Louisiana Life Magazine January/February 2023

LOUISIANIANS of the YEAR

SIMONE MALOZ, CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR OF RESTORE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA

FEATURES

Louisianians of the Year

Louisianians who stand out in their professions, give back and represent what’s best about the Pelican State

Main Streets

Louisiana remains blessed with charming towns sporting main streets, and today they’re as vibrant as ever and worthy of a visit

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

in the River

aim to create plastic polution awareness

A New Orleans couple’s fine-tuned midcentury modern house is a prime example of the genre

KITCHEN GOURMET Easy crowd pleasers like chili, gumbo and soup are the way to go for Mardi Gras 64

NATURAL STATE In Mermentou Cove a group preserves the Cajun tradition of Courir de Mardi Gras

Lake Charles puts its own unique spin on annual celebrations

LITERARY LOUISIANA

Mardi Gras, food and independent women are a few of the things that define Louisiana’s distinct culture 18

MADE IN LOUISIANA

New Orleans-crafted self-care line inspires natural beauty

FARTHER FLUNG Chilling out in charming Mississippi beach towns is just as fun in winter

PHOTO CONTEST

La Société de Saint Anne parade revelers march the ashes of those who have died the past year to the Mississippi River on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans.

Medieval Roots of the Cajun Carnival

Had it not been for a few men wanting to rescue a lost ritual seven decades ago, there would be no Cajun Mardi Gras to talk about today and only faded ancient memories.

Carnival, especially as practiced in New Orleans and in Cajun country has ancient roots. In Cajun country there is the tradition of maskers riding through the fields seeking ingredients for gumbo. That practice extended from the medieval customs of Europe, especially France, where peasants would reenact the ritual of begging from their lords for food to prepare a meal. This line of celebration, practiced especially at Mardi Gras, is known by Carnival scholars as “begging traditions.” Over the years the custom became a little too rowdy and disorganized. Professor Barry Ancelet in a booklet (“Capitaine Voyage Ton flag: The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras,” (ULL) ) wrote that with the arrival of Americanization and the “civilizing” effects of schools and churches the rowdy celebrations were “banned from many communities and eventually disappeared from the annual cycle of Louisiana folk life.” However, in the early 1950s, according to Ancelet, some “cultural activists in the Mamou area” led by Revon Reed and Paul Tate worked to revive what had been the traditional Mardi Gras ritual. From the old-timers they developed guidelines and reconstructed the songs of their day including “Le Chanson de Mardi Gras” (opening line: “Capitaine, Capitaine voyage ton flag” meaning roughly to carry the flag to rally the riders.)

During the 70-plus years since the revival much has happened to popularize Cajun culture including: Paul Prudhomme redefining

Cajun cooking and putting it on the map; The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (established in 1970) giving Cajun music and other native forms a national stage; the building of I-10 (beginning in 1957) creating a faster route across Southern Louisiana and eventually I-49 connecting the state’s north.

Cajun’s Carnival revival gave the season something to celebrate that was reworked, yet deep rooted in tradition.

This occasional spiffing up of a celebration gone amuck is not without precedent. In 1872 a king of Carnival, Rex, was created in New Orleans partially to provide a structured parade to replace the miscellaneous, unorganized activities giving Mardi Gras a bad name.

Not even New Orleans though had a Revon Reed. He became a fixture in Cajun country by hosting a live radio show from Fred’s Lounge in Mamou. If there is a hallowed place from which the revival sprung it is Fred’s. Each Saturday morning, the music of Acadiana would be, and still is, transmitted across the prairies and along the Atchafalaya. Cajun music was alive, and like the Capitaines, Revon Reed was carrying the flag.

In one of those strange ways in which history works, medieval French tradition would one day find a link at Fred’s.

Louisiana Insider

Catch up on the latest podcast episodes

EPISODE 113

A Celebration of Louisiana

“Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi or Anywhere Else?” A TV documentary series takes a closer look. Jay Dardenne and Linda Midgett talk about the documentary, which will be broadcast and streamed over the LPB system. Guests: Jay Dardenne, a two time Lt. Governor and Secretary of State and now the governor’s Commissioner of Administration, and Linda Midgett, a producer for Louisiana Public Broadcast (LPB)

EPISODE 112

High-Rise Disasters! Remembering Two New Orleans Tragedies

Great urban tragedies should never be forgotten — if for no other reason than to to remind us to be vigilant. Guest: Royd Anderson, a documentary maker who specializes in documenting harrowing experiences such as a high-rise fire and a sniping incident from the top of a hotel.

EPISODE 111

Floating with the Lt. Governor

State tourism promotion is officially under the direction of the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser talks about the effort during the holiday season for Louisiana to have a presence in both the nationally televised Rose Bowl parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day procession. Guest: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser

ERROL LABORDE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Errol Laborde

MANAGING EDITOR Melanie Warner Spencer ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley McLellan COPY EDITOR Liz Clearman WEB EDITOR Kelly Massicot FOOD EDITOR Stanley Dry HOME EDITOR Lee Cutrone

ART DIRECTOR Sarah George LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Danley Romero

SALES

SALES MANAGER Rebecca Taylor

(337) 298-4424 / (337) 235-7919 Ext. 7230 Rebecca@LouisianaLife.com

ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE MANAGER Mallary Wolfe CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Todd Matherne For subscriptions call 877-221-3512

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In Louisiana, we love to eat and celebrate, and no matter the season or time of year there’s always a special occasion to mark with food, family and friends. This 15-month calendar of Louisiana’s finest cooking highlights a recipe for each month, plus two bonus recipes to keep you cooking all year.

VISIT LOUSIANALIFE.COM TO ORDER

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Danley Romero

A native of Lafayette currently residing in the Lake Charles area, Danley Romero specializes in portrait photography. Romero considers it an honor to contribute to his state’s flagship magazine, Louisiana Life, and takes a particular sense of pride in his association with its sister publication Acadiana Profile Most gratifying are the experiences that collaborating with the two magazines afford: meeting and photographing many of Louisiana’s most talented, accomplished and interesting citizens — the people who help to make our state the wonder it is.

Cheré Dastugue Coen

WRITER

Cheré Dastugue Coen is a food and travel writer, photographer and author and owner of the whimsical blog, “Weird, Wacky & Wild South.” Her fiction includes two series of Louisiana romances and the “Viola Valentine” paranormal mystery series under the pen name of Cherie Claire. Coen remains passionate about her home state of Louisiana, believing that gumbo, crawfish étouffée and chicory coffee makes all things right with the world.

Jeffrey Roedel

WRITER

Jeffrey Roedel is a producer, director and journalist focused on Southern makers, artists and creative thought. A graduate of LSU and the University of Southern California’s Production Workshop, he’s the former editor of 225 in Baton Rouge. In 2020, he released a collection of mantras for creativity called “Life Is Gonna Try to Put a Lot of Polo Shirts on You.” His album of pandemic poetry and music called “Distance” was released in 2021.

HOME PHOTOGRAPHER

Sara Essex Bradley is a freelance photographer based in New Orleans. She shoots interiors, travel and food for a variety of editorial and commercial clients, in Louisiana and beyond. She has been a contributor to Renaissance Publishing’s various magazines for 20 plus years. When not shooting or traveling, Bradley enjoys exploring her city by foot, and evenings spent on the front porch with her husband.

Kevin Rabalais

WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Kevin Rabalais, an Avoyelles Parish native, writes and photographs the Natural State series for Louisiana Life. After living for more than a decade in Europe and the South Pacific, he is excited to be back home and to document diverse Louisiana stories. His work has appeared in 64 Parishes, The Australian, the New Zealand Listener, and the Argentine magazine Revista Ñ. He teaches in the Department of English at Loyola University New Orleans.

Sara Essex Bradley

Shorter Routes, Bigger Krewes

New Orleans carnival, celebrations throughout Louisiana and taking the revelry to D.C.

BY LISA LEBLANC-BERRY

Due to New Orleans’ smaller police force, another year of shortened parade routes continues until Rex rolls on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 21). Diversity prevails, from the 1,600-member Krewe of Bacchus parading with 33 animated super-floats and 30 marching bands (Feb. 19) to its satirical opposite, the bodacious, ever-expanding 2,500-member Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus led by local artists devoted to “saving the galaxy” with their sci-fi fandoms set to New Orleans soundtracks (Jan. 28) and Endymion’s 3,500-plus members (and growing) augmenting block-long floats and annual mega-party (Feb. 18) headlined by Darius Rucker (moved from the Superdome to the Convention Center due to renovations) to the all-female Krewe of Muses famed for hand-hewn high heel throws and Krewe of Zulu’s prized golden coconuts, New Orleans’ offers a kaleidoscope of unforgettable sights (mardigrasneworleans.com).

DESCENDING ON D.C.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Louisiana’s first Republican woman elected to Congress and a Monroe native, chairs the 74th Washington D.C. Mardi Gras, a three-day whirlwind of parties and networking that brings the Louisiana business community and Washington politicians to the nation’s capital, culminating Jan. 28 with the Mardi Gras Grand Ball and Queen’s Breakfast. New Orleanians Fred Heebe (River Birch Renewable Energy) and college senior Virginia Mills reign as the 2023 king and queen. Two dozen queens representing Louisiana’s diverse festivals are also honored at the Grand Ball (mkofl. com/krewe).

LAKE CHARLES Dining During Carnival

Chuck Eats Restaurant Week makes its debut amid Carnival season (Jan. 20-29) featuring deals at popular eateries. Consider browsing through menus at such iconic fine dining havens as 121 Artisan Bistro and Calla, casual spots like Biscuits & Jamz and Village Coffeehouse, Area 337’s creative Latino offerings or the lively Crying Eagle, Panorama and Luna Bar & Grill (visitlakecharles.org/chuckeats).

BATON ROUGE Political Pageantry and Revelry

Carnival in the Nation’s Capital: The Washington Mardi Gras Ball exhibition showcases the story of Louisiana’s annual celebration by revisiting past balls and participants from the Louisiana congressional delegations at the Capitol Park Museum through Sept. 16. Featuring costumes and royal regalia, photographs of national political figures, posters and memorabilia drawn from museum collections, private lenders and archives from the Mystic Krewe of Louisianians (louisianastatemuseum.org).

LAKE CHARLES

Unique Carnival Concepts

Unique to Carnival season in

Lake Charles: Historic costume displays at the renovated Imperial Calcasieu Museum (exhibit runs through March 27); a Mardi Gras Shoebox Float virtual contest; a massive Twelfth Night Kickoff Festival Jan. 7 with a car show; the Feb. 16 Lighted Boat Parade, a Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off Feb. 18, and the Krewe of Illusions gala, themed Día de los Muertos when revelers relive some of Hollywood’s biggest moments with sensational costumed stars performing on Febr. 18 (visitlakecharles. org/swlamardigras).

Culture Club

BY ASHLEY MCLELLAN

A WILD RIDE

From Behind the Mask: Essays on South Louisiana Mardi Gras Runs

While many know about the history and culture of Mardi Gras as classically celebrated in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and beyond, the traditions of Cajun and Creole South Louisiana remain a mystery to many. “From Behind the Mask: Essays on South Louisiana Mardi Gras Runs” is a firsthand completion of memories, explorations and deep dives in this unique world from University of Louisiana Lafayette professor emeritus Barry Jean Ancelet. From costuming to history, issues of class and race, and the chaotic revelry of Carnival, “From Behind the Mask” takes readers on a wild ride through a hidden world. It is a provocative, thoughtful, playful, riotous account of one of Louisiana’s most treasured cultural traditions. Softcover, $30.

LINKED IN BOUDIN: A GUIDE TO LOUISIANA’S EXTRAORDINARY LINK

“Boudin: A Guide to Louisiana’s Extraordinary Link” is at once a culinary history of that special sausage, a love letter to those that make it, and a collection of historic and modern recipes. Author and founder of University of Louisiana Lafayette’s Public History Program Robert Carriker, explores the origins of boudin from 1700s France to Acadiana to today’s popular presentations of this humble, yet mighty, meat. This updated second edition features new fullcolor images by acclaimed food photographer Denny Culbert, updated locations, and new takes on the classic, making this morethan-a-cookbook book a treasured gift for foodies, fans of Louisiana culture and for those whose love language comes grilled and in sausage form. Softcover, 126 pages, $24.95

GOOD COOKING Cooking for the Culture

New Orleans food writer, winner of Hallmark’s Home and Family Network’s Best Home Cook, and ambassador for the New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network, Toya Boudy shares the lessons she learned growing up with her hard-working family — making great meals on a very tight budget but with plenty of love — to TV home cook personality on the Food Network and TLC. She shares her own unique experiences, struggles and triumphs, and how cooking transformed her own life, one recipe at a time. “Cooking for the Culture” features more than 200 full-color photographs highlighting classic New Orleans recipes inspired and guided by the Black community (with Boudy’s personal touch) such as smothered chicken, jambalaya, buttermilk turkey wings, Cajun butter corn and more. Hardcover, 240 pages, $32.50

FAMILY AFFAIRS

The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights

Set in 1920s New Orleans and New York City and beyond, “The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights” by Kitty Zeldis follows the lives of three very different women as they work to make their own way in the world, developing a unique kinship along the way. Seamstress and dressmakers Beatrice and Alice, newly arrived from New Orleans, along with their new Brooklyn neighbor Catherine, must navigate their own pasts in order to create the families they have always wanted, but on their own terms. New York Times bestselling author Lisa Barr declares Zeldis’ latest novel, “an exquisite tale filled with love, loss, despair and forgiveness, as her richly developed characters tackle the difficult decisions one must make and the repercussions of those that are made for you.” Hardcover, 352 pages, $27.99

Mardi Gras, food and independent women are a few of the things that define Louisiana’s distinct culture

Skin in the game

New Orleans-crafted self-care line inspires natural beauty

BY JEFFREY ROEDEL PHOTOS BY ROMERO & ROMERO

Through the wild woods around her home in rural southern Illinois, Erin Wexstten used to run as a child, and that adventurous spark is still in her step as she makes her way past the Mexican petunias that wilt every night and bloom fresh every morning and the platter-sized holy monstera leaves bowing to her footpath. She arrives at the studio, standing tall in the very back of her New Orleans yard with its furry jasmine wall and arching, emerald stalks of banana plants.

“My husband is in gardening and landscaping — we’re just plant people,” Wexstten says, stepping up into the workshop of Oxalis Apothecary, the natural skincare line of cleansers, serums, masks and deodorants she launched while working as a designer for Gap from her tiny Brooklyn kitchen in 2015. “Flowers are a language.”

Inside is white, well-organized and pretty chilly — crucial for keeping her ingredients fresh. The air still draped with the scent of the palo santo wood she burned earlier. A wide-eyed cat mug and vintage photo of her mother as a teenager look on.

Today sees the arrival of a test sample of her new toner, and Wexstten already checked the driver cam on her delivery app a few times this morning.

“I really hope it smells like it’s supposed to,” she says. “Oooh, I’m excited about my brand again. It feels like this little passion project still. Even though it’s not, it’s a full-blown business I have to keep afloat. It’s the same feeling of excitement as when I started.”

After her father was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2012, Wexstten began questioning every

product she used. Realizing she enjoyed a long shower and taking care of her skin more than designing dresses for toddlers, she studied to become a certified herbalist and aromatherapist and experimented with her own products.

Pop-ups in New York wine bars and tradeshows followed, with her Feel Good Potion, a bright but calming roller infused with peppermint, lavender and black pepper, an early hit. It remains a big-seller at dozens of small boutiques and at multiple locations of Whole Foods, a deal that has ramped up Oxalis’ sales considerably.

“I didn’t see skincare brands that were between the super high-end, possibly chemical-filled stuff, and the farmer’s market essential oils,” she says. “I wanted to make something that was healthy for your skin, but a little less ‘crunchy granola.’”

Anthropologie placing her mineral mists and clay masks in its online shop was enough to push Wexstten into Oxalis full-time, and she and her now-husband Yuri relocated to New Orleans for a fresh start.

