Acadiana Magazine August-September 2022

IRMA WINNER: 2022 MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR P. 16

THE

HOME ISSUE

WHERE TO LIVE NEXT The best neighborhoods for every buyer’s needs

A LISTING OF THE REGION’S TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

AUG/SEPT 2022

DESIGNER ELIZABETH GERACE WALKS HER DOG, MARGOT POLO, IN LAFAYETTE'S ARBOLADA SUBDIVISION

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features A U G U ST/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

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Open and aiy kitchens designed for dining-in

PLUS Top Real Estate Professionals

Communal Tables

Best Neighborhoods

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aug/sept VOLUME 41 NUMBER 04

14 NOTE DE L’EDITEUR

Editor’s Note

20 L’ART

Abbeville native Dale Pierrottie keeps the art and craft of bousillage alive and teaches the next generation how to use this ancient technique

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Lettres d’Amour

An Acadiana designer shares the mystery and magic of creating functional spaces that hold memories

56 RECETTES DE COCKTAILS

Lucky’s elevates the gimlet with floral notes of the summer-abundant botanicals celebrated in sunny Provence

60 DÎNER DEHORS

The dishes at Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse in Lake Arthur cater to residents' distinct palates

64 EN FRANÇAIS, S’IL VOUS PLAÎT

Ils sont venus de loin pour être proches de nous

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Fish or chicken en papilote is a crowd pleaser

The 2022 St. Jude Dream Home marries traditional style with modern luxury

De La Cuisine

La Maison

Acadiana Profile (ISSN 0001-4397) is published bimonthly by Renaissance Publishing LLC, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 and 128 Demanade, Suite 104, Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 235-7919. Subscription rate: One year $10; no foreign subscriptions. Periodicals postage paid at Lafayette, LA, and additional mailing entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Profile, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright © 2022 Renaissance Publishing LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark Acadiana Profile is registered. Acadiana Profile is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Acadiana Profile are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner.

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E D ITO RIA L Managing Editor Art Director Associate Editor Copy Editor Lead Photographer Web Editor

Melanie Warner Spencer Sarah George Ashley McLellan Liz Clearman Danley Romero Kelly Massicot

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N OT E DE L’E DIT E U R AWARDS

International and Regional Magazine Association

A

fter several years of expanding the home section by adding a kitchen feature, last year we decided to create an entire home issue. Between the positive feedback from you and the amount of fun we had putting it together, we decided to make it an annual offering.

This year, we’re exploring bigger and better kitchens, a residential designer’s take on creating uniquely Acadiana spaces, plus some of the best neighborhoods in the region. The beauty of the neighborhoods feature is that there are so many wonderful places in Acadiana to be a mover and shaker as a young professional, live the single life, raise a family, retire and every phase of life between, that we have a heck of a time narrowing it down.

By no means is this an exhaustive list, but it is a data-driven snapshot of neighborhoods with lots to offer people in various demographic groups. We consulted with real estate agents across the region as well, to find out which neighborhoods are hot and why. Plus, we got tips from them for buying a new home.

Speaking of agents, if you are looking to buy or sell, our real estate list should be your first stop.

Find a professional to do the heavy lifting and help you navigate the sometimes-confusing process.

As always, we have delicious recipes, as well as restaurant coverage, art, Lafayette interior design a cocktail recipe and our photographer Haylei column in French (or you Smith was an integral part of making this can read it online in Engissue look spectacular. lish if your French needs We're always in awe a little work). Also, don't of her eye for lighting miss our peek into the St. and composition.

Jude Dream Home. It's a fabulous way to rasie money for a great cause and we are thrilled to partner with them for this feature.

We want this issue to be your go-to each year for home ideas, inspiration, information and eye candy.

2022

Winner Magazine of the Year Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Portrait Series Silver Food Feature Bronze Reader Service Article Bronze Special Focus 2021

Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Silver Covid Related Story Silver Food Feature Bronze Overall Art Direction 2020

Gold Overall Art Direction Silver Art and Culture Feature Silver Recreation Feature Bronze Food Feature Bronze Profiles Bronze Art Direction of a Single Story

More than anything however, it’s a celebration and exploration of what home means to Acadiana. Which is probably why it all started with kitchens — doesn’t it always begin and end with food in these parts? After all, we all know that when friends and family gather, everyone ends up in the kitchen.

Settle in with a snack and a beverage and join us in coming home.

Cheers!

2019

Winner Magazine of the Year Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Art Direction Single Story Gold Photo Series Silver Photographer of the Year 2018

Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Food Feature Gold Department Silver Magazine Writer of the Year Silver Hed & Dek Silver Photo Series 2017

Melanie Warner Spencer Managing Editor Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com

Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Food Feature Silver Cover 2016

GET MORE ACADIANA PROFILE AT ACADIANAPROFILE.COM AND BY FOLLOWING US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK

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

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DÉC E R NE R

Acadiana Profile won 7 gold, silver or bronze awards at the 2022 Internation and Regional Magazine Association Award Contest Oysters

THE

FOOD ISSUE

BESTOF DIN WHE

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O EAT N

PG. 26

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Holly Beach Slammer at Uncle T’s Oyster Bar in downtown Scott

PLUS All the jewels you can use to bling in the New Year PG. 38

A deep dive into who is dishi ng up the best bivalves in the region OCTO

rant Restau Year at of the the food Fire fuelsa's hottest Acadian ant te new restaur in Lafayet Vestal

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BER 2021

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WINNER 2022 Magazine of the Year GOLD Overall Art Direction

BESTof

BY LISA LEBLANC-BERRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH VIDRINE

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AC A D I A N A P RO F I L E

O C TO B E R/N OV E M B E R 2021

ach year, Acadiana Profile celebrates the top chefs and restaurants within the 22-parish region that encompasses 14, 500 square miles and more than 1,400,000 residents. We have explored the very heart of Acadiana to find the best of the best.

Resilience prevails, from lunch counter wizards to young rising-stars and seasoned chef-proprietors who broke ties with family dynasties to pursue their dreams in Acadiana. They share similar ambitions and the ability to not only survive but thrive in the midst of challenges, from hurricanes to pandemics, strengthened by a love of food, family and community.

The following pages showcase just a fraction of the success stories we encountered. We hope you have a chance to enjoy their hospitality.

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GOLD Art Direction of a Single Story SILVER Food Feature MERIT General Feature

PERFORMING ARTS

CONSERVATION

Sarah Gauthier Roy Combining her love for her culture and the theater, Sarah Gauthier Roy has provided a solution to a heretofore unanswered question: Where can children fluent in French, thanks to immersion, use that language outside the classroom?

The Carencro native is a trained thespian with a degree in performing arts from UL-Lafayette. She spent 20 years as an actor locally and nationally.

As is the case with many young Cajuns, she did not learn to fully appreciate the culture of Acadiana until moving away, in her case to California. Upon returning to Louisiana, Gaulthier made it her mission to immerse herself in the local arts scene. Inspired by the Cajun French works of Barry Ancelet and Kirby Jambon, Gauthier set out to create a business, Theatre Acadie, which fulfills a need in the community.

As with many successful enterprises, Gauthier builds upon another trailblazing tradition that began long ago. Le Théâtre ‘Cadien was the first Cajun French language theater troupe that produced a string of plays in the ‘80s. While those actors were native French-speakers, Theatre Acadie caters to the next generation of Franco-Louisianans who learned in school. Working with local Francophones, the aspiring actors learn the local dialect, in addition to the formal French they hear in school. Molière meets Mamou, if you will.

Gauthier’s own children, along with many others, can now learn confidence by performing in the language of our ancestors. In that sense, she is offering a unique opportunity for the development of our culture’s future storytellers.

Through classes, workshops, summer camps in French, she is building a new community of young French speakers in Acadiana. The gratitude Gauthier experiences from those who appreciate her work and understand its potential for growth keeps her exploring new ways to bring back our heritage language. — David Cheramie

Jim Foret

ACADIANA PROFILE APRIL/MAY 2021

For almost 50 years, Jim Foret has been the go-to guy for advice on anything having to do with trees. In addition to his work as a consulting arborist, he is a certified expert witness on horticulture and arboriculture in U.S. district courts, where his testimony can help resolve a landowner’s lawsuit over trees that have been damaged or felled by another, whether by accident or design.

