The MANual: Places in Acadiana for guys to get gear, gadgets and good times
Top Hospitals: No. 1 health threat facing
the region, specialties and innovations
Crying Eagle Brewing Company brings its brand of craft beer to Calcasieu Parish
5 businesses that will have you rethinking your career P. 38
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features Célébrer le mode de vie acadien
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cool jobs Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a craft beer brewer, coffee roaster, bike shop keeper, book publisher or to work with delectable food all day? In our Cool Jobs feature, we find out from five folks who spend their days and nights doing their dream job — and possibly yours, too.
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The MANual
The Acadiana man’s guide for guys By S. George and Ashley hinson
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Top Hospitals and Doctor Profiles
Three Acadiana doctors share stories about challenging cases and we offer up a list of the region’s hospitals with details about their specialties and innovations By Sarah ravits and Marie Simoneaux
73 Healthy Outlook Diabetes leads as most pressing health concern facing residents of Acadiana By will kalec
Runaway Dish founders Denny and Katie Culbert connect chefs and other people in the culinary community with food lovers, while raising money for local charities and nonprofits in Lafayette
contents August/september 2016 | volume 35, number 4
8 lagniappe
A Little Extra 10 note de l’editeur
Editor’s Note 12 nouvelles de villes
News Briefs
food+drink 29 sur le menu
Pizza Party: Reconsidering a global favorite customized to suit the Cajun palate 32 de la cuisine
14 le visiter
Calendar of Events
Snazzy Snacking: Four crowd pleasing after school treats 36 recettes de cocktails
home+style
Evangeline, Stirred: Louisiana and Kentucky pair up in a reimagined Old Fashioned
17 La maison
Clothiers in Their Culinary Element: Lafayette interior designer renovates her parents’ new home with gourmet flair 24 pour la maison
Touch Down: Chic tableware and accoutrements for your next pigskin party 26 À la mode
Gear Up: A round up of rugged, yet stylish goods for the Acadiana guy on the go
culture 85 les artistes
Portraits On All Fours: After failing to find her niche painting people, Breaux Bridge artist Logan Berard focused her efforts on furrier subjects — pets 90 les personnes
On the Cover Eric Avery, Stephen Tyson and Bill Mungai of Crying Eagle Brewing Company are putting local flavor in their craft brews. The name of the company, “Crying Eagle” is a translation of the native Atakapan word “Calcasieu,” the parish in which Lake Charles is located. Local pride is abundant at this brewery situated on 10 acres of land.
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acadiana profile august/September 2016
In and Out of the Dog House: Amber Prejean, president and founder of Cajun Paws Rescue in Scott, dedicates her time, energy and money toward finding permanent residences for misunderstood breeds 94 la musique
Family Band: The Jolly Inn in Houma continues the tradition of Cajun dining and dance halls 96 en français, s’il vous plaît
Le Cipre, Un Bois Incorruptible
lagniappe
Learn French Crevettes n. shrimp or prawn
What is your favorite outdoor activity to pursue as the weather cools down?
Editor in Chief
Managing Editor
Associate Editor
Jess DeBold
Copy Editor
Amanda Orr
Art Director
Sarah George
“My husband and I love to hop on our bikes either around town or out on a hike-and-bike trail. our Long walks in neighborhood and most evenings out on the porch with cold drinks are also on the calendar.”
Lead Photographer Web Editor Editorial Intern Vice President of Sales
example: Nous apportons des crevettes et des saucisses jambalaya à la fête.
Errol Laborde
translation:
Melanie Warner Spencer
We’re bringing shrimp and sausage jambalaya to the party.
Danley Romero Kelly Massicot Marie Simoneaux Colleen Monaghan (504) 830-7215
“I love taking camping trips in the fall — the sky is always clear at night and sitting by a fire with friends is so much nicer when it’s not already hot and muggy outside.”
Colleen@acadianaprofile.com
Sales Manager
Rebecca Taylor
(337) 298-4424
(337) 235-7919 Ext. 230
Rebecca@acadianaprofile.com
Traffic Coordinator
Distribution Manager
John Holzer
Event Coordinator Margaret Strahan
Administrative Assistant
Subscription Manager
Production/Web Manager
Senior Production Designer
Denise Dean Sara Kelemencky
— Marie Simoneaux
Subscriptions Mallary Matherne
Staci McCarty Ali Sullivan
Production Designer Monique DiPietro
Chief Executive Officer
President
Alan Campell
Executive Vice President
Errol Laborde
Todd Matherne
The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is the oldest state-chartered harvest festival in Louisiana. It began in 1936 when the first crop of jumbo shrimp was met with merriment in the port of Morgan City and Berwick. It wasn’t until 1967 that it was christened with its current name, and the marriage of the region’s two most essential industries came together in one celebration. Since then, the festival has grown into one of Acadiana’s premier events. The Blessing of the Fleet tradition began in 1937 to ask: “God’s graces be bestowed upon the fisherman and their sturdy craft.” The festival was once honored with the title of “Most Unusual Name,” a unique honor they fully embrace.
Terra Durio
Director of Marketing & Events Cheryl Lemoine
Did You Know?
“Spending more time outside on my balcony reading, drinking wine and enjoying the view.”
Behind The Scenes
Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/acadianaprofile) and follow us on Twitter (@acadianaprofile) for daily updates, happenings in the area and other news!
Please consider our planet and recycle this (and every) magazine.
Renaissance Publishing LLC • 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 • Metairie, LA 70005 • (504) 828-1380 • (877) 221-3512 128 Demanade, Suite 104 • Lafayette, LA 70503 • (337) 235-7919 ext. 230 Acadiana Profile (ISSN 0001-4397) is published bimonthly 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 2016 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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acadiana profile august/September 2016
Pictured with lead photographer Danley Romero is Tommie Townsley and author/ illustrator Rebecca Stelly, who was gracious enough to dress up as AllyGator, the company’s mascot.
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note de l’editeur
sales team
In the popular 2013 “Cajun Country,” episode of the Travel Channel’s “Anthony
Bourdain: No Reservations,” the host and crew take part in a boucherie with Toby Rodriguez of Lâche Pas Boucherie et Cuisine. Riveted to the TV in Texas I would have never guess that, not only would I soon live in Louisiana, but also that I would attend a boucherie with Rodriguez himself and I’d be covering it for Acadiana Profile (December-January 2016). I was drawn to the boucherie, as well as Acadiana and its residents, because it all reminded me of my home state of Kentucky, its people and experiences growing up on my grandparent’s farm. Once a year we slaughtered an animal and put it up for use in the coming months. Pig roasts were common too and much like a boucherie, a time when friends and family gathered to create a festive meal and divvy up the spoils of the day. Honoring the animal and using “everything but the squeal” was a consistent theme during Rodriguez’s boucherie and something I quickly came to relate to and admire about our welcoming and hospitable Cajun hosts. Our hosts were also incredible storytellers. Maybe it’s the Southerner in me, but I love a great story, both in the listening and the telling. Becoming a writer and editor takes this appreciation to the extreme, but there are few things I enjoy more — there are endless stories to be told, especially in a place like Acadiana. This is why after two and a half years as a contributor and the associate editor, I’m honored to take the helm of Acadiana Profile as its managing editor. I’d like to take a moment to thank my predecessor Sarah Ravits for her part in creating such an interesting and attractive publication. The magazine’s tradition of highlighting the region’s happenings; shining a spotlight on its best, most intriguing and talented people; as well as occasionally taking a critical look at what’s important to Acadiana’s residents will continue and I’m eager to delve deeper into the heart, culture and spirit of Cajun Country. On that note, I’m happy to report that this issue is jam-packed with exactly the abovementioned kinds of stories. Around the office we’ve been referring to it as the “man issue,” due to our fun and informative “MAN-ual” feature, which offers up scores of Acadiana products, businesses, activities and services geared toward Acadiana’s men. We also take a peek into the relaxed, yet refined Lafayette home of Frank and Peggy Camalo, owners of F. Camalo, the exclusive Italian clothing store for men. Our Cool Jobs story will have you dreaming of starting a craft brewery or a bike shop like the plucky entrepreneurs you’ll meet in that story. On a more serious note, we’ve expanded the annual Top Hospitals feature, which now includes a look at the most pressing health concern facing Acadiana; interviews with doctors about their most challenging cases; and finally, a comprehensive listing of the hospitals of the region, along with their specialties and innovations, as a guide to helping you find the best healthcare. Before settling in, mix up an “Evangeline,” the featured adult beverage in Recettes de Cocktail. (The Kentucky bourbon on the ingredients list is a happy coincidence.) As you sip and savor, enjoy the stories we’ve put forth this time around. If you have a story of your own or know of one you think we’d be interested in, please tell me about it. I love a great story.
Melanie Warner Spencer, Managing Editor (504) 830-7239 | Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com
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acadiana profile august/September 2016
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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nouvelles de villes
by lisa leblanc-berry
“Boutine”: German French fries swimming with gravy, and crowned by boudin
Lafayette
Rayne, Breaux Bridge
Lake Charles
Going German-Cajun
Honoring the Best in Cajun Music
The new VA and ICU scoops
Delcambre, Morgan City
Pass a good time! Forget the car. You can now enjoy the 66th annual Delcambre Shrimp Festival (Aug. 17-21) in your own boat via the new North Pier Marina (contact the Port Director, 800-884-6120). It’s three blocks from the festival grounds, where an abundance of fab shrimp dishes, firemen water fights, cook-offs, rides, Cajun bands and the daily fais-do-do brings families dancing in the streets. Next up, the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City (Sept. 1-5) features regional and national entertainment, the Cajun Culinary Classic and a children’s village.
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The 28th annual Le Cajun Awards Music Festival kicks off Aug. 18 on the creaky old dance floor of the beloved La Poussiere in Breaux Bridge, followed by the Aug. 19 CFMA awards announced at the Rayne Civic Center. The fest concludes Aug. 20 at the center featuring top Cajun bands.
After multiple delays, the recent groundbreaking site of the new 24,000-squarefoot VA permanent clinic in Lake Charles (3601 Gerstner Memorial Drive) will provide medical, dental, vision and mental health care to veterans. Meanwhile, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital opened a forwardthinking $6 million ICU unit with larger rooms, each with family sitting areas (a rarity) and USB ports for computers and cells.
Community Work group meetings for the I-49 Lafayette Connector (aka I-49 Corridor) — touted as one of the “most important projects” in the history of Lafayette — are on Aug. 25 and Sept. 22 at the Lafayette Public Library, second floor (room 301), on W. Congress St. The future 5.5-mile segment of I-49 will extend from I-10 to the Lafayette Regional Airport, and is a key component of I-49 South. The planned functions are as a critical hurricane evacuation route, to bring new interstate connectivity within the region and to New Orleans, alleviating the congestion on Hwy. 90 and completing a major energy and trade corridor to the nation.
Erath
Museum’s anniversary celebrated with new “Coozan Dud” exhibition The Acadiana Museum of Erath celebrates its 25th anniversary with several events starting on Aug. 20, featuring the induction of the newly appointed Commissioner of Conservation and former Attorney General Richard Leyoub into the Order of Living Legends and prominent authors in attendance signing books, followed by the 5 p.m. debut of the new Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc permanent exhibit and the re-release of his historic books (presented by his granddaughter, Michelle LeBlanc): “The Acadiana Miracle” on its 50th anniversary and “The True Story of the Acadians” on its 90th anniversary (both are available).
PHOTOS: wurst biergarten photo by travis gauthier; delcambre shrimp festival photo by alysha jordan
We’ve had boudin served in many ways in recent years, such as the Cajun benedict with boudin and eggs in a pool of gumbo at the French Press in Lafayette, or the Orielle de Cochon (pig’s ear) boudin-stuffed beignet, and the biscuit with a grilled boudin patty and eggs at Café des Amis’ in Breaux Bridge. But boudin atop fries is a first for this Cajun foodie who grew up in Abbeville eating hot links with Steen’s cane syrup for breakfast. It’s the “Boutine”: German French fries swimming with gravy, and crowned by boudin, served at the newly opened, dog-friendly Wurst Biergarten. Limited menu. The brats (three kinds) come from Earl’s Cajun Grocery; beers galore (537 Jefferson St., Lafayette).
Acadiana Corridor Update
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calendar
by judi russell
around acadiana Gatherings and activities around Acadiana August 7-8.
Purple Heart Day Ceremony. Bouligny Plaza, New Iberia. (337) 365-1428.
17-21. Delcambre Shrimp Festival. Delcambre Shrimp Festival Grounds. (337) 685-2653. 20. Arts & Crab Fest. Burton Complex, Lake Charles. (337) 439-2787.
September 1-5. 81st Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival. Downtown Morgan City. (985) 385-0703. 3.
19th Anniversary 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish 5K Run. City Hall, Morgan City. (985) 255-9775.
3. 34th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival. Courthouse Square, Opelousas. (337) 948-6262. 3-4. Labor Day Fishing Rodeo. Quintana Canal, Cypremort Point. (337) 364-7301. 5. Boo Zoo Labor Day Festival. Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles. (337) 438-3482. 9-10. Lydia Cajun Food Festival. Weeks Park, Lydia. (337) 519-3131. 11-12. Patriotic Day Ceremony. Bouligny Plaza, New Iberia. (337) 365-1428. 16.
POW-MIA Day Ceremony. Bouligny Plaza, New Iberia. (337) 544-9397.
