It's as Easy as (Pecan) Pie

I'd gladly take a slice of pie over cake any day. And with this simple recipe found on the bottle of Acadiana's own Steen's Syrup, the flavors of Louisiana shine with each gooey bite.

Delicious With A Shot At Prosperity

With its roots deeply grounded in superstition and hope for the future, your New Year's Day lunch might just be the most important meal you will eat all year.

Make the Most of This Summer Like Weather

Make the most of this Summer-like weather by dusting off your grill. Grilling lemons makes takes the classic refreshing drink and gives it a caramelized and slightly smoky flavor. 

Friday 5: Margaret Girouard of The French Press

Photo: Denny Culbert

Margaret Collier Girouard, along with her husband Justin, are the proud owners of one of Lafayette's most popular (and most delicious) restaurants, The French Press. 

Friday 5: Nathan and Kayla Liebert of Cajun Market Donut Company

Nathan and Kayla Liebert are the Husband/Wife team behind one of Lafayette's newest donut holes, Cajun Market Donut Company. They have made their presence known in the local donut scene with their sweet and savory selections, have even partnered with UL Lafayette to provide their donuts and kolaches on campus and are even opening a second location. Get to know the Lieberts in this week's Friday 5.

Friday 5: Mark Whitney of Reve Coffee Roasters

Mark Whitney is a SCAA/BGA Level 1 Certified barista at Downtown Lafayette's Reve Coffee Roasters. What that means to laymen like you and me is that the man makes a mean cuppa Joe! The St. Martinville native is all for spreading the java joy around town.

"We are hosting a latté art competition coming up on December 10. It'll be at Reve and it's the first one that Lafayette has ever hosted. It's free to attend, $5 to compete in, and hopefully we'll be starting to have them monthly at different cafés around town."

Check out his choices for wining and dining in the Hub City.

Eat This Lafayette Holiday Gift Guide

'Tis the season for friends, family and gifts! Let Eat This Lafayette help by taking out some of the guess work in picking the perfect gift with our handy Gift Guide. From the causal foodie to the Chef in your life, there is something for everyone.

Hook & Boil (Now with a Bar!) Reopens Monday, Dec. 7th!

Hook and Boil has had one heck of a year. The seafood-centric restaurant, located in a prime location just off of Hwy. 90 in Broussard, made a name for itself when it opened in January 2014 due in part to the monstrous crustaceans that all Louisianians love. 

That success is aiding in the expansion of the dining area of Hook and Boil. The need for a greater seating capacity and revised menu also means the addition of a full bar, something that Hook & Boil doesn't currently have. 

"Most of our customers are fine with just beer, but the more refined the menu, the more refined the drinks." Heather Girouard, General Manager of Hook and Boil.

Patrons will find new cocktails soon added to Hook & Boil's regular menu. Along with beer and cocktail flights, Hook & Boil plans to include a "Build Your Own Bloody Mary" menu to the drink selections with options as Cajun as a cracklin-laced rim. 

Friday 5: Pig & Plough's Tyler Thigpen

 Photo: Tracie Fontenot

Tyler Thigpen, Coordinator of Pig & Plough Suppers; a slow foods dinner series celebrating our Louisiana foodways by promoting chef collaborations that feature foods grown and raised in south Louisiana, is passionate about food. From her time as President of Acadiana Food Circle to her current stint as Farm-To-Table Columnist at The Independent, the goal of promoting sustainability and culture are paramount. Check out her "Perfect For" picks in this week's Friday 5.

Friday 5: David Meaux of Rank Wildcat Spirits

It's 5 o'clock somewhere in this week's Friday 5. David Meaux is the founder and distiller of Acadiana's first fully licensed rum distillery, Rank Wildcat Spirits. Their award-winning small-batch white rum, Sweet Crude Rum, is produced using sugar cane grown right here in Acadiana. The lawyer turned land-man turn distiller's current goal is to make Sweet Crude Rum and their even smaller batch (only 588 bottles produced in its first batch) Black Gold Rum household names. 

Friday 5: Jacob Hamilton of The Little Big Cup

Photo by Robyn Bazar St. Romain

Jacob Hamilton is the Executive Chef at one of the hottest restaurants in Acadiana, Arnaudville's The Little Big Cup. With his experience in fine dining, the former Sous Chef for Charley G's, Hamilton is bringing big flavors to the little bistro on the Bayou. 