At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, he teaches courses on plant science, urban tree management, native plants, landscape plants and environmental landscape design. He is a past president of the Louisiana Native Plant Society and is involved with many environmental organizations, including the Louisiana Urban Forestry Council and the Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society.

For 11 years he was superintendent of parks in New Iberia, where he created all-weather walking paths and greatly expanded educational and recreational activities for the 16-park system. After Hurricane Andrew, he obtained funding to plant 1,300 trees in the city’s parks and public spaces.

He established the annual Festival of Live Oaks in City Park, and during the springtime Books Along The Teche Literary Festival, he conducts a tree walk focusing on the magnificent live oaks in the downtown historic district.

The beautiful spring wildflowers along Highway 90 and I-49 near Lafayette are there because of work Foret has done with the Wildflower Seed Bank project, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. On the ULL campus, his students created a 400-square-foot mini-prairie landscaped with native plants.

Of all he’s accomplished, Foret is proudest of his efforts to make people realize how important the natural world is. His students are increasingly aware and knowledgeable about the environment, and that gives him hope for the future. —Stanley Dry

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GOLD Portrait Series

While we can’t explore every great neighborhood in the 22-parish region, in the pages that follow, we offer you snapshots of some of the best towns and neighborhoods in Acadiana, based on everything from great schools and historic architecture to cultural attractions and outdoor activities.

BY

L I S A L E B L A N C- B E R RY

P H OTO S BY

Where to Live Next PLUS A Listing of the Region's Top Real Estate Professionals

H AY L E I S M I T H

While the value of a good neighborhood is usually defined by its location — proximity to downtown, jobs and school districts, Acadiana’s best neighborhoods are often defined by access to churches, good neighbors, food and a vibrant, living history. Since the ecclesiastical parish preceded the formation of civil authority in Acadiana, many areas were built up around a church, such as Vermilionville (present-day Lafayette) and Royville (presentday Youngsville). Hence, historic churches remain the cornerstone of many Cajun communities with surging housing demands in 2021.

Lafayette Parish is the driver of Acadiana’s record-setting real estate market and Youngsville is still the fastest-growing community. Adjacent towns with historic churches and cultural attractions such as Broussard and Carencro offer comparatively lower home prices. When the massive new Amazon center opens, Carencro is predicted to “become the next Youngsville” via rapid expansion.

BRONZE Reader Service Article BRONZE Special Focus 16

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3/15/21 2:34 PM

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LE T T R E S D'A MO U R

Habitats of Humanity An Acadiana designer shares the mystery and magic of creating functional spaces that hold memories

by Lisa Bourque illustration by Sara Willia

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I’ve heard it a thousand times when someone leans in after learning I am a custom residential designer: “I always wanted to be an architect! Like Art Vandelay, you know, from Seinfeld.” This declaration is typically followed with an explanation of why they find the profession fascinating. Perhaps it’s Frank Gehry or Frank Lloyd Wright, they find inspiring, but they also say architects are mysterious. Then the specific questions begin. Why did I decide to study architecture and why design homes? I wish I could just say Vandelay but it’s more personal.

Year after year what keeps it all so interesting to me? The people of Acadiana. We

cook all day and dance all night. We gather for festivals and holidays, and can’t stop talking about our gardens. Although we have these cultural rituals in common, how each family lives in their individual homes is as varied as how we make a roux. If you are wondering, for me, that’s medium brown color and a little thin like Pye, my grandfather, made.

Only when I get to know someone more fully do I feel comfortable discussing the nuances of my profession. My design practice is centered on working together with clients to craft an experience representing their personal point of view.

Creating a site-specific environment with a LISA BOURQUE sense of place is often a is a custom two-year process from residential initial design to move in designer based in Lafayette. She and requires a real comvolunteers locally mitment by both parties with nonprofits to achieve a thoughtful to improve and honest design. Each neighborhood housing. Hiking property is unique, every with her dog and budget has a challenge gardening with and the kind of spaces her husband fill that are required varies. her weekends.

Home life is personal and people who seek out professional design services typically value their individuality and want to see it streamlined into a cohesive expression. Until now, custom design was thought of as a luxury service. During the pandemic, Acadianians, like people everywhere, have come to see their homes in a new light. The added functionality needed at home regarding work and school has exceeded our square footage. This has a lot of people asking me: How do I make my home better?

This is where the mystery and magic come in. The part that people can’t quite put their finger on about Vandelay, Gehry and Wright.

Architects consider the poetic and the practical needs of a project and instead of choosing one over the other, we develop a design that honors both. All while layering in the needs of the people who inhabit the design with places like porches that capture a steady breeze or transom windows that give a glimpse of the moon. Spaces that hold our memories of times we share with the people who mean the most to us.

Here’s another one I’ve heard a thousand times. “I’ve always wanted to live in Louisiana! New Orleans, right?” No, I say, I live in Acadiana. ■

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L’A RT

Building on the Past Abbeville native Dale Pierrottie keeps the art and craft of bousillage alive and teaches the next generation how to use this ancient technique

by John R. Kemp

the spaces between the posts with stones or bricks. Since those materials were not available to early Louisiana settlers, they used bousillage (boo-see-yah-ge) learned from local Native Americans.

Pierrottie’s skills haven’t gone unnoticed by preservationists. In 2020, the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation presented him with its “Living Trades Award” for his use of the “traditional technique." A sample of his bousilDale Pierrottie is an artist, musician, preslage work is at the National Building Museum ervationist, teacher and sometimes actor from in Washington, D.C. He also conducted several Lafayette, but more importantly he is a master “Pass It On” bousillage workshops sponsored of an ancient Native American building techby the Louisiana Division of the Arts’ Folklife nique that helped 18th-century French settlers Program and Bayou Culture Collaborative. build their homes in colonial Louisiana.

Over the years, Pierrottie, who resides north Pierrottie — he pronounces it Pair-o-t — of Lafayette with his wife and writer Denise has gained a considerable following for his Harding, has helped restore notable buildings iconic art and historic restoration work that including the 1790s Armand Broussard House employs the building method “bousillage,” in Vermilionville, Magnolia Mound in Baton a mixture of clay and dried Spanish moss Rouge, Oakland Plantation near Natchitoches, once popular among early French settlers the 1820s Kleinpeter House in Baton Rouge, the in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Back circa 1840s Hebert House (also Green House) home in Canada and France, near Lake Arthur and the 1757 they used methods called French colonial LaPointe-Krebs “colombage-pierroté” and House in Pascagoula, Mississippi. “briquette-entre-poteaux” (later It’s a labor-intensive process. used in Louisiana) whereby First, he fluffs up the cured moss TO SEE MORE OF DALE they constructed dwellings and applies layers of clay to each PIERROTTIE’S WORK VISIT ACADIANAPROFILE.COM with timbers and then filled in side. Once the patties have dried

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somewhat, he folds them over slats called “barreaux” fastened between the posts. The dried bousillage is covered with weatherboards. Sometimes he leaves the slats exposed for people to see how it’s done.

“I love the sense of time that shows,” says the 72-year-old self-taught Abbeville native who is part French, Italian and Chitimacha Indian. “It’s an old medium that I’m trying to introduce again.

It’s green and it helps in cooling the house in the summer and heating in winter.”

Pierrottie’s introduction to bousillage was in the early 1960s in Lake Charles during summers with his maternal grandparents in Basile. One day he was watching his grandfather, Leras Darbonne, dig a well when up came a shovel full of red clay. His grandfather told him in Cajun French that when he was a young man local folks built their chimneys with layers of clay mixed with moss packed around an ascending framework of sticks.

“I knew then I wanted to do something with that, but didn’t,” Pierrottie says. “It stayed in my mind for years.”