“New Orleans is such a warmer community for support than New York,” she says. “I feel like this is where Oxalis belonged.”

Committed to supporting local charities as well as keeping her plant-based business Earth-friendly, she has swiftly discontinued products if the sustainability takes a hit. The amount of waste she witnessed in the fashion industry still troubles her.

Wexstten chose “oxalis” to headline her brand because it shares an “x” with her last name and looked slick on her packaging concepts. A cross-country move, a growing brand, a marriage and two children later, the meaning behind that choice resonates with her on a different level.

“The name is about more than it sounding cool and looking good,” Wexstten says. “And I didn’t know all that would matter so much to me seven years later, but it does.”

It’s this beyond skin-deep purpose that underscores everything she and her small team makes — still with their own hands, still in careful batches in her studio.

For Wexstten, Oxalis isn’t just about what products we choose to put on our skin, but how we think and feel about our skin daily.

Like wild oxalis, we can look different or common, or even be misunderstood, and yet grow many places — in well-tended gardens or forgotten cracks, and in all shapes, sizes and colors. We can appear dormant in bad weather but bloom bright again in our time. And the right bees and butterflies will still love us, because our nectar will be prodigious.

“What if we looked in the mirror and instead of being outrageously hypercritical of every little flaw, we looked at our skin and said ‘Thank you,’” Wexstten says. “Our skin just needs to be loved on a little more. It needs to be appreciated. That’s why I just want people to feel good.” n

What’s a common misconception about skincare? That it takes a lot of time and a lot of products. I think the skin is very intuitive, and it doesn’t take a whole lot to make things work.

Is there a product of yours that is particularly inspired by New Orleans? The organic Coconut Milk Bath with jasmine is something that feels like the French Quarter meets the Caribbean. I love it, and it feels very New Orleans, because you feel like you’re on vacation here.

AT A GLANCE

HOMETOWN Mt. Vernon, Illinois

AGE 38

A favorite of bees and butterflies for its prodigious nectar, oxalis is a small wood sorrel that can grow just about anywhere — in shade or sun, in eclectic garden plots or through cracks in old, root-busted pavement. Because it can flower in many different color petals, leaf shapes and sizes, it is often misidentified. Appearing dormant in harsh winters, they are, in fact, more resilient than many other wild ornamentals.

“They’re common, but so, so cute,” Wexstten says, the tips of her fingers finding a tri-cornered leaf near her doorstep. “They’re so approachable, and no matter where they are, they thrive.”

OCCUPATION

Skincare creator, founder, Oxalis Apothecary WEB

Oxalisapothecary.com

How has becoming a mother impacted your brand? Conscious parenting has helped me realize things, like I almost have to go back to my first child, my brand, and say, ‘I’m sorry, I was really hard on you.’

Managing my own expectations about Oxalis has been so helpful and actually brought a lot of joy. Working with The Chloe hotel. Working with Whole Foods. Growing slowly has been the best thing for us, but in 2023

I think I’m ready to grow a little faster.

For the Good of the Hive

Murals in the River Parishes aim to create plastic polution awareness

BY JOHN R. KEMP

Have you seen those two gigantic bees painted on the side of a small building on the corner of Karlstein and River Road near Vacherie?

RISE St. James, a faith-based advocacy group based in Louisiana’s River Parishes, is calling upon honeybees to help fight for “environmental justice” and to prevent construction of the proposed $9.4 billion Formosa plastics plant in St. James Parish.

RISE St. James is part of an international art project that came to the region last spring to help create public

awareness about a worldwide plastic pollution crisis. Working with Magnify, a recently formed international group of advocacy artists, and the United States branch of the Break Free From Plastic Movement, RISE St. James selected New York artist Matthew Willey to paint thought provoking beehive murals on the outside walls of area businesses.

Willey painted his first mural in April of 2022. It was a modest two-honeybee mural on the wall of that building on Karlstein Road. His plan was to paint the two scout bees and return to paint a full and more conspicuous beehive mural somewhere on the East Bank in the River Parishes or in the New Orleans area. It’s the full hive that carries the message. He says this is how it works in nature. The scout bee goes out alone, looking for a place to build a new hive and returns to the hive and communicates to other bees what it has found. The bees fly off to examine the location and when a majority of them agree, the swarm moves to the new location. At press time the East Bank site had yet to be chosen.

“Bees are all about balance in the hive, as well as with the landscape around them,” says Willey. “With oceans

(Above) Matt Willey painting beehive mural at Estes Hills Elementary School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Bottom) Bee mural near Vacherie (Right) Matt Willey painting scout bee mural on River Road near Vacherie

that are riddled with plastic waste and production of new single-use plastics still climbing, this mural project allows me to offer a suggestion that we look to the bees and all of nature to inform solutions around balance.”

The idea, says RISE St. James spokesman Gary Watson, is to draw public attention to the group’s efforts to prevent

the construction of a Formosa plastics factory in the parish. Last year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delayed the company’s “Sunshine Project” for two years while it further studied the environmental impact the plant might have on the region. Last September, however, a Louisiana judge revoked the company’s state-issued permit on the basis of what she described as “environmental justice.” Formosa officials said they would appeal that decision.

The mural project began last spring when the international Cosmic Foundation, Magnify, and Break Free From Plastic asked RISE St. James to participate in a worldwide project using art to draw attention to the proliferation of plastic waste clogging landfills, rivers and oceans. Two other Magnify artists will create attention-grabbing artworks at petrochemical hubs in Taipei, Taiwan, and at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium. The Cosmic Foundation and nonprofit Plastics Solution Fund are financing the project in St. James Parish.

Willey has painted similar “The Good of the Hive” murals in cities across the U.S. as well as in the United Kingdom and China. His goal is to paint his beehive murals on “every continent and in every type of neighborhood in the world.”

In Louisiana, the implied message in Willey’s mural is simple — in a beehive, as well as in all of nature, there is no waste or overproduction. “Supply and demand” is in perfect harmony. Will or can viewers make the visual link between the beehive mural and the plastics plant? Willey says there is an indirect connection between the two, but equally important, the mural has a more universal message.

“The mural I am going to create is asking the same questions a real beehive in nature would be asking,” Willey says. “‘Is this a healthy environment to create a home? Can we live here and thrive?’ I think the bees will do what they have done everywhere else I have painted them – invite people to think about things like balance, health and the environment. If people happen to find out that there are other solutions they can actively and easily adopt, rather than add to the problem by creating more plastics, awesome.” n

EXHIBITS

CAJUN Poetics of Selfhood

Creole art from Martinique, Senegal, Guyana and Louisiana, through Jan. 14, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Lafayette. acadianacenterforthearts.org

CENTRAL No Man’s Land: Becoming Louisiana

Features four Vernon Parish artists, commemorating 200th anniversary of Louisiana’s western border with Spanish Texas, through Feb. 18. Alexandria Museum of Art. themuseum.org

PLANTATION

Our Louisiana Artworks from the museum’s permanent collection, through Jan. 14. Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Baton Rouge. lasm.org

NOLA Louisiana Contemporary. Statewide, juried contemporary art exhibition, through Jan. 8. Ogden Museum of Southern Art. ogdenmuseum.org

NORTH Loren Schwerd : Mudlark

Three-dimensional designs and sculpture by LSU professor Loren Schwerd, through Feb. 4. Masur Museum of Art, Monroe. masurmuseum.org

MODel Home

A

New Orleans couple’s fine-tuned midcentury modern house is a prime example of the genre

BY LEE CUTRONE PHOTOS BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

Working on this house has a backstory,” says interior designer Betsey Hazard, of the midcentury modern house she helped renovate for owners Jessie and Beau Haynes. “I had a blog about the Creole cottage that my husband and I renovated, and Jessie used to follow me. We kind of knew each other and talked through Instagram. When I went out on my own, she contacted me about doing the bedroom and bathroom.”

The Hayneses had been in the already swoon-worthy house for several years when they reached out to Hazard. The previous owner had renovated portions of the property, and the Hayneses had continued the updates, renewing everything from windows and electrical wiring to air conditioning and the roof in order to preserve it for years to come. They’d restored the original wood paneling and installed new cork floors like those that had been there when the house was built.

“We really do believe ourselves to be stewards of the house,” says Jessie Haynes. “We love it so much and knew it needed a lot of tender loving care.”

Hazard took her cues from the iconic architecture of the house, designed in 1957 by Bill Calongne of Lawrence and Saunders Architects, and from the lifestyle of the clients. The couple — she’s managing director of The Helis Foundation and he’s an attorney — have two young sons and wanted to make the most of its 2,080 square feet.

“We did what was appropriate for the house and also reflects their personality and lets my aesthetic come

(Left) The homeowners acquired the dining table and chairs at estate sales and retrofitted the built-in bar with wallpaper and a beverage refrigerator. Jessie designed the chandelier with a lighting designer in India. (Above) The Hayneses updated the already renovated kitchen with new appliances.

The sliding glass doors, added in the ‘60s or ‘70s where a porch originally existed, overlook new landscaping, hardscaping and turf.

Art is hung gallery-style on the upstairs landing. The sofa was recovered with a Kravet fabric inspired by the couples’ love of art.

(Top) An Ida Kohlmeyer painting in the guest room (Bottom) Hazard chose a chinoiserie wallpaper and pulley sconces in the master bedroom. Lavender and navy bedding complement the paper and the rich blue used in the pattern was repeated in the master closet and bath.

through,” says Hazard, who likens the architecture of the house to that of a boat, in that it cleverly maximizes the space with sleek built-in storage.

Hazard’s design gutted the master bath, recreated the original skylight, which had been covered by plastic, and called for using walnut panels (inspired by those elsewhere in the house) in the bath. A chinoiserie wallpaper with a midcentury vibe was a natural choice for the feature wall of the master bedroom. Hazard combined navy and lavender bedding to complement the wallpaper and carried the same rich blue of the paper into the master closet and the bath.

“We wanted it to feel like a suite,” she says.

Because the bathroom is so small, designer and owners made the decision to splurge on the marble floor and luxury finishes with a ‘60s feel from Waterworks.

“You can spend more because you don’t need as much,” says Hazard of the small but efficient floorplan that now lives larger with two sinks and an expanded shower.

Hazard helped refresh some of the furnishings in the house with playful ideas that draw on the couple’s love of art. An estate sale sofa at the top of the upstairs landing, for example, was reinvigorated with a graphic Kravat fabric that reminded Hazard of a Kravet painting.

“We tried to buy as much as we could locally and have it recovered because of supply delays,” she says.

More recently, Hazard worked with the clients to redecorate the guest room, now centered around a custom-built wall-towall upholstered headboard with floating metal sconces. Her brother, carpenter Andrew Nixon of Andrew Nixon Millworks, crafted the headboard as well as the new skylight and the wood paneling in the bathroom.

“The project was about honoring the past but it’s also more contemporary,” says Hazard, noting that some materials are more advanced than those originally used in midcentury houses. “It was fun creatively.”

Last year, the Hayneses’ intentional respect for the house was rewarded when the son of the family that built the house paid a visit with his wife.

“It was a delightful experience,” says Jessie Haynes. “It provided so much joy and answered so many questions. Our piano is right where their piano was.” ■

AT A GLANCE

SQUARE FOOTAGE 2,080

ARCHITECT

Original — Bill Calongne of Lawrence and Saunders, later renovation by previous owner — Cordula Roser Gray.

INTERIOR DESIGN (OF RECENT RENOVATIONS)

Betsey Hazard, House of Hazard Interiors.

OUTSTANDING FEATURES

Original walnut paneling, master suite with original built-in cabinetry, luxury finishes, abundance of windows, energy efficiency, new landscaping, original oculus skylight.

One Pot Dishes

BY STANLEY DRY PHOTOS AND STYLING BY EUGENIA UHL

Mardi Gras is early this year, which is unfortunate for bakeries since they will have a short king cake season. For celebrants, the Feb. 21 date virtually guarantees the weather will be damp and cold. In addition to booze, parade-goers will need plenty of substantial hot food to help carry them through the day.

Fried chicken is a popular parade food, but it’s unlikely that you’re going to get up early to fry your own when you can buy boxes of it from “you know where.” With family and guests coming and going between parades, one-pot dishes are ideal party food. They can be prepared a day or two in advance and reheated on the big day. They are warming and filling, and they’re better after a

CHILI

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 medium onions, chopped

2 pounds ground beef

2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes

3 cups water

4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper

4 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon oregano leaves

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons crushed saltines coarse salt to taste

IN A HEAVY CASSEROLE, cook onions in oil, stirring until browned. Add ground beef and cook, stirring frequently until browned. Puree tomatoes and their juice in blender; add to pot, along with water, garlic, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano and black pepper.

SIMMER on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add crushed saltines and stir to thicken chili. Season to taste with salt. Makes 4-6 servings.

Easy crowd pleasers like chili, gumbo and soup are the way to go for Mardi Gras

day or two in the refrigerator. Gumbos, chili and soups fit the bill nicely. Rice and cornbread or biscuits are welcome accompaniments.

If you don’t have a favorite recipe, this chicken and sausage gumbo is simple to make and yields a tasty end result. I like chicken thighs for their flavor. Using chicken stock or broth in place of water is a great flavor enhancer, and prepared roux is a great time saver. Some cooks omit filé, but I think it adds another layer of flavor.

When making chili, choose ground beef that doesn’t have a high percentage of fat. If there’s a lot of fat, you’ll have to skim it a lot, and when you do, you’ll be discarding flavorful seasonings along with the fat. I like to use chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika for the smokey flavor they impart. You can thicken chili with cornmeal or masa, but I prefer cracker meal, which is virtually impossible to find at retail. To substitute, place saltines in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

The kale soup is one of my favorites. It’s a very flavorful (and healthful) combination of white beans, smoked sausage, kale and potatoes, and it’s a cinch to make.

When the weather is cold and damp, my thoughts turn to navy bean soup, which is just the right tonic for a blustery day. The soup is often made with a ham bone or ham stock, and if you have either, feel free to substitute for the andouille and chicken stock. Either way, you’ll have a delicious soup. n

KALE SOUP

1 cup great northern beans

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced ½ pound smoked sausage, sliced 6 cups chicken stock or broth

1 bunch kale

2 medium potatoes coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper cayenne pepper

SORT beans and rinse. Place beans in bowl, cover with boiling water and soak for 20 minutes. Drain.

IN A HEAVY POT, cook onion and garlic in oil until softened. Add sausage, chicken stock and beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour. Strip kale from stems. Discard stems, wash kale and chop coarsely. Add to pot. Peel potatoes and cut into bite-size pieces. Add potatoes to pot and simmer until potatoes and kale are tender. Season to taste with salt and peppers. Makes 4-6 servings.

NAVY BEAN AND ANDOUILLE SOUP

1 cup navy beans 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped ¹/³ pound andouille sausage, diced 4 cups chicken stock or broth 1 bay leaf

¹/8 teaspoon thyme leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste ¼ cup chopped parsley ¼ cup chopped scallions, green part only

COVER beans with water and soak overnight. Drain.

IN A MEDIUM POT over medium heat, combine oil, onion, garlic, pepper, celery and andouille, cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add beans, chicken stock or broth, bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are softened, about 40 minutes. Using the back of a large spoon, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken soup. Cook until soup is creamy, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, add parsley and scallions. If soup is too thick, thin with additional broth or water. Makes 4-6 servings.

CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE FILÉ GUMBO

10 cups chicken stock or broth

5 pounds chicken thighs

1 pound smoked sausage

¼ cup dark roux

2 bay leaves

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium onions, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves coarse salt

freshly ground black pepper Cayenne pepper

¼ cup chopped green onion tops ¼ cup chopped parsley filé hot sauce

PREHEAT oven to 375 F. In a large pot, bring chicken stock or broth and chicken to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 30-45 minutes. Slice sausage and place on a rimmed sheet pan. Bake in preheated oven until sausage is browned, about 10-15 minutes. Drain cooked sausage on absorbent paper and set aside.