Shreveport's Great Raft Brewing Coming to Lafayette

The town of Shreveport was founded in 1836 by the Shreve Town Company, a corporation established to develop a town at the juncture of the newly navigable Red River and the Texas Trail. A 180-mile-long (290 km) natural log jam, the Great Raft, had previously obstructed passage to shipping. The Red River was cleared and made newly navigable by Henry Miller Shreve, who led the United States Army Corps of Engineers effort to clear the river. Shreve used a specially modified riverboat, the Heliopolis, to remove the log jam. The company and the village of Shreve Town were named in Shreve's honor.

Friday 5: Lindsey Sterling of The Lab and Sterling Originals

Photo by Megan Wyatt

Lindsey Sterling is leaving her sweet mark on Lafayette. The chocolatier, who originally hales from New Orleans, is branching out and offering her sweet treats to the masses.

Friday 5: Colt Patin of Hook & Boil

Photo by Mike Buck

Chef Colt Patin has been in the food service industry for over 16 years and has worked his way from a Dishwasher to Breakfast Chef, Sous-Chef, and now Executive Chef for Hook and Boil. Along the way, he has authored a cookbook, won several medals and awards and has cooked for several VIPs including Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern and even the cast and crew of Swamp People.

Friday 5: Christiaan Mader of Bread & Circus Provisions,The Ind and Brass Bed

Photo by Paul Kieu

Christiaan Mader considers himself a "Dabbler Extraordinaire". Besides serving all things delicious at Bread & Circus Provisions, the staff writer for The Ind also graces the stage as the front-man for uber popular Indie band, Brass Bed, whose 4th LP is set for release later this year.

"This is far more difficult than I could have imagined. Even just picking the categories was tricky. I could do a Friday 15 and not cover everything I'd want to say about Lafayette dining."

Friday 5: Christopher Thames of Grand Coteau Bistro

Grand Coteau Bistro is the newest kid on the block in the restaurant formerly known as Catahoulas. The project headed by award winning Chef Christopher Thames, a Chopped champion among other things, is a welcomed addition to the Grand Coteau Historical District. Get to know where Chef Christopher dines when he isn't winning contests and filling bellies in Grand Coteau.

Friday 5: Paul Kieu of The Daily Advertiser

Photo by Tyler Kaufman 

Find yourself enjoying the photos in The Daily Advertiser in print and online? If so, you are seeing the handiwork of staff photojournalist, Paul Kieu. From news, to sports-to food and culture, the live music enthusiast does not consider himself a foodie; although he does make a mean Steen's syrup and sriracha dipping sauce for his homemade boudin egg-rolls.

"I just like pretty pictures, bold flavors, and a good time over food and drinks with friends and strangers. It's in my Vietnamese-American, adopted Cajun blood."

Check out his picks, with a little lagniappe, for local eateries and be sure to follow him on all forms of social media: @paulvkieu

Friday 5: Rob Sandberg of Pop's Poboys & Guerrilla Bar

The Champ is here! This week we get the dish from defending Pop-Up Champion, Rob Sandberg. The Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, who has worked in some of the top restaurants in Acadiana, can now be found slinging poboys from the kitchen of Pop's and you can find his small plate offerings at Guerrilla Bar, one of Lafayette's underground popups. See if Rob has what it takes to bring the belt home this Saturday at the Lord of the Cheese Grilled Cheese Throwdown. Until then, check out his favorite places in town.

Road Trip: Grand Coteau Bistro

Eggs Atchafalaya

Grand Coteau Bistro is the newest kid on the block in the restaurant formerly known as Catahoulas. The project, headed by award winning Chef Christopher Thames, a Chopped champion among other things, is a welcomed addition to the Grand Coteau Historical District.

