundy) à Port-Royal. De là est née l’Acadie qui, 390 ans plus tard, a célébré le premier Congrès Mondial Acadien dans la province du Nouveau-Brunswick en 1994. Entre temps, de nombreux événements historiques ont formé le peuple qu’on appelle les Acadiens, sans parler du tristement célèbre Grand Dérangement de 1755. Le sens de solidarité parmi celles et ceux qui se considèrent Acadiens ou d’origine acadienne s’est solidifié au f i l s d e s an n é e s aut ou r d’aut re s rassemblements afin de déterminer leur propre destin en parallèle ou en dehors des instances politiques dominantes. L’histoire de l’Acadie est celle d’une survivance contre toute attente, ponctuée par de grandes rencontres. À ce premier congrès, une délégation louisianaise a fait le pèlerinage vers l’Acadie pour retrouver ses lointains cousins. À vrai dire, ce n’était pas la première fois qu’on a fait le voyage; Dudley LeBlanc y avait amené des « Évangélines » dans les années trente. Les participants du CMA 94 étaient tellement emballés par l’idée de refaire le congrès chez nous dans cinq ans que le bureau du lieutenant-gouverneur a inclus le CMA 99 à la programmation des célébrations du tricentenaire de la fondation de la colonie de la Louisiane. De la sorte, les Acadiens du nord ont pu voir ce que c’est le mois d’août en Louisiane. Ils ont promis de revenir, mais à un autre moment dans l’année, en hiver par exemple quand la neige recouvre le sol chez eux. Par la suite, l’idée d’organiser le CMA tous les cinq ans a pris racine et nous sommes à présent à sa sixième itération.

Du 10 au 24 août 2019, vingt-cinq ans après le premier, le CMA aura lieu sur l’Îledu-Prince-Édouard et dans le sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick. En plus des concerts et english translation / ac adianaprofile.com

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ac adiana profile august/september 2019

des réunions de famille -- les manifestations les plus populaires -- des rencontres artistiques et des conférences académiques autour de la jeunesse et des femmes sont aussi prévues.

L’emphase de cette édition sera mise sur l’inclusion et la diversité. De la sorte, une grande place est réservée aux gens qui ont de fortes attaches en Acadie sans pour autant qu’ils soient Acadiens. Encore cette année, beaucoup de Louisianais feront le trajet.

Côté musical, la Louisiane sera fièrement représentée par Zachary Richard, Wayne Toups, Roddy Romero, Cedric Watson, Sweet Crude et la famille Savoy.

La pérennité des congrès futurs assurée, le septième CMA est déjà en préparation pour 2024 avec la sélection du sud-ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse, les communautés de Clare et d’Argyle, comme région-hôte. Le thème sera, « Venez vivre votre Acadie ». Les Acadiens, qu’ils le soient de naissance, d’héritage ou d’adoption, y seront en grand nombre, ainsi que les Louisianais. Ironiquement, il semblerait que plus le côté acadien de l’identité franco-louisianaise est mise en question en faveur d’un rapprochement à la créolité, plus la Louisiane et l’Acadie en tant que sociétés s’approchent. n