The opportunity came in 1985 when Louisiana filmmaker Glen Pitre was making “Belizaire the Cajun.” Pitre hired Pierrottie to help make movie sets at the Acadian Village in Lafayette and repair the bousillage chimney on an old Acadian cabin at Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site in St. Martinville. Pierrottie played a small part in the movie and made bousillage “gris gris” figures for Belizaire's cabin.

“I feel pride in passing on the art of bousillage,” says Pierrottie, “It is a connection to my Acadian culture and [honors] my grandfather. I wanted to bring bousillage into the future beyond historical restorations. There are only so many old houses left to restore, but by teaching the process, it can be used for building and art. It keeps this historical medium viable.” ■

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LA MAISON

Living the Dream The 2022 St. Jude Dream Home marries traditional style with modern luxury

Visit stjude.org/give/dreamhome/lafayette.html to see the latest updates about the Acadiana St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway and future home tours.

by Marie Elizabeth Oliver photos by Haylei Smith

Bryan McLain had a distinct vision for this year’s St. Jude Dream Home, the 12th one he has built since his company took the helm of Acadiana’s mega-fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I wanted to go back to our roots and bring a more traditional Louisiana style home with a big, wide front porch with a porch swing,” says McLain.

The four-bedroom home, by architect Jarod A. Hebert, stretches comfortably on a corner lot in Broussard’s Sabal Palms subdivision.

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McLain says the front porch is only the beginning. Classic details like brick floors and a vaulted ceiling with antique wood beams give the living space a timeless elegance.

Acadiana’s Dream Home Giveaway raised more than $1 million in 2021 through ticket sales alone, and the home’s month-long open house each summer serves as a local showcase of the latest design trends and innovations.

A power squad of design talent dedicates their services to the project, says McLain. This year’s team leaned heavily into the traditional

Paige LaVergne of LaV Designs, lent her hand to the home’s state-of-the-art kitchen and adjacent scullery — both bathed in Sherwin-Williams Pure White. Pops of blue and brass, porcelain accent pieces and a beamed ceiling fill the space with grand, southern charm.

Southern design style, but added plenty of contemporary flair. Atmospheric wallpaper and earth-toned accents complement the warm whites and natural wood throughout the home.

The owner’s suite, designed by Dona Sonnier of Dona Designs, features a serene, statement wall mural and luxury bathroom, complete with its own coffee bar. In the kitchen and scullery, designed by Paige LaVergne of LaV Designs, touches of chinoiserie and contemporary light fixtures give the space an of-the-moment feel.

“Our decorating team knocked it out of the park,” says McLain.

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McLain says national sponsors, such as Bosch, allow designers to hand-pick the best of their high-end appliances and equipment.

This year, he’s especially excited about the touch-open wine fridge in the kitchen and a whole-home, air filtration system, by Trane.

Not to mention the air-conditioned garage.

“You get out of the garage in Louisiana in August it’s almost like going into the sauna,” says McLain.

Just one more thing the lucky winner of this year’s Dream Home won’t have to worry about. ■

(Above) The open living room, designed by Stacey Arceneaux, combines chinoiserie accents with classic neutrals. (Top, right) “When we were drawing the plan, we kept making the porch bigger and bigger,” says McLain.

(Bottom, left) The home’s facade was inspired by traditional, South Louisiana architecture. (Bottom, right) Dona Sonnier and Leslie Wooters designed the owners’ suite, including a luxe bathroom featuring its own coffee bar.

Designers Dona Designs, Paige Gary Designs, S Clare Design, LaV Designs, Bolgiano Interiors Builder McLain Companies Architect Jarod A. Hebert

TO SEE MORE OF THE ST. JUDE DREAM HOME VISIT ACADIANAPROFILE.COM

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BY M A R I E E L I Z A B E T H O L I V E R P H O T O S B Y H AY L E I S M I T H

Communal s n e h c it k y ir a d n a n e p Tables O designed for dining in

This kitchen feels larger than life, with the help of high gloss white paint and finishes throughout.

Eschewing upper cabinets and opting for a pop-up stove vent keeps sight lines wide open .

K

K I T C H E N glamour shots are a slam dunk on social media feeds — and for good reason. But take a peek behind the filters, and you’ll see the creative process is as messy and unpredictable as that pandemic sourdough you never quite mastered.

Add supply-chain issues and the rising cost of raw materials to the mix, and the stakes have never been higher.

That’s why experts stress the importance of doing your homework before jumping into a new build or renovation.

“It’s not just what it looks like, it’s how it acts and how it sets up the behavior,” says Ursula Emery McClure, partner at EmeryMcClure Architecture. For so many Acadiana residents, that means a space that allows you to multitask: cooking up a delicious meal and a healthy serving of Southern hospitality in the process. Luckily, the latest trends are not so much paint colors or finishes, but kitchens designed as living spaces. (After all, everyone seems to end up there anyway.) We’ve rounded up three, home-grown kitchens that rise to the occasion.

MOD MAX Although these River Ranch homeowners built on a compact lot, they knew they didn’t want to cut any corners when it came to their kitchen. McClure, says the couple’s previous home had an enclosed kitchen without any counter space. “This kitchen was a reaction to that,” she adds. “The total opposite.” The modern kitchen design features 30 feet of sleek, high-gloss quartz counters that can comfortably seat eight adults. On the other side of a glass wall, an outdoor, kitchen-dining-living space maximizes the home’s entertaining capacity. (Designed by EmeryMcClure Architecture, emerymcclure.com)

Playing peek-a-boo behind sliding doors, the refrigerator and large item storage space stay accessible, but out of view—all part of the kitchen’s minimal aesthetic.

McClure says for ward-thinking design choices, like low, no-handle cabinets and a drawer-style freezer, will allow the home owners to age in place.

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Natural light bounces off of the kitchen’s warm, white walls and cabinets, painted White Dove

by Benjamin Moore.

The window frames a tranquil garden with a fountain and mature live oak.

Arabesque tile and an accented range hood creates a focal point above the cooktop. (Carpentry by Chris Borel, custom cabinetry by Lagneaux’s Construction and Cabinet Shop, wood floors by Wiggins Flooring.)

CLASSIC, REMASTERED After raising four children in a 1920s home, it was time for a refresh. High on this New Iberia couple’s priority list was an updated, open kitchen that would accommodate their family’s next generation. Interior designer Andrea Toce says they took the room down to the studs, then anchored the space around an antique cypress-topped island, where everyone could gather. “I’m big on function,” says Toce. “I love beautiful spaces, but if you’re going to live in them and they don’t work, they get ugly quick.” (Designed by Andrea Toce, Andrea Toce Interiors)

The homeowners’ active lifestyle called for a dedicated sink area to quickly fill water bottles. Bonus: It doubles as a wet bar when they’re entertaining.

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A neutral color palette creates a blank canvas to display the homeowners’ art.

Combined with brick floor, mixed-metal hardware and an antique Pecky Cypress island, the space achieves a warm, collected vibe.

The chef’s pantry, originally envisioned as a space for serious cooking, has turned into the kids’ favorite spot for grabbing movie-night popcorn and after-school snacks.

FRESH AIR “A total transformation,” says designer Justine Hebert, describing this Lafayette living room-turned-kitchen. The homeowners envisioned their dream kitchen as a “hang out,” where everyone from their young children to adult dinner guests could feel at home. The secret to making it sing? A hidden-away chef’s pantry that handles the dirty work. Hebert designed the central island to feel warm and welcoming, more like a piece of living room furniture. The addition of a vaulted ceiling and multiple windows allow natural light to work its magic. (Designed by Justine Hebert, J Design, JDesignLA.com) ■

Hebert advises her clients to adopt an organizer’s mindset when designing their dream kitchens — creating a place for everything, even pesky phone chargers.

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BEST

Spanning 22 parishes and over 14,000 square miles, Acadiana boasts a diverse collection of landscapes, climates and attractions. While the rich Louisiana culture ties them together, each of the region’s cities and neighborhoods offer a unique lifestyle.

Whether you’re drawn to the casinos and waterfront leisure of Lake Charles, the festivals and flair of Lafayette or the wetlands and marshes found down the bayou, Acadiana truly has something for everyone.