REMOVE chicken to a platter or pan to cool. Bring stock back to a boil. Add roux and whisk to dissolve. Reduce heat and skim fat from surface. Add garlic, onion, celery, bell pepper and thyme. Simmer, uncovered, about 30 minutes.

MEANWHILE, separate chicken meat from skin and bones. Tear or cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Add chicken and sausage to pot and simmer for about 30 minutes. Skim fat from surface. Season to taste with salt, black pepper and cayenne. Add green onions and parsley. Serve in large, shallow bowls with steamed rice. Let each guest add filé and hot sauce to taste. Makes about 8 servings.

BY JOHN R. KEMP FRITZ ESKER CHRIS JAY

BY ROMERO & ROMERO

PORTRAITS

NAME JANIE VERRET LUSTER

ARTIST

Weaving a Connection

Folk artist Janie Verret Luster keeps United Houma Nation basketmaking tradition alive

Art can convey an emotion, perhaps tell a story or simply respond to the beauty of nature. To Janie Verret Luster, teacher, healer, practitioner of tribal ways and member of Louisiana’s United Houma Nation, art is her way of preserving an ancient tradition almost lost to changing times, assimilation and a slow diaspora of the Houma people.

Luster, who was born in 1952 and has lived most of her life along Bayou Dularge in Terrebonne Parish, has been on a mission to teach other members of the tribe, especially younger generations, the almost extinct but recently revived Houma tradition of weaving baskets from the ubiquitous palmetto plant found all along the Gulf Coast.

Once an ordinary home industry, weaving baskets from palmettos was commonplace among Louisiana’s Houma Indians, who have lived in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes since the early 1800s. These baskets were used for almost every daily household activity, including carrying babies. But then in the 1940s it disappeared. Thanks to Luster and those she has taught, the once popular palmetto baskets with their unusual half-hitch knotting construction are making a comeback.

Luster credits that revival to two non-Houma outsiders — French teacher Oradel Morris and her 1993 book “I Hear the Song of the Houmas” and Richard Conn, curator of American Indian Art at the Denver Museum of Art. In 1992, Conn brought several Houma baskets to Louisiana where he gave Luster and others a workshop on the half-hitch weaving method. Since then, Luster has taught the art to her daughters, granddaughters, other members of her tribe and non-Houmas, too.

That revival has brought Luster considerable recognition, including exhibitions at the New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Louisiana Art & Folk Festival, the Natchitoches-Northwestern State University Folk Festival, and the American Indian

Museum in Washington, D.C. In 2011 she was inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Master Folk Artists. Among other honors, Luster has received the United Houma Nation Cultural Preservation Award and the Louisiana Division of the Arts Folklife Fellowship Award. To keep the tradition alive, she conducts “Passing It On” workshops through the Louisiana Division of the Arts’ Folklife Program and the Bayou Culture Collaborative.

Her work is important, especially now. In recent years, hurricanes and rising sea levels have forced many Houma people to leave the bayous and marshes of South Louisiana to find higher ground elsewhere. Luster says her workshops will help these self-exiles take their culture with them wherever they go.

“When tradition is lost,” says Luster, “it’s lost forever. Native tribes look at basketmaking as part of their identity. When I do a workshop, more goes on than just basket-weaving, there’s a sharing of stories and ways of life and family histories.”

CONSERVATION

Saving the Wetlands

BY FRITZ ESKER

Communicating effectively about the environment can be tricky. On the one hand, people need to know the severity of the situation and understand the urgent need for action. But on the other hand, if you paint too bleak of a picture for people, they might give up. As campaign director of Restore the Mississippi River Delta, Simone Maloz’s job is to serve as a liaison between environmental experts and the community.

The 43-year-old Maloz, who grew up in Houma, did not start out with coastal restoration as a career plan. She began her career in healthcare communications. One day, she heard someone talking about an executive director position in a coastal restoration organization (Restore or Retreat). She began working for them in January 2005. As any Louisianian knows, two significant coastal events in the forms of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita followed soon after. That made Maloz even more passionate about her new job. She stayed at Restore or Retreat until joining Restore the Mississippi Delta a year ago.

Restore the Mississippi Delta features staff members from five different organizations collectively focused on restoring coastal Louisiana. Coalition members come from separate backgrounds, careers, and have different perspectives. But are united on saving Louisiana’s wetlands. Yes, that can seem like a daunting task.

“There are days that are very challenging, almost overwhelming, but there is also so much hope,” Maloz said. “People want to be a part of the solution.”

Part of the communication, however, is accurately and honestly communicating people’s risk living in certain areas (e.g. what can a person expect living outside of levee protection). Maloz did not have a science background in school, but she feels in some ways this helps her communicate frankly with communities in language they can understand.

Part of Maloz’s work is also advocating for restoration and Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan. Maloz said $1 billion needs to be spent annually in order to successfully implement every aspect of the Master Plan. But this would tangibly help the delta. It would not only save homes and lives, but would also create jobs and industry for the state.

“The delta’s not going to look like it did in the 1930s, but we’re very confident we can have a sustainable delta,” Maloz said. “I really am hopeful. You can’t do what I do, working with so many passionate people, and not be hopeful.”

So what’s being done to make this happen? One of the biggest goals is reconnecting basins and estuaries to the Mississippi River. Doing so would provide fresh water and sediment to the river. Once the sediment flows down the river, it will build up outside of the levees and provide additional protection.

When Maloz is not working on saving Louisiana’s coast, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, as well as reading and taking part in fun New Orleans events like Mardi Gras.

Communicating about coastal restoration to the community is Simone Maloz’s superpower

THE DELTA’S NOT GOING TO LOOK LIKE IT DID IN THE 1930S, BUT WE’RE VERY CONFIDENT WE CAN HAVE A SUSTAINABLE DELTA.

NAME TANISHA SMITH

HEALTHCARE

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Caring Relationships

Nurse practioner and clinical coordinator Tanisha Smith works to give high quality care

When she was in college, Tanisha Smith, the winner of the 2022 Louisiana State Nurses Association’s Nightingale Award, wanted to be a doctor. But when she watched a friend giving birth, she observed a nurse working with her friend. Seeing the nurse comfort and care for her friend made her want to be a nurse. “I really wanted to focus on building relationships with patients and nursing gave me that opportunity,” Smith said.

Smith, a 48-year-old Baton Rouge native, began her nursing career in 2004. She started as an oncology nurse, but is now a registered nurse practitioner and the clinical coordinator of the adult sickle cell clinic at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

While Smith no longer works in oncology, she said her experience treating cancer patients changed her entire outlook on life. She said watching cancer-stricken patients face their burdens with hope and optimism, even when there was seemingly little cause for hope, taught her to have more gratitude in her life.

In 2014, Smith made the transition to working with sickle cell patients. Sickle cell anemia is the most common genetic disease in the United States. The CDC estimates it affects between 70,000 and 100,000 Americans. While sickle cell anemia can occur in a person of any race, it occurs in approximately one out of every 365 Black births.

The symptoms start from childhood. The disease causes blockages in blood vessels that prevent organs from receiving oxygen and blood. As a result, patients can experience intense pain in varying parts of the body. Heart and lung disease can also occur. The average life expectancy for a sickle cell patient is 45-50.

Smith said sickle cell patients suffer from more than physical symptoms. Their extreme pain often requires opioids to treat, but some emergency room staff treat

them poorly when they seek help because they misjudge them as drug seekers. The pain plus the shortened life expectancy often causes depression and anxiety in patients. Smith hopes to take classes in psychiatric mental health one day so she can offer her patients mental health care in her office instead of referring them to other locations for those needs.

Ultimately, Smith wants all of her patients to receive the quality of care she would want for herself or her family.

Nursing is an emotionally demanding job, and Smith fights the burnout that sometimes takes nurses out of the profession by making sure she takes time off for herself. She said her Christian faith also helps her get through the challenging days.

“This is my calling. I think this is where God wants me to be,” Smith said.

When Smith is not caring for her patients, she loves spending time with her husband and children, as well as traveling. Her favorite destinations include San Francisco, Jamaica and Cabo San Lucas.

NAME BRITTANY BONNAFFONS

EDUCATION

Teaching Success

OCCUPATION TEACHER HOMETOWN NEW ORLEANS

to be held accountable and when that student needs a pat on the back and a sympathetic ear.

Brittany Bonnaffons employs action-oriented activities and ‘Hamilton’ to reach students

BY FRITZ ESKER

Louisiana’s Teacher of the Year didn’t always see teaching as her career path.

Hahnville High School math teacher

Brittany Bonnaffons, 41, was working in corporate America when she started volunteering as a track and field coach. When her husband saw her enthusiasm for working with the kids (even on days when she arrived to the field in her business attire), he suggested she try teaching.

Bonnaffons, a native of Midland, Texas who moved to the New Orleans area as a junior in high school, has been teaching math for 12 years, the last eight of which have been at Hahnville. For Bonnaffons, the first battle is to get the students’ attention.

“If I can keep your attention, I can get you to learn the material,” Bonnaffons said.

That’s easier said than done as Bonnaffons works on the block schedule with 95-minute class periods (seriously, readers, think back to the last 95-minute meeting you attended and make an honest evaluation of if you paid attention the entire time). But she said part of the job is accepting that students will get restless during that time frame. So instead of fielding several individual requests for a bathroom break, she takes her class on a group bathroom break halfway through class so everyone can stretch their legs then come back to the classroom refocused. She also does her best to fill the period with games and other action-oriented activities.

Bonnaffons is a devoted fan of the blockbuster musical “Hamilton.” She said the play’s lessons on leadership have inspired her own classroom style.

“Hamilton was able to be successful because George Washington allowed him to be himself,” Bonnaffons said. “If a kid is restless, I put them to work handing out papers. If a kid learns the material quickly, I let them help the kids who are struggling.”

Treating children as individuals and forming relationships is key for Bonnaffons. If a teacher knows a student, they know when that student needs a push and needs

It is common knowledge that teachers have a high turnover rate. When asked how she avoids burnout, Bonnaffons said she does not take work home with her. That doesn’t mean she’s out the door at school as soon as the bell rings. On many days, she will stay up to two to three hours after class ends grading and prepping. But when she gets home, that time is hers and work stays at work. She also said her faith helps her get through the difficult days.

“I know this is where I’m supposed to be,” Bonnaffons said.

When she’s not teaching, Bonnaffons enjoys spending time with her husband and children watching Marvel movies and Christmas movies. She is also an active Instagrammer posting about mom life, teacher life, family and fashion.

IF I CAN KEEP YOUR ATTENTION, I CAN GET YOU TO LEARN THE MATERIAL.

BY CHRIS JAY

Thirty years before Chapeaux Chapman was born, his grandfather, Willie “Brother” Chapman, went to work as a cook at Smith’s Cross Lake Inn in Shreveport.

Opened in 1954 on a hilltop overlooking Cross Lake, Smith’s Cross Lake Inn was a toney, two-storey restaurant and nightspot — complete with a second-floor ballroom — where Shreveport’s elite danced and dined dockside, sometimes arriving by boat to enjoy steaks, Gulf seafood and fried Cross Lake catfish.

Brother Chapman wouldn’t have been allowed to sit in the dining room during his years of employment at Smith’s Cross Lake Inn; like many Shreveport restaurants in the ‘50s, Smith’s served only white patrons. Throughout the life of the restaurant, which closed in 2006, the dining room at Smith’s Cross Lake Inn had been overseen by a waitstaff which mostly consisted of older Black men whom patrons often called by their first names. If the 60-year legacy of the sprawling venue at 5301 South Lakeshore Drive can be said to have celebrated certain aspects of the “Old South,” that legacy ended when Chapeaux Chapman bought the building in late 2021.

These days a framed portrait of Brother Chapman greets crowds that gather in the restaurant’s foyer. Brother’s portrait is flanked by photos of five generations of Chapman family members who dedicated their lives to the local restaurant industry. In a case near the hostess station, guests can view menus and other artifacts from restaurants operated by four generations of Chapeaux’s ancestors.

Knowing the history of the building made it satisfying to watch as Chapeaux unlocked the front doors of Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café, named in honor of his late father, on a crisp Friday morning this past October. As the crowd of eager patrons who’d gathered outside the doors filed into the restaurant, one was heard to observe that Chapeaux looked “just like his dad.” Orlando Chapman, Chapeaux’s father, suffered a fatal heart attack in 2013. Chapeaux left his career in engineering to renovate and re-launch his father’s restaurant, which he renamed Orlandeaux’s Café in 2018.

“He comes out in stuff that I say, sometimes. Even when I’m in the kitchen cooking, he’s there with me,” Chapeaux said of his father.

If there were doubts as to whether Chapeaux could successfully follow in the footsteps of his ancestors despite his young age (Chapman took over the restaurant at age 29; he is currently 33 years old), the Southern University grad’s accomplishments in the past year ought to have erased them. Not only did Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café survive the challenges presented by COVID-19, it emerged from 2022 having tripled sales year-over-year, moved into a much larger building, and grown to employ more than 70 workers.

“I could have had a different mindset, but I didn’t,” Chapeaux said. “With a rich heritage like this, you can’t let it die. I have to give it my all. This restaurant is my purpose.”n

WITH A RICH HERITAGE LIKE THIS, YOU CAN’T LET IT DIE. I HAVE TO GIVE IT MY ALL. THIS RESTAURANT IS MY PURPOSE.

The old Bob Seger song, “Mainstreet” springs to mind when discussing a time when folks headed downtown to shop, dine and converse with good friends on the main streets that served as the city’s heart. Louisiana remains blessed with charming towns sporting main streets, and today they’re as vibrant as ever and worthy of a visit. We’ve assembled a few favorites. So, as Seger once sang, find your feet down on Louisiana’s Main Streets.

BY CHERÉ COEN

MAIN STREETS

PHOTOS

LEFT Hamilton House TOP Macarons from Cake featuring Wedding Cake, Praline, Birthday Cake, King Cake and S’mores flavors

RIGHT Lobster sandwich with Old Bay fries from Parish Restaurant

New Iberia

New Iberia is a hub of creativity. Author James Lee Burke set his Dave Robicheaux mysteries here, touching on many of the city’s real-life landmarks. Artist George Rodrigue hailed from New Iberia, which is why the town dedicated a park in his honor, complete with a Blue Dog statue. It’s also home to numerous artists, many of which can be found at the A&E Gallery, owned by artist and author Paul Schexnayder.

But that’s just the tip of what downtown New Iberia offers, a National Register Historic District. Shadows-on-the-Teche plantation serves as an anchor on the south end of Main Street, offering tours of the house and gardens along with special events throughout the year, while Cane River Pecan bookends the north end, with its new Pie Bar serving sandwiches, coffees and, of course, delectable pies. In between are numerous attractions, including the Teche Museum with its exhibits that explain the history, culture and industry of Iberia Parish and Bouligny Plaza, site of many festivals. Add a host of restaurants to the mix and New Iberia makes for a fun getaway.

“New Iberia is a great place for a long weekend trip,” said Carla Hostetter, a New Iberia author who writes under the pen name of Lynn Shurr.

Place to eat: Bon Creole’s overstuffed poboys are to die for, but so are their weekday plate lunch specials.

MONROE/ WEST MONROE

West Monroe native Becky Thompson always loved baking, so it was only natural that she earned her degree in hospitality management at Ole Miss, then the L’Art de la Pâtisserie at the French Pastry School in Chicago. She worked for years teaching at the Viking Cooking School in Greenwood, Mississippi, but after 13 years Louisiana called her home. She found a thriving business making custom cakes in West Monroe, but opened the storefront Cake in 2021, more to expand her baking space than retail, she said. But locals wanted in on her hand-decorated cookies, macarons and “cakies,” slices baked in special slice pans so no cutting was required.

One year in and things are booming for Thompson.

“In the beginning, I expected it to be 75 percent custom cakes and 25 percent retail and now it’s more like 75 percent retail,” Thompson said.