16-18. St. Theresa Bon Ton Festival. St. Therese Catholic Church, Carlyss. (337) 583-4800. 20-25. Sugar Cane Festival. Bouligny Plaza, New Iberia. (337) 369-9323. 22.
Labor Day Weekend AGU Art Show & Sale Artists Reception. Everett Street Gallery, Morgan City. artistsguildunlimited.org
24-25. Deep South Racing Association “Battle on the Basin.” Drag Races. Russo’s Landing off Hwy. 70 Atchafalaya Basin, Morgan City. (985) 519-1351.
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home+Style Inspiration, décoration et accessoires chic pour la vie
la maison
clothiers in their culinary element Lafayette interior designer Justine Hebert renovates her parents’ new home to complement their gourmet devotions and relaxed lifestyle beyond the men’s fashion biz By Lisa LeBlanc-Berry Photos by chad chenier
Named as one of the “Top
100 Menswear Stores in America” for 19 consecutive years by Esquire, F. Camalo attracts Acadiana gentlemen who dress for success. Power brokers and sportsmen alike gravitate to the shop, which serves as a manly haven of refinement in the heart of Lafayette’s Oil Center.
style+home
la maison
Since the late 1970s, regulars have enjoyed building their wardrobes with Frank Camalo’s exclusive Italian clothing that’s traditional, but with a twist. They browse through extensive selections of Canali, Giorgio Armani and Luciano Moresco fashions while being pampered by the staff. Between fittings for such custom items as Ravazzolo
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suits, chaps check out sleek Zanella trousers, Alberto cycling jeans and rows of glossy Gravati shoes. Owner Frank Camalo and his wife, Peggy, oversee the beloved man-centric institution on Heymann Boulevard. But on weekends, it’s all about cycling, family fun and home cooking.
acadiana profile august/September 2016
As summer segues to autumn, Frank and Peggy enjoy preparing elaborate Sunday dinners in their newly renovated kitchen, after a rigorous morning bicycle ride. The home that they purchased in May 2015 was recently remodeled and refreshed by interior designer Justine Hebert, their devoted daughter.
Frank and Peggy selected the unpretentious, circa 1960s, 3,000-square-foot, singlelevel brick residence for its ideal location in a beautiful neighborhood. It had the spatial clarity of traditional architecture, yet was devoid of stodginess. Seeing good bones beyond its dated décor, Justine transformed the place into a
more functional, inviting home for her epicurean parents. This included adding a few perks in the kitchen, such as placing a pot filler on the cooktop for gumbos, and installing a special shelf with a hydraulic lift that locks on a counter top. It was designed for Peggy’s Kitchen Aid Professional Series six-quart
stand mixer that she uses for homemade doughs and artisanal desserts. “She can keep it plugged in,” Justine says. “We wanted to give her proper storage with a lift, since the mixer is so heavy.” It came as no surprise to Justine that the most important objective during the entire renovation was to design a
proper kitchen and reconfigure the space to accommodate a butler’s pantry that would open onto the dining and living areas. “The kitchen and original pantry were both totally gutted,” Justine says. Graceful archways now define the openings from room to room. A new wet bar and wine cooler add ease to the Camalos’ many gastronomic gatherings. The master suite was enlarged and redefined by taking over an adjoining office. It was converted into a more modern master bath with a large, 6-foot by 8-foot walk-in
opening page An open butler’s pantry was created in place of the existing closed pantry. Improvements include a new wine cooler and cabinets showcasing the owners’ glass collection. left The butler’s pantry now opens onto the dining and living rooms, designed with graceful arches that render a seamless flow. The Savoy House Rochester six-light drum pendant with its gold patina finish shimmers above a custom cypress dining table. right A mixed media triptych by Dennis Paul Williams resides above a narrow serving table. The extensive regional art collection includes vibrant paintings by Francis X. Pavy and George Rodrigue.
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shower complete with a double rain head system. The existing bath and closet became an oversized his-and-hers master closet, with fanciful dividers and built-in shelving. Everything from the windows, ceilings and flooring (including the pulled-up bedroom carpeting and old kitchen tiles that were replaced with wide plank pine) to the color scheme and lighting (to showcase the Camalos’ regional art collection) was upgraded for a more modernistic feel. The new, casually appointed home now serves as a soothing place of respite from the demands of retail. “I worked at F. Camalo’s during my college years,” Justine
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says. “My job really went hand in hand with what I was studying, interior design, with a focus on fabrics. It’s funny, because some of the men I used to dress at the shop are now my top interior design clients. They trusted how I took care of them.” The proprietor of J Design, Justine, married realtor Henri left The living room’s original built-in cabinets were replaced by stained Alder shelves to display sculpture and pottery. The brick fireplace had a makeover with a veneer plaster overlay. right The formerly dark oak kitchen was repainted in Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl, and the overhead cabinets above the peninsula were removed. Updates included pendant lighting and a Carrara marble subway tile backsplash.
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Hebert of Abbeville (owner of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches in Lafayette and Lake Charles) two years ago. Though she launched a website this summer, her business has been “mostly word-of-mouth,” including numerous commercial projects. On any given Sunday, Justine says passers-by may take in the enticing aromas of bourbon vanilla cake and earthy plum tartes baking in her parents’ oven, while the garlicky scent of red sauce simmering with freshly snipped herbs intermingles with the sweet fragrance of roses from Peggy’s garden just outside the kitchen door. “We call it my Mom’s Sunday Superbowl,” Justine says. “We get together at our parents’ new house every Sunday and we do a big family dinner. It’s always a lot of fun. My Mom makes fresh pasta and gourmet cakes from scratch, while Dad makes his own Italian sausage. We eat like kings! It’s something the whole family looks forward to all week long. “My husband, Henri, says it best,” Justine says. “It’s always easy and casual at my parents’ house. And they top it off with good food, good wine and a special joie de vivre. I’m really thankful that my parents have taught us to always chase your passion, and everything else will follow.”
Formerly an office, the new master bath has an expanded footprint that includes the former bath and office. Additions include a large his-and-her walk-in closet, an oversized walk-in shower, his-and-her vessel sinks with wall-mounted chrome faucets and a crema marble-and-tile mosaic backsplash that is duplicated in the shower as an accent strip near the crema marble shower seat, and a soaking tub with a free-standing Brizo tub filler.
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style+home
pour la maison
2 1
touch down Chic tableware and accoutrements for your next pigskin party by claire salinas | photo
1. Farmhouse utensil caddy from The Royal Standard 2. JA Henckels and specialty silverware from The Kitchenary at Heymann’s 3. Malacca Willow wine holder (or beer chiller) from The Royal Standard
by romero & Romero
3
4. LA wine glasses from Caroline and Company 5. Chip and dip bowl from The Kitchenary at Heymann’s 6. Football field napkins from The Royal Standard
The Royal Standard, 2015 Johnston St., Lafayette The Kitchenary at Heymann’s, 456 Heymann Blvd., Suite C, Lafayette Caroline and Company, 113 Arnould Blvd., Lafayette,
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style+home
Ă€ la mode
Gear Up Rugged, yet stylish goods for the Acadiana guy on the go by claire salinas | photo by romero & Romero
Based out of New Orleans, Damn Dog donates a percentage of all sales to Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Visit damndoghq.com/pages/ giving-back for more information.
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1. Damn Dog shave kit from Red Arrow Workshop, 116 Rue Promenade, Suite 200, Lafayette 2. Over Under flask from Brother’s on the Boulevard, 101 Arnould Blvd., Lafayette 3. Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses from LAspecs Distinctive Eyeware, 1910 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 300, Lafayette 4. Projects Watch from Red Arrow Workshop, 116 Rue Promenade, Suite 200, Lafayette 5. Iron Ranger 6-inch boots from the Red Wing Heritage Collection at Red Wing Shoes, 2207 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette
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food+drink Ça c’est bon
sur le menu
pizza party
Reconsidering a global favorite customized to suit the Cajun palate Jyl Benson | Photos by Romero & Romero Nearly five billion
pizzas are sold every year throughout the world and toppings are customized to reflect cultural preferences. In India, pies are topped with pickled ginger, minced mutton and tofu. The toppings of choice in China are Thousand Island dressing and eel. Russians go for a fishy mixture of sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon and raw red onions, presumably making date night chaperones unnecessary. Pizzerias in Acadiana make wise use of the region’s bounties from both land and sea, offering pies topped with Cajun charcuterie, as well as shrimp and crab. Chef Q’s Margherita special at Buck & Johnny’s in Breaux Bridge.
food+drink
sur le menu
Since 1988, Tony and Elaine Pierrottie have offered their much beloved hand-tossed pies at the Pizza Shack, their humble brick storefront on Edith Street in Opelousas. Today, the Shack is the area’s only independently owned pizzeria and pizza devotees flock to the spot. The favorite pie is Ferdie’s special with toppings of pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, hamburger, onions, jalapeño, green peppers, mushrooms, Savoie’s smoked sausage, bacon, shrimp and tomatoes.
Ferdie’s special at the Pizza Shack in Opelousas.
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acadiana profile august/September 2016
In 2010, David Buck and Johnny Raymond took on historic downtown Breaux Bridge’s most noxious eyesore when they restored the old Domingues Motors building and transformed it into Buck & Johnny’s, a chic pizzeria. The pie here is cut into squares, which has zero impact on the flavor, but raises controversy nonetheless. The Steakhouse pie is a divine affair with roasted garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan and bleu cheeses, thinly-sliced prime rib, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onion. The aptly
named Caveman tops a base of red sauce with mozzarella, ground beef, smoked pork and Italian sausages, applewood smoked bacon and smoked chaurice. The meats here all come from nearby Poche’s Meat Market, the standout beer is Bayou Teche’s LA-31 Bière Pâle from Arnaudville, and Baby’s Coffee from right across town is in the mugs. Mariano and Bertha Alesi established Alesi Pizza House, Lafayette’s first authentic Italian pizza parlor, in 1957 at the intersection of Cameron and Bertrand streets based on recipes from Mike’s Sicilian mother. Now in its third generation of family management — the couple’s grandsons handle daily operations — little has changed since the business moved to its current Johnson Street location in 1962. Though rightfully famous for their pizza, Alesi’s is equally well known for exceptional, authentic Sicilian-style pasta and stuffed noodle dishes. The seafood manicotti can be ordered with either Alfredo sauce or a tomato and wine reduction sauce and the stuffed cannelloni can be ordered with ground meat and cheese or spinach, veal and cheese. A newcomer to the Lafayette scene, Pizza Artista was recently opened
Alesi Pizza House, 4110 Johnston St., Lafayette, 337984-1823, alesipizzahouse.com Buck & Johnny’s Pizzeria, 100 Berard St., 337-442-6630, buckandjohnnys.com. Pizza Artista, 5409 Johnston St., Lafayette, 337-706-7631, pizzaartista.com The Pizza Shack, 1242 Edith St., Opelousas, 337-948-4838, pizzashackopelousas.com
Bonus Bite The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society celebrates its 10th Anniversary Fête Rouge at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, Aug. 25 and 26. The event showcases prominent Baton Rouge chefs and fine wines from around the world. The celebration includes a wine dinner, Food & Wine Fête with 40 chefs vying for top placement, a silent auction and Fête du Vin, a premium tasting with rare wines. Tickets at FêteRougeBR.com.
by locals Scott and Cynthia McClaskey, and Kirk Miller, all senior-level executives in other pizza operations. With very reasonable prices, this is already a popular spot and guests can create their own pizza or partake of signature or chef-inspired varieties based on Cajun flavors. The options here are endless with traditional, whole-grain and gluten-free doughs; Alfredo, barbecue, Marinara, pesto and Thai peanut sauces; and mozzarella, gorgonzola, smoked gouda, vegan, cheeses, as well as traditional pizza toppings. Then there are the protein, vegetable and “finishing” options. If it seems too overwhelming, go for the Cajun macque choux (Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, onions, bell pepper, roasted garlic, corn, fresh tomatoes, Cajun sausage and tasso), the Boucherie (American cheese, boudin, Cajun sausage, onions, green onions, ghost pepper and Mozzarella blend, cracklin’ and Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup) or the Swamp Daddy (spicy red sauce, mozzarella, smoked gouda, crab, crawfish, shrimp, andouille, tasso, Cajun sausage, bell pepper and green onions).
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food+drink
de la cuisine
snazzy snacking Four crowd pleasing after school treats by marcelle bienvenu | photo & styling by eugenia uhl
The children in my family can’t resist these lemon bars and PB&J bars, childhood favorites of mine. Madison and Hannah love them, and if your husband is anything like mine, hide any remaining bars because they’ll disappear in a minute.
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acadiana profile august/September 2016
I come from the generation
whose after school snacks included warm, baked sweet potatoes drizzled with butter and Steen’s 100% Cane Syrup, Rice Krispies Treats, tac-tac (popcorn balls), ants-on-logs and sugar and butter sandwiches. If my nieces and nephews caught me giving these to their children, they would never allow them to visit me again. So, who would know better about good after-school treats than my nieces who gave me some great suggestions. My niece Monique tells me that her three girls Olivia, Isabella and Sophia love sliced apples or bananas spread with peanut butter, crackers and cheese (any kind) and ants-on-logs (ah they are still popular), made with celery sticks filled with peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins. Rather than baked sweet potatoes, Monique tosses thinly sliced sweet potatoes with a little olive oil and bakes them for about 20 minutes. She then sprinkles them with sea salt. Steamed edamame tossed with sea salt are also a welcome treat for the girls. There are also carrots, celery and peppers with hummus or ranch dressing. She sometimes melts chocolate bark containing dried apricots and salted cashews and after it cools, lets them dip it in melted chocolate or Nutella. (Hey, these are sounding pretty good. We didn’t have Nutella when I was a youngster.) “You can also bake or zap sliced apples in the microwave for four minutes and sprinkle cinnamon on top,” Monique says. “A dollop of whipped cream makes it taste like apple pie. I also fill snack-size plastic storage bags with pretzel sticks, raisins, peanuts, sunflower seeds, marshmallows and M&Ms or chocolate chips.”
