Lafayette Bred & Fed

Looking back at it, I guess you can say I never really had a chance. Food had its grip on me before I was even born. That’s why I’m proud to say I’m “Lafayette bred and fed.” In the 1980s, my Dad was a high level executive in a large, global healthcare organization. Before his big break, he started out like a lot of people waiting tables. He was a server at Evangeline Downs, ran the Pizza Hut on Evangeline Thruway, and later the Popeye’s chains of Lafayette. He has this great story of cooking a gumbo in the kitchen of the Four Corners Popeye’s while riding out a hurricane with Al Copeland’s attorney; a man who would later become my Godfather and connect my Dad with the job that changed his life. Food is powerful.

Help Me, Sweet Baby Breesus!

Located directly across from Parc Sans Souci in Downtown Lafayette, The French Press offers up fresh Louisiana versions of classic dishes that we have all grown to love. This casual dining spot with a rustic charm has quickly become a favorite in town and has even garnered the attention of SAVEUR Magazine who called it one of their “100 Inspiring Places and Things to Eat” (Jan/Feb 2013). Walking in, you can see why.

Forever A Lab Rat

It was an early Saturday morning when I walked into the mysterious building. Beakers and vials lined the counters. The periodic table of elements hung near the entrance, appearing to be a reference for weird and bizarre experiments.

An entire wall was a black chalk board with illustrations of what looked like potentially life-changing inventions. Strange hisses and thick clouds of steam filled the atmosphere. Beautiful fixtures designed out of black pipe felt cold to the touch that morning.

Smells.

Sights.

Sounds.

Tastes.

All my senses were alive. And then, stepping out through a set of doors comes a lab coat wearing Mad Scientist of sorts. What kind of molecular gastronomy did he have in store? What had I done? Why did I sacrifice myself for the sake of your stomach, Lafayette? This is my story. The story of the day I became a “Lab Rat” and first tasted the Boudin Croissant.

Fricassee Cafe is Lafayette on a Plate

From the moment you pull into the parking lot of Fricassee Cafe & Bakery you can almost hear your grandmother calling your name telling you that lunch is ready. It’s fitting that the restaurant, owned and operated by Renee Gary, was her grandparent’s house and is located in Carencro just outside the Lafayette city limits.  The property also serves as the headquarters of Nanny’s Original Louisiana Pecan Pralines. Everything about Fricassee just feels right. It is home. It is us.

Bread & Circus Provisions: The Jucy Lucy

There is nothing better than an unassuming restaurant tucked away just off a busy road. Bread & Circus Provisions, located at 258 Bendel Rd, has no fancy neon sign. The bench seats are homemade. The cinder block walls are painted white.