Cake lies within the parameters of the equally booming Antique Alley, a collection of West Monroe blocks featuring boutiques, restaurants and, of course, lots of antique shops. It’s what Southern Living called “a shopaholic’s delight,” and the attractions grow every year, said Sheila Snow, vice president of communications for Monroe-West Monroe tourism. For instance, the new Alley Park between Commerce and Trenton streets features outdoor concerts, markets and special events and Flying Heart Brewing opened in a vacant space by the river, serving up craft beers in a 275-seat space.

Across the river in Monroe, there’s more shopping and dining, plus several outstanding museums to enjoy.

A visit to these twin cities means twice the main street fun.

Place to eat: Trapp’s Louisiana specialties are served with one of the best views of the Ouachita River and downtown Monroe. Chef Cory Bahr, the 2011 Great American Seafood Cookoff “King of Seafood,” serves fine dining that’s innovative as it’s delicious at Parish.

Place to stay: In the heart of Antique Alley Hamilton House Inn offers five guest rooms in a historic building. Don’t miss: Learn about the first bottler of Coca-Cola and tour his home, view a collection of antique Bibles and stroll through themed plantings at Elsong Gardens at The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens in Monroe.

Website: monroe-westmonroe.org, antiquealleyshops.org

Place to stay: There are several B&Bs off Main Street, such as the 1906 EstorgeNorton House and the 1880s Gebert House.

Don’t miss: Pick up an autographed James Lee Burke novel set in New Iberia at Books Along the Teche, an independent bookstore on Main Street.

Website: iberiatravel.com

Ponchatoula/Hammond

Downtown Ponchatoula was always known as America’s Antique City, but it’s evolved and grown into an arts mecca, said Emily McKneely Matise, director of sales at Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“It’s changed a lot,” she said. “Our new motto is antiques, boutiques and uniques.”

Hammond’s downtown was just named one of three winners nationwide in the 2022 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in preserving downtown districts.

“It’s so cool that we have both of them and they’re both so different,” Matise said.

Both Ponchatoula and Hammond offer excellent shopping, dining and attractions in Tangipahoa Parish, and both are only a short drive from New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Also since the cities were important railroad stops, Ponchatoula’s old train depot is now the Country Market selling art and strawberry merchandise (Ponchatoula is home to the annual Strawberry Festival) and Hammond has created Railroad Park,

a pedestrian plaza that tells the city’s railroad history and hosts special events such as trivia nights and farmer’s markets.

Place to eat: Start the day with breakfast or brunch at Son of a Biscuit in Hammond, then finish with craft cocktails and Mexican cuisine at hip Pink Agave in Ponchatoula.

Place to stay: Quarters Above Courtyard in the heart of downtown Ponchatoula features a spacious deck. The historic Michabelle Inn in Hammond provides Old South elegance.

Don’t miss: Twin Steeples Creative Art Center in Ponchatoula consists of two churches facing each other with a courtyard in between. All the arts are celebrated here, including the art of tattoos! Website: tangitourism.com

St. Francisville

Turn off U.S. 61, known as the “Blues Highway” because it stretches up to the Delta and Memphis, and visitors are instantly immersed into the quaintness of St. Francisville, once the bustling town that served Feliciana plantations. Today St. Francisville, the heart of West Feliciana Parish, serves as a tourist destination full of boutique shops and fun places to dine with a solid dose of history.

For shoppers, Grandmother’s Buttons turns antique buttons into showcase jewelry inside an old bank building. Be sure and check out the heirloom buttons on display, some of which date back centuries. For gifts, clothing, antiques and more, visit District Mercantile, Ma Miles and Prevail & Reign, to name only a few.

Relatively new to town is the St. Francisville Inn, which has been nabbing numerous accolades since its renovation and reopening under new owners. The Victorian landmark includes The Saint Restaurant & Bar, so while enjoying the luxurious accommodations be sure to grab a craft cocktail while kicking back in rocking chairs on the porch or an elegant meal created by Louisiana native Chef Michael Dardenne.

“The crab cakes in the restaurant are to die for,” said Missy Couhig, owner of St. Francisville’s The Conundrum bookstore.

Place to eat: Magnolia Café has long been a center of the community, serving up Louisiana specialties. Do stop at Birdman Coffee in front for a craft java and sweet treat. Both offer live music on occasion.

Place to stay: Step back in time to when travelers crisscrossed the country and paused at auto courts, basically a room for the night and a car park. The circa-1938 3 V Tourist Court offers just that, individual tiny buildings with a bed and kitchenette but a step up from the old days. Like days gone by, it’s affordable. Don’t miss: The Conundrum Books & Puzzles sells not only the latest great read, but hosts book signings and other events. The shop has become a hub of the community.

Website: explorewestfeliciana.com

FRANKLIN

More than 400 historical properties make up Franklin’s historic district, accented by its charming trademark cast iron lampposts and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Franklin offers tours of homes throughout the year, plus celebrates its charming Main Street with several festivals. Franklin is also located along the sleepy picturesque Bayou Teche with Main Street running parallel to the bayou.

It’s no wonder the town was named in the top 100 small towns in America by Norman Crampton in his book “The 100 Best Small Towns in America.” Or described as “… one of the prettiest of Louisiana towns, all cool and green and white, with old homes standing back on smooth green lawns…,” by Lyle Saxon in “Old Louisiana.”

Some of the impressive homes to be found in and around Franklin include the 1837 Oaklawn, used in the Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward film “The Drowning Pool” and once home to Louisiana governor Mike Foster, the French Colonial Darby House and the circa1851 Greek Revival–style Grevemberg House Museum.

In addition to shopping the establishments along Main Street, visitors may enjoy community theater at the 1940 Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts, a bike ride along the Old Spanish Trail and Bayou Teche Scenic Byway or the celebration of the Louisiana black bear at the annual Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival.

LEFT Fairfax House

TOP Lamp Lighter Coffeehouse & Bistro RIGHT Franklin Main Street

Place to eat: Start with beignets and coffee at the Lamp Lighter Coffeehouse & Bistro then progress to lunch or dinner at the longstanding Forest Restaurant, serving up Louisiana favorites and Italian cuisine.

Place to stay: The Fairfax House is an antebellum B&B that’s within walking distance of both downtown Franklin and Bayou Teche.

Don’t miss: Since most of the historic homes are nestled within the downtown area, a walking tour is a must; visit the tourism website below for a list of historic properties or join a two-hour stroll with Tours by Steven (toursbysteven.com).

Website: franklin-la.com

Ruston

There’s a distinctive collegiate atmosphere in Ruston, a quaint city that’s home to Louisiana Tech. The historic downtown district offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues but also a space to celebrate sports victories and university events. During football season, for instance, Railroad Park bursts with live music and cheerleading at its Rock the Railroad rallies and tailgating follows on Saturdays with the Tech Trolley carting visitors to the stadium.

On any given weekend, however, visitors may enjoy Ruston’s murals and public art installations, live performances at the historic Dixie Center, or the amazing produce and homemade goods selection at the Saturday Ruston Farmers Market. The North Louisiana Military Museum is a short walk from downtown and includes a large collection of war memorabilia.

The biggest event of the year, football aside, remains the Louisiana Peach Festival on the first Saturday in June.

ART GALLERIES

PONCHATOULA

It’s difficult to miss Revival Art House, with its purple exterior and school bus out front. Inside lies 3,000 square feet of artwork and crafts from 200-plus Louisiana artisans. There’s a little bit of everything, said Emily McKneely Matise, director of sales at Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a super good mix.”

NEW IBERIA

A&E Gallery, owned by artist and author Paul Schexnayder, sells works by Acadiana artists, many of whom, including Schexnayder, use the gallery as studio space. The 2,000-square-foot gallery is housed inside the 1884 Erath Building and also used for poetry readings, book signings and art classes. District Art on Main Street also spotlights Acadiana artists. “We share customers,” Schexnayder said.

ST. FRANCISVILLE

St. Francisville is home to two art galleries, Joe Savell’s Backwoods Gallery on Ferdinand and Herschel Harrington’s Harrington Gallery on Royal Street. Louisiana photographer and author C.C. Lockwood has a gallery in the cottages behind Magnolia Café. Lockwood’s gallery is open when he’s not in the wild shooting his award-winning photography.

RUSTON

The Creative Exchange sells works by local artists and artisans, but saves space for artist demonstrations and classes. Ruston Artisans also supports local artists and Fringe gallery serves as an artist collective that hosts occasional exhibits.

NATCHITOCHES

Natchitoches Art Guild & Gallery, located on Front Street in the heart of downtown Natchitoches, the nonprofit co-operative guild

promotes art and local artists in addition to offering workshops and demonstrations.

FRANKLIN

The Acadiana town named for Benjamin Franklin doesn’t offer an art gallery, but many of the downtowns stores, such as Gather on Main and The French Door, sell works of art. The Todd Art Gallery highlights the works of Franklin photographer Francis Todd and exists within The Fountain of Youth shop.

MONROE/WEST MONROE

Numerous art galleries call Monroe and its sister city of West Monroe home and participate in an “Art Crawl” on occasion. Most galleries in Monroe are located along or near North Second Street. For a list of the galleries in both cities, visit downtowngallerycrawl.com.

Places to eat: Choose Utility Brewing for its brick oven pizza, beer and cocktails or Ponchatoulas for Louisiana dishes.

Place to stay: The Elephant Room, a one-bedroom studio Airbnb apartment, offers a cool space in the middle of everything downtown.

Don’t miss: Explore the city to seek out the 11 bulldog statues of the Bulldog Project, a public art installation that honors the mascot of Louisiana Tech. Be sure to share your findings to social media with the hashtag #TheBulldogProject.

Website: experienceruston.com

Natchitoches

The oldest city in Louisiana contains one of the most charming — and most visited — main streets in the South. The 33-block National Historic Landmark District, with its brick streets and ancient live oak trees, sports restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and historic homes, among so much more. There’s the 1863 Kaffie-Fredericks General Mercantile, the oldest general store in Louisiana, the Natchitoches Art Guild & Gallery featuring artwork of dozens of local artists and the Cane River Candy Company serving up all things sweet.

Sports fans won’t want to miss the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum inside an award-winning architectural building. The museum contains

portraits and memorabilia celebrating the achievements of Louisiana athletes and sports figures, plus items representing the unique cultural traditions of Louisiana.

Many visitors come to Natchitoches to view the locations used in the popular film, “Steel Magnolias,” but so many other movies were made in the historic city. The Natchitoches Film Trail spotlights “Steel Magnolias” spots as well as locations for John Wayne’s “The Horse Soldiers,” “The Man in the Moon” starring Reese Witherspoon and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” starring John Goodman. A free, guided Historic District Walking Tour or a carriage ride with the Cane River Carriage Company are other great ways to learn about Natchitoches history and culture.

Place to eat: Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant delivers the town’s trademark meat pies, but don’t miss their crawfish pies and other Southern dishes.

Place to stay: The antebellum Samuel Guy House not only offers delectable luxurious accommodations but the owner’s extensive antique collections exhibited around the bed and breakfast will amaze.

Don’t miss: Take a walking tour of the American Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in town, to visit the graves of the city founders and the site of the dramatic (and tear-inducing) conclusion to “Steel Magnolias.”

Website: natchitoches.com

JOHN L. HAMMONS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Selected to Super Lawyers

John L. Hammons with the late Sydney B. Nelson formed Nelson & Hammons, A Professional Law Corporation in 1977.

Super

Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys. The Super Lawyers selection process involves the steps outlined in the graphic below.

Nelson & Hammons is a Louisiana medical malpractice law firm whose senior attorneys, John Hammons and Cornell Flournoy, have championed the rights of victims of serious medical malpractice for over 35 years. William W. Murray, Jr. joined the firm in 2012, and R. Clayton Christian joined in 2020. The firm emphasizes a team approach, so each client benefits from the experience and energy of every attorney.

The attorneys of Nelson & Hammons work diligently to be advocates for patients. The attorneys are committed to providing professional guidance and representation for those patients and families of patients who have been seriously injured as a result of substandard medical care. With all four attorneys emphasizing medical malpractice, Nelson & Hammons is specially situated to thoroughly investigate and effectively handle such cases. In order to better help people throughout Louisiana, the firm has offices in Shreveport and Lafayette.

The firm is proud to announce John L. Hammons has been named to the Super Lawyers list for the 17th consecutive year, and William W. Murray, Jr., has been named to the Rising Stars list for the 6th consecutive year.

705 MILAM ST. SHREVEPORT, LA 71101

PH: (318) 227-2401

FX: (318) 221-4762

315 S. COLLEGE RD., SUITE 146 LAFAYETTE, LA 70503

PH: (337) 534-0515

FX: (337) 261-3301

L-R: R. Clayton Christian, John L. Hammons*, Cornell Rushing Flournoy, William W. Murray, Jr.** *CHOSEN TO SUPER LAWYERS**CHOSEN TO RISING STARS

John L. Hammons

TOP 25 WOMEN

Adams, Marguerite L.

Alessandra, M. Nan

Barrasso, Judy Y.

Belleau, Ashley L.

Bendana, Alicia M.

Boyle, Kim M.

Cerrone, Stacey C.S.

Degan, Nancy Scott

Adams, Marguerite L. Alford, III, W. Raley

Barrasso, Judy Y.

Belleau, Ashley L.

Boyle, Kim M. Brackett, Alan G.

Bradley Jr., C. Wm.

Brown, James A. Cahill, Jr., Elwood F.

Crosby, E. Howell David, Blake R. Flanagan, Harold J. Flanagan, Thomas M. Freeman, III, George C.

Futrell, Elizabeth (Lisa) J. Garner, James M.

Griffith, Jr., Steven F. Hayden, Jan M. Herman, Russ M. Herman, Stephen J. Katz, Brian D. Kupperman, Stephen H.

Lasky, Katie E. Lee, Wayne J.

Leyens, Jr., Jon F.

Futrell, Elizabeth (Lisa) J. Hardin, Pauline F. Harris, Lesli D. Hayden, Jan M.

Johnson, Sara Knight, Kathryn M. Lasky, Katie E. Livaudais, Julie D. Mascari, Pamela Roman Morris, Edith H.

Lund, III, Daniel Magner, Michael W. Manthey, Tristan Edwards

Mascari, Pamela Roman McGoey, II, Thomas J. Nguyen, Kim Ngan

Phillips, Louis M. Pipes, III, H. Minor Plunkett, Laura Walker

Puente, Denise C.

Rubin, Michael H. Scofield, Bryan D. Shapiro, Howard Sher, Leopold Z. Stanley, Richard C. Sterbcow, Paul M.

Stern, Martin A. Talley, Susan G. Theard, Kelly E. Tranchina, Jr., Frank P. Unglesby, Lewis Vance, R. Patrick Waguespack, David F.

Walters, Jr., Edward J.

Wisdom, Rachel Wendt

Nguyen, Kim Ngan

Plunkett, Laura Walker

Puente, Denise C. Talley, Susan G.

Theard, Kelly E. Thorne, René E. Wisdom, Rachel Wendt

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2023 LOUISIANA SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.

BARRASSO, JUDY Y.

BRADLEY JR., C. WM. CAHILL, JR., ELWOOD F. FLANAGAN, THOMAS M. HAYDEN, JAN M. HERMAN, STEPHEN J.

SHAPIRO, HOWARD SHER, LEOPOLD Z.

STERBCOW, PAUL M.

SUSAN G.

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE WOMEN LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2023 LOUISIANA SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.

Adams, Marguerite L. Alford, III, W. Raley

Barrasso, Judy Y.

Belleau, Ashley L.

Boyle, Kim M. Brackett, Alan G.

Bradley Jr., C. Wm.

Brown, James A. Cahill, Jr., Elwood F.

Cerone, Rudy J. Crosby, E. Howell

Draper, Douglas S. Flanagan, Harold J. Flanagan, Thomas M. Freeman, III, George C.

Futrell, Elizabeth (Lisa) J. Garner, James M.