Lemon Bars 1 ¼ 1 2 1 ¾ 2
stick butter, melted cup powdered sugar cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour large eggs cup granulated sugar teaspoon baking powder tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine butter, powdered sugar and one cup of flour in a bowl. Mix well. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. In another bowl, beat eggs until light in color. Add granulated sugar, remaining two tablespoons flour, baking powder and lemon juice. Mix well. Spread mixture over the crust and bake for 30 minutes. Remove and cool before cutting into squares. About 40 squares
Peanut Butter ‘N Jelly Bars 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup smooth peanut butter 2 large eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup grape jelly
Preheat the oven to 375F. Combine flour, sugar and baking powder in a bowl. Cut in butter and peanut butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in eggs and mix well. Press half of the mixture into a greased 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan. Spread grape jelly over the peanut butter mixture. Crumble the remaining dough over the jelly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, then cut into bars. Makes about 2 dozen.
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sur le menu
Strawberry Smoothies
Hot-Milk Cake
1 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries 1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries 1 cup orange or grapefruit juice ½ cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons honey
1 1 4 1 1 ¾ 2 1
Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately.
My niece Suzanne tells me that popcorn, granola bars and pretzels dipped in peanut butter and drizzled with honey are favorites with her children. A friend says that her two grandchildren go ga-ga over Greek yogurt mixed with cereal and a little honey. She also showed me how simple this is: Cut watermelon (seedless is best) into chunks or slices and put in plastic storage bags in the freezer. Honey dews also work just fine: Sprinkle with a little fresh lime juice to serve. Her fruit kabobs of choice have thredded chunks of pineapple and strawberries. Pair the kabobs with a dip made with low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt and brown sugar or cinnamon with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. I’m getting the drift of these easy, healthy snacks, but once in a while, a slice of cake or a cookie can’t be too harmful.
stick butter cup milk large eggs teaspoon pure vanilla extract cups sugar cups cake flour Pinch of salt teaspoon baking powder Powdered sugar
Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly butter and flour a 9-inch tube pan without a removable bottom. Combine the butter and milk in a heavy saucepan and slowly bring to a boil. While the milk is heating, beat the eggs and the vanilla in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for two to three minutes. Then, with the mixer on medium speed, beat in the sugar in three pours, beating well as you add each portion. Add half the flour and the salt, beat for 30 seconds, and then add the remaining flour. When the butter and milk mixture has boiled, remove from the heat and pour into the flour mixture. The beater must be turning while the milk is added. Scrape the sides of the bowl to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Add the baking powder and beat for one minute at medium speed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert onto a rack to cool. Dust the top with the powdered sugar. You can serve the cake with seasonal fruit.
Makes 1 cake to serve 8 to 10
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food+drink
recettes de cocktails
evangeline, stirred Louisiana meets Kentucky in a reimagined Old-Fashioned by nick dietrich | photo & styling by eugenia uhl
2 ounces Buffalo Trace Bourbon Âź ounce Three Brothers Cane Syrup 2 dashes El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters
Combine in a double old-fashioned glass and stir with large cube ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
Cane syrup from the heart of cane country. Three Brothers farm makes some of the best and richest cane syrup in the Lafayette area.
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A STUNNING COLLECTION OF 50 TRADITIONAL (AND SOME NON-TRADITIONAL) LOUISIANA RECIPES. AN ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE FOR YOUR KITCHEN,OR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR A LOUISIANA FOOD LOVER.
$16.95
TO ORDER VISIT
LOUISIANACOOKBOOK.COM
Now in its second printing
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As children, our interests, hobbies and passions define what we want to be when we grow up. Unfortunately, this often does not stay the case when building adult careers. Aspiring astronauts become accountants, inventors turn into electricians, bakers work in banks and so on. We trade in our dreams of getting paid to do what we love, for dreams of simply getting paid. However, this does not have to be the norm, as proven by the following people who successfully turned their passions into careers, right here in Acadiana. Craft beer, specialty coffee, bicycles, children’s books and a love for people and food have led these Acadianans to some cool jobs that just might make you revisit your own childhood dreams. — Marie Simoneaux
cool jobs
s
“
We are loaded top-to-bottom with people who are going to make this brand really special.
�
crying eagle brewing
Eric Avery, president, Stephen Tyson, general manager, and Bill Mungai, brewmaster
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“
What I love most about my job is being able to work with authors and illustrators who share the same passion as I do.
Eric Avery, Stephen Tyson and Bill Mungai Crying Eagle Brewing Company
By Sarah Ravits
For a much-needed respite from the scorching hot temperatures this summer, residents of Calcasieu Parish (and beyond) will be able to quench their thirst and hang out in a cool space, thanks to a new brewery slated to open July 2 in Lake Charles.
”
Crying Eagle Brewing Company, which occupies more than 10,000 acres of land, was started by local businessman Eric Avery, who broke ground last October after a lengthy decision process that involved lots of bureaucratic red tape, market research, taste-testing and recruitment of a talented, dedicated team. “We are loaded top-to-bottom with people who are going to make this brand really special,” Avery promises. The name of the company, “Crying Eagle” is a translation of the native Atakapan word “Calcasieu,” the parish in which Lake Charles is located. Local pride is abundant at the brewery: The area inspires two of the three beers and Avery says that the beers will be distributed statewide this summer. “Our primary focus is Louisiana,” he says. Bill Mungai, brewmaster, has concocted a golden ale called “The Chuck,” which Avery says is “approachable and has mass appeal.” Another beer is dubbed the “Calcasieu Common,” a hoppy, hybrid lager ale. The third brew is the Belgian-inspired “Ready To Mingle.” The idea took shape about seven years ago. “My father told me we needed to look at the craft beer market. I said no at the time, but then he brought it back up four years ago, so we started researching the industry,” says Avery. “It took years of research and travel and going to breweries and drinking all sorts of beers. Some beers I liked; some beers made me want to puke. It came down to a decision and we decided this was something we wanted to do.” Now, the newly built facility features an outdoor beer garden, a 4,000-square-foot taproom with indoor seating and sample offerings and a private event space. “We were thinking of this very much as an entertainment venue,” says Stephen Tyson, the general manager. Though it hasn’t been easy, the team has high hopes. “It’s a very complicated business that is highly, highly regulated,” says Avery. “It’s a huge risk, but I had visions. More than just building a brewery and making money, this is a passion project…It can be anything we want it to be.”
Crying Eagle Brewing Company, 1165 McNeese St., Lake Charles, www.cryingeagle.com
ally-gator bookbites Tommie Townsley, author, publisher and CEO
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“
I was trying to push boundaries. I was with that motto from the beginning.
”
rêve coffee shop
Nathanael Johnson, owner, and Carter Liles, manager
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“
I wanted to get people on bicycles, and on the right bicycles.
�
hub city cycles Megan Arceneaux, owner
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“
We connect people: farmers to chefs, chefs to chefs, diners to chefs, waiters to restaurants and chefs to new audiences.
�
runaway dish Denny and Katie Culbert, founders
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Crying Eagle Brewing Company
money, this is a passion project…It can be anything we want it to be.”
By Sarah Ravits
Crying Eagle Brewing Company 1165 McNeese St., Lake Charles cryingeagle.com
Thanks to a new brewery that opened in July in Lake Charles, residents of Calcasieu Parish (and beyond) will be able to quench their thirst, while hanging out in a cool space. Crying Eagle Brewing Company, which occupies more than 10 acres of land, was started by local businessman Eric Avery, who broke ground last October after a lengthy decision process that involved lots of bureaucratic red tape, market research, taste-testing and recruitment of a talented, dedicated team. “We are loaded top-to-bottom with people who are going to make this brand really special,” Avery says. The name of the company, “Crying Eagle” is a translation of the native Atakapan word “Calcasieu,” the parish in which Lake Charles is located. Local pride is abundant at the brewery; the area inspires two of the three beers and Avery says that the beers will be distributed statewide this summer. “Our primary focus is Louisiana,” he says. Bill Mungai, brewmaster, has concocted a golden ale called “The Chuck,” which Avery says is “approachable and has mass appeal.” The “Calcasieu Common,” is a hoppy, hybrid lager ale. The third brew is the Belgian-inspired “Ready To Mingle.” The idea for a craft brewery took shape about seven years ago. “My father told me we needed to look at the craft beer market. I said 'No,' at the time, but then he brought it back up four years ago, so we started researching the industry,” says Avery. “It took years of research and travel and going to breweries and drinking all sorts of beers. Some beers I liked, some beers made me want to puke. It came down to a decision and we decided this was something we wanted to do.” Now, the newly built facility features an outdoor beer garden, a 4,000-square-foot taproom with indoor seating and sample offerings and a private event space. “We were thinking of this very much as an entertainment venue,” says Stephen Tyson, the general manager. Though it hasn’t been easy, the team has high hopes. “It’s a very complicated business that is highly, highly regulated,” says Avery. “It’s a huge risk, but I had visions. More than just building a brewery and making
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Ally-Gator BookBites Publishing House By Sarah Ravits
Born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, children’s author and publisher Tommie LaBorde Townsley fondly remembers her late grandfather, Henry LaBorde, telling colorful stories that reflected the family’s Cajun heritage. Today, Townsley owns a boutique publishing company in Lake Charles, Ally-Gator BookBites Publishing House, which allows her to work one on one with aspiring authors and illustrators who share a mission of inspiring children to read.The company has published 22 stories since its inception. To date, Townsley has penned seven children’s books that comprise a “Kids Cajun Tales” series, incorporating whimsical characters and Cajun spice into her stories. Though her early childhood memories clearly shaped her career path, Townsley says that becoming an author and publisher wasn’t entirely intentional. “I fell into it,” she says. Like many young literary types, she wasn’t sure where her affinity for storytelling would lead her. But things began to take shape in graduate school, when she enrolled in a creative writing course while earning her master’s degree in English at McNeese State. There, she wrote a children’s story for an assignment titled, “Adolpheaux the Adventurous Dolphin.” Her professor loved it and gave her an A. Despite this positive reaction, Townsley let the manuscript sit for six years on her computer before a friend finally convinced her to publish it in 2005. Then, in 2011, Townsley founded The Southwest Louisiana Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Guild, a nonprofit that connected her with like-minded people. “Many of the authors in the guild became interested in publishing their manuscripts,” she says. Within a year, she founded Ally-Gator BookBites, thanks in part to Lake Charles’ supportive atmosphere and a shared office space called The Seed Center, which provided resources
to Townsley and her fledgling independent business. Daily job duties vary, but Townsley frequently visits area schools, libraries and festivals and hopes to continue publishing “great books that will be distributed nationally and internationally,” she says. She has also been interviewed on radio and TV programs to encourage readership and promote literacy. “What I love most about my job is being able to work with authors and illustrators who share the same passion as I do. We want to inspire children to read,” she says. “People love our books and I know we are making a difference in children’s lives.” Ally-Gator BookBites Publishing House 4310 Ryan St., Suite 130, Lake Charles 337-515-6501, ally-gatorbookbites.com
Rêve Coffee Roasters By Ashley Hinson
Nathanael Johnson’s dream for Rêve Coffee Roasters was to create Lafayette’s own microbrewery for specialty coffee that would cultivate passion in the “cup to table” movement. The dream began in Eunice, where Johnson — of the Johnson’s Boucaniere family — grew up drinking coffee with his father, Joey. At 21, he opened his first coffee shop, Cafe Mosaic, in Eunice, his hometown, Johnson worked at and owned various Lafayette coffee shops until he felt the “entrepreneur’s burden:” the need to create. “We’re the first place to do specialty coffee in Lafayette,” Johnson says. “I was trying to push boundaries. I was with that motto from the beginning.” Specialty coffee is more advanced than premium or gourmet coffee; it’s stronger and more bold. It tastes like the earth and atmosphere from where it was grown, and creates better economic development for the farmers who harvest it. Johnson studied coffee at the Special Coffee Association of America in Portland in 2012, where he learned the scientific and creative aspects of crafting coffee, a passion he shares with manager Carter Liles. “We had a similar vision in aesthetic and design, and the same passion for specialty coffee. We had the same interest in introducing the community,” Liles says.