BY Marie Simoneaux PHOTOS BY Haylei Smith

PLUS TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

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BEST

NEIGHBORHOODS

FOR FAMILIES

For families looking to land somewhere safe, fun and with plenty of space to move around, Lake Charles’ Charpentier Historic District is an excellent option.

CHARPENTIER HISTORIC DISTRICT LA KE CH ARLES

14,033

45% RENTAL

77%

42% OWNER-OCCUPIED

WHITE COLLAR

HOUSES

15.5 PERCENT ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL TURNOVER

BLUE COLLAR

CHARPENTIER HISTORIC DISTRICT PRYCE ST

PINE ST

MILL ST

DIVISION ST

SOUTH DIVISION ST

CLEMENT ST D ST

ST

BR OA

ST

M OS S

ES ST

DR EW

PUJO ST

BANK ST

REID ST

KIRKMAN ST

KIRBY ST

HONORABLE MENTION

MAGNOLIA RIDGE CARENCRO

For families looking for something a little more affordable and further away from the hustle-and-bustle of city life, Carencro’s Magnolia Ridge is a great choice. A short drive away from Lafayette, the tree-lined neighborhood has a beautiful Library, tons of families and plenty of outdoor activities. Bonus: Magnolia Hills is Canrencro’s must-visit neighborhood for trick-or-treating.

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homes, many of which date back to the late 1800s. The neighborhood has been on the National Historic Register since 1990, but it is far from stuffy, Savant said.

The live oak-lined streets and Victorian architecture create a picturesque backdrop, but Savant said the neighborhood glows with the energy of its youngest residents.

The district is walkable, she said, with minimal traffic and plenty of sidewalks.

Popular activities include walking or biking out to the lakefront, which is in the midst of numerous exciting developments. Families are looking forward to the completion of the Port Wonder project, which will be home to the new Children’s Museum of Lake Charles, as well as a science and nature center run by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Both are slated to open next year.

In the meantime, Charpentier Historic District families can enjoy Millennium Park’s playground and splash park or Lake Charles’ white-sand beach — two attractions located within walking or biking distance.

The lakefront development project also includes an expansion of the Crying Eagle Brewing Company, a welcome addition for parents.

Interior designer Lauren Graham has lived in the neighborhood for seven years and said she loves being close to downtown Lake Charles’ many restaurants and shops, while still feeling like a part of a tight-knit community.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Graham and Savant said the neighborhood started hosting frequent outdoor events, which they’ve been thrilled to see carry on over the years — including porch concert series and neighborhood-wide trick-ortreating. Other major draws for families are its convenient-but-safe proximity to Lake Charles’ Mardi Gras parades, and the highlyrated Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School, which is located within the district.

While Lake Charles has been hit with some devastating natural disasters over the past few years, Graham and Savant said local initiatives like the region’s 50-year resilience plan have assured them their community will continue to thrive for generations.

23%

HO DG

IN THE 15 YEARS she’s lived in the neighborhood, realtor Brittany Savant has watched it blossom into a thriving community full of family-friendly activities and attractions.

Located within walking distance of downtown Lake Charles, the historic district is made up of 20 square blocks of beautiful

BIL BO ST

7,600

HOMES HAVE CHILDREN

37

TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

METHODOLOGY The agents in this feature were selected through a submission process analyzed and vetted by Professional Research Services. Agents were asked to submit their sales volume over a specified 12-month period. Sales volumes were required to be accompanied by proof (MLS numbers/letter from broker/letter from accountant). Submissions were open to residential real estate agents working within Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Cameron, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion and West Baton Rouge parishes. Once the submissions were collected, PRS established a cutoff based on the top 5 percent to 10 percent of volumes submitted. All agents above this cutoff were named Top Real Estate Professionals for 2021. Additionally, the selected agents had the option to endorse up three mortgage professionals within the market area. The mortgage professionals listed were added to a separate list of Top Mortgage Professionals.

TEAMS Better Living Group Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-0253 Wes Holt Team Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-258-5062 The CJ Group Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 102 Amaryllis Dr. Lafayette 337-366-3449 Red Star Team Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 102 Asma Blvd., Suite 401 Lafayette 337-316-0951

ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2022

Caitlin Hebert & Team Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-680-0323

38

Lana Soileau & Associates Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-945-1324

Team Gotreaux Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-278-3444 Carole/Calvin Team Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-233-9700 Hailey and AC Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-233-9700 McDaniel/Braun Team Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-233-9700 Stacey Arceneaux Team Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-257-7234

The Acadiana Home Team Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-233-9700 Get Sold Team Latter & Blum 209 W. Main St., Suite 100 New Iberia 337-365-9700 The Higginbotham Group NextHome Cutting Edge Realty 2901 Johnston St., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-412-4628 Sylvia McLain Professional Real Estate Team Sylvia McLain PRG 404 Breemen Cir. Lafayette 337-456-1500

AGENTS Shannon Broussard District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-315-0654 Reba Crochet District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-658-8024 Alyson Finch District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-280-9651 Paige Gary District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-412-8977 Melissa Gaubert District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-257-8129 Amel Kates District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-900-7653 Shannon McCollum District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-201-0974 Yvette Naquin-Guidry District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-501-3231

Team Lisa and Denise Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-233-9700

Lindsey Reed District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-303-3987

Teresa Hamilton & Team Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-233-9700

Candra Scott District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-500-5593

Janet Soprano District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-296-4035 Christine Van Eaton District South Real Estate Co. 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. H Lafayette 337-654-6700 Blair Menard eXp Realty, LLC 1318 Camellia Blvd., Suite 222 Lafayette 337-654-3604 Chereé Olivier eXp Realty, LLC 1318 Camellia Blvd., Suite 222 Lafayette 337-315-9365 Brandy M. Smith eXp Realty, LLC 1318 Camellia Blvd., Suite 222 Lafayette 337-962-6733 Kristin Bellanger GL Realty Group, LLC 951 Paul Maillard Rd. Luling 985-856-2073 Lauren Jones GL Realty Group, LLC 951 Paul Maillard Rd. Luling 504-812-4020 Brandy Nichols GL Realty Group, LLC 951 Paul Maillard Rd. Luling 504-390-3381 Drake Abshire Hargroder Real Estate 3861 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-316-0479 Fred Arsement Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-654-9200 Pat Barnard Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-692-1277 Joan Beduze Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-739-7801

Tara Bienvenu Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-303-7770 Cheryl Boullion Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-654-5521 Logan Bowers Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-257-7102 Isha Broussard Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-298-2323 Bailey Caldwell Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-0253 Walter Campbell Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-251-6500 Raquell Carrington Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-278-7293 Jeanne deClouet Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-278-6456 Jeannie DelGreco Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-456-5845 Charlotte Ducote Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-849-9736

Stephen Eggleston Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-781-6142

Lucius Hornsby Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-344-9949

Ryan Petticrew Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., S uite 100 Lafayette 337-255-7481

Rusty Steel Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-4635

April Faul Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 225-360-5510

Stephen Hundley Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-789-6538

Deborah Pierce Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-316-0951

Jenn Stonicher Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-781-4932

Dawn Foreman Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-280-3492

Charles Ilonya Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-344-9875

Shelley Rhodes Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-654-8766

Linda Taylor Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-945-2467

Leslie Gill Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-442-4664

Stacy Johnston Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 361-877-2780

Kreshonda Robertson Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-704-1134

Jan Terhune Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 985-804-0714

Diana Greene Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-739-3938

Dennis Jones Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-852-5236

Molli Rodriguez Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-578-0034

Tyler Thibodeaux Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-356-3343

Joyce Hannie Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-278-5874

Lisa Krause Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-342-0206

Rickey Romero Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-519-8303

Justin Thibodeaux Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-298-7428

Caitlin Hebert Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-680-0323

Amy Larriviere Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-230-4899

Nick Saloom Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-277-9782

Lonnie Trimble Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-277-5185

Wesley Hebert Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-258-5062

Selena Lormand Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-6305

Jonetta Sam Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-280-7494

Nicole Trumps Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-739-2791

Lizzie Herter Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-0253

Cameron Luquette Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-7862

Nah Senpeng Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-349-8869

Joey Tuminello Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-298-3036

Jana Hickey Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-356-9917

Tiffany Pellerin Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 702-239-1448

Forrest Sillavan Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-303-8165

Leticia VerHage Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-212-0125

Robert Hillard Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-692-8474

John Ray Perkins Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-654-9480

Brian Sonnier Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-573-9555

Natalie Vied Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-255-7158

5 TIPS FOR

BUYING A NEW HOME

1

4

GET PRE-APPROVED WITH A LOCAL LENDER

DON'T BUY AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUDGET

Having your finances in order before you start looking will give you a leg up in today’s hypercompetitive market.