Griffith, Jr., Steven F.

Hayden, Jan M.

Herman, Russ M. Herman, Stephen J.

Johnson, Sara Katz, Brian D. Kupperman, Stephen H.

Kutcher, Robert A. Lasky, Katie E. Lee, Wayne J.

Leyens, Jr., Jon F.

Lund, III, Daniel Magner, Michael W. Manthey, Tristan Edwards

McGoey, II, Thomas J. Nguyen, Kim Ngan

Pipes, III, H. Minor

Where do I start my search for an attorney?

The Super Lawyers ® list is comprised of the top 5% of attorneys in each state selected via a patented process that includes independent research, peer nominations, and evaluation.

The answer is SuperLawyers.com

Plunkett, Laura Walker

Puente, Denise C.

Reasonover, Kirk Shapiro, Howard Sher, Leopold Z. Stanley, Richard C. Sterbcow, Paul M.

Stern, Martin A. Talley, Susan G.

Theard, Kelly E. Tranchina, Jr., Frank P. Usdin, Steven W.

Vance, R. Patrick Waguespack, David F.

Winsberg, Marc D. Wisdom, Rachel Wendt

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2023 LOUISIANA SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.

Administrative Law

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Antitrust Litigation

Appellate

Aviation and Aerospace

Banking

Bankruptcy: Business

S-6

S-6

Bankruptcy: Consumer.................................... S-8

Business Litigation

Business/Corporate

Civil Litigation: Defense

S-11

Civil Litigation: Plaintiff .................................. S-11

Civil Rights ...................................................... S-11

Class Action/Mass Torts ................................ S-11

Construction Litigation .................................. S-12

Creditor Debtor Rights ................................... S-12

Criminal Defense ............................................ S-12

Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI........................... S-13

Criminal Defense: White Collar ..................... S-13

Elder Law ........................................................ S-13

Employee Benefits.......................................... S-13

Employment & Labor ..................................... S-13

Employment Litigation: Defense ...................S-14

Employment Litigation: Plaintiff ...................S-14

Energy & Natural Resources ..........................S-14

Entertainment & Sports .................................S-14

Environmental ................................................S-14

Environmental Litigation ...............................S-14

Estate Planning & Probate ............................S-14

Family Law...................................................... S-15

General Litigation........................................... S-15

Health Care..................................................... S-16

Immigration .................................................... S-16

Insurance Coverage ........................................ S-16

Intellectual Property ...................................... S-16

Intellectual Property Litigation ...................... S-17

International ................................................... S-17

Media and Advertising ................................... S-17

Mergers & Acquisitions .................................. S-17

Personal Injury General: Defense .................. S-17

Personal Injury General: Plaintiff................... S-17

Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense ........................................................ S-19

Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff ........................................................ S-19

Personal Injury Products: Defense ................ S-19

Personal Injury Products: Plaintiff ................ S-20

Professional Liability: Defense ..................... S-20

Real Estate .................................................... S-20

Schools & Education ..................................... S-20

Securities & Corporate Finance .................... S-20

Securities Litigation....................................... S-20

State, Local & Municipal ............................... S-20

Surety ............................................................. S-20

Tax.................................................................. S-20

Technology Transactions ............................... S-21

Transportation/Maritime ............................... S-21

Utilities ........................................................... S-22

Workers’ Compensation ................................ S-22

THE ANNUAL LIST

BY PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE

The list was finalized as of June 15, 2022. Only attorneys who data verified with Super Lawyers for the current year are included on the list that follows. All current selections and any updates to the list (e.g., status changes or disqualifying events) will be reflected on superlawyers.com.

Names and page numbers in RED indicate a profile on for attorneys with paid Super Lawyers or Rising Stars print advertisements.

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

RISING STARS D’Avello, John P.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

SUPER LAWYERS

Juneau, Sr., Thomas R., Juneau David, Lafayette Shaw, Danny G., ShawADR, Mandeville Shreves, H. Bruce Siddiqui, Imtiaz A.

ANTITRUST LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS McIntyre, Jr., Alexander M., Baker Donelson

RISING STARS Chiorean, Dan

APPELLATE

SUPER LAWYERS Bourgeois, Travis L.

Dean, Bruce C., Dean Law Firm, Chalmette, 504-722-7319 Gonski, Kathryn Grundmeyer, Douglas L.

Johnson, III, H. Alston, Phelps Dunbar, Miester, Jr., Donald J., Taggart Morton, Pearce, Deborah A. Roth, Katie Seegers Rubin, Michael H. Schell, Leigh Ann, Adams and Reese,

Stern, Martin A. Ward, Raymond P., Adams and Reese, RISING STARS Dossier, Eva Kottle, Stuart Munson, Kathryn W., Stanley Reuter Ross Plaisance, Marcus

AVIATION AND AEROSPACE

RISING STARS Schwab, Bradley J.

BANKING

SUPER LAWYERS Bennett, William “Blake” Campisi, Lauren E. Stuckey, James A. RISING STARS Alonzo, Dustin C. Kingsmill, Adair L.

BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS

SUPER LAWYERS Aguillard, H. Kent Bendana, Alicia M.

Caplinger, Christopher T., Lugenbuhl Wheaton

Cerone, Rudy J. Congeni, Leo Derbes, IV, Albert J., The Derbes Law Firm, Metairie, 504-207-0909 Draper, Douglas S.

Drell, Bradley L. Rundell, Alexandria Forsyth, J. David

Futrell, Elizabeth (Lisa) J., Jones Walker, Garrity, Patrick, The Derbes Law Firm, Metairie, 504-207-0920

Hayden, Jan M., Baker Donelson Bearman

MARC FRISCHHERTZ* DOMINICK F. IMPASTATO, III*

years ago, Marc Frischhertz & Dominick Impastato started their professional journey as law school friends–one became managing editor of the Law Review while the other achieved National Moot Court honors. That journey led to joining forces in the courtroom following Hurricane Katrina. They now boast 17 years of law partnership together, winning victories for victims across the country. Now they celebrate both being recognized by their peers as Super Lawyers honorees!

Dominick F. Impastato, III

Honoree

Kadden, Benjamin W.

Laudumiey, IV, Fernand L.

Manthey, Tristan Edwards, Fishman Haygood,

Nobles, Cherie Dessauer, Fishman Haygood, Patrick, III, William H., Fishman Haygood, Peck, Stewart F.

Phillips, Louis M. Shelby, Rick M. Steffes, William E. Strohschein, Stephen P. Vance, R. Patrick Waguespack, David F. Williamson, Stephen L.

RISING STARS

Byrd, Timothy G. Landis, Michael E. Thurman, Jim W. Torrans, Coleman L.

BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER

SUPER LAWYERS

Abshier, Jenny Vogeltanz, Rachel Willson, Thomas R. (Rocky), The Law Firm of

RISING STARS

DeTrinis, Jonathan R., DeT Law Firm,

BUSINESS LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS Aaron, Jr., William D.

Adams, W. Michael Roberts, Shreveport Aguilar, Ricardo A., Adams and Reese, Allweiss, Michael R., Lowe Stein Hoffman

Almon, Matthew S., Stone Pigman Walther

Antis, Jr., Phillip J.

Ballay, Brian M., Baker Donelson Bearman

Barrasso, Judy Y.

Barriere, Brent B., Fishman Haygood, Belleau, Ashley L.

Benjamin, Thomas M. Berger, Jamie L. Blunt, Shelton Dennis, Phelps Dunbar, Brady, Sean P. Brignac, Len R. Brown, James A.

Browne, David L., BrowneLaw, Metairie Burge, Jason W. Bursavich, Jude C.

Burvant, Robert J. Butler, Jr., Peter J. Carleton, Stephen C.

Cheatwood, Roy C., Baker Donelson Bearman Conroy, Stephen K., Conroy Law Firm, Metairie Copley, Steven W.

Cullens, Jr., J.E., Walters Papillion Thomas Degan, Nancy Scott, Baker Donelson Bearman Denegre, Jr., George

Easterly, Tom S. Evans, Joelle Flannigan Faircloth, Jr., Jimmy R. Bash, Alexandria Ferachi, Michael D.

Flanagan, Thomas M., Flanagan Partners, Gambel, Gary J.

Garner, James M. Goodman, Alan H. Grau, Benjamin R.

Griffith, Jr., Steven F., Baker Donelson Bearman

Guerry, David L. Harper, Jerald R., Harper Law Firm, Shreveport Hensgens, Scott N.

Herman, Fred Hayes, Metairie Isenberg, Craig Johnson, Bernard S. Jones, Jr., Philip K. Joyce, John W. King, Henry A. Kupperman, Stephen H., Barrasso Usdin

Kutcher, Robert A. Landrieu, Martin E. Lasky, Katie E. Lee, Wayne J., Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann, Lipsey, Christine

Masinter, Paul J., Stone Pigman Walther McGlone, Kevin M.

Melton, Barbara Bell Bash, Alexandria Miller, Sr., Allen C. Mince, Loretta G., Fishman Haygood, Morrison, Corinne A. Nowak, Eric

Orlansky, C. Lawrence, Stone Pigman Walther Owen, Jr., Thomas P., Stanley Reuter Ross Passler, Richard G.

Patron, David L. Patterson, Michael A., Long Law Firm, Ralston, Christopher K., Phelps Dunbar, Reasonover, Kirk

Redfearn, Robert L. Reuter, Bryan C. Riviere, Christopher H., Riviere Law, Thibodaux

Rosenberg, Harry Ryan, Graham H. Scandurro, Timothy D.

Schilling, Ellie T.

Schnabel, Marta-Ann Schonekas, Kyle

Shelton, Curtis R., Ayres Shelton Williams

Simon, Jr., Lawrence P. Simonson, Eric J.

Sinor, Jr., Howard E. Stakelum III, P. J., Chehardy Sherman Williams

Stanley, Richard C., Stanley Reuter Ross

Stern, Jr., Charles L., Steeg Law Firm, Swanson, Lynn E.

Tulley, Fredrick R. Usdin, Steven W.

Veron, J. Michael Wanek, Peter J.

Ward, Jr., Joseph R. Waters, Jr., John W. Wehlen, Nicholas J., Stone Pigman Walther

Wittmann, Phillip A., Stone Pigman Walther

Woolf, Matthew A., Baker Donelson Bearman

RISING STARS

Abel, William, Abel Law Firm, Thibodaux Allain, Jessica S., Jones Walker, Lafayette Amond, Kristen

Borel, Danielle L.

Brinks, Timothy M., Adams and Reese, Calogero, Christine M., Barrasso Usdin

Carter, Meghan E. Chapman, J. Jacob

Chetta, Chloé M.

Cook, Leah

Curtin, Brendan Cvitanovic, Dominik J.

Dysart, Katie L., Baker Donelson Bearman Finkelstein, Michael

Ford, Candace B.

French, Ryan Graf, John P.

Hash, Endya Heilprin, Ashley J. Hemken, David J. Shreveport

Hogue, Amanda D., Conroy Law Firm, Metairie Holmgren, Anders F., Flanagan Partners,

Horn, Elizabeth Janke, Benjamin West, Baker Donelson Bearman

King, Spencer LeSueur, Jr., Laurence “Lon” D., Barrasso Usdin

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Aguilar, Jr., Rodolfo J.

Bishop, William R. Butler, Amanda Chauvin, Julie S. Davidson, III, James J., Davidson Meaux Sonnier Lafayette, 337-237-1660

Eckstein, Michael L. Fishman, Louis Y., Fishman Haygood, Grodner, R. Marshall

Kling, Neal J. Leefe, Richard K. Mayhall, Jr., Van R.

Naus, R. Joseph Shreveport

Neal, Mark J., Neal Law Firm, Monroe,

Reso, Jr., Jerome J. Rieveschl, David, Stone Pigman Walther

Sherman, David R., Chehardy Sherman Williams

Magee, Todd, Riviere Law, Thibodaux Meredith, Ashley Carver

Metzinger, III, Walter “Fritz”, Stone Pigman

Paschal, C. Hogan, Fishman Haygood, Richmond, Windsor V.

Rudin, Lee M. Schonekas, McClain Segrist, Peter J. Smith, Savannah Walker

Taylor, III, B. Gene Rundell, Alexandria Troutman, John Tucker, Ryan M.

Veith, Rebekka Vozzella, Alexandra, Ayres Shelton Williams

Zeno, Micah

Stefani, Robert J. Stein, Mark S. Welborn Weinstock, Marion Werner, John D. RISING STARS Arbour, Tyler J.

Bukaty, IV, Edward F., Stone Pigman Walther

DeWitt, Madison T. Ducoing, Erica M. Cole, Shreveport Eljaouhari, Mervatt F.

Grand, Anna M. Holmes, George P. Lee, Matthew R. Shreveport

Legrand, Andrew

Lock Telep, Lauren, Lunn Irion Law Firm, Shreveport

Miller, Cody J. “C.J.” Obioha, Violet A., Stone Pigman Walther

Pang, Brandon Shreveport

Pifko, Erzsebet, Corvinus Law, Mandeville Richard, Kristi W.

Tumminello, III, Vincent

Wilson, Peter

CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Abbott, Charles H.

Bienvenu, David F. Degan, III, Sidney W.

Ezkovich, Alan D. Glas, John Jerry Grimsal, A. Gregory

Gristina, Nicholas C. Hanna, Mark E. Hayes, III, Thomas M. Hightower, Jr., Thomas R., Hightower Law Firm, Lafayette Ieyoub, Christopher P.

Iiams, Sarah E. Javier, Roger Kuchler, Deborah D. Marionneaux, F. Barry Maselli, Jr., Joseph Ordeneaux, James K. Savant, R. Heath

Talbot, Brent A. Temple, Jr., Thomas R. Weiner, Monique M. Wolff, III, John P.

JOHN P. WOLFF, III KEOGH COX

www.keoghcox.com

RISING STARS

Agee, Chandler Curtis

Bane, Ashley E.

Bergeron, Nicholas

Bradford, Brian Michael

Cefalu, III, Joseph J.

Chaney, Christian, Stanley Reuter Ross

Cutaiar, Trevor

De Napoli, Deandra Nicole

Durham, Meredith

Fisher, Sarah A., Milling Benson Woodward, Mandeville

Godofsky, Evan J. Lonero, Metairie

Grinton, Kellye R. Hickey, Jamie Hunt, Patrick Huval, Elizabeth Liuzza Johnson, Covington Kelley, Megan

Linn, Jenna Mazerac, Ashleigh N.

McIntire, Amy L. McLaughlin, Margaret W.

Moore, Matthew Kyle Doughty, Rayville Nixon, Jordan

Richards, Gretchen F. Royce, Doris A. Rudin, Skylar B.

Schwerdtfeger, Richard Senter, Meghan

Slaughter, Matthew Stewart, Whitney C., Blue Williams, Metairie Whetstone, Luke D.

Wright, George Wright IV, William K., Adams and Reese,

CIVIL LITIGATION:

SUPER LAWYERS

Balhoff, Thomas E. Sherman, Kea

RISING STARS

PLAINTIFF

Beal, Lance C. Coleman, Ronald C., Ayres Shelton Williams

Glenn, Justin Hammond Preston Gailmor, Cassie

Reed, Alexander L.H., Lagarde Law, Slidell Teutonico, Danielle, Fishman Haygood, Wilson, William J.

CIVIL RIGHTS

RISING STARS

Lanser, David Most, William Phelps, Hope

CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Abraham, Michael H. Arsenault, Richard J. Alexandria Barrios, Dawn M. Bell, Troy N. Berniard, Jeffrey P. Bickford, Scott R. Bienvenu, Jr., David M. Bohrer, Philip Bowlin, Angela M. Centola, Larry J.

Cheek, Lindsey Courington, Kaye N. Davis, Leonard A. Dugan, II, James R., The Dugan Law Firm, Eagan, Jr., Ewell (Tim) E.

Gaudet, William B., Adams and Reese, Glago, Mark P. Herman, Russ M.