Rêve’s space is open, with expansive front windows. The exposed brick walls feature works by local artists, such as weaver Kat King. The chemical compound of coffee is on one of the back walls, and there are no doors, Johnson says, to represent transparency. The wood paneling on the other wall is from Johnson’s father’s shop. Rêve’s platform is deliberate and helped to lead more cafes setting up shop in the city. “We love where Lafayette is going in regards to the coffee industry with Carpe (Diem!) and The Lab,” he says. “We’re glad to be a part of that and all the other great shops around here. When I train at Indulge and other places, I say, ‘The bar has been raised’.” The shop also hosts a concept new to downtown — latte-art throwdowns between area baristas. Johnson says he wants the shop to become a hub of information with training classes for enthusiasts. “I want people to have that mosaic of people coming in to converse, read and have a place to escape for a little while,” Johnson says. “Coffee shops are the avenue for that. What I love about coffee shops is that kind of dynamic it has.” Rêve Coffee Roasters 200 Jefferson St., Lafayette 337-534-8336, revecoffeeroasters.com
Hub City Cycles By Ashley Hinson
Located across the street from Parc Sans Souci, Hub City Cycles has serviced Acadiana residents since 2013, as downtown Lafayette's neighborhood bike shop. Owner Megan Arceneaux says the store’s mom-and-pop vibe was inspired by Johnson’s Bicycle Shop, which opened in 1953 and closed in December 2008. Arceneaux, a loyal customer, had just had her bike repaired before the shop closed. She liked the Johnsons’ unpretentious approach. “I wanted to get people on bicycles, and on the right bicycles,” she says. “That’s how you do well.” After Johnson’s closed, Arceneaux saw a void that needed filling. She wanted to offer high quality bikes as opposed to “department store” cycles, so the shop carries established, but affordable brands such as Jamis, Retrospec and Tribe and can fix your vintage beauty, too.
Hub City also offers the individual parts of the bike that make it special, the details that make it the rider’s — and the rider’s alone, — like custom colored chains and wheels, handles and seats of different shapes and sizes, plus helmets in every design imaginable. The store offers customers what they need to customize their ride, and this keeps them coming back. Arceneaux spends time chatting with her clientele, and most are on a first-name basis with her. “We’re still a small town. People appreciate when you remember their name,” she says. “And I keep employees; there’s good people behind you who help you have a successful business.” One of her employees is musician and KRVS DJ Diego Martin-Perez, who repairs bikes and says he strives to empower customers. “I had very little experience, but it was one of those trades I always knew I would love if I had steady exposure and good mentorship,” he ,says. “I’ve got both of those things there, and I love it.” Part of Arceneaux’s mission is to educate people about the dangers of buying a cheap bike, which isn’t designed to be an investment and can be dangerous to ride. Still, since many people who need the bikes for daily transportation have some of the cheaper models, Hub City doesn’t turn them away. This results in loyal and diverse patrons. The shop is involved with two of Lafayette’s bicycle scavenger hunts and is planning to host a weekly group ride in the near future. “We’ve been very fortunate,” Arceneaux says. “I’ve seen more cyclists on the road. It’s refreshing, and I love it. I’m very lucky to come to work every day and do something I love to do.” Hub City Cycles 208 E. Vermilion St., Lafayette 337 235-2453, cyclehubcity.com
Runaway Dish By Sarah Ravits
In Acadiana, food isn’t just sustenance, it’s a way of life. For one couple in Lafayette, it is the driving force of an all-encompassing passion project and nonprofit organization that is about bringing people together over this shared bond.
As founders of the Runaway Dish, Denny and Katie Culbert focus on connecting people throughout the region. They foster food-related collaborations by hosting dinners and special events, along with publishing an eponymous magazine and posting updates on their information-packed website, runawaydish.org. Ultimately, explains Katie, Runaway Dish serves three purposes: strengthening and nurturing the culinary community; raising money for local charities and nonprofits; and showcasing different parts of Lafayette that may be new or previously uncharted for diners and chefs. To date, they have raised more than $20,000 for local charities through this organization. “We connect people; farmers to chefs, chefs to chefs, diners to chefs, waiters to restaurants and chefs to new audiences,” says Denny, who has a background in photojournalism and works as a freelance photographer (including on occasion for this publication). “I’d been carving out a niche in food photography, which is ultimately what led to the creation of Runaway Dish,” he says. Katie, meanwhile, has a background in finance and retail, as owner of the Lafayettebased, high-end jewelry and accessories store, Kiki. She uses her business savvy and applies it to the world of Louisiana cuisine. While the Runaway Dish is more of a side project to their busy full-time jobs, it is a time-consuming pursuit and a labor of love. On any given day, duties may entail talking to chefs for hours about their approach to food, meeting with musicians to perform at events, designing menus or exploring interesting venues. In the upcoming months, they plan to relaunch their website, incorporating all of the content that they’ve published in the magazine. They’ll also ramp up efforts in documenting the food culture of South Louisiana by publishing another issue of the magazine before the year is over. “Runaway Dish is more of a nonprofit side-project to our regular jobs, so everything about this is pretty great,” says Katie. “The best is the connections and friends we’ve made throughout the last few years…It allows us to explore and research so many parts of the culinary world.” Runaway Dish runawaydish.org
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or the men of Acadiana, family is the tie that binds; hard work is paramount; the land is to be cared for and cherished; and life is to be not only appreciated, but lived to the fullest and with joy. Add to that an enduring spirit, serious storytelling skills and a tendency to be more interested in experiences than material goods, and you have the recipe for a life well lived. These attributes could be used to describe the majority of people from the region, man or woman. But for this issue of Acadiana Profile Magazine, we're training our eyes on — and celebrating — the menfolk. ¶ The "MAN-ual" is a guide to everything from rugged style and grooming to hobbies and outdoor activities. We also tossed a little romance into this gumbo of a guide, because Cajun men (and women) like things spicy. Discover businesses throughout Acadiana where you can get products and services to keep that beard from slipping too far into "Duck Dynasty" territory (Unless that's your thing. Who are we to judge?); get the scoop on whiskey tastings and other manly pursuits; and find new ways to play hard, whether it's boxing or disc golf. ¶ We're not saying you fellas aren't already the stuff dreams are made of, but if you are looking to shake things up or simply in the market for a dapper new pair of boots, pour yourself a pint of your favorite local brew and settle in for a few minutes with the Acadiana Profile MAN-ual. Allons!
— Intro by Melanie Warner Spencer, Text by S. George and Ashley Hinson
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FA CIAL HAIR
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Beard Guide Tips and tools for growing that man mane with pride Products
Mutton Chops A la Souvarov Old Dutch
Products? Yes products. You think that beard behaves all on its own? No. Those things can get unruly. Stock up on the following products to keep that face mane soft, groomed and lucious. beard wash It can be difficult
cleansing a beard. Soap and facial cleansers can dry out the coarse hairs, and normal shampoo may cause irritation to the skin underneath it. Check out beardbrand.com
French Fork
Short Boxed Beard
Goatee
beard oil Give your facial hair a soothing scent and help soften and condition your beard. Louisiana Beard & Facial Hair Association handmakes six beard oil blends, using only natural, organic oils and essential oils. louisianabeard.com
Handlebar & Goatee Van Dyke Imperial
Soul Patch The Winnfield Hulihee
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Have you ever wanted one of those old-timey shaves with the fluffy brush and straight razor? Well, we found a place for you to get that done, and have a cocktail to boot! What!? Head on over to Rifinery Downtown in Lafayette. No really, check it out. RefineryDowntown.com.
B
eards aren't just for hipsters. No, gents, it's well-established that beards are for men. Cajun men; and all men. Let's sling some science on the subject, shall we? A 2013 study found that "women judged faces with heavy stubble as most attractive." Researchers presented 351 women and 177 heterosexual men with photos of 10 men shown four different ways : cleanshaven, five days growth (light stubble), 10 days growth (heavy stubble) and full beard. They then asked the men and women to rate each photo according to attractiveness. Heavy stubble was a clear winner among women. ¶ This makes sense if you look at it through the evolutionary standpoint. How else is a woman supposed to know if you are a good mate or not? A beard is your mane, man. It demonstrates masculinity. Would a lion shave its beard? No. Thats ridiculous. Regardless, don't be afraid to grow out those whiskers. Society says one thing about facial hair, but our subconcious animal selves say something completely different. And, if you are a single man ready to settle down, a full beard may be a good way to attract a serious mate. The study also found that "Full-bearded men may be perceived as better fathers who could protect and invest in offspring." ¶ Plus, who likes shaving everyday anyway? No one — thats who. More of a reason to let those locks loose. Now don't go all crazy and messy, keep it tidy, ya hear?
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HION
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Shops Accessories: Genterie
Supply Co., in Lafayette is the place to stock up on shoes, boots, bags, shades, shirts, grooming and home goods. genterie.com Clothier: Gaidry’s Menswear
in Lake Charles has you covered for casual and dressy menswear and accessories. 121 W College St, Lake Charles, (337) 474-3800
Style for Miles
Southern Style: Classic clothing and accessories abound at Brothers on the Boulevard in Lafayette. brothersontheblvd.com
When in doubt, pull Frank Sinatra out
O
ld Blue Eyes is about as far from Acadiana as you can get, but is the epitome of classic manliness. Well-dressed and groomed, Frank was full of swagger. By dressing well you send out the vibes that you are confident, sophisticated and intelligent.We suggest trying this out at the next LSU or University of Louisiana at Lafayette game. (No, really.)
A Men's Warehouse survey conducted by Kelton Research (take that for what you will) found that 78 percent of women think one of the sexiest things a man can do is dress well. Sixty three percent of women find a man in a suit more attractive than one in a uniform. ¶ Two studies (Journal of Experimental Psychology and European Journal of Social Psychology) determined
that wearing red (or standing in front of a red background) attracts more of the opposite sex. The same is true for both genders. ¶ So, suit up — consider a red tie or go bold with red shoes — and conduct a little experiment in animal behavior. ¶ Geaux, tiger. Too much? Yeah, we thought so too.
Have you avoided wearing a necktie or bow-tie due to the seemingly daunting task of learning how to tie it? Tutorials abound at ties.com.
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Get Out Boats, guns and gear for outdoor fun in Acadiana
L
ouisiana is, of course, the sportsman’s paradise and the state is rife with bayous for canoeing and kayaking; rivers for boating and fishing; and has secret walking and jogging trails in its myriad parks and sanctuaries. ¶ The subtropical weather offers residents almost year round access to the Gulf Coast’s abundance of natural beauty. There’s plenty to see and do; paddling on Lake Martin at sunrise, waterskiing on the Vermilion River and even taking advantage of the numerous gun ranges for hunters to practice in preparation for deer and duck seasons. Hunting enthusiasts flock to Louisiana for its gunfriendly attitude and ample acres of land for fishing and shooting — two time-honored traditions that represent the resourcefulness of Acadiana’s residents.
Shops
Louisiana doesn't have many large rocks to climb, but that doesn't mean there aren't rock walls. Check out Southern Stone (previously Rok Haus) in Lafayette. rokhaus.com
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outdoor supplies
firearms Hunter’s Supply and Pistol
Pack and Paddle specializes in carrying supplies for outdoor activities like rock climbing, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and kayak fishing, fly fishing and camping. packpaddle.com
Range is locally owned and operated in Lake Charles, and carries a variety of firearms; the store and pistol range also provides information on concealed carrying. hunterssupplypistolrange.com Acadiana Gunworks of Scott provides concealed carry classes and many different makes and models of firearms for the hunter or gun enthusiast. acadianagunworks.com
vehicles With two locations in Lafayette, Lafayette Power Sports is the place to go for outdoor motors, boats, ATVs and more. lafayettepowersports.com
Tasting, cooking and music classes polish up the rough edges of the Cajun man, but not too much
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BBIES
Wise Guys I
Test out your new tasting skills at The Barrel in Broussard. This top shelf whiskey and bourbon bar has more than 75 different brands of the brown stuff and offers half shots for tasters with commitment issues. Tasting classes are in the works. thebarrelbroussard.com
t’s easy for anyone to get caught in a routine. From eating, to dancing, to getting sucked down into the Netflix rabbit hole, getting stuck in a trap we set for ourselves feels almost inevitable, but Acadiana has loads of diverse interest groups and activities to break that vicious cycle. ¶ According to Statista.com, 43 percent of men polled said watching TV is their favorite activity to do in their free time. Put the remote down! ¶ Whether it’s talking shop about a high-end or locally made whiskey, taking on a new instrument, or even learning new ways to cook Cajun favorites, there are tons of routes the enlightened Cajun man can take on his way to self-fulfillment. Classes offer a gateway into new lifestyles at all ages and clubs can foster a sense of camaraderie around common interests.
Try This become a connoisseur
Charley G's offers monthly tastings ranging from wine to whiskey to beer. CharleyGs.com learn to cook The new
Tabasco cooking classes on Avery Island show attendees how to make meals with a spicy kick. tabasco.com Play an instrument
The Music Academy of Acadiana provides guitar, piano, drum, violin, saxophone, brass and wood instrument lessons to aspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels. musicacademyofacadiana.com
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Play Around Get fit or just pass a good time with running, boxing and golf groups
A
round here, the goals behind taking on a sport vary between fitness, social prowess and passing a good time, but the ultimate is to find an activity that can satisfy at least two of those interests at once. ¶ Dad bods may be in, but according to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, adults between 17 and 64 years old need at least two and a half hours, or 150 minutes, each week of physical activity. Luckily, participation in local group activities is on the rise, and there are many organizations to keep the Louisiana man on track (and keep the boudin, beer and Sunday Funday calories at bay). Even if “gains” aren’t on the priority list, a relaxing day at the golf course or park is always a good idea.