By working with a local lender, you can often get a more personalized offer from someone with a better understanding of your needs and the local market.

Setting a budget should be the first thing you do when you start your home buying process, Savant said. But, she also warns against getting too comfortable with the number at the top of the scale.

“Having some wiggle room at the top of your budget for unexpected expenses is always a good idea.”

2

WORK WITH TRUSTED REALTORS

It might sound like a no-brainer, but realtor Brittany Savant said people don’t always realize the importance of working with an agent you can trust, who has your best interest in mind. Her tip to finding one?

Ask around! “Word of mouth is the best advertising, and it goes both ways.

When people come through a referral from someone they trust, they’re already going to trust me more. Having that trust just makes the whole process more enjoyable and less stressful,” Savant said.

3

LISTEN TO YOUR REALTOR AND LENDER

Follow the advice of the experts around you. To Savant, there are few things more frustrating than stubborn clients who are convinced they know best. “Experts are experts for a reason! Help us, help you,” she said.

5

MAINTAIN YOUR CREDIT AND DON’T GET SEDUCED BY NEW CREDIT CARD PROSPECTS

Realtor Joel Bacque cautions buyers about opening new credit cards before they secure their loans. Most prospective buyers work hard to get their credit up before applying for loans, which sets them up to be solicited by credit card companies. But, even if the terms are favorable, Bacque recommends taking a pass to avoid potential issues when applying for a loan.

BEST

NEIGHBORHOODS With tons of trendy bars, restaurants and museums, live music and art events and a growing residential market, Downtown Lafayette is the hot spot for young professionals in Acadiana.

40

HONORABLE MENTION

ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2022

ARCHITECT STEPHEN ORTEGO founded his firm, SO Studio in 2016 after his tenure in Louisiana’s House of Representatives. In the years since, he said the neighborhood’s residential options have grown significantly without diminishing the area’s many shopping, dining and entertainment outlets.

One factor has been an increase in multi-use development projects that combine living, retail and office spaces.

Ortego’s firm has worked on a number of these ventures, including Vermilion Lofts, where SO Studio is located.

SUNSET

FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Home to hundreds of businesses, the neighborhood is buzzing with activity at all hours.

Ortego said it’s a great place to live for people who are prone to “fear of missing out,” or FOMO, as the "YoPros" (aka young professionals) say.

As the primary business district of the city, living in Downtown Lafayette offers plenty of opportunities to combine work and play. While working late on a recent Friday evening, Ortego and his team chose to walk a few blocks to a new natural wine bar, instead of being stuck in the office.

There are also seemingly endless new options for lunch spots or coffee shops to try, for those who choose not to imbibe, he said.

Ortego currently lives in downtown Lafayette himself, and said there’s always lots of foot traffic during the day, adding to the high-energy vibe of the neighborhood. With an ever-evolving roster of events and festivals, Ortego said it’s rare to have a night with nothing to do. The Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited groups are very active, contributing to the area’s continued growth.

While most of the residential options located downtown are apartments or condos, that doesn’t mean they aren’t unique. For those looking to combine historic charm with modern living, the Lofts at The Municipal offer newly renovated, luxury apartments located inside a renovated courthouse, library and police station.

Overall, Ortego said Downtown Lafayette is a fantastic place to live for someone looking for an accessible and centrally located neighborhood, with lots of activities and amenities. It’s not the place to find peace and quiet or the big yard and picket fence, but with lots of bike paths and walking trails, nature is also not far out of reach.

For those who need a break from the city in their off hours, St. Landry Parish’s Sunset offers a good alternative. Roughly 20 minutes outside of Lafayette, Sunset has cute, small-town vibes with an artsy aesthetic, and a handful of funky thrift stores. With more affordable properties, buying a home in Sunset is within reach for most young professionals.

DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE LA FAYETTE

1,012

HOUSEHOLDS

$52,390

AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME

30.5 PERCENT OWNEROCCUPIED HOUSING

16.6% SERVICES

22.6% BLUE COLLAR

60%

TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

WHITE COLLAR

Doug Adams Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-552-3815

Brian Gotreaux Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-278-3444

Trish Adler Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-501-9093

Dana Gradney Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-6310

Kiwi Bautista Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-706-4445

Carolyn Groner Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-578-4345

Pamela Bergeron Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-257-8614

Rachel Guidry Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-230-3436

Kristen Blanchard Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 361-727-7271

Jessica Heard Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-781-0952

Nikki Broussard Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-781-9815

Krystal Jones Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-335-5140

Chelsea Coulter Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 985-707-6820

Amanda Magnon Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-344-3744

Marie DeVille Walther Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-962-4591

Le’Anne Moreau Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-257-0348

Tina Estilette Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-247-1790

Michelle D. Mouton Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-371-1033

AJ Francis Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-849-2668

Lana Soileau Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-945-1324

ACADIANA PROFILE

Robin Godeaux Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 900 S. College Rd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-303-3200

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2022

MaryBeth Walsh Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 318-237-0462

41

TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

Lucinda Tillman Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-577-1459

Joy Davis Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-288-9624

Rachel Hebert Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-371-2228

William McCarthy Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-739-0938

Kim Pham Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-322-8682

Kelly Streva Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-356-9835

Dianne DeJean Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-319-1274

Diana Hebert Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-298-1486

Benjamin McGehee Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 504-343-2357

Melanie Doyle Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-349-8981

Deborah Horaist Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 850-830-6621

Frances Prejean Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-356-1216

Penny McGehee Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-344-7777

Johnna Taylor Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-501-3344

Allen Duhé Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-254-7812

Paula Hornback Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-344-3683

Angel Metrejean Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 318-981-8865

Diana Richard Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-349-7586

Sandy Thibodeaux Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-278-6217

Prissy Feinberg Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-278-8963

Kristi Huval Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-356-1211

Mary Ann Mirian Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-298-4934

Tiffany Fontaine Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-258-9388

Rosalind Kenny Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-258-6536

Tricia Freeman Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-288-2880

Kellie Kinsland Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-298-1768

Setareh MirianDelcambre Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-344-0067

Paula Gamble Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-981-2215

Julie Knight Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-257-5663

Lynne Gautreaux Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-315-6265

Jessica LaCourse Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-200-0048

Tonia Gibson Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-654-6444

Jackie Lyle Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-781-1273

Melissa Guilliot Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 318-984-1782

Sandy Mann Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-288-2707

Alma Criddle Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-288-3363

Renisa Hampton Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-281-7925

Tory Matthews Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-280-0265

Kathy Daigle Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-280-5160

Thomas Hayes Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-280-0480

Lori McCarthy Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-981-0609

Jamol Wheatley Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-322-5551 Tracy Wood Keller Williams Realty Acadiana 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 100 Lafayette 337-298-4595 Janina Kinler-Bellew Kinler Bellew Realty 545 Hwy. 306 Paradis 985-331-9898 Michelle Badeaux Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-366-7940 Cindy Bailey Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-281-2909 Charles Baudoin Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-654-6881 Camille Boudreaux Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-257-7234 Glenda Bryan Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-251-3216 Michael Chapple Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-366-5376

ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2022

Amy Charrier Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-212-9830

42

Teresa Scarsella Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-962-3362

Ann Thornton Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-380-6549

Kirk Schexnaider Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-962-2894

Kathy Welch Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-98-1313

Beverly Schilling Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-257-4456

Michele Montesano Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-298-8899

Arla Slaughter Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-344-5263

Jammie Parbhoo Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-739-0290

Sharon Steen Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 318-232-8449

Midge Parker Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-278-4142

Susan Strait Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 318-981-5132

5 TIPS FOR

SELLING

YOUR HOME

Sara Whitney Latter & Blum 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-501-7129 Lori Broussard Latter & Blum 209 W. Main St, Suite 100 New Iberia 985-519-1845 Theresa LaCour Latter & Blum 209 W. Main St, Suite 100 New Iberia 337-337-2569 Regina Allemand Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-495-2452

1

HIRE A REALTOR

Again, this might seem obvious, but Savant warns against homeowners trying to go it alone. Most often, sellers take this route to avoid what they see as unnecessary costs.