Jones, Christopher K. “Chris”

Klick, James C. Kohn, Susan B.

Krouse, A.J. Leger, Jr., Walter J. Lundy, Matthew E.

Meunier, Gerald E. Miller, Kerry J. Moore, Blaine A.

Morrow, Patrick C., Morrow Morrow Ryan Murray, Jr., Stephen B., Murray Law Firm, O’Bell, Eric J.

Paulsen, III, Dwight C. Rand, Jr., Kenan S.

Whaley, John Randall, Whaley Law Firm, Whiteley, Conlee S. Wilkes, Forrest Ren

RISING STARS

Abu-Orf, Leila Collura-Day, Amanda Eagan, Kelsey A. Favret, Chelsea Gaudin Gower, C. Jacob Klevorn, Amanda Kreider, Claire E.

Luckett, Kelsey Clark

Mattappally, Jay M. Murphree, Patrick Schwab, Emma K. Smith, T. Peyton Spindler, Ali

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Bergeron, Keith J. Blackwell, Michael S., Riess LeMieux, Botnick, Michael E.

Carley, David Warren Clement, David C.

Fiore, Jennifer Forester, Jonathan S., Riess LeMieux, Foster, III, Murphy J.

Frilot, Mark W., Baker Donelson Bearman

Hunt, Michael D. King, Richard E.

Kleinman, Randall L. Landis, John M., Stone Pigman Walther

LeMieux, Christopher K., Riess LeMieux, Long, Charles B.

Lund, III, Daniel

Melchiode, Gerald A. Mercante, Mark W., Baker Donelson Bearman

Prattini, Jeffrey K., Shields Law Partners, Puente, Denise C. Robinson, Ashley B. Rutledge, Michael W. Shields, Lloyd N. Vicknair, Andrew G. 504-450-5550

Wynne, Jr., Douglass F.

RISING STARS Bourgeois, Thomas (Beau) D.

Daily, Megan Graffeo, Peter-Raymond

Hayes, Kristen, Baker Donelson Bearman

Huddleston, Jacob

Joseph, Jr., Christopher, Adams and Reese,

Keller, Robert L. Margiotta, Michael

Pri-tal, Benjamin M.

Riess, Jr., M. Robert C., Riess LeMieux,

CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Finn, William T.

Grodsky, Barry H. Murray, Bryce

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Boren, James E. Borghardt, Franz N., Borghardt Law Firm, Bourland, J. David Boustany, II, Alfred F., Boustany Law Firm, Lafayette Cazayoux, Jr., Donald J.

Cimino, Cynthia M., BrowneLaw, Metairie Damico, Thomas C. Di Giulio, Letty S. Ewing, Jr., J. Lane Gauthier, Jr., Lester J., Attorney at Law, Lafayette Goode, William L. Hébert, Stephen Hinch, Shane K.

Johnson, Sara Lorenzi, Thomas L. McLindon, John S. Moore, Steven J. Mordock, Craig J. Sanchez, Walter Marshall Smith, Jr., Kenneth Craig Shreveport Tizzard, Julie C. 504-529-3774

Toale, Robert S.

Utley, Dylan C.

Walsh, Michael S.

Yazbeck, Rachel M.

RISING STARS Antoon, Michael

Carbine, Christopher H., Carbine Law Firm, Carter, Gregory Q.

Charles-Young, JaVonna R., JC Young Law, Lafayette

Chervinsky, Sarah, The Chervinsky Law Firm, Gentry, Verity Shreveport

Jakuback Burke, Kathryn KATHRYN JAKUBACK BURKE LONGMAN JAKUBACK, APLC www.LJLaw.org Kaloyares, Aimee, Big River Trial Attorneys, Longman, Jacob

JACOB LONGMAN LONGMAN JAKUBACK, APLC www.LJLaw.org

Manuel, Chase A., Boustany Law Firm, Lafayette Norris, Ebonee R. Shreveport O’Neill, Gwyneth

Palmintier, Lori E. Phillips, Bradley S. Precht, Jordan T. Stansbury, Scott Metairie Sudduth, III, James E.

JAMES E. SUDDUTH, III www.saa.legal

Williams, Joshua K., Attorney at Law, Shreveport Williams-Simon, LaToia

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR

SUPER LAWYERS

Becker, Jr., Walter F. Bélanger, André Robert

Capitelli, Brian J. Castaing, Jr., Edward J. Hardin, Pauline F. Holthaus, C. Frank Larson, Herbert

Magner, Michael W. Meche, Timothy A. Petersen, Glen R.

Simmons, Jr., Richard (Rick) T.

Skinner, Michael D., Skinner Law Firm, Lafayette Stockstill, Kevin, Attorney at Law, Lafayette Whalen, Jr., Ralph S., Attorney at Law,

Babineaux, Joel P. Bickford, Magdalen Blessey

Boyle, Kim M. Bush, H. Michael Crochet, Vicki M. Davis, Brandon E. Demmons, Larry Edward, The Demmons Law Firm, Metairie Denson, Casey Furr, Susan W. Guidry, Gregory Stewart, Lafayette Kiggans, Thomas H., Phelps Dunbar, Korn, David M. Malone, Jr., Ernest R. Masinter, Eve B. McGoey, II, Thomas J.

ELDER LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Brown, Gary S. Losavio, Jr., Peter J., Losavio and DeJean, Prokop, Jr., Joseph A.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SUPER LAWYERS

Armstrong, Jane E. Cerrone, Stacey C.S.

Conklin, Katherine Rachal, Robert W. Shapiro, Howard Thorne, René E. Williams, Michael S., Phelps Dunbar,

RISING STARS Canfill, Regan M.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI

SUPER LAWYERS

Calmes, Jr., John P., Attorney at Law,

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR

SUPER LAWYERS Alessandra, M. Nan

Miller, Eric R. Murov, Ellis B. Murphy, Kerry A. Myers, Sarah Voorhies

Scott, Timothy H. Whitehead, Jr., Jack K., Whitehead Law Firm, Wilson, Scott D.

RISING STARS Avery, Laura Baer, Andrew Blackman, Natalie Bordes, Kenneth C. Bryant, Camille R. Daniel, Justine Giorlando, Philip J. Hains, Alexandra C. Jeanfreau, Rachael

Lambert, Kristyn Mariano, Meagan E., Casey Denson Law, Plaiscia, Amanda M., Blue Williams, Metairie Townsend, Mercedes A., Casey Denson Law,

Turkington, Courtney H. Victorian, Michael

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Fischman, Debra J.

Harold, Edward F. Knight, Kathryn M., Stone Pigman Walther Le Clercq, Frederic Theodore ‘Ted’

Livaudais, Julie D. Marks, Kevin A. Wisdom, Rachel Wendt, Stone Pigman Walther

RISING STARS

Liner, Elizabeth, Baker Donelson Bearman

McCluer, Matthew

Sha, Rebecca Sirera, Sara Grace

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Jones, Allison A. Shreveport Landry, III, Robert B. ROBERT B. LANDRY, III ROBERT B. LANDRY III, PLC www.landryfirm.com Stiegler, Charles J., Stiegler Law Firm, Williams, Christopher L., Williams Litigation,

RISING STARS Kech, Kourtney

KOURTNEY KECH www.saa.legal

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

SUPER LAWYERS

Clements, Miles P. Daigle, Susan A., Daigle Rayburn, Lafayette

Darden, M. Taylor

Davidson, Randall S., Davidson Summers, Shreveport

Downer, III, Philip E. Wilhite, Shreveport Hayne, Jr., C. Peck

Hebert, Aimee W. Horton, Leland G. Shea, Shreveport

Jurgens, III, George B. Klemm, Kenneth M., Baker Donelson Bearman

Marshall, Jr., Charles D., Milling Benson Woodward, Mandeville Mascari, Pamela Roman

Masur, Samuel E. McGlone, Michael A. Murchison, Malcolm S. Shea, Shreveport Nicholson, Cynthia A.

O’Connor, Scott A.

Patton, Margaret G., Patton Law Firm,

Pearce, John Y. Perrier, Kelly D.

Rhymes, Jamie D. Shea, Jr., Joseph L. Shea, Shreveport

RISING STARS Bambrick, Erin Brassett, Michael R.

Flanagan, Caitlin J., Flanagan Partners,

Hearne, Jr., Wm Lake, Davidson Summers, Shreveport Hickman, Jaclyn

Ishee, Michael Kollmeyer, Josiah M. McCall, Thomas Morale, Trinity A. Rhorer, James D. Scarafia, Rachel M. Tettleton, Andrea K.

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Toledano, Suzette

ENVIRONMENTAL

SUPER LAWYERS Daschbach, Bessie

Johnson, Greg L. RISING STARS Rucinski, Lauren J.

ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Bartlett, Tad Brumby, Turner

Gray, Patrick W. Lafayette Hand, Jr., Albert M.

Johnson, Mary S. Mandeville Juneau, Claire E. Kanner, Allan Knister, Terrence K.

LeBlanc, IV, J. Burton

Malbrew, Penny Leonard, Malbrew Law, Lafayette Neuner, Jr., Francis X., NeunerPate, Lafayette Nieset, James R. Swetman, Max

RISING STARS Garcia, Amber B. Gillen, Laura M., Blue Williams, Metairie Guidry, Hattie Lewis, Sara M. Penner, D’Ann Poole, Leah C. Schilling, E. Blair Smith, Matthew B.

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Abbott, Jr., Hirschel T., Stone Pigman Walther

Adams, Marguerite L. Burkenstock, Susan J.

Coleman, J. Grant Hayes, Steven E., Chehardy Sherman Williams

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Lehmann, Lawrence M. Medlin, W. Deryl Meltzer, Donald M. Mengis, Joseph W. Moragas, Sheila L. Neff, Carole Cukell

Perez, Robert L. Placer, Jr., Joseph M. Plunkett, Laura Walker, Stone Pigman Walther

Reso, Patrick K., Chehardy Sherman Williams

Riess, F. Kelleher Sagona, Beau P., The Derbes Law Firm, Metairie, Shreves, John F. Sigler, David L.

Weems, III, Charles S. Rundell, Alexandria

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Deane, Karnina Dargin, Preis, Lafayette Gamble, Stephanie G. Kyle Wynne, Jena Mannino, Justin McMakin, Dixon Wallace Weidner, Samantha Law, Metairie

FAMILY LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Batte, Gregory H. Hathaway, Shreveport Bayle, Suzanne Ecuyer

Buhrer, R. Scott, Buhrer Law Firm, Metairie Cabral, H. Craig Carter, Jennifer C.

Cox Williams, Angela

Felder, Bradford H. Lafayette, 337-234-5350

BRADFORD H. FELDER

www.vfrlawfirm.com

Franz, Patricia M. Metairie Greene, Jennifer J. Gregorie, Nancy Sue Haines, Kenneth P. Hale, Steven W. Hall, Michael J. Hesser, David C. Hoffman, Jeffrey M.

Hoffman, Mitchell J., Lowe Stein Hoffman Howley Connois, Christy M.

Kesler, Debra M., Attorney at Law, Metairie Lane, Steven J.

Levy, Robert G., LaCroix Levy and Barnett, Alexandria Lowe, Robert C.

Mansfield, Mark J. Covington Miciotto, Ronald J. Miller, Jack Morris, Edith H. Neathamer, Susan H. Nguyen, Kim Ngan Prados, David M. Rue, Stephen R. Salley, Laurel A. Schwab, Danna Smith, Suzette Marie, Lowe Stein Hoffman

Tranchina, Jr., Frank P. Winsberg, Marc D. Ziv, Barbara J.

RISING STARS Bennatt, Candice Bowers, Clinton M., Bowers Law Firm, Shreveport Burke, Clare S.

Cain, Amber L. Cranmer, Brad

Edwards, Claire B., Attorney at Law, Lafayette Faia, Alexandra

Gamble, Jonathan D. Kuehl, Jr., Gordon Joseph LeBlanc, Betsy L. Addis

Miciotto, Mark Mitchell, Parker Crowley Patti, A. Camille

Shoenfelt, Mary Katherine

Treadaway, Kristyl Revelle, Treadaway Law, Metairie

Vamvoras-Antoon, Alyson, Vamvoras Antoon,

GENERAL LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Abaunza, Donald R. Ayres, Leland H., Ayres Shelton Williams

Balhoff, II, John T.

Benson, J. Todd Paine, Shreveport

Delery Davis, Tiffany, Ron Austin Law, Harvey Giarrusso, III, Joseph I.

Hebert, Paul J. Herman, Stephen J. Kerrigan, Jr., Robert E. Kleinpeter, R. Loren, Attorney at Law, McKinney, Don S., Adams and Reese, Mills, Alysson L. Ostendorf, Lance S-22

Perrier, Guy D. Philips, Jr., Harry J. Rather, Jr., James C. JAMES C. RATHER, JR.

www.alker-rather.com

Spaht, Paul H. Sternberg, Scott L.

Williams, James M., Chehardy Sherman Williams

RISING STARS

Bergeron, Jr., Roy L. Calhoun, Lindsay

Carpenter, Brittanie Shea, Shreveport

Coreil, Jeffrey K., NeunerPate, Lafayette Gremillion, Jr., Druit

Hawkins, Dakota S. Shea, Shreveport James, S. Eliza

Johnson, James H. Katz, Nicole Kraatz, Arthur Lamb, Alexandra Lambert, Taylor R. Ludeau, Christopher, Ludeau Law Firm,

Morris, Ebony S. Nelson, Jared Ross, Emily E. Tamporello, Elizabeth Evans, Stone Pigman

Wells, Molly L. Wynne, Michael C., The Dill Firm, Lafayette

HEALTH CARE

SUPER LAWYERS

Caesar, Craig L. Caraway, Katy King, Jr., Errol J. LeBlanc, Ann Marie Savoie, Lyn Staub, Jr., Perry R. Trostorff, Danielle

RISING STARS

Cicardo Mannino, Katherine, Phelps Dunbar, Moore, Catherine B.

IMMIGRATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Drennan, George C. Gasparian, Kathleen

RISING STARS Moody, Flavia Rocha

INSURANCE COVERAGE

SUPER LAWYERS

Arnold, Nicholas P., Blue Williams, Metairie Balascio, Michael A.

Bargas, Valerie Briggs Beckman, Kristin L. Brettner, Jacqueline M., Brettner Counsel, Cot, Jose R. Curtis, Martha Y. Dinneen, Susan E., Strauss Massey Dinneen, Elliott, Céleste D.

Flanagan, Harold J., Flanagan Partners, Gasperecz, A. Kirk, Adams and Reese, Giarrusso, Catherine Fornias, Pipes Miles Guichet, Joseph P. Homza, Brian A. Shreveport Joachim, Alexis P.

Kappen, Tina Lane, Michael D. Miles, Stephen L.

Monson, Matthew D., The Monson Law Firm, Mandeville Pate, James L., NeunerPate, Lafayette Pipes, III, H. Minor

Rogge, Susan M.

Schmeeckle, Seth A. Schudmak, Shaundra M., Lugenbuhl Wheaton

Sever, Jay Russell

Teske, Christopher R.

Treas, Bill T. Wilson, Kristopher T.

RISING STARS Addison, Bryce M. Arceneaux, Jeanne Barton, E. Madison Bonnaffons, Kelsey Connick, Brendan P. Culver, Christina A. Dantin, Vic Farmer, Jay Gerrity, Abigail Godbey, Aaron Slidell

Hair, Galen M., Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, Metairie

Hand, Nathan Ryne, The Monson Law Firm, Mandeville Hinton, Ashley W. Lauricella, Alexander A., Strauss Massey Dinneen,

Marchand, Jessica Meeks, Kelsey L. Montiel, Jr., Mark G. Mura, Jennifer L., DeRouen Law Firm, Pandit, Rajan

Schmidt, Ashley U., Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, Metairie Schmidt, Patrick R. Soboul, Lindsey M. Wimberley, Brock L., Strauss Massey Dinneen,

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

SUPER LAWYERS

Areaux, Raymond G.