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Try This run for it Lafayette's Geaux Run sells trainers, apparel and accessories in addition to hosting almost daily group runs at various locations. geauxrun.com
Called “The best kept secret in Acadiana,” Farm d’Allie Golf Club 18-hole public course in Carencro has 13 ponds and lakes, 30 recently renovated bunkers and five sets of Tees. Visit farmdalliegolfclub.com for more information
throw it Magnolia Park Disc Golf League in St. Martinville features a new disc golf course that meanders along the Bayou Teche under massive oaks. stmartinville.org hit it Title Boxing
Club in Lafayette offers a full range of boxing and kickboxing classes; the club also offers the first class for free. titleboxingclub.com
T
he modern Acadiana man embraces the tradition and innovation in his hometown. He’ll hit the highway for traditional Mardi Gras runs and sip beer from brand new microbreweries down the road. On a clear day, he’ll take a canoe or kayak to the lake and paddle among Cypress trees. He takes the same past-meets-present approach to dating. In recent years, men have donned the beards and flannels of their forefathers while taking advantage of Acadiana’s progressive social scene, and women have taken notice. It’s now expected for a man to be as knowledgeable about new seasonal brews as he is on how to two-step. There are tons of old-school spots to discover after a brewery tour or walk along a trail, and plenty of old Cajun staples and new attractions are available to keep him and his special lady, or potential love interest, busy.
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Add a dash of romance with new and classic Acadiana date spots
MANCE
Spice It Up TASTE Local craft beer lovers
have a new location in Bayou Teche Brewing’s brewery, which houses a patio with picnicstyle seating and live music. bayoutechebrewing.com DANCE The La Poussiere Cajun Dancehalle in Breaux Bridge has been around for more than 60 years, and features musicians like Steve Riley, Wayne Toups and Kevin Naquin. lapoussiere. com WALK The Acadiana Nature
Station has both short and long trails for walkers and runners with many different animals and plants native to Louisiana to see along the way.
Lake Martin is on ample land under ancient cypress trees and is a favorite spot for sunset picnics and sunrise kayaking.
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listing compiled by MARIE SIMONEAUX and profiles by sarah ravits
TOP HOSPITALS
State-of-the-art hospitals, clinics and medical professionals at the top of their respective fields abound in Acadiana. For the 2016 Acadiana Profile Top Hospitals feature, we've scoured the region to offer a glimpse at the innovations, specialties and growth of facilities on the forefront of healthcare. Use this easy-to-read guide to determine when and where to get treatment for what ails you or your loved ones. In addition, we've interviewed three Acadiana doctors about their work and their most challenging cases. Finally, this year's installment includes Healthy Outlook, a critical view of diabetes. During the reporting process diabetes was uncovered as the most pressing health issue facing Acadianans today. Gain insight, tips, information and read compelling stories in this year's guide, a resource for health. — Melanie Warner Spencer
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TOP HOSPITALS
Acadia Parish Acadia General 1305 Crowley Rayne Hwy., Crowley alh.org • (337) 783 - 3222
Acadiana General Hospital is a nonprofit facility within the Lafayette General Health system. Acadia General Hospital is licensed for 140 beds. The hospital provides a 24-hour Emergency Department, as well as acute medical and surgical care with services in obstetrics, gynecology, oncology, pediatrics, orthopedics, cardiology, nephrology and ophthalmology. Since joining LGH, Acadia General has added a new imaging center, expanded cancer treatment services and brought additional physicians to the Acadia Parish area. Offsite outpatient departments of the hospital include Acadia General Imaging and The Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine. In hopes of serving three times the current capacity, the Lafayette General Foundation is supporting a campaign to construct a new Emergency Department.
Allen Parish Allen Parish Hospital
and professional counseling in its psychiatric recovery unit for mental illness and addiction. APH works with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to provide the free Family-toFamily Education Program which covers a range of issues, from medication side effects to current research on mental illness causes.
Oakdale Community Hospital 130 Hospital Drive, Oakdale oakdalecommunityhospital.com (318) 335 - 3700
This hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency, laboratory, cardiology, imaging, respiratory, nutritional, women’s and physical therapy services. Oakdale Community Hospital also runs two family health clinics, located in Oakdale and Elizabeth, Louisiana. Through the American College of Radiology, the hospital houses a certified mammography unit which uses low-energy X-rays to detect abnormalities. The hospital consistently ranks as a top performer in Louisiana for heart-failure treatment and offers a variety of non-invasive cardiology services.
Ascension Parish St. Elizabeth Hospital
108 Sixth Ave., Kinder allenparishhospital.com (337) 738 - 2527
Serving the tri-parish area of Allen, Beauregard and Jeff Davis parishes, Allen Parish Hospital provides acute and specialty care including outpatient services, general surgery, and diagnostic services. APH offers a wide range of home health care to patients within a 50-mile radius of the hospital. Home services include post-op care, nursing services, physical and speech therapy, diabetic and blood pressure testing and monitoring, wound care, IV therapy, catheter care and more. In addition, APH also provides group and individual therapy
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1125 Louisiana 30 W., Gonzales steh.com • (225) 647 - 5000
St. Elizabeth Hospital is a 78-bed acute care facility. The hospital is part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, an 1,800-bed, five-hospital system serving nearly 60 percent of Louisiana’s population. St. Elizabeth Hospital has been recognized four times as the Hospital of the Year by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation, has twice been named to the 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare® by Modern Healthcare Magazine, and has received numerous other awards for quality. The
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Dr. Philip Gachassin As a general and bariatric (weight loss) surgeon, Dr. Philip Gachassin, who works for Lafayette General Medical Center, has performed thousands of difficult and life-saving procedures over the course of his 19-year career. “I was always good at science when I was younger,” he says. Though he played with the idea of becoming a lawyer like his father, ultimately Gachassin chose medicine after working as an orderly in an operating room. “I was able to watch minimally invasive endoscopic operations and it inspired me, so I applied to medical school.” In the past several years, Gachassin has helped several morbidly obese patients overcome life-threatening conditions after undergoing
botched procedures across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. There are other places [outside the U.S.] where the surgery is done, he warns, “but Mexico is pretty common.” He says surgeons, some of whom aren’t trained, hire marketing firms to identify where the market is, “and marketing is high in states with high obesity rates and poor insurance coverage.” Louisiana is consistently ranked as one of those markets. Lured by the promise of lower medical costs and minimal red tape, patients from Acadiana often return home in far worse condition than when they left. One day last year, “[a] lady came in with a severe fever; she was in severe pain,” says Gachassin. “She had a hole in her stomach where [a surgeon in Mexico] did the surgery. The woman was septic. Left alone, she would die.” Adding to the chaos is the fact that the medical records from her procedure were not available. Gachassin figured out a way to fix her with minimal surgery. He says, “We ran a CT scan, found the area of infection, stuck a needle in it under guidance from an X-Ray machine, drained the infection and gave her antibiotics.” Often, patients in a similar state can’t eat for a month after he repairs the damage, and sometimes he has to do endoscopic procedures and insert tubes into their stomachs to prevent leakage. It’s an uphill battle, he admits, but one that he will continue to fight. He encourages patients to educate themselves and to be wary of testimonials about questionable, low-cost procedures that are advertised on the Internet.
Education: Tulane University LSU Health Sciences (M.D.) Specialties: General surgery and Bariatric surgery Works at Lafayette General Medical Center
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TOP HOSPITALS hospital provides hundreds of both inpatient and outpatient services, including medical, surgical and emergency care. St. Elizabeth’s also operates a community clinic in Gonzales. Located within the Ascension Parish Public Health Unit, the clinic provides services to patients ages 10 years or older, who are uninsured or underinsured for access to conventional care.
Assumption Parish Assumption Community Hospital 135 Hwy. 402, Napoleonville (985) 369-3600
A branch of the Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Assumption Community Hospital is a critical-access hospital with six beds. Assumption Community Hospital operates as a nonprofit hospital. Outpatient services includes a smoking cessation program and breast cancer screenings and mammograms. As part of their community outreach, they also provide health fairs and health screenings to Assumption Parish residents.
Calcasieu Parish Christus St. Patrick Hospital 524 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive Lake Charles • christusstpatrick.org (337) 436 - 2511
Named for the patron saint of Ireland upon the insistence of Dr. John Greene Martin, Christus St. Patrick Hospital was dedicated on St. Patrick’s Day in 1908 and joined the Christus Health system in 1999 along with the Sisters of Charity Health and the Incarnate Word health care systems. The hospital offers a range of services, including children’s services, neurology, surgical, women’s services, and everything in between. Also offered are behavioral services, including an inpatient geriatric program and outpatient care for seniors and a pediatric unit. Located within Christus St. Patrick Hospital is the Dubuis Hospital of Lake Charles. The Dubuis Hospital provides care to medically complex patients who require extended acute-care hospitalization, including specialty programs focusing on wound care, rehabilitation, and ventilator dependency. 60 |
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Lake Charles Memorial Hospital 1701 Oak Park Blvd., Lake Charles lcmh.com • (337) 494 - 3000
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is the only full-service, community hospital in Lake Charles and provides comprehensive care to all medical needs and stages of life. The largest, communityowned, nonprofit health system in southwest Louisiana has four campuses: Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women, Memorial Specialty Hospital and Moss Memorial Health Clinic. The hospital was awarded the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in recognition of its dedication to the commission’s high standards. Health care specialties include inpatient and outpatient services as well as a full-service emergency department and urgent care facility. Diagnostics and pathology services are available and range from CT scanning to sleep studies. Specialty services are also provided, including cardiovascular, cancer, ENT, urology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, orthopedics and sports medicine, gynecology and obstetrics, neurology, internal and pain medicine and more. Home health, wound care and longterm acute care services are also available.
Lake Area Medical Center 4200 Nelson Road, Lake Charles lakeareamc.com • (337) 474 - 6370
Formerly the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, this 88-bed full-service acute care hospital now offers inpatient, outpatient, medical and surgical care for men, women and children. Lake Area Medical Center’s key services include cardiology, labor and delivery, a level III neonatal ICU, wound care, and a 24-hour emergency department. Surgical services are available and include robotic-assisted surgery. Lake Area Medical Center is an accredited bariatric surgery center and offers three weight loss surgery options. It also serves patients at the Grand Lake Medical Clinic, Urology Center of SWLA and Lake Area Physicians and Surgicare of Lake Charles – an ambulatory outpatient surgery center.
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Dr. Craig Walker Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Craig Walker became interested in the medical field at just 8 years old. The youngest of nine children, the Bourg, Louisiana native was inspired by his two oldest brothers, who are also physicians. “They would show me pictures, discuss interesting cases and talk about their experiences in training,” he says. “It seemed challenging, exciting and rewarding.” At age 12, he was a first responder to a severe automobile accident, and was heroically able to stop the bleeding with tourniquets made from his shirt while his friend called EMS for help. The trauma victim recovered thanks to his swift efforts, and Walker’s fate was sealed: He would become a doctor. After medical school, Walker initially went into internal medicine, because he wanted to practice general medicine with his brothers, but he soon became intrigued by cardiology.
The patient refused to follow suggestions of getting his leg amputated above the knee — saying that instead, he’d prefer death. “I advised him that intervention carried substantial risk,” says Walker, “and no guarantee of success.” The surgery took seven hours but was ultimately successful. “Not only does the patient still have his leg five years later, but he’s able to walk with no limitations,” says Walker. Despite his accomplishments, Walker remains humble — a trait that helps him succeed. “[As a doctor], you must have faith in your judgment,” he says. “There is no room for ego or laziness. If you devote yourself you will reap emotional rewards greater than any other occupation. It is magical to see people regain their health.”
Over the course of his career, Walker has taken care of many patients who came to him as a “last resort,” he says. One of his primary areas of concentration is in salvaging limbs to help patients avoid major amputations. He also performs treatment of chronically occluded coronary arteries in patients who remain symptomatic with large areas of ischemia noted by perfusion studies. One of his toughest cases involved a 45-year-old man with multiple prior injuries, a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (a deficiency of platelets in the blood which causes bleeding into the tissues, bruising and slow blood clotting after injury). The man also had a gangrenous foot. He arrived at Walker’s office for limb salvage. “His prior surgeries limited access sites,” says Walker. “His grafts were occluded with clot that had to be removed, and his low platelet count made the use of thrombolytic drugs (which relieve clotting) impossible.”
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Cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (locations in Houma and Lafayette) Education: Nicholls State University (undergrad) in Thibodaux LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans Additional training: Cardiology fellowship at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans and a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School in Boston
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TOP HOSPITALS
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital 701 East Cypress St., Sulphur wcch.com • (337) 527 - 7034
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital was recognized with the 2016 Women’s Choice Award ® for America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Safety. The 107-bed West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital provides a wide range of health services including breast health, cancer care, cardiology, emergency medicine, radiology and imaging, pediatrics and much more. Home health care is also provided through WCCH and includes skilled nursing, wound care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, medical supplies and lifeline. The hospital also has a sleep center and provides both cardiac rehabilitation and cardiology services. WCCH services rural health clinics in Hackberry, Vinton and Johnson Bayou. It is the first hospital in Southwest Louisiana to have computer-assisted technology for joint replacement, and is home to one of the largest joint replacement programs in the region. Therapeutic equestrian services are provided through the Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center for patients with developmental disabilities or brain injuries. WCCH also participates in Shots for Tots to provide cheap or free immunization for children.