But, Savant said more times than not, you’ll make up for those expenses in the long run by working with a realtor.

Amy Barrios Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-874-7819 Wendy Benedetto Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-382-7492 Barbara Blue Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-421-2541 Marilyn Bonomo Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-722-8480 Monique Gros Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-460-4948 Grant Hebert Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-613-7223 Dawn Morales Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-495-1109 Vanessa Scott Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-616-3539 Chuck Sheefel Latter & Blum 3 Riverbriar Ct. Destrehan 504-473-1847 Ched Edler Jr. Latter & Blum 513 W. Airline Hwy., Suite C LaPlace 504-496-2433

Ched Edler Latter & Blum 513 W. Airline Hwy., Suite C LaPlace 504-939-1693 Cole Meyers Latter & Blum 513 W. Airline Hwy., Suite C LaPlace 504-559-6509 Fran Meyers Latter & Blum 513 W. Airline Hwy., Suite C LaPlace 504-559-4046 Poonam Oberoi Latter & Blum 513 W. Airline Hwy., Suite C LaPlace 504-723-6500 Mo Hannie Latter & Blum 6 DeGaulle Sq. Lafayette 337-298-4808 Wendy McCombie Latter & Blum 6 DeGaulle Sq. Lafayette 337-277-0590 Darla LeJeune NextHome Cutting Edge Realty 2901 Johnston St., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-484-1184 Kathleen Theriot NextHome Cutting Edge Realty 2901 Johnston St., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-484-1184 Shawn Carter RE/MAX Acadiana 114 Curran Ln. Lafayette 337-789-3037

2

KEEP YOUR HOUSE OPEN-HOUSE READY

A good realtor will do their best to accommodate your schedule, but Savant recommends keeping your house ready to show at all times.

“You never know when your buyer will walk past. If you’re ready to show your house at a moment’s notice, you’re less likely to miss out on a deal.” Clean your house, remove excess clutter, she said, and try to maintain a polished look.

Mandy Luquette RE/MAX Acadiana 114 Curran Ln. Lafayette 337-412-8277 Brandi McKnight RE/MAX Acadiana 114 Curran Ln. Lafayette 337-316-1320 Lauren Meche RE/MAX Acadiana 114 Curran Ln. Lafayette 337-207-1254 Amanda Peacock RE/MAX Acadiana 114 Curran Ln. Lafayette 337-257-3938

Erin King Realty Executives South Louisiana 15615 Airline Hwy, Suite B Prairieville 225-681-0161

MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Ginger Luquette Realty Executives South Louisiana 15615 Airline Hwy, Suite B Prairieville 225-715-9234

Rebekah Approved Mortgage Approved Mortgage 850 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 212 Lafayette 337-258-0874

Nicole Rowell Realty Executives South Louisiana 15615 Airline Hwy, Suite B Prairieville 225-936-4250

Jerrod Prather RE/MAX Rice Realty 1651 W. Laurel Ave., Suite B Eunice 337-580-4742

Bridgett Approved Mortgage Approved Mortgage 850 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 212 Lafayette 337-257-1010

Everet Fekete Realty Executives South Louisiana 15615 Airline Hwy, Suite B Prairieville 225-573-5156

Lo Approved Mortgage Approved Mortgage 850 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 212 Lafayette 337-277-6929

Gary Fontenot Realty Executives South Louisiana 15615 Airline Hwy, Suite B Prairieville 225-413-7797

Jennifer Assurance Financial Assurance Financial 1215 Camellia Blvd.

Lafayette 337-258-4871

Ricky Gautreau Realty Executives South Louisiana 15615 Airline Hwy, Suite B Prairieville 225-715-7256

Rob Assurance Financial Assurance Financial 1215 Camellia Blvd.

Lafayette 979-255-4093

Mindy Ivanicky Realty Executives South Louisiana 15615 Airline Hwy, Suite B Prairieville 225-715-6996

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SPRUCE UP EXTERIOR FOR CURB APPEAL

Your yard and the outside of your home will be the first thing realtors and prospective buyers see, whether they’re just passing by or browsing online. It won’t matter how gorgeously designed your interiors are, if people aren’t charmed at first look.

April Approved Mortgage Approved Mortgage 850 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 212 Lafayette 337-356-6257

Lauren Assurance Financial Assurance Financial 1215 Camellia Blvd.

Lafayette 337-258-3783

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INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND STAGE YOUR HOME IF POSSIBLE

“Nowadays, everyone looks online first,” Savant said. “Don’t scrimp on your photography. Don’t rely on your iPhone, no matter how good the camera is. Hire someone who really knows how to photograph interiors, it will make a huge difference in bringing people in. If your budget allows for home staging, definitely do it.

Erinn Assurance Financial Assurance Financial 1215 Camellia Blvd.

Lafayette 337-704-1448 Corey Bank of England Mortgage Bank of England Mortgage 500 Dover Blvd., Suite 330 Lafayette 337-278-7687 Blake BN Mortgage Services BN Mortgage Services 603 Richland Ave. Lafayette 337-298-7429 Jeremy Castille Mortgage Castille Mortgage 102 Magnate Dr., Suite 201 Lafayette 337-5334-4415 Jerome Community First Bank Community First Bank 1101 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. New Iberia 337-365-6677 Chris Family First Mortgage Family First Mortgage 3909 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Bldg. D Lafayette 337-739-8863 Brian First American Bank and Trust First American Bank and Trust 13355 Hwy. 90 Boutte 985-785-8902

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UPDATE YOUR APPLIANCES

If there’s one thing that dropping some cash up front on can really pay off on in the end, Bacque said it’s upgrading your appliances. “The important thing is that the buyer knows your appliances have modern features, work well and won't have to be replaced anytime soon.”

BEST

NEIGHBORHOODS

ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2022

When workers broke ground in 1997, River Ranch became the first community in the Lafayette area to be built from scratch in over 100 years, according to the project’s developers.

In the 25 years since, many others have followed suit, but River Ranch remains among the region’s premier planned neighborhoods.

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NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY, River Ranch has become a haven for those craving convenience and community. Developers stayed true to their neighbors-first philosophy, building what they describe as “a return to the traditional concept of Main Street in America.”

FOR RETIREES

RIVER RANCH LA FAYETTE

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Stacey GMFS Mortgage GMFS Mortgage 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. I Lafayette 337-412-2087 Frannie GMFS Mortgage GMFS Mortgage 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. I Lafayette 337-278-9477

OP

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TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

WHITE COLLAR

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AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME

48.9 PERCENT OWNEROCCUPIED HOUSING

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ELYSIAN FIELDS PARK

SETTLERS TRACE BLVD

KALISTE SALOOM RD

RIVER RANCH

HONORABLE MENTION

THE SETTLEMENT AT LIVE OAK THIBODAUX

Fabio Milestone Mortgage Milestone Mortgage 91 Settlers Trace Blvd., Bldg. 3 Lafayette 337-381-2130 Mattie Mortgage Financial Services Mortgage Financial Services 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 106 Lafayette 337-942-5180 Sarah NOLA Lending Group NOLA Lending Group 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 206 Lafayette 337-501-2201

Kristen Southern Mortgage Lenders Southern Mortgage Lenders 234 Rue Beauregard, Suite 205 Lafayette 337-945-1864 Michelle Southern Mortgage Lenders Southern Mortgage Lenders 234 Rue Beauregard, Suite 205 Lafayette 337-945-3539 Phyllis J. Standard Mortgage Standard Mortgage 1819 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 110 Lafayette 337-298-6672 Lanie Union Home Mortgage Union Home Mortgage 106 S. Main St. St. Martinville 337-207-2402

Erin NOLA Lending Group NOLA Lending Group 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 206 Lafayette 337-789-7381 Kim NOLA Lending Group NOLA Lending Group 100 Asma Blvd., Suite 206 Lafayette 337-288-2731 Walt Power Mortgage, Inc. Power Mortgage, Inc. 568 Belle Terre Blvd.