Get your first Nitro buzz at Rêve's new Downtown Lafayette location

The biggest buzz in brewed beans since butter, Nitro Coffee, a method of infusing nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide under high pressure into cold brewed coffee has officially staked its claim as THE newest and hippest way to drink the black, bitter beverage that is part of our morning; and for some of us, hourly routines. Nitro, the latest in a craze of coffee modifications (previous trends include butter coffee, cold brew and tonic water) was first made popular by artisan roasters Cuvée and Stumptown. Now, Lafayette's own Rêve Coffee, officially opened in their new location at 200A Jefferson Street, are bringing Nitro Coffee to the downtown region. The coffee, featured on tap, is smooth and rich. The infusion of nitrogen causes the coffee to have a foamy head similar to its brother from another brew mother; beer. Chocolaty and smooth while being effervescent and slightly sweet, you'll wish the cold bubbly glass would never empty. If you're anything like me, you're sure to find yourself a bar fly hooked on the newest brew on tap- Nitro.

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere: Louisiana Craft Beer Week Schedule of Events

What a great week to be a craft beer drinker in Louisiana! Louisiana Craft Brewer's Week (LCBW), September 12-19, acts as a collective effort among Louisiana breweries in an attempt to increase interest in craft brewing in the state. With special casks brewed just for the event, it's a great time for craft brew aficionados and novices alike.

The highlight of the week takes place right here in Lafayette with Wednesday night’s Beer Appétit Top Five Live Event at Jefferson Street Pub. 2Paul’s Radically Urban BBQ, Artmosphere, Jefferson Street Pub, Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro and Saint Street Inn will all be showcased in the event for their creative and appetizing pairings of local food and beer. Bring your appetite along with your thirst, and for only $10, try bite-sized samples of the beer-inspired dishes that were submitted during this year’s Beer Appétit Challenge presented by EatLafayette. Buy tickets online or at the door. All proceeds benefit the Acadiana Chapter of the American Red Cross. Can't make it Wednesday night? Don't worry. Some of the other events that will be happening around Acadiana to celebrate Craft Beer Week are:

Monday, September 14^th

Tin Roof Beer Sampling: Twin Peaks, 7-9pm

Gnarly Barley Trivia: Green Room, 8-10pm (Special Release: Chocolate Peanut Butter Korova Milk Porter)

               

Tuesday, September 15^th

Saint Street Inn: Parish Brewing Company, 7-9pm  (Dr. Hoptagon Release)

Mellow Mushroom: Louisiana Craft Beer Trivia, 8-10pm

Wednesday, September 16^th

Beer Appétit Top Five Live Event: Jefferson Street Pub, 6-8pm

Thursday, September 17^th

Parish Beer Club:  Green Room, 7-9pm

Covington Fest Bier and Special Release Cask: Artmosphere, 8-10pm

Friday, September 18^th

Bayou Teche Miel Sauvage & Knott’s Berry Beer Release: Social Southern Table & Bar, 7-9pm

Parish Brewing Company Dr. Hoptagon and Special Release Cask: The Tap Room, 8-10pm

Saturday, September 19^th

Bayou Teche Radler Cask Special Release: Whole Foods, Noon-3pm

“Gnarley Gnight”: The Tap Room, 7-9pm – Special Release: Chocolate Peanut Butter Korova Milk Porter

Bayou Teche Knott’s Berry Beer Release @ Green Room, 8-10pm

Plate Lunch Tour Goes Healthy: Sandra's Cafe & Health Food Store

Who says that plate lunches have to be unhealthy? South Louisianans looking for an alternative to all things fried and buttered can look no further for a healthy, fresh lunch on-the-go. Sandra's Cafe and Health Food Store, long known for their health care products, also offer daily lunch specials that feature local, fresh ingredients. These plate lunches, with options as regional as shrimp and grits or as exotic as chicken shawarma and tabbouleh, are packed with flavor while still being perfect for people minding their weight or just looking to eat a little healthier. Friday is one of my favorites because you can get a hearty serving of shrimp fajitas and choice of a side. Dine in or get your plate to-go. Visit them on Facebook to view the daily specials.

Sandra's Cafe & Health Food Store
111-C Rena Dr.
Lafayette, LA

Friday 5: Paul Krato of De Gaulle Square Bistro & Bar

In this week's Friday 5 we get to know Chef Paul Krato. The new executive chef of De Gaulle Square Bistro & Bar comes from humble beginnings and has worked his way up the ladder. Visit him in River Ranch and check out some of his favorite spots around town.