Bullock, Stephen G., Stone Pigman Walther

Chastain, Jr., James R. Harris, Lesli D.

Walshe, Jr., Michael Q., Stone Pigman Walther

RISING STARS

Engler, Jessica C. Nehrbass, Fabian

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Harrigan, Brad

INTERNATIONAL

SUPER LAWYERS Fowler, III, George J.

MEDIA AND ADVERTISING

SUPER LAWYERS Roy, Mary Ellen

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

SUPER LAWYERS

Reymond, III, Leon J.

Stubbs, Jr., William P. Lafayette Whittaker, Scott T., Stone Pigman Walther

RISING STARS

Montgomery, Meghan Dupre, Fishman Haygood, Naccari, Keith J.

Willis, Patrick H., Baker Donelson Bearman

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Acomb, Wm. Ryan

Anseman, III, Norman E.

Armand, Jr., Donald, Pettiette Armand Shreveport Baay, II, John E.W.

Bash, Lottie L. Alexandria Cranner, Bruce A.

BRUCE A. CRANNER

www.talleyanthony.com

deLaup, Mickey S. DeRouen, Patrick D., DeRouen Law Firm,

Gideon, Kyle L., Davidson Meaux Sonnier Lafayette, 337-237-1660 Juneau Rookard, Kelly G.

Kay, III, Ped C. Mouton, Charles A. O’Bryon, Kevin C.

Oliver, Kenny L. Spears, Kenneth R. S-22 Truitt, Jack E. (Bobby), The Truitt Law Firm, Yacoubian, Alan J.

RISING STARS

Bernard, David C. Metairie Duncan, Lauren A., The Truitt Law Firm,

Elmer, John Gahagan, Peter M. Gould, Kristopher M. Hotard, Amy Dunn Ishee, Jami 337-237-1660 Kelley, Ryan David Lack, Chris Maddocks, Mallory Fields Johnson, Thibodaux McAllister, Sean M.

Morse, Amanda Gammon Metairie Stearns, Ambrose Telep, Ryan Paine, Shreveport Whetstone, Briana E.

Armentor, Glenn J. Lafayette Babcock, Stephen

Bassett, Jeffrey M., Morrow Morrow Ryan Berger, Allan Bice, Jay Blanda, Nicholas A. S-22 Brandner, Jr., Michael S. Attorneys, Metairie Broussard, Richard C. Lafayette, 337-233-2323 Brown, Somer G.

Bruno, Stephen P. Bush, D. Wayne, Attorney at Law, Leesville Cain, Joseph E.

Campbell, Robert L., Williamson Fontenot Carmouche, John H. Catalanotto, Rachael P.

Chopin, Justin M., The Chopin Law Firm, Chopin, Richard A., The Chopin Law Firm,

Clayton, Tony Colomb, Brian C. Attorneys, Lafayette Corzo, Christopher J. Cossich, Jr., Philip F. Courtenay, James Creevy, John S.

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Alexander, Glenn W. Anderman, Jody E., Waddell Anderman, Anderson, Jr., Bennett Boyd Andrews, B. Scott

David, Blake R. deGravelles, J. Neale, Walters Papillion Thomas DeJean, Kenneth W. DeJean, Lafayette Didriksen, III, Caleb H. DiLeo, Gregory P.

Doran, Pride J. Dunahoe, Jr., Edwin, Dunahoe Law Firm, Dunahoe, Jared Earles, Digger Lafayette

Edwards, Thomas R. Edwards, Lafayette

Filo, Thomas A.

Friedman, Jonathan P. Frischhertz, Marc L. S-7

Gaar, Jr., Joseph F. Gee, William Geiger, Andrew J.

Gennusa, Jeffrey S. Gertler, Louis L. Gertler, Meyer H. Gisleson, Soren E.

Green, Jeffrey P. Guerriero, Jeffrey D. Monroe Guidry, Kirk A. Haik, Jr., Richard T., Morrow Morrow Ryan

Hall, Jr., Alton J. Hammond, II, Peirce A., Hammond Law Firm, Hargett, Jacob Herman, Maury A.

Hoffoss, Lee Hooks, III, Kenneth H. Hunter, Philip Impastato, III, Dominick F. S-7 Jacobs, Darleen M. Jacobson, Tamara Kluger

Jones, Jennifer Ann, Jones Law Firm, Cameron Joubert, John T. Kelly, Keenan K. Kennedy, III, Richard Ramsey

Kiefer, Kris P. Kiefer, Megan C. Kreller, Stephen S. STEPHEN S. KRELLER www.krellerlaw.com

Laborde, David Lafayette

Lagarde, Ross F., Lagarde Law, Slidell,

Lamothe, III, Frank E., Lamothe Law Firm,

Layrisson, Parker, Parker Layrisson Law Firm,

Loup, Terry B. Mahone, Jr., Michael A., The Mahone Firm,

Manard, III, Robert L. Mansfield, Seth

Marcelle, Brian Patrick

McGovern, Glenn C., Attorney at Law, Metairie McKernan, Gordon J.

Meredith, Jr., C. Locke Mitchell, Jeffrey A.

Moroux, Jerome H. 337-233-2323 Morris, Trey S-22

Nazareth, Neil F.

O’Pry, II, Donovan J. Palazzo, Leo J. Palmintier, Michael C.

Piacun, Joseph S. Pichon, Jeremy J. Possa, Joseph C. Quackenbos, Andrew Joseph, Domengeaux

Rannals, Tracey Roberts, Chaz Roy, James P. Edwards, Lafayette Roy, John Parkerson Edwards, Lafayette Ryan, James P. Salim, Robert L. Saunders, Benjamin B. Mandeville Scallan, Vincent P.

Schwartzberg, Michael H. Silbert, Scott E.

St. Pé, Kenneth D. Thomas, David Abboud, Walters Papillion

Tomeny, III, Frank, Tomeny Law Firm d/b/a Townsley, Rex D., The Townsley Law Firm,

Unglesby, Lewis, Unglesby Law Firm,

LEWIS UNGLESBY www.unglesbylaw.com Villemarette, Chris, Attorney at Law, Lafayette Voorhies, III, Richard P., The Voorhies Law Firm, Waddell, Cameron R., Waddell Anderman,

Walters, Jr., Edward J., Walters Papillion Thomas

Ward, Aub A. Welborn, Jason M. Whittington, Christopher Lee, Williamson

Williamson, Luke, Williamson Fontenot Zainey, Jr., J. Christopher

RISING STARS

Antony, Max S. Badeaux, Tommy J. Badeaux, Metairie

Baer, Jason M., Baer Law, Metairie Barry, Jr., Denis W. Bassett, Taylor J. Bordelon, Shawn Alexandria Boxie, Raven Brandhurst, Alaina Bruscato, John F. Clayton, Joshua P., Clayton Law Firm, Slidell Colligan, Lucas S. Courrege, C. Scott

Credeur, Adam R. DeJean, Lafayette Crotty, Matthew Alexandria DeAgano, Christopher

DeJean, Natalie M. DeJean, Lafayette

DeReus, Casey C., Baer Law, Metairie Dick, Jr., Kelley R.

Easley, Jeff D., Spurgeon Law Firm, Alexandria Ellis, Reed K. 337-233-2323

Gettes, Jeremy N., Chehardy Sherman Williams

Gibbs, Gillian (Gigi) Gulick, Benjamin

Hawkins, Markita

Honeycutt Calandro, Hannah

Isaza, Pablo

LaCombe, Christopher S.

LaLande, Deil J. Langlois, Jr., Gary M. Lassalle, Joseph G. (Jerry)

Lillis, Michael Liriano, Carmen C. Lloyd, Ryan T. Monroe

Lorio, Phil Malvin, Maxwell Mansfield, Scott M.

McAllister, LaCrisha, Boling Law Firm, McGregor, George

GEORGE MCGREGOR

www.burgoslawfirm.com

Melancon, Collin

Meredith, Mitchell

Muller-McCrary, Anne Marie

Nerren, Chancellor Notariano Liddell, Meghan E., Parker Layrisson

Page, Sandra James

Pawlicki, Peyton F.

Pertuit, Matthew, Chehardy Sherman Williams

Phillips, Sarah A. Richard, Scott M. 337-233-2323

Robertson, Alex T.

Rodrigues, Ana Rogenes, Matthew D. Russell, Danny Salter, Hannah Smith, Jacki L.

Smith, Matt, Matt Smith Law, Shreveport

Sprinkle, Richard

RICHARD SPRINKLE LONGMAN JAKUBACK, APLC www.LJLaw.org

Spurgeon, Samuel J., Spurgeon Law Firm,

Spurgeon, Stephen J., Spurgeon Law Firm, Alexandria

Stein, Joshua A., Baer Law, Metairie Thomas, III, Louis H. Thornton, Ellen

Trichell, Charles “Chase”

Vidrine, Cody J. Wasielewski, Jonathan Welborn, John, Attorney at Law, DeRidder Woods, Carl A. (Trey)

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Bradley Jr., C. Wm.

Breaud, Alan K. Crisler, Richard S.

Curry, Guy C., Curry Law Firm, Mandeville Gibbs, Vance A. James, Gordon L. Monroe

Judice, Marc W. Robichaux, Craig J. Scofield, Bryan D. Sobel, David R. Alexandria

Sperling, Peter E. Williams, Douglas K.

RISING STARS Adams, L. David

Biller, Benjamin J. Gulotta, Adam Licciardi, Jr., Lance

Miller, Bert J., Blue Williams, Metairie

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Bialous, Todd J. Bowling, David A., Bowling Christiansen Law

David, Robert J. Ecuyer, Michael J. Hammons, John L. S-1, S-3 Kott, Joseph A. Morrison IV, Walter C. Mouton, Benjamin P. Orrill, Jr., R. Ray Russell, III, Sera H.

Samuels, Kara Hadican Schrumpf, Oliver Silvestri, Frank A. Townsley, Todd A., The Townsley Law Firm,

Wagar, III, Nelson W. Mandeville Wicker, III, T. Carey

Willis, Jennifer RISING STARS Christiansen, Zachary Ryan, Bowling Christiansen

Hickman, Sarah W. Ikerd, Whitney S. Murray, Jr., William W. S-1, S-3 Naquin, Rachel

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Culotta, Janice M. Gray, Tim Laborde, Kenneth H. Lavelle, Paul M. Manning, Kathleen A. Massenburg, Christopher O. Myers, Stephen G.A.

Norwood, Jr., Colvin G.

Olinde, John F. Puente, Magali A. Pugh, III, Lawrence G.

Redmann, Jr., David E. Sarver, Richard E.

Surprenant, Mark C., Adams and Reese, Urquhart, Jr., Quentin F.

RISING STARS

Byrd, Allyson Corb, Natasha Davis, Farren L.

Donovan, Meaghan M. Reid, Sarah Semmes, Mathilde V.

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Boling, Jeremiah Hoffman, Philip C. Kleinpeter, Robert E. Lundy, Hunter W.

RISING STARS Lambert, M. Palmer

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Barnett-Bernal, Brooke, Long Law Firm, Blanchfield, Andrew

ANDREW BLANCHFIELD KEOGH COX

www.keoghcox.com Brennan, Terrence L. Gibson, James H. Lund, Daniel Theard, Kelly E.

RISING STARS Lessell, Melissa

REAL ESTATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Cahill, Jr., Elwood F.

Crosby, E. Howell

de Lisle, Victoria M. Dwyer, Stephen I. Metairie

Eyrich, Lillian E. Kitziger, Paul

Landry, Charles A., Fishman Haygood,

LeBreton, Rose McCabe, Lugenbuhl Wheaton

Leyens, Jr., Jon F., Baker Donelson Bearman

Marquette, J. Tyler, Fishman Haygood,

McCabe, Ryan M. Metairie

Moore, Marie A.

Mouton, Robert W. Raymond, Anne Elizabeth, Lugenbuhl Wheaton

Richter, Richard P.

Roussel, Randy P. Schneider, Michael R., Stone Pigman Walther

Schott, Stephen P. Sclafani, Kyle

Serio, Steven C. Sher, Leopold Z. Slaton, James E. A., Stone Pigman Walther

Steeg, Robert M. Talley, Susan G., Stone Pigman Walther

Tessier, Frank A.

Title, Peter S. Willis, Sterling Scott, Fishman Haygood,

RISING STARS Beaton, Travis A. Fitzgerald, Chelsea P. Huete, Scott Lack, Amanda

Marriott, Joseph R.

O’Flynn, Casey Q.

Ricci, Michael S. Robert, Matthieu, Fishman Haygood, Schultis, Jonathan

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

SUPER LAWYERS Craig, Michelle D.

SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE

SUPER LAWYERS

Chenevert, Scott D., Fishman Haygood, Gershanik, Maureen B., Fishman Haygood,

SECURITIES LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Freeman, III, George C., Barrasso Usdin

McCardle, Lance C., Fishman Haygood, Peiffer, Joseph C.

Swanson, James R., Fishman Haygood, RISING STARS Berg, Nicholas Dressel, Robert J.

STATE, LOCAL & MUNICIPAL

SUPER LAWYERS

Coudrain, Andre G. Hammond

SURETY SUPER LAWYERS

D’Arcy, Adrian A.

Gordon, Elizabeth L., Shields Law Partners, Kern, Jay H.

TAX

SUPER LAWYERS

Adams, III, Jesse R. Angelico, Robert S.

Baringer, Dale R., The Baringer Law Firm,

Calhoun, Jaye A. Cassidy, David R.

Elkins, Gary J. Goode, Carl S.

Gunn, David S. 225-767-1550 Klein, Steven I.

Koch, David G.

Miller, Bruce A., Attorney at Law, Metairie Stutes, Jr., Russell J.

Tarcza, Robert E.

Weiler, John J. Williams, John R., Ayres Shelton Williams

RISING STARS Birdsong, Jeffrey Byrd Thibodeaux, Jessica, Bryson Law Firm, Covington Sullivan, Andrew

White, Jacob C. Paine, Shreveport

TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS

RISING STARS Smith, Parker N.

TRANSPORTATION/MARITIME

SUPER LAWYERS

Adley, Michael W. Arata, Jr., Blake G.

Barry, Jr., Francis J. Belsome, Bradley R. Bland, III, Wilton E.

Bohman, Martin S. Bourque, Jr., Charles C. Houma

Brooks, Jr., Philip S.

Butterworth, Michael M., Phelps Dunbar, Colletta, Katharine R., Phelps Dunbar, Colletta, Jr., Thomas Louis, Lugenbuhl Wheaton

Cozad, Richard A.

Crawford, Todd G.

Daigle, Daryl J. Dittman, Stevan C.

Dodson, Richard J. Dragna, Gerard J. Fay, Jr., John F. Ferchmin, Adelaida J. Flint, Jr., Delos E.

Flotte, David M.

Force, Joshua S.

Guy, Matthew C. Harowski, Michael Hassinger, Timothy W. Hemphill, Gary A. Hilbert, Jr., Peter L.

Hurley, Grady S. Hymel, Richard J. Jarrett, R. Keith Jones, L. Blake, Blake Jones Law Firm,

Kallam, Robert M. Katz, Brian D. Kenney, Jason R. Metairie Kessenich, J. Fredrick Covington Knezek, Elena Arcos 337-266-2233

ELENA ARCOS KNEZEK KNEZEK LAW

www.knezeklaw.com

Koch, Jr., R. Joshua Kopfler, Joseph G.

Laizer, Edwin C. Larzelere, Stephen M.

LaVie, Kevin J. LeBreton, III, Edward F., Jones Walker, Legrand, Georges M., Mouledoux Bland

Mason, W. Brett, Stone Pigman Walther McCleskey, Jr., Robert P., Phelps Dunbar,

McElligott, Jr., John E., Davidson Meaux Sonnier Lafayette, 337-237-1660

Merchant, Kevin P., NeunerPate, Lafayette Mestayer, Michael J.