LaPlace 985-653-7900 Jesse Preferred Lending Solutions Preferred Lending Solutions 104 Albertson Pkwy.

Broussard 337-258-9992

ACADIANA PROFILE

James Prestige Mortgage of Louisiana Prestige Mortgage of Louisiana 3639 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Suite 420 Lafayette 337-235-9035

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2022

Shaded by centuries-old oak trees and nestled into the banks of Bayou Lafourche, Thibodaux's Settlement at Live Oak offers a more serene, nature-driven lifestyle, while still providing modern-day comfort and amenities. The neighborhood is walkable and lively — with plenty of dining, shopping and recreation options — while still maintaining the charm of rural, small-town Louisiana living.

With seven architecturally distinct neighborhoods that all feature wide sidewalks and narrow streets, River Ranch is intentionally walkable. Scattered throughout each district, you’ll find a variety of retail, dining and professional services. The town square is the heart of the community, serving as the center of daily life and a destination for events, performances, festivals and more.

With bike paths, hiking trails, underground walkways, and a park in each district, the neighborhood is designed to be enjoyed.

The neighborhood’s founder, Robert Daigle, has designed a dozen other planned communities in Louisiana, but chose to lay his own roots in River Ranch.

While River Ranch is appealing for people of all ages, realtor Joel Bacque said it is particularly attractive to retirees looking to downsize while remaining active and engaged in their communities. Many homes in River Ranch prioritize architectural integrity over size, which Bacque said is great for those seeking easier upkeep, without sacrificing quality.

Bacque said another big draw for older residents is River Ranch’s proximity to the new Our Lady of Lourdes hospital, which is less than 10 minutes away.

Although the neighborhood offers many upscale amenities — including a private club and an array of boutique shops — River Ranch is not a gated community. Bacque said while this might be a deterrent for some, it is also an asset for many retirement-age individuals who do not want to be closed off from the world. The neighborhood is open and friendly, he said, and encourages people to get to know one another.

River Ranch residents are handed all the ingredients needed to enjoy a vibrant social life, which Bacque said many of his retirement age clients find appealing. River Ranch is not a retirement community, he said, but it provides similar ease, comfort and support, without the limitation of age-restricted living. ■

Brandi GMFS Mortgage GMFS Mortgage 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. I Lafayette 337-886-8492

Terri Priority Mortgage Lending, Inc. Priority Mortgage Lending, Inc. 101 Energy Pkwy., Suite D Lafayette 337-289-5335

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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RECET T E S DE CO C K TA I LS

Layers of Lavender Lucky’s elevates the gimlet with floral notes of the summer-abundant botanicals celebrated in sunny Provence

by Lisa LeBlanc-Berry photo by Romero & Romero

In the ancient hilltop village of Sault, known worldwide as the birthplace of lavender, the salubrious mountain air of Provence is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of lavender fields in glorious bloom until mid-August, when the annual Fête de la Lavandes showcases everything from lavender crème brûlée and rosé wines fragrant of rose petals to lavender-laced gin and St. Germain cocktails.

Lavender is a floral favorite when it comes to elevating summery cocktails. The crisp, sweet fragrance of fresh lavender sprigs that garnish Lavender Gimlets at the new Lucky’s Fire & Smoke rekindles the aromatic Provençal fields of summer.

Gin and St. Germain liqueur are laced with calming lavender-infused syrup and bitters by Chef Jimmy Schmidt, founder of the original Lucky’s in Detroit. The celebrated Midwestern food scientistrestaurateur designed the farm-to-table, gluten-free menus and cocktails incorporating his botanicallyinfused syrups and libation spices for the locallyowned Lucky’s in Lafayette, opened in June.

The bottled syrups are on display at the bar.

Grab a seat beneath the pendant lights and enjoy a soothing Lavender Gimlet with layers of herbalsweet-citrusy flavors or a Sassy Old Fashioned with sarsaparilla syrup and a burst of smoke, released as the lid is removed.

“Lucky’s has taken the classics, added our botanically-infused syrups and made them fun again,” says co-owner Eddie Khoury.

American wagyu beef, cured with Chef Schmidt’s original blend of spices, is central to the live-fireand-smoke concept at the chic, 120-seat eatery with a picturesque patio and secluded chef’s table.

Fire elements begin with a flaming “golden candle” of solidified wagyu oil and herbs, designed for dipping gluten-free bread. The livesmoked wagyu beef short rib platter, covered in a diaphanous dome, is ceremoniously pierced to release swirls of smoke. Lucky’s mango crème brûlée, paired with sparkling Faire La Fête Rosé with the aroma of rose petals, invigorates a finale of French flavors. ■

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ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

HOME BAR

Lavender Gimlet

1

Place 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce St. Germaine, 1 ounce lavender syrup, ½-ounce lime juice and 4 dashes lavender bitters into a shaker glass and dry shake (without ice) for approximately 15-20 seconds for foaming purposes.

2

Then place ice in a shaker glass and cold shake for another 20 seconds.

3

Pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a fragrant fresh lavender sprig.

Lucky’s Fire & Smoke 6774 Johnston St. Lafayette 337-349-0957 luckyslafayette.com

ACADIANAPROFILE.COM

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D ÎNE R DE HO R S

Local Flavor The dishes at Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse in Lake Arthur cater to residents' distinct palates

by Eric Cormier photos by Joseph Vidrine

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ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

It ’s Friday afternoon and small waves on this city’s namesake lake gently caress the piers underneath a restaurant where quintessential bayou-style food is served.

Patrons at various tables are devouring copious amounts of today’s lunch special, “all you can eat fried catfish.”

“Oh, we pride ourselves on this lunch special.

Everybody loves it and wants to take advantage of it on Fridays,” explains 25-year-old Cassy Boudreaux who oversees the restaurant floor at Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse in Lake

Point Au Chene Pasta: fried Soft shell crab atop penne pasta with a creamy corn maque choux and andouille sauce; waffle fries topped with bacon

T RY T H I S !

1

Lafitte’s Seafood Salad There may be no better way to eat your veggies than to have them topped with grilled shrimp, crawfish and fried oysters.

2

Point Au Chene Pasta There is no reason to complain about anything when a plate of fried soft shell crab, pasta and corn maque choux with andouille sauce is placed in front of you.

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The Saint Elmo Arthur. “They like the way we prepare the cornmeal battered fish.”

Owned by Rayne residents David and Warren Guidry, the Regatta has developed a reputation as being an eatery where the goodies coming out of the kitchen are on par with the exquisite natural setting the restaurant sits within.

Newcomers beware. The decision on what to eat and where — inside the main dining hall or the outside covered deck viewing the lake and Spanish moss-covered oak trees on the coast — is going to be difficult.

Anything associated with a ribeye is worth the time of day right?

Then try poor boy with ribeye, sautéed onions, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes.

ACADIANAPROFILE.COM

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(Left) Grilled Ahi Tuna served over roasted red pepper sauce (Bottom) Regatta Creamy Crab Cakes: Blue Point Crab mixed in a creamy Bechamel sauce, fried then topped with a roasted red bell pepper sauce

Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse 508 Hawkeye Ave. Lake Arthur 337-774-1504 regattarestaurantla.com

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ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

“The Guidry family wants an atmosphere where people want to come and enjoy themselves. Customers love the view, even in the winter,” Boudreaux says.

In the kitchen, Taydum Pollard, 23, oversees dishes that represent her Cajun heritage. Pollard — a graduate of SOWELA Technical Community College’s culinary program — is from Lake Arthur and understands the local palates.

Her version of crawfish étouffée pleases many diners.

“My grandfather’s recipe is a big part of the étouffée. I like it a little thick and flavor balanced,” she says.

Another flavorful menu item is the Regatta Grilled Duck Breast, which is prepared by grilling the poultry and serving it with brandy mushroom cream sauce.

“I’ll give one little secret to the flavor in the cream sauce,” Pollard says with a grin.

“Worcestershire.”