On tap: Ragin' Cajun Genuine Louisiana Ale

In Louisiana, rice is nice. It's a staple in nearly every dish native to Cajun Country. And now, thanks to Bayou Teche Brewing and Schilling Distribution, Louisiana grown rice has found a new home--bottles around Acadiana! Handcrafted in Arnaudville, La., Ragin' Cajun Genuine Louisiana Ale, a Kolsch style ale with rice, is as unique as our Cajun and Creole heritage.

Friday 5: Ramsey Morein

Photo by Stephen Meaux from his documentary series dans ma cuisine

Ramsey Morein is a geospatial consultant specializing in geospatial information, geodesy, LiDAR and civil mapping--but everyone knows her as the lunch counter girl at Bread & Circus Provisions. Ramsey, a small town girl from Evangeline Parish, claims she isn't a foodie but just a girl that likes to eat. And with her work with Pig & Plough Suppers and the farm to table movement, she is surrounded by folks that are helping the local foods movement move forward and getting swept away along with it. 

Road Trip: Cochon Butcher, NOLA

No visit to NOLA is complete without a stop to Executive Chef Donald Link's funky sandwich shop/butcher shop/wine bar located smack dab on Tchoupitoulas. Butcher (one of the five restaurants in the Link Restaurant Group) is playful and whimsical and is a great place to grab a quick lunch before strolling the streets.

Plate Lunch Tour: Bread & Circus Provisions

In Southwest Louisiana, nothing is as synonymous with "plate lunch" as BBQ. With a majority of plate lunch spots in town only offering their plates of burnt ends and traditional sides on Sundays, Bread & Circus Provisions on Bendel has raised the bar by offering their BBQ plate lunch 2 days earlier than most restaurants. Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today and why wait for BBQ on Sunday when you can have it on Friday! And unlike most BBQ plate lunches in the area, each Friday's plate comes with a selection of meats. One week it's Bread & Circus' homemade sausage and brisket with tasso. The next may be chicken, pork steak and stout pulled pork. Either way, you'll find your plate packed with Circus BBQ beans + dirty rice & Evangeline Maid white bread. The down home flavors are best complimented with Bread & Circus' Friday "2-for-1" beer special. Grab a friend, a few drinks and start the weekend early.

Friday 5: Brittany Waters of Social Southern Table and Bar

You know those irresistible desserts that come out of the kitchen of Social Southern Table & Bar? Well, Brittany Waters is the reason for your sweet tooth. In this week's Friday 5 we chat with the Pittsburgh, PA Pastry Chef and cover her local favorites. 

Fête Rouge 2015: A Louisiana Celebration of Food & Wine (Aug. 27-28)

Eat This Lafayette's André Arceneaux is excited to be judging this year's Fête Rouge Chefs Competition. Baton Rouge's #1 food blogger, Jay Ducote of biteandbooze.com, who was just in the Top 3 of Next Food Network Star will be emceeing the event. Get your tickets for the Food & Wine Fête HERE before they are gone and head to L'Auberge Hotel & Casino this Friday to taste over 200 wines from around the world as well as dishes from many local chefs.

Road Trip: SoBou, NOLA

From the Commander's Palace family of restaurants comes SoBou: South of Bourbon. Well representing the uniqueness of Southern food, mixed alongside traditional dishes, diners will find Pork Belly Steam Buns and an outrageous Bluefin Tuna Cone served with Pineapple Ceviche and Basil Avocado Ice Cream. 

Attached to the swank W Hotel and outfitted with self-serve wine machines, SoBou offers plenty of relaxation if it is your final NOLA destination or acts as a perfect party primer for a night in the Quarter.

SoBou - French Quarter
310 Rue Chartres
New Orleans, LA  70130
504.552.4095
www.sobounola.com

Plate Lunch Tour: Veronica's Cafe

One visit to Veronica's Cafe and it is clear to see why the restaurant, located on Hector Connoly Rd in Carencro, is garnering so much attention. Owner Kenward Alexander makes the rounds in the dining room checking on each table, ensuring each guest is enjoying their meal. And with Creole and Cajun home cooking on the menu, the plate lunches from Veronica's are setting the bar high in Acadiana.

Friday 5: April Courville of Festival International and BikeLafayette

Photo cred: Travis Gauthier of Zoom Photo

As Marketing Director of Festival International, a place with 40+ food vendors under one proverbial roof, and as a board member for BikeLafayette, it's only natural that April Courville would know her way around Downtown Lafayette eateries. 