Evangeline Parish Mercy Regional Medical Center 800 E. Main St., Ville Platte mercyregionalmedicalcenter.com (337) 363 - 5684 3501 Hwy. 190 E., Eunice acadianmedicalcenter.com (337) 580 - 7500
The nonprofit Mercy Regional Medical Center formed when Ville Platte Medical Center and Acadian Medical Center merged in 2010 and now serves more than 97,000 patients annually under LifePoint Hospitals. Between
the two campuses, in Eunice and Ville Platte, the hospital offers a 24-hour emergency room, a cardiology center, pain management, imaging, dialysis, gastroenterology, gynecology, obstetrics, oncology and more. Both hospitals are fully accredited by the Joint Commission and received Top Honors from LifePoint Hospitals.
Savoy Medical Center 801 Poinciana Ave., Mamou savoymedical.com • (337) 468 - 0346
Savoy Medical Center possesses a number of amenities that rival large-city hospitals, including a 24-hour emergency room and critical care unit. It also offers patient diagnostic services 24 hours a day, including mammography and bonedensity testing. In addition, Savoy provides services for inpatient and outpatient surgery, mental health for both patients and family members and social services to help with hospitalization, childbirth, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and physical, pedodontic, podiatry, plastic and reconstructive, vascular and urological surgeries.
Iberia Parish Dauterive Hospital 600 N. Lewis St., New Iberia • dauterivehospital.com • (337) 374 - 4134
This 103-bed full-service facility is an affiliate of The Regional Health System of Acadiana. The New Iberia facility’s services include emergency care, surgical services, birthing facilities and alternative treatment with herbal medications. It recently implemented the American Orthopaedic Association’s bone health quality improvement program, which helps to identify, evaluate and treat patients with low bone density or osteoporosis.
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Iberia Medical Center 2315 E. Main St., New Iberia iberiamedicalcenter.com (377) 364 - 0441
This 99-bed hospital received the Women’s Choice award for Best Patient Experience in 2013 and 2014 and was awarded a 2014 Excellence in Patient Care Award for Doctor Communication by outcomes firm, Studer Group. It is a full-service, acute care hospital, providing medical, surgical, obstetrical, gynecological, pediatric, and emergency services; critical, cardiac and gastroenterological care; as well as outpatient diagnostics. The facility also operates a full service cardiac catheterization lab, an outpatient rehabilitation center and an advanced wound center. The Jeanerette Rural Health Clinic works to provide affordable care to uninsured or underinsured residents of Iberia Parish. In addition to primary care, the Jeanerette Rural Health Clinic is focused on prevention and offers a range of educational and preventative services.
Jefferson Davis Parish Jennings American Legion Hospital 1634 Elton Road, Jennings jalh.com • (337) 616 - 7000
Jennings American Legion Hospital is the only American Legion Hospital in the United States fully accredited by the Joint Commission. It houses the only cardiac catheterization lab between Lake Charles and Lafayette, where Jennings American Legion Hospital can offer interventional procedures along with nuclear stress testing and echocardiograms for those who have recently undergone heart procedures. The 24,000-squarefoot medical office building and 32,000-square-foot patient tower allow JALH to provide patients with an emergency room, cardiology unit, surgical care, radiology services, and a new obstetrical and gynecological facility that offers services ranging from preventative care and maternity services to postnatal care. Also offered at JALH is a Safe Sitter class, a one-day course designed for babysitters between the ages of 11 - 14 to learn medically accurate skills. 64 |
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St. James Parish St. James Parish Hospital 1645 Lutcher Ave., Lutcher sjph.org • (225) 869 - 5512
SJPH is a Joint Commission accredited 25-bed, critical access hospital serving the river region and beyond. Their motto, “large enough to serve, small enough to care,” accurately describes the hospital. With only 25 beds in their acute care floor, SJPH emphasizes family-life care, while still providing the advanced services of a large hospital. The ER is staffed 24/7 and offers telestroke technology. The cardiopulmonary department is equipped to offer local cardiology and respiratory testing, the radiology department provides MRI, CT Scans, ultrasounds, digital mammography, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine and bone density testing. The rehab department offers physical, occupational and speech therapy while the surgery department offers a range of procedures including general, orthopedic, endoscopic and ophthalmological surgeries. The hospital also owns several primary care clinics; a urology clinic, a surgery clinic and offers wound care and sleep studies, as well as an Urgent Care clinic. In addition, several independent specialists see patients in the hospital’s medical plaza.
St. John the Baptist Parish Ochsner Health Center - River Parishes 500 Rue de Sante, LaPlace ochsner.org/locations/ochsner-healthcenter-river-parishes • (985) 652 7000
Ochsner Health System bought River Parishes Hospital in 2014. The health center currently only offers outpatient services, including gastroenterology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, neurology, urology and internal medicine. Ochsner also provides outpatient radiology and diagnostic services for the river parishes.
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Dr. David C. Benson It’s difficult for New Iberia-based urologist, Dr. David C. Benson, to choose which of his cases has been toughest. That’s because the Shreveport native finds each case to be uniquely challenging and personal. Part of being a physician, he believes, is establishing a genuine bedside manner and treating each patient as an individual — not as an illness. He strives to make his patients feel comfortable and customize their treatment plans. Benson says he sees everyone from “birth to 100 years old” and virtually everyone between, male or female. “I see people with all sorts of problems,” he says. “No two people are alike; I come up with a custom treatment for every patient,” Benson says.
“It can be a long discussion. I look at the disease, the impact of survival rates, what complications they are willing to accept. I take all that information and find a treatment that suits their needs.” “I’m human and I talk to people,” he continues. “It’s all about the patients. It doesn’t do any good if I just prescribe medicine.” Growing up, Benson always wanted to be a doctor. “There’s never been anything else I wanted to do,” he says. “I was an orderly when I was 15, working for an orthopedic surgeon. I never looked at anything else I wanted to do — I set my sights on [medicine]." A former baseball player, Benson muses that his early fascination with medicine may have stemmed from a few too many trips to the emergency room as a kid. “I spent my life in the ER with broken bones,” Benson says. “The people I was around as a young kid made it look like the place I wanted to be.” As a medical student, he decided that he wanted to go into urology. “I enjoyed surgery and general medicine, but I didn’t want that lifestyle,” he says. “Urology seemed like a blend and it gave me the lifestyle I was looking for.” A father of three, he adds, “My family is important to me, and my patients are important to me.” His patients, he notes, often become like family: “I’ll have a long-term relationship with the majority of my patients. I like to have fun — I make them laugh, and then their anxiety level goes to zero.”
Education: LSU undergrad LSU School of Medicine for M.D. Native of Shreveport Now based in New Iberia
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Lafayette Parish Heart Hospital of Lafayette 1105 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette hearthospitallaf.net (337) 470 - 1000
The Heart Hospital of Lafayette was named one of the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals in the country by Thomson Reuters. This cardiovascular hospital stands among others with a complete focus on patient care. Patients are assigned a personal care team of six to eight clinicians that works with them throughout the duration of their treatment. Their care plan includes a universal bed model, meaning a private room for the patient’s entire stay, equipped to meet individual needs. Heart Hospital of Lafayette also has a 24/7 heart emergency center, boasting a 64-slice Aquilion CT scanner in the Chest Pain Center, where patients are taught to recognize and react to the early symptoms of heart attacks. The Heartsaver CT scans the heart while beating to uncover heart disease at its earliest stages. The HEARTVantage free wellness program is the only free, nationally accredited, specialized care facility that focuses on heart health for patients.
Lafayette General Medical Center 1214 Coolidge St., Lafayette lafayettegeneral.com (337) 289 - 8088
Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC), the flagship hospital of the Lafayette General Health system, is the largest full-service, acute-care medical center in Acadiana. The hospital runs the busiest emergency department in Acadiana and houses an intensive care unit staffed 24/7 by physicians specializing in critical care. The women’s and children’s services department boasts labor and
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delivery and mother/baby units, as well as a level III neonatal intensive care unit. Partnered with Cardiovascular Institute of the South, LGMC has introduced many new cardiac procedures to Lafayette. Additionally, LGMC holds advanced certifications or accreditations in gynecology, cancer, stroke, orthopedics and bariatric surgery.
Lafayette General Surgical Hospital 1000 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 100 Lafayette • (337) 289 - 8095
Lafayette General Surgical Hospital (LGSH) is a short-stay hospital and is jointly owned by local doctors and Lafayette General Hospital. It houses four operating rooms, 10 beds, radiology, EKG and lab services. A variety of services are provided, including ENT, facial plastic surgery, general surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pain management and gynecology services. The hospital ranks in the 99th percentile in both employee and patient satisfaction surveys nationally.
Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital 1101 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette lafayettesurgical.com (337) 769-4100
Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital (LSSH) is a physician owned and patient focused hospital specializing in a wide range of surgical and pain management procedures. Services include imaging, MRI, acid reflux treatment, BAHA hearing implants, balloon sinuplasty, as well as general surgery and pain management. Since its opening in 2004, the hospital has established a strong reputation and presence in the Acadiana community and received full Joint Commission accreditation and won multiple awards.
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TOP HOSPITALS Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center 4801 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette • lourdesrmc.com (337) 470 - 2000
Founded by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady in 1949, Our Lady of Lourdes provides a wide-ranging network of facilities and services, including Centers of Excellence in the areas of orthopedics, stroke and bariatric surgery. The hospital is home to the only burn unit in southwest Louisiana. Lourdes also provides additional services in multiple clinics, four imaging locations and a primary care physician network. Their community outreach health programs like Northside Health Center located at Northside High School and St. Bernadette medical clinic provide care for the underinsured and those in need of affordable care.
Park Place Surgical Hospital 4811 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette • parkplacesurgery.com (337) 237-8119
Park Place Surgical Hospital is a physician-owned joint venture with Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, and the official surgical provider for Ragin’ Cajun Athletics. Park Place recently received the 2016 Women’s Choice Award ® for one of America’s Best 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience. The hospital specializes in cost effective, noninvasive health care, including ccolorectal otolaryngological, general, obstetric and gynecological, plastic, vascular and orthopedic surgeries, along with occupational and physical therapies.
Lafayette General Southwest 2810 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette • lafayettegeneral.com (337) 981 - 2949
Formerly the Regional Medical Center of Acadiana, Lafayette General Southwest is a nonprofit hospital run by the Lafayette
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General Medical Center since November 2015. It is a full-service, acute care facility, including emergency room services.
University Hospital 2390 W. Congress St., Lafayette lsuhospitals.org/hospitals/umc/umc.htm (337) 261 - 6000
University Hospital & Clinics (UHC) is a full-service, acute care hospital and Acadiana’s primary graduate medical education center. The hospital provides charity care to those who meet financial eligibility requirements to receive treatment at low or no cost. The hospital has been managed by the Lafayette General Health system since 2013. UHC offers a free screening program to women through a grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as free breast screening mammograms for eligible patients. In addition to the full service hospital, University Hospital offers a variety of specialized clinics. A referral from an emergency or primary care physician is required to access most of the hospital’s clinics and/or patients must meet certain criteria to be accepted.
Women’s & Children’s Hospital 4600 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette • womens-childrens.com (337) 521 - 9100
Starting as a modest birthing center 30 years ago, Women’s & Children’s Hospital has grown to be a leading hospital for providing the specialized care needed for women and children. The hospital is on the campus of the Regional Medical Center of Acadiana. It is the only Acadiana hospital with a level III regional neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, a dedicated unit providing intensive care for high-risk pregnancies, a pediatric-focused emergency department and a growing list of pediatric specialists. The hospital’s Elaine M. Junca Women’s Imaging Centre is home to the area’s first breast-dedicated MRI and offers award-winning breast and bone health services, including 3D mammography.
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TOP HOSPITALS
Lafourche Parish Lady of the Sea General Hospital 200 W. 134th Place, Cut Off losgh.org • (985) 632 - 6401
Lady of the Sea General Hospital caters to patients in South Lafourche through the main campus and medical clinics in Larose, Golden Meadow and Cut Off. Through a partnership with the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, Lady of the Sea provides cardiology and cardiopulmonary services to the area. Other services include diabetes support, home health, an intensive care unit, a renal dialysis center, wound care and an after hours clinic for minor illnesses, injuries and infections.
Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital 4608 Hwy. 1, Raceland ochsner.org/locations/st_anne_general (985) 537-6841
Ochsner St. Anne provides a wide-range of primary and specialized medical services to the residents of Lafourche Parish and surrounding communities. St. Anne is part of the Ochsner Health System, which has been recognized by US News and World Report in cardiology and heart surgery and seven other specialties. Services include a 24-hour, full-service emergency department, stroke care, intensive care unit, and multiple surgical specialties including general surgery, orthopedics, pain management, urology, and otolarynology. Maternity and postnatal care are offered, as are behavioral health services. Clinics are located in Raceland, Lockport and Cut Off.
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center 602 N. Acadia Road, Thibodaux • thibodaux.com • (985) 447 5500
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is a nationally recognized healthcare leader and has received the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience
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award seven years in a row. Its comprehensive Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and is the only cancer program in Louisiana to receive the College’s Outstanding Achievement Award three times. Thibodaux Regional has begun construction on their new state-of-the-art wellness center. It is designed to improve the health and wellness of the region through prevention and education, rehabilitation, sports and wellness. Additionally, the center will offer various centers of excellence, ranging from an imaging center to an aquatic center, which will feature water therapy.