Boudreaux and Pollard mention that Thursday nights, 10-ounce grilled ribeyes are served for $10.99.

“Oh, the people around here love Thursday steak night. The restaurant is packed,” Pollard says.

Other dishes that peak the interest of regular customers according to Boudreaux and Pollard are: fried green tomatoes, bread pudding, crawfish mac and cheese and soups of the day.

Pollard, prides herself on using ingredients that pay homage to Jeff Davis Parish culinary traditions.

“I’ve been able to tweak dishes here at the restaurant and people have responded positively. The Guidrys have given me full reign in the back of the house,” she said.

Like most cooking professionals, smiles are what Pollard is looking for.

“I like to feed people. When you grow up in the South with big families, cookouts and everything, you see people eat. Even on bad days, good food will make them smile. And that is a joy to me. Seeing people smile when they eat our food.

“A packed restaurant, with people eating and cuttin' up, that’s the best. I love it,” Pollard says. ■

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DE L A C U IS INE

Dinner is in the Bag Fish or chicken en papilote is a crowd pleaser

by Marcelle Bienvenu photo & styling by Eugenia Uhl

The days are getting shorter and I’m looking forward to cooler weather and entertaining on my big screen porch overlooking Bayou Teche.

Although I like one-pot dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, I have a recipe that includes the protein (fish or chicken) along with a few vegetables cooked and served en papillote (in a bag). It has been a popular menu item at Antoine’s in New Orleans forever and from what I can gather, pompano en papillote was added to Antoine’s menu to honor a visiting balloonist, and the papillote does in fact swell up like a balloon during the cooking process. When serving, the papillote is cut open with scissors or a knife, allowing the aromas of the seafood and vegetables to waft and tease your taste buds. ■

MAIN COURSE

D E S S E RT

Pompano en Papillotte

Raspberry and Blueberry Pound Cake

Although pompano was the more popular fish used in this old New Orleans dish, it’s not easy to find, so just about any firm, white fish such as trout, redfish, sole, grouper or salmon can be substituted.

You can substitute brandy or your favorite liqueur for the kirsch.

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

4 sheets (20-inch) squares parchment paper You can find these pouches/ bags in the supermarket section featuring foil, parchment paper and wax paper, but you can make your own. Cut an 11-by-15-inch (or a little larger if you like) parchment paper heart. Place the fish (or chicken breast) with herbs and vegetables and a little liquid, then fold the heart, and crimp, twist or fold the edges securely (wet the edges with a little oil or water). Then take a straw and blow air into the papillote. If you’re using foil, omit this last instruction. The pouch is then placed on a lightly oiled baking sheet to go into the oven.

4 pompano (or other fish) fillets, each 6 to 8 ounces 8 freshly shucked oysters, drained and patted dry

5 eggs 12⁄3 cups sugar 2½ sticks unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces, at room temperature 2 tablespoons kirsch 2 cups plus 8 tablespoons cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt

8 medium-size shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup fresh raspberries, rinsed and picked over

4 large white button mushrooms, stems removed and sliced

vanilla ice cream (optional)

4 tablespoons dry white wine 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Creole seasoning or salt and cayenne pepper PREHEAT the oven to 350 F. PREPARE the parchment paper for

the pouches. Open heart-shaped paper to lie flat and lightly oil or butter inside surface. On one inside half of each parchment heart, place one fish fillet.

Repeat process with remaining parchment hearts and fish fillets.

ON TOP OF EACH FILLET, put two oysters, two shrimp and equal amounts of sliced mushrooms.

Drizzle each with a tablespoon of wine and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Season with Creole seasoning or salt and cayenne.

Fold paper over mixture and seal edges.

PLACE on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

TO GET THE RECIPE FOR AVOCADO AND ONION SALAD PLUS MORE TIPS VISIT ACADIANAPROFILE.COM

MAKES ONE CAKE (8 TO 10 SERVINGS)

TO SERVE, cut top of the paper open with a knife or kitchen shears and fold the paper back.

1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and picked over

GENEROUSLY butter a 9-cup bundt pan. Dust lightly with flour.

IN A FOOD PROCESSOR, blend eggs and sugar until smooth and thick.

Add butter and kirsch. Process until fluffy. Add two cups plus six tablespoons flour, baking powder and salt and process.

IN A LARGE BOWL, toss remaining two tablespoons flour with raspberries and blueberries.

FOLD batter into the berry mixture using a rubber spatula. Transfer to bundt pan, spreading evenly.

PLACE the pan in the center of a cold oven. Turn heat to 300 F and bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about one hour and 25 minutes.

REMOVE cake and cool in the pan for five minutes. Invert onto a wire rack and cool.

SERVE at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream.

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EN FRA N Ç A I S, S’I L VO U S P L A Î T

Élire domicile en Acadiana Ils sont venus de loin pour être proches de nous par David Cheramie illustration par Sara Willia

Les vagues d’immigration qui ont contribué à notre culture en Louisiane du sud n’ont pas cessé avec la fin du Grand Dérangement ou avec le dernier bateau à transporter les Africains asservis. Plus récemment, on cite l’arrivée des réfugiés vietnamiens ou des hispanophones de l’Amérique centrale pour leur apport de nouveaux ingrédients à notre gombo sociétal. C’est certainement l’attrait de participer à notre joie de vivre qui attire les nouveaux résidents, outre les raisons économiques et politiques, pour embarquer sur une nouvelle aventure. Voici trois exemples parmi plusieurs des gens qui ont élu domicile en Acadiana pour notre plus grand bonheur.

Jim Phillips et Christy Leichty vivent en Acadiana depuis 2006. Auparavant, ils avaient une école dans la région de la baie de San Francisco. Déjà amoureux de la culture de la Louisiane du sud grâce à une scène musicale animée là-bas et plusieurs séjours chez nous, ils ont décidé de venir vivre cette aventure— c’est leur mot—dès qu’ils ont réglé leurs affaires en Californie. Le pouvoir d’achat étant supérieur en Louisiane, ils ont pu acheter un grand terrain près de Sunset où ils ont créé un espace pour la communauté créative. Artistes et éducateurs tous les deux, ils ont largement contribué à l’épanouissement de la musique et du théâtre. Ils ont vu une occasion non seulement de développer les arts, mais aussi d’améliorer le taux d’illettrisme.

Ravi Daggula est venu étudier à l’Université de Louisiane à Lafayette il y a plus de vingt ans. Quand on lui demande ce qui l’a motivé à déménager de son Inde natale, il dit en toute simplicité. « Je suis venu parce qu’on m’a offert une bourse. » Ce retour sur investissement a déjà payé des dividendes fructueux car il est aujourd’hui au centre d’une revitalisation économique dans l’immobilier. Avec ses partenaires, il fait revivre les maisons historiques comme la Maison Mouton ou la Nickerson House, ainsi que d’autres lieux associés avec le tourisme et l’hospitalité.

L’offre d’enseigner le français avec le CODOFIL a poussé Peggy Somers à sauter dans son char et de conduire jusqu’à Lafayette

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ACADIANA PROFILE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

pare l’Acadie du Nord avec l’Acadie du Sud : « depuis le Nouveau-Brunswick en 1999. Ayant Quand je vais au magasin, je vois du monde passé les échelons d’enseignante à conseillère, qui ressemblent à mes cousins et mes voisins elle est aujourd’hui la directrice exécutive chez moi à Kedgwick ». Malgré plus de 260 ans de cette agence d’état qui l’a premièrement recrutée. Au passage, elle a changé son patro- de séparation, les liens entre les deux Acadies demeurent forts. nyme à Feehan. Si ce nom vous On peut lamenter le départ est familier, c’est parce que son des jeunes vers d’autres horimari est le directeur du Festival zons, mais tant que l’Acadiana International de Louisiane, Scott fait rêver, il va continuer à Feehan. Quand on lui demande attirer les rêveurs qui veulent ce qui l’a attiré le plus, elle fait FOR AN ENGLISH faire de contributions positives écho d’une remarque qu’on TRANSLATION VISIT pour une vie meilleure. ■ entend souvent quand on comACADIANAPROFILE.COM

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