"It was a tough decision narrowing it down to 5 spots. I have so many favorite dishes at so many spots! I live and work downtown, so many of my choices are within this area."

Road Trip: MoPho, NOLA

The culinary brainchild of Chef Michael Gulotta (formerly of Restaurant August). MoPho brings Louisiana-Fusion to a whole new level. Po-Boys and rice bowls share the menu, each drawing from the other's culture.

The pho offers options including oxtail, tendon, tripe and even cockscomb, but do not leave without trying the wings or spring rolls. Bubble tea cocktails are a necessity, and if you roll into town on a weekend, do join MoPho for their Super Swine Saturdays.

                               

MoPho Mid-City

514 City Park Ave. 

New Orleans, LA

504.482.6845

www.mophonola.com

Lafayette Plate Lunch Tour: Kreole Alá

Scott is the boudin capital of the world. Breaux Bridge boasts its crawfish. Delcambre and Gueydan claim shrimp and duck, respectively. If that is true, it can be argued that Lafayette is the undisputed Plate Lunch capital. What makes the plate lunch so endearing to the residents of Acadiana is the love you taste in each plate. Each bite is like a Sunday at your Mawmaw's house and few places are spreading that love like Kreole Ala'.

Felicia Gallien and her crew have been feeding the Northside of Lafayette out of Ala's Moss Street location for roughly 1.5 years. With their traditional South Louisiana recipes, Kreole Ala's flavors are bold, rich and filling.

Who Will It Be?

Friday 5: Who Will It Be?

Do YOU think you know all of the tastiest places in Acadiana? Want to brag on your favorite hole in the wall restaurant? Add your name and email address in the comments below to enter yourself (or recommend your foodie friend!) to be featured in an upcoming Friday 5. We'll select a winner randomly. Enter before 8/22/15 at midnight.

Friday 5: Nick Glenn - Pizzapocolypse Champ Goes for New Title

Nick Glenn is making waves in the Lafayette culinary scene. Still a student at Louisiana Culinary Institute, Nick recently cooked at the Cannes Film Festival in France and has plans to launch his food truck, SoulFull, upon graduation. The young chef has an impressive resume having cut his culinary teeth on the line at Jolie's, Jefferson St. Pub and having recently won the first annual Pizzapocolypse held at Pop's Poboys. Nick tries to make it 2 and 0 in Pop-Up battles at tomorrow night's Talladoggie Nights Hot Dog Pop-up. Go out and support all competitors. But until then, get to know Nick Glenn's favorites in this week's Friday 5.


1. Guilty Pleasure- Carpe Diem. Awesome ice cream, and always consistent. The seasonal flavors are always on point and the biscoff ice cream is the best. Also, friendly service and unlimited samples!

2. Eating on the Cheap- Creole Lunch House. I love the stuffed bread. It's really old school and straight forward. Try it with ranch, pretty tight!

3. Hole in the Wall- Bangkok Thai. Great curries and Tod Kra Thiam with chicken is always a winner. Can always count on a fresh meal, take out or dine in. And wear a sweater because it's always cold!

4. Introducing out of Towners to Lafayette- Pop's Poboys and Laura's II. When introducing someone to Lafayette, I believe plate lunches and poboys are both staples of this area. Pop's does this right by taking old school classic poboys and adding a twist to them along with their weekly specials. Laura's II gives you large portions of soulful and filling meals. From fried fish to stuffed turkey wings or bbq ribs on Sundays. And don't forget the rice dressing!

5. Dining Solo- Prejean's. Definitely one of my dine alone spots thanks to Chris the bartender who makes stiff drinks. Perfect lunch prices but with dinner sized portions. The Eggplant Pirogue Prejean is always awesome.

Road Trip: Orange Beach, AL

No summer vacation is complete without a trip to the beach. But coming from an area known worldwide for its amazing food, it can be hard to trust word of mouth recommendations from beach going locals. Well, from the Bayou to the Beach, Eat This has you covered. If you find yourself in the Orange Beach area, make the trip to Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina. Staying true to the Gulf Coast, Fisher's hosts a wide offering of local seafood.

The open dining area on the yacht filled marina reminds you of just how fresh the food on your plate is.

Listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the dock and savor the smell of the salty sea air while you thank the sea for her bounty.

Dine upstairs for a more upscale experience.

Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina
27075 Marina Rd
Orange Beach, AL
251.981.7305
www.fishersobm.com

Lafayette locals will be glad to see a familiar name in the Orange Beach restaurant scene: Brick & Spoon.

With a menu comparable to the one in the 705, Brick & Spoon OB is a great place to fill up on unique omelets and Benedicts before heading out into the water for the day.

Brick & Spoon - Orange Beach

24705 Canal Road

Orange Beach, AL 

251.981.7772

www.brickandspoonrestaurant.com

Ruffino's on the River: Lobster Festival 2015

Perched on the banks of the Vermillion River, Ruffino's, named after owner and star offensive guard for the LSU Mighty Tigers ('86-'89) Ruffin Rodrigue, has staked its claim as one of the essential fine dining hot spots in the Hub City. Mixing southern hospitality with Italian flavors and charm, the food and dining experience at Ruffino's is five-star.

Friday 5 + 3 more: Manny Augello of Bread & Circus Provisions

Photo by Sara Yongue

Known across Acadiana for his unique and sometimes adventurous take on all things pork, Chef Manny Augello has turned the culinary culture of the area on its head. Get to know his favorite places to eat in Lafayette in this week's Friday 5 (plus 3 more).

1. Special Occasions - This is no longer a valid answer but I wish it were still an option - Village Cafe. Jeremy Conner is, in my opinion, the best chef is Acadiana.

2. Guilty Pleasure – that damn fried chicken at Fat Albert's on the north-side near Moss & Willow. What's worse is that I want chicken and fried gizzards. I have tried very hard to stop at eating only one before exiting the parking lot. I seem to get back home each time with a smidge less self respect than the time before.

3. Eating on the Cheap – Asian Market. Catch them on the right day and prepare to overwhelm your senses by the scent of bahn mis, whole roasted ducks, huge sides of rib, and a wide selection of herbs and veggies.

4. Best Boudin – Charley T's in Breaux Bridge. Just look for the pig in the pot.

5. King Cake – French king cake from Poupart's Bakery

6. Favorite Dessert – Dark Roux. Ryan Trahan is like king Midas when he sets to work with sugar.

7. Neighborhood Hangout – The Lab. It's magic, constantly in movement.

8. Dining Solo – Cedar Grocery. I fell in love 4 years ago when I moved to Freetown. The connection I have to The Grizzly is too personal not to dine there alone.

That's Some Pig: Bread & Circus' Pig Head Supper

In his 1952 Children's novel, "Charlotte's Web", American author E. B. White delicately tells the story of the relationship between a barn spider, Charlotte A. Cavatica, and a pig called Wilbur.

Since 2013, Chef Manny Augello has been writing his own story of a love affair with all things pork in his off the charts restaurant Bread & Circus Provisions. It's no secret that Eat This Lafayette is a fan of the unassuming spot tucked away on Bendel, and with good reason. The creativity and imagination at Bread & Circus has served as a catalyst for other local eateries and the playful popups and events hosted have united food lovers and industry insiders from diverse backgrounds. Just like a good book, Bread & Circus feeds your soul and leaves you wanting for more. The newest chapter of the Bread & Circus story? Pig Head Suppers.

Offered every Friday evening, by reservation only,the Pig Head Supper series is an unapologetic highlighting of a lesser used cut of meat.  "It's a throw away piece of the pig that is equally as delicious."  These family style dinners are described as a Dim Sum meets Boucherie experience.

Manny and his team pull no punches in this in-your-face, 6 course dinner that will leave you as satisfied as Templeton the rat from E. B.'s verses. The anticipation of the dishes felt slightly unnerving. My wife and I felt anxious as we imagined ourselves on an episode of Bizarre Foods. We turned and saw our waitress leaning over the service counter and noticed Chef Manny giving her detailed descriptions of each aspect of our first course. We locked eyes, took a deep breath and prepared for the unexpected.

Course I: Ruston peaches with guanciale finished with cold pressed Guidry Organic pecan oil. Charcuterie scrap dashi, sweet potato gnocchi and pickled Sicilian cayenne pepper.