St. Charles Parish St. Charles Parish Hospital 1057 Paul Maillard Road, Luling stch.net • (985) 785 - 6242
Managed by Ochsner Health System, St. Charles Parish Hospital is a fully accredited acute care facility. Located just outside of New Orleans, they provide a wide range of services, including adult behavioral health, case management, catheterization lab, cardiology, dialysis, nutritional, surgical and respiratory services, imaging and emergency services. St. Charles Parish Hospital also operates the Eastbank Medical Office, located at 105 Plantation Road in Destrehan which provide specialty care for allergies, asthma, otolarynology, internal medicine and orthopedics.
St. Landry Parish Opelousas General Health System 539 E. Prudhomme Lane, Opelousas opelousasgeneral.com (539) 948 - 3011
Opelousas General Health System is a full-service, smokefree medical center with three campuses offering an extensive list of services that includes both inpatient and outpatient services. OGHS provides comprehensive care throughout St. Landry
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TOP HOSPITALS Parish. Services including wound treatment, social services, intensive care pediatrics, psychiatric services, senior care, emergency services, and more. Opelousas General offers surgical services using da Vinci® surgical system, which allows for minimally-invasive procedures. Among da Vinci procedures available are hysterectomies and prostatectomies. Opelousas General also houses the only baby-friendly designated birth facility in Acadiana. There are only two other facilities in Louisiana and 235 in the country, which meet the optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies required to be recognized as baby-friendly.
St. Martin Parish St. Martin Hospital 210 Champagne Blvd., Breaux Bridge (337) 332 - 2178
St. Martin Hospital is run by Lafayette General Health and is a nonprofit critical-access hospital, offering inpatient acute care, a rehabilitation unit and 24 hour emergency care. Their inpatient, outpatient and emergency care department are ranked in the top one percent nationally. SMH houses the only emergency room in all of St. Martin Parish.
St. Mary Parish Franklin Foundation Hospital 1097 Northwest Blvd., Franklin franklinfoundation.org (337) 828 - 0760
Franklin Foundation Hospital offers full services to western St. Mary Parish, including multiple clinics to provide specialized care. As a 22bed critical-access hospital, Franklin Foundation became the first in the area to offer the LightSpeed 16 CT system. Among other services, FFH offers maternity services, a newborn nursery, an online medical dictionary, a drug encyclopedia and a physician directory accessible through the website. Clinics include women’s health, medical specialties
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and a family care center in Baldwin. FFH is committed to providing a healthier environment for patients and staff, and has gone tobaccofree.
Teche Regional Medical Center 1125 Marguerite St., Morgan City techeregional.com • (985) 384 - 2200
This 165-bed, full-service hospital serves eastern St. Mary’s Parish and is fully accredited by the Joint Commission. Offering a wide variety of medical care, the medical staff at Teche Regional is made up of pediatricians, family practitioners, radiologists, pathologists, psychiatrists, general and vascular surgeons, obstetricians/gynecologists, cardiologists and more. It offers a state-of-the-art heart catheterization lab that uses minimally invasive procedures, seven birthing suites and digital mammograms, along with inpatient rehabilitation, bone densitometry, an intensive care unit, a behavioral health unit and a cardiopulmonary department. Teche Regional has been tobacco-free since 2013 and was named top hospital rated by patients in 2015.
Terrebonne Parish Physicians Medical Center 218 Corporate Drive, Houma physicianshouma.com (985) 853 - 1390
Physicians Medical Center was opened in 1997 by a group of leading community physicians and was the state’s first ambulatory surgery center. Since then, the hospital has expanded into a 30-bed, multi specialty, acute care hospital that is rated a five-star hospital by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The hospital has six operating suites, one endoscopy suite, one cysto suite, one Litho suite and several procedure rooms. It also has a full-service breast care center and imaging department. PMC offers many specialty services, including acupuncture, neurology, pain management and bariatric (weight loss).
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Terrebonne General Medical Center 8166 Main St., Houma tgmc.com • (985) 873 - 4141
Terrebonne General Medical Center is an award-winning and internationally recognized healthcare organization and the largest community hospital in the tri-parish area. It is one of the few hospitals in Louisiana that is designated as a Baby Friendly USA™ hospital, which recognizes exceptional maternity care. Terrebonne General has also been recognized for their outpatient services, surgery center, emergency care services and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The medical center is a nonprofit acute care facility and offers a comprehensive range of services, including the Accredited Chest Pain Center, which has also been recognized by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. TGMC is also home to the Healthy Lifestyles Center, a facility that promotes health and wellness through education, prevention and promotion of healthy living. Services at the center include weight management, workout classes and training, community sports, nutrition services and other health and wellness offerings.
Vermilion Parish Abbeville General Hospital 118 N. Hospital Drive, Abbeville abbgen.net • (337) 893 - 5466
For the past 50 years, Abbeville General has provided communitybased care for Vermilion Parish and is fully accredited by the Joint Commission. The hospital provides a complete list of medical services, including surgical and emergency services and a wide range of specialized care. Abbeville General now offers an off-site imaging center, accredited by the American College of Radiology in MRI, as well as ultrasound procedures, lab services and EKGs. Additionally, Abbeville offers rural healthcare clinics to serve the community’s healthcare needs. Clinics include the Abbeville General Clinic, Women’s Health of Vermilion, Pediatric Clinic, Erath/Delcambre Community Clinic and Maurice
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Community Care Clinic. Each one offers a wide range of services, including reproductive health care, screening services, and Coumadin Management.
Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital 1310 W 7th St., Kaplan (337) 643-8300
What originally started as a nonprofit, general acute care facility has grown into a full-service, award-winning hospital. As a part of the Lafayette General Health Center, Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital houses 35 beds and provides multiple services including pediatrics, general surgery, lab services, digital radiology, CT scanning, digital mammography, endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures, inpatient psychiatric services and extended stay. AKMH has been named among the top 20 critical access hospitals in the country by iVantage Health Analytics and was named in the top 20 for “Best Practice in Financial Stability by the National Rural Health Association
If you know of a great regional hospital that didn’t get included on the list, let us know. Our staff makes every effort to be as comprehensive as possible, but our hospital guide is always evolving and changing. Email the managing editor, melanie@acadianaprofile.com for more info or to be updated in our database.
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in
order to grasp the seriousness of diabetes in Acadiana, unfortunately, all one has to do is look at the numbers. Throughout the United States, nearly 10 percent of the American population has diabetes. . In Louisiana, though, that number rises to 13.9 percent or 521,294 citizens according to the American Diabetes Association, making the disease the fifth leading cause of death according to the state Department of Health. In addition to that group, it’s estimated that approximately 100,000 more Louisiana residents have undiagnosed diabetes, costing the state $4.1 billion four years ago in direct medical expenses. If recent diabetes trends continue to escalate at their current rate, by 2030
Diabetes leads as most pressing health concern facing residents of Acadiana By William Kalec
by the numbers
prevention
diabetes
About 1 in 10 people have diabetes
Exercise
Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Don’t smoke
About 1 in 4 people don’t know they have diabetes more than 600,000 Louisianans will have the condition. “I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and diabetes has been, and remains a huge issue in Acadiana, in particular with the Cajun population,” says Dr. Weston Miller, Chief Officer of Abbeville General Hospital. “Many diabetic-condition patients and many laypeople think that the diabetic condition is all about high blood sugar. But in actuality, the diabetic condition is about blocked arteries. If you look at what happens under the microscope to the tissue that is
About 1 in 3 people will develop diabetes in their lifetime
prediabetes
About 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes
About 9 out of 10 don’t know they have prediabetes
ill-affected by diabetes, it’s all about microcirculation clogging — it’s about the diabetic condition leading to hardening of the microscopic arteries.” “I don’t think the public is misinformed about what causes diabetes,” Dr. Miller says. “The public understands that obesity can lead and often does lead to diabetes in a high percentage of cases. However, obesity is not the only factor. So the cause of diabetes is still an area of discovery and research.” The consequences and medical
symptoms
demographics The rates of diagnosed diabetes by:
9.5% Black
6.6% Male
8.7% Hispanic
5.9% Female
5.8% White
5.7% Asian
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gender
age
< 45 1.5%
> 45 52.7%
acadiana profile august/September 2016
source cdc.gov/diabetes/statistics
race
Unexplained weight loss
Feeling very hungry and weight gain
Increased thirst
risks People who have diabetes are at a higher risk of serious health complications:
Blindness
kidney failure
complications that can arise from diabetes are well established. According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes is often an accelerant in cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, kidney damage, serious vision conditions, wound healing and infection after surgery, hearing impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, along with difficulty in other parts of the body. “As a shoulder specialist, one of the things I see in my practice that seems to be more prevalent in patients with diabetes
Increased urination
heart disease
is something called Frozen Shoulder — the technical term being adhesive capsulitis,” says Dr. Malcolm Stubbs of Lafayette Bone and Joint. “It’s a condition where the shoulder becomes extremely stiff and starts out extremely painful, as well. And really, upper extremities and shoulder complaints aren’t something you normally associate with diabetes.” For adults at high risk of diabetes, research shows that moderate weight loss (5 to 7 percent of current body
stroke
weight) and regular exercise (30 minutes, five times a week according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention) can prevent or severely delay the condition. For those already diagnosed with diabetes, the side effects of the disease can be minimized as long as it’s detected and then treated accordingly. “Most of our studies show that if a person is good at controlling their diabetes — as in they are already being treated, following diet
Numb or tingling hands/feet
loss of limb
restrictions and compliant with their medication — it can be managed,” Stubbs says. “Where we see the issues is when people lapse off their medication, or don’t lose weight or don’t handle their diet. But if you keep it under control, the risks are a lot less. That’s the main thing.”
Extreme fatigue and increased weakness
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culture Joie de vivre
les artistes
portraits on all fours After failing to find her niche painting people, Breaux Bridge artist Logan Berard focused her efforts on furrier subjects — pets By William Kalec | Photos by romero & romero
If Logan Berard was a
revisionist, much of the story of her artistic journey might be stricken from the record and the record might be tossed into the bayou. Berard’s wonky self-portraits; how she proclaims to be “the worst” at painting people; and the part about a nameless cow in a glossy magazine who serves as the North Star to this distinctive Acadiana artist — these details would vanish. Thank goodness she’s not a revisionist, because when asked how she got into painting dogs and cats and horses and llamas and ostriches, what emerges is a self-deprecating tale of persistence — and maybe also a pinch of luck.
On average, it takes Logan Berard two to three weeks to complete one of her signature pet portraits.
culture
les artistes
To see more of Logan Berardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, visit lbpaintings.com
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After deciding that interior design — her major at at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette — wasn’t her thing, Berard transitioned into becoming a portrait artist. There was just one hiccup: painting people, Berard realized, is extremely difficult. Undeterred, Berard enrolled in a local art class headed by local legend Darryl “Demo” Demourelle, a bit of a portrait whisperer in art circles. Berard’s assignment from Demo was simple, paint a self-portrait. “After five weeks, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m done with this,’” Berard says. “The eyelashes are what got me.”
With more than a month’s worth of work essentially on the scrap heap, Berard flipped through the pages of a magazine and saw an advertisement featuring a cow shot with a wide-angle lens. It looked cool, so Berard painted it. “It came so easy, and really, I have no idea why,” Berard says. “It took me five weeks to not even finish that self-portrait, and this thing took me an hour. And that pretty much began my accidental career.” Well, sort of. Not long after that, while working as a waitress at brunch mecca Cafe Des
Amis, which decorates its walls monthly with the work of a selected local artist, the head chef approached Berard and invited her to hang her animal paintings. Most of the pieces were purchased before the calendar turned over, leading Berard to believe she finally found her artistic niche. “People asked the other waiters and staff, ‘Oh, who’s the artist?’ And then they’d point to me,” Berard says. “They talked to me and ask me about my work and a few went on to wonder if I did pet portraits, and I said sure, even though I
had never done it. So this lady from Lafayette wanted me to do a portrait of her pugs, and it just went from there. “I’m a pet lover just like my clients, so I get why they’d want their cat or dog captured in this manner,” Berard says. “I don’t think it’s too much to say that for a lot of us, our pets are our children. So I get it — they wanted to have someone they love immortalized.” Berard receives commission work from across the country, some from clients wishing to capture their canine’s spirit while they’re still scurrying
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around the backyard while others want a posthumous keepsake of their pet. Because the option of painting in person usually requires more than a tank of gas (plus, dogs and cats aren’t as good as humans at holding a pose) Berard does portraits exclusively from photographs, though she doesn’t necessarily mimic the pose from a singular photo. In addition, Berard asks for a brief description of the pet, specifically its temperament and personality. For some, this is a sentence or two. For other owners, it’s their opus
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— a chance to wax poetic for paragraphs or even pages about their furry friend. “It’s like I’ve known their dogs for years because they go on and on about them,” Berard says. “No detail is left out. Like, my cat loves saltine crackers, and those are the types of details people share with me. I mean, I’d share that if my cat was getting painted. “I don’t know how this happens, but a lot of clients comment how the pet’s personality shines through in my portraits,” Berard says. “When I paint animals, I get to know
acadiana profile august/September 2016
them. If you tell me you’ve got a happy, energetic dog, well then he’s gonna look happy and energetic in the painting. Or if you have a laid-back basset hound that is kind of lazy, you’d want them to be portrayed that way.” On average, it takes Berard two to three weeks to complete a portrait. Along the way, pictures are sent to the buyer to update progress and confirm that the spirit and presentation of the pet are on point. Typically, any asked-for adjustments are minor details — slightly changing the color of fur or length of the coat, those sorts of
things. With that established, though, Berard remains her harshest critic, which might explain why she’s never painted her own pets. In a couple weeks, however, that will change once Maude, Ethel, Agnes, Gladys and Louise — Berard’s group of baby chicks — are captured on canvas. “They’re going to be model chickens,” Berard says. “Trust me, they’re going to be painted…once they get their big-girl feathers.”