Moeller, Matthew A., The Moeller Firm, Morrison, Thomas Kent L., Phelps Dunbar, Morrow, Jr., P. Craig, Morrow Morrow Ryan

Morse, Harry E. Mouledoux, André J. Musser, V, John H., Murphy Rogers Sloss

Parks, C. Michael

Perry, S. Brian Peterson, Cayce Plunkett, Jr., Lawrence R. Plunkett, Metairie Post, Kristi A. Preis, Jr., Edwin G., Preis, Lafayette Rivera, James T. Rome, III, C. Perrin

Sanderson, Adam P., The Chopin Law Firm, Scalise, Kelly T. Schwartz, William B. Sella, Eric Winder Sharpe, David B. Slater, III, Benjamin R. Soule, Scott A., Blue Williams, Metairie Sterbcow, Paul M.

Taylor, Ian F. IAN F. TAYLOR

www.lksalaw.com

Theunissen, Randall K. Thomas, Miles C., Miles Thomas Law, Tompkins, Peter B., Murphy Rogers Sloss

Truxillo, Douglas W. Lafayette Waguespack, Jason P.

Waid, Raymond T. Warshauer, Irving J.

Wheaton, Jr., Scott R.

Woods, Jonathan L. Lafayette

Wynne, William Pitard, Trahant Wynne, Madisonville Young, Timothy J. RISING STARS Altmyer, Jacob

Amy, Michael T. Bologna, Taylor

Cambre, Colin B. Davis, Adam Guillot, Gavin H. Kean, R. Chauvin Kelley, Morgan Elizabeth Ramos, Destinee F. Scott, Lorin R.

Walsh, Tarryn E. Zubic, R. Ethan

UTILITIES

SUPER LAWYERS

Alford, III, W. Raley, Stanley Reuter Ross

Darce, Noel, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann, Kantrow, Kara B. Marionneaux, Kyle C. Parkerson, G. Bruce Piontek, Luke F. LUKE F. PIONTEK PISANO www.roedelparsons.com

RISING STARS

Azuma, Pierce C. Babin, Patrick J. Borne, Charmaine B. Lafayette Hymel, JoAnn Lebouef, Lee Sins, Joshua Smith, Lafayette Tufts, Mark T. Veech, Stephanie

Stanton, Daniel B. Tweedy, Jonathan A., SBSB Eastham,

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Bernstein, Beth S. Brackett, Alan G.

Brewster, Arthur J., Brewster Law Firm, Metairie Mandel, Jeffrey I. Frieman, Metairie Renegar, Dona K. Lafayette

NICHOLAS A. BLANDA

SALTZMAN 2010 West Pinhook Road Tel: 337-233-3366 Fax: 337-233-3163

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

TRANSPORTATION/MARITIME PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF

Selected to Super Lawyers

LANCE OSTENDORF OSTENDORF TATE BARNETT, LLP 650 Poydras Street Suite 1460

GENERAL LITIGATION

TRANSPORTATION/MARITIME PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE

hotel and resort litigation, retail operations, offshore/energy

Selected to Super Lawyers

Selected to Super Lawyers TREY MORRIS

KENNETH R. SPEARS SPEARS GARY, L.L.C. Suite 10 Lake Charles, LA 70605 Fax: 337-735-9724

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE

CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE

A World Inside Out

In Mermentou Cove a group preserves the Cajun tradition of Courir de Mardi Gras

RABALAIS

Three masked men climb atop a barn and pound their fists against its rusted roof. Below, another steals a rope from one of several black-hatted capitaines whose impossible role today is to control these revelers or, in local patois, these Mardi Gras. One capitaine dismounts his horse and tackles the thief. Dust stirs as the rope strikes buttocks and back, all amid raining laughter.

(Above) Capitaine Chance Henry, a founder of Cadien Toujours, takes a break before the first stop at the annual Courir de Mardi Gras de L’anse in Mermentau Cove. Capitaines ride horses. Some Mardi Gras ride, while others walk, ride on open trailers, or a combination of both. (Right) Mardi Gras kneel before the capitaine to perform their traditional song at each stop.

In high-pitched shrieks, other Mardi Gras beg for money, rice, celery — for anything. Eventually, they beg for the ultimate prize, a live chicken they will chase through soggy fields so they can add it to tonight’s communal gumbo. Farther away, one hangs upside down from an oak while others wade knee-deep through a crawfish pond to pilfer a trap. A capitaine raises his rope as his horse shies from the path of a reveler pushing a wobbly wheelbarrow in which a passenger sits, legs crossed, waving like a freshly crowned queen.

All the while, notes rise from an accordion, a fiddle, a ’tit fer,

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KEVIN

DID YOU KNOW?

Cadien Toujours hosts an annual boucherie, which helps to fund the organization’s traditional courir. The all-day event is open to the public and is on Jan. 7, 2023. It starts at 7 a.m. with a blessing and “goes until it’s over.” An entry fee of $10 covers “all the food you can eat, including gumbo, backbone stew, fresh sausage, fresh boudin and cracklins.” Alcohol is available for purchase. For more information, contact Cadien Toujours: cadientoujours@ gmail.com.

AT A GLANCE

and a guitar. This music accompanies a gravelly voice singing in Cajun French. In costumes, some repurposed from grandmothers’ quilts, the Mardi Gras dance. They dance with women and men. They dance with children. They dance, in this kaleidoscopic dreamscape, with one another.

Welcome to the Courir de Mardi Gras — that day of the year when reality upends itself, all roles reverse and anything is possible. “If we threw this party anywhere else in the world, we would all get arrested,” says Jesse Bertrand, a capitaine. Moments later, a Mardi Gras knocks off his hat. Bertrand raises his rope but can’t conceal his smile. Here, on land where many of these revelers’ ancestors partook in the same rituals, Carnival — “the world inside out,” as M.M. Bakhtin deemed it — unfurls at its most authentic.

“Seeing it from the outside, it looks like total chaos,” says Chance Henry. “It is, but it’s controlled chaos.”

“You go out and you act the fool. You put on a show for everybody,” says Steven Richard, president of Cadien Toujours, whose mission is to preserve Cajun culture.

“Mardi Gras is a way to keep the tradition alive,” says Richard’s wife, Lily, the organization’s secretary. Cadien Toujours started in 2016 after Henry, Steven Richard and Devon Vincent decided to revive the traditional all-male courir, or run, in Mermentau Cove.

“This is etched into the culture,” Henry says. “To be able to run is a rite of passage for a young man in the Cajun community. It provides a true sense of community.”

The latter is central to Cadien Toujours’ mission. “All of the money we raise from Mardi Gras goes back into

LOCATION Acadia Parish

FLORA

Grooved flax, small palafoxia, shining indigo-bush

FAUNA Sabine map turtle, southern crawfish frog, Teche painted crawfish

(Above) In Mermentau Cove, musicians ride in a livestock trailer and play throughout the courir. They dismount at each stop to perform for homeowners who welcome the procession. (Top Right) In one of their more recognizable feats, Mardi Gras sometimes stand on their horses as they sing the traditional song or perform for the community. (Right) While some homeowners release chickens for the Mardi Gras to chase, others offer guineafowl. At each stop, the Mardi Gras often leap fences, crawl under barbed wire or beneath houses in order to capture this ultimate prize.

the community,” Lily says. “We donate what we collect to people in need. This year, we also plan to fix up the historic grave houses in Istre Cemetery.”

The group’s annual courir begins shortly after dawn with a priest and a prayer. Then the epic procession begins. On foot and horseback, they move through the countryside in vibrant costumes. The band follows in a trailer. At neighbors’ houses, the Mardi Gras beg, carouse and dance. On they move, travelling over often-unpaved roads. Before noon, they reach Istre Cemetery, where some of their ancestors are buried. Here, all mischief halts. The Mardi Gras remove their masks. They kneel and pray. Many weep.

Then the procession resumes, and with it the antics, the laughter. The Mardi Gras pilfer items abandoned on the roadside. They fill their wagons with couches, TVs, old tires. They trespass into yards and board

riding lawnmowers. They jump on trampolines and children’s playsets until capitaines chase them back to the road, where they beg from strangers in cars before continuing to the next stop. There, once again, they sing and dance. They offer thanks. By the end of the day, they traverse 14 miles of Louisiana country and community.

The tradition descends from medieval Europe. It travelled across the Atlantic, carried in the imaginations of those who fled France for the New World. Today, thanks to the imaginations of their descendants, it thrives in places such as Basile, Church Point, Elton, Mamou and Mermentau Cove.

“In some places the pulse beats stronger than in others,” said Henri Cartier-Bresson. Somewhere in his own imagination, he might have had these Louisiana towns in mind. They are places of passion and wonder. n

“For an entire day, a considerable number of adults willingly suspend reality for the sake of the celebration, the very nature of which demands unquestioning submission to the authority of a chosen leader who acts as an intermediary between the ritual madness of the procession and the people they will visit,” write Barry Jean Ancelet, Jay Edwards and Glen Pitre in the book “Cajun Country.”

As Carolyn E. Ware writes in her article “Cajun Women and Mardi Gras: Reading the Rules Backward,” “Historically, most Cajun Mardi Gras runs included only male riders … Women traditionally play supportive parts which are more or less extensions of their domestic roles: they sew the Mardi Gras costumes, cook the gumbo served at the end of the run, applaud and dance with the maskers. Their contributions to the event have generally received less attention than those of men; nevertheless many Cajun women say that they have always felt deeply invested in the custom.”

MARDI GRAS DAY

Another unique aspect of southwest Louisiana Carnival is the annual Iowa Chicken Run, the only Creole courir de Mardi Gras of its kind. Iowa (pronounced I-O-Way) community members go door to door “begging” for ingredients on Mardi Gras, much like their Cajun counterparts, in order to create a communal gumbo.

“They get the rice at one stop, the chicken at another stop, the vegetables [at another],” Duncan explained.

Naturally, some items are purchased.

Carnival on the Lake

Lake Charles puts

BY CHERÉ COEN

its own

unique spin on annual celebrations

The first Carnival parade to roll however, doesn’t stick to the pavement. The 2023 Lighted Boat Parade, features dozens of boats decorated for the season. The parade begins with a rotation around Lake Charles (the actual lake) at 7 p.m., Feb. 16. For those who prefer a street parade, the Merchants’ Parade rolls Feb. 17, on Ryan Street.

Chickens are involved, but they’re safe game — pun intended — when it comes to cooking the gumbo later in the day. (In other words, no chickens are harmed at this family-friendly event.)

Like most South Louisiana cities, Lake Charles pulls out the stops for its annual Carnival festivities — more than 60 krewes and a host of related events. What makes this southwest city unique, however, is the annual gala that gives visitors and residents alike an insider’s view of Carnival without having to be a krewe member.

Everyone is welcome to the Royal Gala on Feb. 20, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Lake Charles krewe members — kings and queens, jesters and debutantes and more — stroll through the arena in their costumed glory for visitors to view. It’s an opportunity to witness the enormous detail (and expense) invested in each costume.

But the fun begins with the 12th Night Car Show & Festival on Jan. 7, followed by a Taste of Mardi Gras on Feb. 15, a king cake tasting at the Civic Center Boardwalk, sponsored by the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association.

A highlight of this year’s Carnival is the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 18, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Both amateur and professional teams, including many krewes, cook up their version of gumbo in the categories of chicken and sausage, seafood or wild game. Judging takes place around noon, then visitors are invited to sample the contestants’ gumbo both inside the arena and out.

“It’s huge,” said Kathryn Shea Duncan, director of social media at Visit Lake Charles. “I went last year and the line was around the block.”

Also on Feb. 18 is the Krewe of Barkus dog parade at the Civic Center, the Krewe of Omega Parade down Enterprise Boulevard and the Krewe of Illusions Extravaganza Show and Mardi Gras Ball, which honors Día de los Muertos. For the ball, formal attire is required.

On Feb. 19, it’s all about the kids. At 11 a.m. the Children’s Day activities at the Lake Charles Civic Center kick off, ending at 2:30 p.m. in time for the annual Mardi Gras Children’s Day Parade at 3:30 p.m. starting on Ryan Street.

Learn more at visitlakecharles.org/swlamardigras/ events. n

The courir de Mardi Gras rides through the community on horseback and wagons, throws the chickens in the air and lets adults and children alike try to catch the poultry, as is the centuries-old tradition originating in France. Later, Iowa community residents gather for gumbo and live music, food and fun are all free.

Back in Lake Charles, the Mardi Gras parades are rolling on Feb. 21, with the Krewe of Krewes Mardi Gras Parade finishing up the day.

“That’s where all the krewes are invited to parade on Mardi Gras,” Duncan said. “They start at sunset.”

Coastal Vibes

For an elegant dinner with history, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in the heart of Biloxi still serves fresh seafood dishes both inside the historic house or outside on the patio shaded by an ancient oak tree. The restaurant has been in the Mahoney family for three generations.

PLAY

BY CHERÉ COEN

Achill in the air doesn’t hamper the fun along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Even when temperatures drop too low for walks on the world’s longest man-made beach, there are indoor activities, including great dining and casinos.

Coastal Carnival is in full gear after Twelfth Night on Jan. 5, followed by more than 20 parades rolling throughout the coastal cities. In Ocean Springs, view floats and walking groups at the annual Ocean Springs Carnival Association’s Night Parade the Friday before Mardi Gras. Biloxi also plays host to several parades and the Coastal Mardi Gras Museum downtown features elaborate costumes dating back decades.

To get a complete Carnival schedule and list of accommodations, attractions and upcoming events along Mississippi’s “Secret Coast,” visit gulfcoast.org.

EAT

There are so many restaurants lining the Mississippi Coast but two hotspots can boast numerous accolades. Mississippi Magazine gave White Pillars of Biloxi several nods, including Best Restaurant, Best Happy Hour, Best Wedding Venue and Best Chef on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Chef Austin Sumrall. Chef Alex Perry got his own honors — he was a semifinalist in The Best Chef: South category by the James Beard Foundation for his contemporary American menu at Vestige in Ocean Springs.

DRINK

Fly Llama Brewing pours craft beer inside an innocuous space behind the MGM Park stadium in downtown Biloxi. The beer flights range from traditional ales to seasonal specialties (we had pumpkin cheesecake in October). On a warm sunny day, visitors may sit outside and sip brews, plus enjoy dishes from visiting food trucks.

Over in Kiln, Lazy Magnolia has been brewing its craft beer under the magnolias since 2005. Try the popular “Southern Pecan” brown ale on “The Porch,” the company’s taproom and kitchen, or seasonal and limited editions brews.

STAY

We love the many boutique hotels, from the four modern “floating” cabins of the Beatnik in Ocean Springs to the new Pearl Hotel or Bay Town Inn in Bay St. Louis. In between you’ll find two fun accommodations in Pass Christian — Hotel Whiskey and Hotel Pass Christian — and the renovated White House Hotel in Gulfport.

One of our new favorites is The Hemingway boutique hotel in Ocean Springs. Each room comes adorned with hip furniture and artwork and some Puff & Floss cotton candy.

(Right to Left)

White Pillars of Biloxi; Fly Llama Brewing; Ocean Adventures Marine Park

A cheeseburger in paradise might be in order at the Margaritaville Casino and Resort in Biloxi, where owners are busy putting finishing touches on the Paradise Pier. It’s just one of several casino resorts along the coast, many of which offer live music and dining options. n

The Mississippi Aquarium not only displays animals in healthy habitats for visitors to enjoy but also supports animal research and conservation. Over at the IMMS Ocean Adventures Marine Park, about halfway between the Gulf and Interstate 10 in Gulfport, there are dolphin shows, snake and alligator talks, bird shows and more. IMMS rescues marine animals for rehabilitation. Be sure to visit the “Tweeter Post,” where parakeets rest on your arms as you feed them.

Chilling out in charming Mississippi beach towns is just as fun in winter

Down by the Riverside

La Société de Saint Anne parade revelers march the ashes of those who have died the past year to the Mississippi River on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans.

BY MELANIE WARNER SPENCER, NEW ORLEANS