Friday 5: Abby Perkins of Windfield Farm Bakery and Cajun Cane Kettle Corn

Abby Perkins has been satisfying your hankering for salty-sweet corn kernels with her Cajun Cane Kettle Corn at the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market at the Horse Farm (among other places) for a few years now. Her newest venture,Windfield Farm Bakery, promises to be just as sweet and delicious. Get to know Abby in this week's Friday 5.

1. Neighborhood Hangout - Lets set the scene. You wake up well rested from a fun night on the town, starving with only one place that will fill that gaping hole in your stomach, numb that hangover and quench the need for more live music. That’s right, Im talking about Artmosphere Bistro's Bottomless Mimosa Brunch. With their new menu rolling out new and improved items every week, it’s become a weekly ritual for me. Side note: Kids are welcome and they enjoy it as much as the big kids do!

2. Introducing Out of Towner's to Lafayette - When I have friends and family come in town to visit there is only one obvious choice to delight their curious pallets and that’s Bread & Circus Provisions. Manny Augello has such a grasp on Lafayette's diversifying culinary needs. With a menu that is always changing and expanding its sure to impress even the pickiest of Out of Towners. No one knows the art of choppin' up some pig like this man. I mean, he's made me fall in love with parts of the swine I never thought possible! Side note: HOGS HEAD CHEESE! *BOOM*

3. Specialty Cocktails - Without question my favorite place to cocktails is Pamplona Tapas Bar. You can tell with every sip of their creative cocktails, that passion and a true knowledge of what it takes to make a some of the Lafayette's best cocktails. Don’t forget your bacon wrapped stuffed dates to go with that drink y'all!

4. Eating on the Cheap - Three words tight wads, Jefferson Street Pub! I appreciate all of the vegans and vegetarians out there, but girl loves her nothing more than a HUGE rare Hamburger and an ice cold canebrake from JSP. Their burgers have everything going for them. From the ideally sweet and rich buns and abundance of topping choices, to the perfectly seasoned and cooked paddy its by far my favorite burger in Lafayette. There is only one thing that makes this burger better and that’s the price. Thursday evenings at JSP has become by favorite spot. Not into burgers y'all? Try Wednesday $2 Taco night!

5. Family Dining - Some might say that I'm a little bias but Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market is my favorite place to take my kids. It has some of Lafayette's most talented chefs at your finger tips. Between the food trucks and the vendors you have an abundance of choices that is sure to please everyone in your family. Great food choices combined with 100 acres of land to let your little balls of insane amounts of energy get dirty, climb trees and explore, it's my favorite place in Lafayette across the board.

Friday 5: Anne Falgout of Anne Can Cook

Anne Falgout serves as President of the705. Oh! She's also a Community Blogger/Citizen Member of the Editorial Board at The Daily Advertiser. When she's not doing that, she acts as Co-Chair of Lafayette Junior Leadership. She wears many hats (and the occassional apron) all while running her Facebook page, Anne Can Cook.

1. Guilty pleasure- Well, my favorite thing in the world is brunch. It’s the only socially-acceptable time where someone can put alcohol in their fruit or vegetable juice and call it “normal.” Add to that the use of eggs and I’m sold! Bread & Circus has answered all of my prayers by serving brunch on Saturday morning, one of a few places in town that do. Manny and his team always put together the most delightfully-bizarre combinations that appeal to both my gastro and cerebral appetites. And I’m not alone! It’s not uncommon for me to dine alongside some of Lafayette’s most renowned chefs who love to dine here after a busy Friday night. Try a Bounut (boudin donut), Forgotten Breakfast (hogshead cheese and grits), PCP Fries (potatoes and pastrami) or…you know what? Just order everything and top it off with a Bloody Mary, everything – including the cracklin’ on top – is made in house. YUM! (And that cute little dishwasher in the back is my daughter Emma, eat everything so she doesn’t have to work so hard.)

2. Eating on the Cheap- Athena Greek & Lebanese Express in the Citgo station on Kaliste Saloom is my go-to place for deliciously inexpensive food. My favorite thing is to go in on a Thursday or Friday evening and grab the Sample Plate for Two. It’s packed with gyro meat and chicken, Grecian dip, hummus, grape leaves, kibby, and salad. I eat off of it the entire weekend and still usually have some left over. Coming in right under $20 bucks it may seem too pricey for “eating on the cheap”, but it’ll easily feed a family of four or a couple of really hungry adults. Either way, it’s a steal!