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culture
les personnes
in and out of the dog house Amber Prejean, president and founder of Cajun Paws Rescue in Scott, dedicates her time, energy and money toward finding permanent residences for misunderstood breeds By William Kalec | Photo by romero & romero
A tight bond with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Izzy,â&#x20AC;? (right), inspired Amber Prejean to create Cajun Paws Rescue. Prejean has had Izzy for more than 10 years.
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The “monster” dwells atop
a couch most nights, not some dark, dungy, Scooby Doo cave. Her teeth are menacing, her jaw strong and fierce, though those attributes are wasted considering all this creature wants to devour is an unwrapped Kraft single or a stick of string cheese. She’s more pillow than predator, often offering Amber Prejean — the tamer of this not-sosavage beast — a soft place to rest her head for naps. Izzy, the “monster”, is one of what Prejean calls her “misunderstood pit bulls.” To subdue her take her outside on a sunny day and she’ll roll over on her back and soak up all the rays and Vitamin D she can. “She’s my companion animal,” Prejean says of Izzy. “I’ve had her for almost 10 years now, and she’s been there when I’ve gone through ups and downs. And she’s got a sense about her. She knew when I was upset, knew when I had a bad day. Not only did I rescue her, but she rescued me.” That bond is the foundation on which Prejean created Cajun Paws Rescue, an independent shelter service created in 2012 for unwanted pit bull type breeds. The notfor-profit extends the stay of pit bulls about to be put down at the pound by shepherding them into a temporary foster situation while diligently and proactively finding suitable long-term owners via social media or pop-up public appearances. “When you boil it down, I wanted to save the lives of dogs that were the most discriminated against and most neglected and the most misunderstood,” Prejean says. “They have a bad stereotype. People think that they’re
(these) big, mean, vicious, severely aggressive dogs — like they’re these monsters. Really, they’re just another dog like every other breed out there. There are no facts or proof that they’re more aggressive than any other breed. “They’re big love bugs, basically,” Prejean says. “Izzy isn’t the only one. So many of these pit bull breeds are great family dogs, and so the fact that these dogs weren’t being given a chance, to me that was nonsense. It had to be fixed. Too many were suffering, and it wasn’t their fault, so I wanted to save the lives of as many as I could.” That Prejean remains this devoted to this particular cause isn’t a shock considering her past. As a child, she cried many evenings because her father wouldn’t let her dogs sleep inside the house — including Scooby, her first pit bull. Funded entirely by private donations, Cajun Paws Rescue generally handles 10 to 12 dogs at a single time, though that number can swell to 25 when puppies are present. Though Cajun Paws does have a temporary shelter, the dogs are generally placed in a foster home when available. This happens after the shelter contacts Prejean, informing her of pit bulls it is ready to move out. In order for Cajun Paws to “tag a pit bull for rescue,” Prejean inquires with shelter officials about the dog’s back story and behavior while housed there to determine whether she believes the pit bull is adoptable. Prejean, or someone else on the Cajun Paws team, then conducts a thorough in-person temperament test. The purpose is to determine whether the dog understands commands as well as to monitor the manner in
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les personnes
which it interacts with both animals and humans and if its demeanor changes in certain environments such as feeding time. Once in the Cajun Paws system, many of the dogs join Prejean and “show out” to prospective owners. All of those dogs are current on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, heartworm tested, dewormed, microchipped and receive specific medical treatments addressing any pre-existing ailments. Beyond answering frequently asked questions, Prejean tends to think of herself as a vocal advocate for all pit bulls, quick to clear up misconceptions that many out-of-the-know consider truths. “They need boundaries and they need structure just like any other dog, and sure, without that they can get out of control just like any other dog,” Prejean says. “We try to bring education out there to people about the breed. And the best way to do that is through events. We’re in the public eye often. Because they’re just like any other dog. They’re not these crazy, horrible, want-to-eat-you dogs. They’re just another dog. They’re born as innocent as any other puppy.” Speaking of puppies, Prejean notes that those are usually the first to go and attract potential owners from as far away as East Texas. For the rest of the dogs, Cajun Paws actively seeks a permanent placement — partially because it’s best for the canine but also because there is only so much room at the facility. Therefore, every Cajun Paws newbie is promoted tremendously on social media, links are shared on Facebook and every animal receives a profile on petfinder. com. Beyond traditional measures, the Cajun Paws crew isn’t averse to getting creative putting some extra shine on a pooch’s coat when necessary. “We’ll actually do photo shoots with a professional photographer,” Prejean says. “It seems crazy, but professional photos definitely up the adoption rate. It softens the dogs, eliminates that stereotype when you see them in the right light and right setting. We’re very proactive. Whatever it takes.”
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culture
la musique
family band The Jolly Inn in Houma continues the tradition of Cajun dining and dance halls By Michael Patrick Welch | Photo by romero & romero
The Cajun people are
known for their ability to take very little, and make it into something amazing. Take couche couche, for example, a depression-era ground corn dish, served with just sugar and milk, maybe some scraps of fried ham hocks or cracklings. Yet, in your mouth, it is everything. For the last 17 years, Couche Couche has also been the name of the house band at
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The Jolly Inn dance hall and restaurant in Houma. A band that, until recently, was fronted by the establishment’s primary owner, 80-year-old accordion player Werlien Prosperie. With just a few rocking chairs and a low table, Prosperie and his family turned one corner of the Jolly Inn into a “lounge.” A smattering of plastic lawn furniture covered by green-checkered tablecloths
acadiana profile august/September 2016
under fluorescent lights became a real “restaurant” (albeit with casual, limited hours). Most importantly, Prosperie turned the Jolly Inn’s small stage and basic hardwood floors into one of Louisiana’s last remaining Cajun cultural music centers. Prosperie formed Couche Couche in 1995, performing Louisiana zydeco and swamp pop favorites with his eye on the Houma-Terrebonne area’s rich
musical heritage and culture, as well as its cultural economy. “We play for the people and for the culture and for our heritage. We’re proud of it,” Prosperie told Houma Today newspaper in 2010. With Louisiana’s most authentic soundtrack, and a menu consisting of gumbos, jambalaya, fresh fried seafood and sides, The Jolly Inn has earned praise from tourists and
travel guides, the Washington Post and the New York Times, Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, the Food Network and National Geographic. Pretty impressive for what could pass for a simple bingo hall. Stacy Scott, a server happily employed there for 14 years, says family has always been the key to the Jolly Inn’s authenticity, and thus its appeal. “There’s actually quite a few things to do in Houma, but I think there should be a lot more things for kids to do in this town,” says Scott, “That’s why we make sure the kids can come here when there’s music on Friday and Sunday. Cajun dancing is great for kids, and we have a bunch of washboards here at the Jolly Inn for them to just pick up and play. This is a very different, upbeat type of music, Cajun music, so of course the kids enjoy it; they love making noise with the band.” Family also holds up the business end of the Jolly Inn. Prosperie’s daughters, Sonia McNamara (a registered dietician and Cajun cook) and the more business-oriented Denise Fritch, have helped run the family establishment for a number of years, giving their dad more time to front the band. “He suffered a stroke last year,” Scott told Acadiana Profile. “Which is why his daughters are too busy to do an interview right now, and you’re talking to me instead.” The daughters have taken over full responsibility of the Jolly Inn while the elder Prosperie recovers. Having tried life as an offshore worker, a salesman, and business manager for a tool rental company, Prosperie bought the warehouse that is now Jolly Inn in 1999, hoping to bring back the spirit of a
Houma dance hall that bore the same name and enjoyed its heyday in the 1930s and ‘40s. He even asked the old proprietor’s permission to call his place The Jolly Inn. From the stage and from behind his bar, Prosperie went on to welcome music lovers, dance enthusiasts, journalists, amateur anthropologists and curiosity seekers from all over the world. For now though, while recovering, Prosperie doesn’t stand upon his regular perch at the bandstand, accordion in his arms. “The band members who started out playing with him, they took on the playing of Werlien’s parts,” says Scott. “Sometimes his nephew will play the accordion. And every once in a while they rotate out with another band.” Scott says the Jolly Inn has also been sporadically hosting solo performers such as Keith Pitre or Buddy Dennis on Thursday nights. Scott stresses that the good times still roll at the Jolly Inn. The food is delicious at lunch Monday through Friday, plus Friday night while the band plays — and as anyone in Huoma will brag, the Jolly Inn is still the best place in Louisiana for those who simply need to two-step. “We have so many tourists from so many different places that it’s really fun to watch people catch up on our Cajun dance moves,” says Scott. “Cajun dancing is a neat thing for anyone to do if they are open-minded — every Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the Jolly Inn there are definitely people who want to teach you how to dance, if what you want is to learn.”
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culture
en français, s’il vous plaît
le cipre, un bois incorruptible par david cheramie
Le bassin de l’Atchafalaya
est la plus grande zone humide des États-Unis, couvrant quelques 1.4 millions d’acres, ou 5 700 km2. Il fait 20 miles de large et 150 miles de long. Il est connu pour le commerce d’alligators et d’écrevisses, ses voies navigables et sa beauté naturelle. Le composant principal de ce paysage magique, le taxodium distichum, ce que l’explorateur français du 18e siècle Le Page du Pratz appelait, et ce qu’on appelle encore en français louisianais, le cipre, impressionne non seulement par son apparence, mais aussi par la qualité de son bois. Quinze ans après son retour en France, il a publié son Histoire de la Louisiane, où on peut lire le suivant : « Le Cipre est après le Cédre le bois le plus précieux ; quelques-uns le disent incorruptible. … Son bois est d’une belle couleur tirant sur le rouge, il est tendre, leger, doux, uni. … Il ne se fend pas de lui-même mais seulement & sans peine sous l’outil de l’ouvrier. … C’est un bois qui se prête à tout ce que l’on demande de lui. » Le Page du Pratz notait son utilisation dans la fabrication
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des pirogues, un des moyens de transport le plus important dans cet environnement. Il nous donne un des rares témoignages écrits qui racontent comment le bois était soigneusement brûlé et puis creusé pour former ces bateaux. Sans eux, il est difficile de voir comment on aurait pu se déplacer efficacement dans les marécages. Depuis, nos ancêtres ont appris ou découvert d’autres usages pour ce bois sans pareille. Les colons incorporaient le cipre partout dans la construction. Les bardeaux en cipre formaient un sceau étanche contre les pluies fréquentes. On a compris qu’un bon moyen d’éviter les inondations, de laisser passer les courants d’air dessous et de les isoler des insectes comme les termites était de poser les bâtisses sur des blocs de cipre. Après cinquante ans, le cipre produit une sève qui le rend imperméable à l’eau et aux insectes. C’est pour cela, comme leurs cousins les séquoias sur la côte ouest, que les cipres peuvent vivre des centaines d’années, voire un millier ou plus, et atteindre des hauteurs qui donnent le tournis.
acadiana profile august/September 2016
Puisque le cipre pousse dans l’eau, il a développé un système de racine unique. On peut croire que les « boscoyos » qui dépassent de l’eau autour de l’arbre sont de jeunes pousses. Ils font partie au fait des racines et sortent de l’eau pour respirer l’oxygène. Il vaut mieux ne pas les couper. Son habitat trempé est idéal pour une autre plante emblématique de l’Atchafalaya : la mousse espagnole. Beaucoup de familles vivaient de la récolte de la mousse et du cipre. Henry Ford était un gros acheteur de mousse pour rembourrer les sièges de ses voitures. Il exigeait qu’elle soit expédiée dans des cageots de cipre. Toujours l’homme d’affaires averti, il se procurait ainsi du beau bois pour les marchepieds et les tableaux de bords gratuitement. Les bûcherons se comptaient par milliers, tellement il y avait d’arbres à transformer en planches. Ils tombaient des arbres tellement gros qu’une dizaine d’hommes ou plus ne pouvaient pas faire le tour de la base. Ils travaillaient tellement vite que des centaines d’arbres ont coulé au fond de l’eau, sans
moyens de les repêcher jusqu’à présent. Les charpentiers prisent les troncs récupérés pour leur caractère exceptionnel. De longs séjours au fond de l’Atchafalaya n’ont pas nui à cette réputation d’imputrescibilité. Au contraire, ces arbres vivent une deuxième vie dans les maisons les plus élégantes. Les vieilles granges dilapidées sont aussi une bonne source de bois de cipre. Pour atteindre la qualité nécessaire pour que ce bois donne toute sa splendeur, il faut lui donner le temps. Il va sans dire que si on veut avoir un arbre millénaire, il faut attendre mille ans. Il paraît qu’il en reste quelques-uns de ses vieux géants au fond de l’Atchafalaya, mais il vaut mieux les laisser là où ils sont et recycler ceux qui ont déjà servi. Désigné comme arbre officiel de l’état, le cipre représente des qualités à émuler. Si seulement on pouvait exiger à ce que tous nos politiciens soient comme lui, incorruptibles.
For an English translation, visit acadianaprofile.com.