3. Neighborhood Hangout- Before it was in its new location, La Pagua was our hidden neighborhood treasure. Nestled behind the Baskin & Robbins on Johnston Street, this little family-owned restaurant was the only place in town to find authentic street tacos and chilaquiles (think soggy nachos, but much better haha). Now, they’ve moved to Time Plaza, but you’ll still find the neighborhood folk (basically everyone that lives between Camellia and Ambassador Caffery) packing the place and enjoying the amazing margaritas or sizzling fajitas. Don’t expect to find a ton of melted-cheese-laden Tex-Mex dishes here, the menu is instead accented with fresh Mexican entrees, spicy sauces, raw onion and cilantro.

4. Family Dining- Kids love to dine out, but the options can be pretty limited. Pricey menus and “funny textures” sometimes prevent families from enjoying a night out on the town. But one thing always saves the day, pizza. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Pizza?! Come on Anne.” But hear me out! Tons of places around town are offering kid-friendly pizza options WITH a big variety of other dishes for mom and dad, too. Alesi’s, Deano’s, and Pizza Artista are some of our favorites, but Ruffino’s also does a fun make-your-own-pizza special for kids and La Pizzeria offers a patio on which the hooligans can dispose of their energy – don’t judge me. Added bonus? All these places serve alcohol.

5. Late Night Hangout- Legend’s Annex not only has a killer patio, perfect for post-DTA gathering, but it also boasts a tasty menu. While the battle of the burger will always rage on in Lafayette, no one can argue that the variety and consistency of Legend’s burgers makes them a serious contender for the title. If you don’t want beef give the chicken quesadilla a try. And I’ve yet to find better seared tuna than the one you get inside of a Legend’s wrap…seriously. The quality and taste of this bar food rivals many traditional restaurants, and did I mention their margaritas? Phew!

Friday 5: Megan Wyatt

You may recognize her as the Entertainment Reporter from The Daily Advertiser. What you may not know is that this week's Friday 5 industry insider is also the Queen of Grub City. Get to know fellow food writer Meagn Wyatt.

1. Hole in the Wall- D&D Donuts and Kolaches. Located at the edge of the UL campus inside of the Chevron gas station at the corner of University and Pinhook, you'd never guess that this spot has the most incredible sausage and cheese kolaches. I stumbled across D&D a few years ago when almost every other kolache spot in town was closed for the July 4th weekend, and I'm glad I did. D&D is also a spinoff of Meche's Donut King, so you'll find that the doughnuts are quite familiar.

2. Best Boudin- My favorite road trip spot is T-Boy's Slaughterhouse, which has locations in Mamou and Eunice. My favorite Lafayette Parish spot is Nunu's Fresh Market in Youngsville. What I like about both places is the spice level (pretty hot but not overwhelming), the meat-to-rice-to-liver ratio, the presence of green onion and the lack of gristle. Boudin is a favorite Saturday lunch for sure!

3. Guilty Pleasure- Pizza Hut's stuffed crust pizza topped with pepperoni and jalapeños. There's just something about that crust and the weird tasting cheese inside of it that transports me back to the slumber party nights of my childhood. Do I feel guilty eating this chain restaurant's overpriced, unhealthy pizza? You betcha. It's a guilty pleasure for a reason!

4. Date Night- My fiancé and I don't have a single go-to spot. We both love trying new restaurants, so we can almost always be found dining at a local restaurant on the weekends. If I had to pick a date-night spot that has everything from the food and cocktails to the service and ambiance down to a science though, it would be Pamplona Tapas Bar. Dimly lit and intimate, this downtown spot offers everything from escargot and sweetbreads to ribeye and gouda mac. I've never left disappointed!

5. Favorite Dessert- There are so many amazing dessert options at local restaurants, and so often those options are rotated out before I get a chance to taste them. The one dessert that always comes to mind when I'm thinking of a consistent menu item is the cream cheese ice cream at Antoni's Italian Cafe. This quaint Oil Center restaurant serves up this rich-yet-balanced ice cream with a tart raspberry sauce and an airy cookie wafer. My mom and I will occasionally drop by Antoni's just for the ice cream!