Broussard’s Cypress Meadows | Best Neighborhood for Professionals and Families Once a serene rural outpost framed by sugarcane fields, Broussard has emerged as one of the most desirable places to live in Acadiana. Founded as a town in 1884 and…
Cajun rhythms, expertly crafted cocktails and genuine hospitality converge at Naq’s N Duson, one of Acadiana’s most enticing new no-frills destinations. Since opening in 2025, Naq’s has quickly earned acclaim for its Cajun and zydeco weekend brunch, generous plate lunches,…
Lake Charles For a riveting distraction during the height of hurricane season, "Should the Waters Take Us" ($30 hardcover), the debut novel by Lake Charles native Stephanie Soileau, is a literary triumph that reaches across 400 years in a sweeping…
A new dining concept, All Day, is taking over the space formerly occupied by SoLou (now prevailing in Baton Rouge). Instead of focusing on traditional formats, All Day foregoes timelines, shifting from breakfast offerings (which will be available all day)…
By day, the scent of blueberry muffins, double chocolate cranberry scones, pecan-studded cinnamon buns, freshly baked breads and boudin-stuffed croissants drifts out of Lizzie’s on Main, the new European-style bakery from pastry wiz Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hansen, prized for her intricate,…
Lafayette Insomnia Cookies, known for its late-night service (until 1 a.m.) and made-to-order cookies, is opening downtown in the former DBR space. A new dog-friendly 12,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor beer garden or “ice house” venue is underway in Lafayette’s expanding Bluebird…
Now celebrating its first anniversary, the long-awaited Shucks Louisiana Seafood House in Lake Charles emulates the spirit of the original Shucks in Abbeville. Opened in 1995, the iconic Abbeville landmark has been beloved for its fresh local oysters, Gulf seafood…
Youngsville The locally owned fast-casual Tropical Smoothie Café is making its debut (in the former Zorba’s space on Chemin Metairie Parkway) with a menu of made-to-order smoothies, wraps, bowls, flatbreads, breakfast items and salads. The new Dumpling Hour restaurant (also…
As Lent settles in following the indulgent whirl of Carnival season, Houma's Ember Kitchen + Cocktails has unveiled a new entrant in the city’s fast-rising zero-proof movement. Bar manager, Deanna Scott, leans into that trend with her latest creation, the…
When the Christmas lights are still twinkling and Twelfth Night rolls in to crown Carnival season, sports fans enjoy that golden overlap of holidays and high-stakes football. The Midori Transfusion cocktail is festive enough for a holiday toast yet fiery…
Youngsville The Latin-owned brunch and coffee brand Bistrology (founded in Miramar Beach, Florida) is opening soon in Youngsville featuring its signature over-the-top theatrical coffee service, vibrant Latin-fusion cuisine and a jungle-inspired setting and patio. Also in Youngsville is the recently…
The seasonally inspired Banana Nut Old Fashioned is the perfect cocktail for crisp autumn days. Created at 531 Liberty Café by mixologist Gina Domangue, it echoes the warm and inviting flavors of fall baking with cinnamon, brown sugar, nuts and…
Lafayette ‘Tis the season of bountiful harvests and fall festivals celebrating everything from gumbos, gravies and gratons to bourbon, boucheries and blackpot cookoffs with a side of pumpkin pie. Brisk weather invigorates two-stepping fans at Festivals Acadiens et Créoles (October…
As summer wanes and September ushers in the peak of hurricane season, Ruffino’s Back Porch cocktail provides a perfect counterpoint to the lingering heat. Bright, zesty notes offer a crisp, refreshing first sip. The bracing libation includes a hibiscus ice…
Lake Charles The third annual Louisiana Food and Wine Festival (September 18-21) brings foodies, oenophiles and cocktail enthusiasts to Lake Charles for a chance to hobnob with celebrity chefs and pitmasters, winemakers and distillers at a variety of revered tasting…
It’s way past happy hour and the blistering sun is melting into twilight. You’re by the pool or on the porch, craving a sweet, ice-cold cocktail and some fresh seafood. Consider the Coastal Berry Crush, a fruity summertime sipper from…
Arnaudville & Lafayette Arnaudville’s Bayou Teche Brewing, known for artisan beer, tiki drinks and weekend jams, is expanding to a second location with on-site beer production and Cajun Saucer’s pizzas in downtown Lafayette’s future 83-room Hotel Lafayette that’s currently underway…
New Iberia Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of over 30 novels, is the Great Southern Writer featured at New Iberia’s 9th annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (April 4-6). Events honoring New Iberia author James Lee…
It’s time to raise your glass to spring with a new tequila cocktail from Spoonbill Watering Hole’s bar manager, Tanner Dimmick. A revered mixologist, Dimmick is also known as one of the celebrated Gravy Boys, partnered with Vestal’s chef Sullivan…
With more consumers gravitating towards healthier beverage options, Acadiana imbibers are…
Lafayette Hungry for gumbo? Head to the 2nd annual Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff powered by Lagcoe (February 27). The inaugural 2024 event packed Blackham Coliseum with fans sampling gumbos by 50 teams producing over 170 entries for awards. Designed to…
When considering a memorable cocktail to enliven chilly winter gatherings, the cozy warmth of holiday spices and indulgent desserts often come to mind. Le Grenadier’s Banana Wars cocktail adds a festive, sweet element that will spark conversations during any celebration.…
Twelfth Night Revelry | Lake Charles Carnival season makes its flamboyant entrance with the Twelfth Night Parade Extravaganza (January 4) at the Lake Charles Event Center. Revelers hail the kings and…
Lafayette | Célébration de 50 Ans On a stormy spring night in 1974, Inez Catalon made her first public appearance singing old-time a capella “home music” in French as 12,000 people squeezed into the 8,400-seat Blackham Coliseum for the inaugural…
Bourbon’s robust, warming flavors of oak and caramel heighten the pies and cocktails of Thanksgiving. A holiday favorite for generations, the potent old fashioned celebrates bourbon in its purest form. Drinks International rated the versatile, timeless tipple as the second…
Lake Charles| Tasting Adventures The Louisiana Food and Wine Festival brings a mélange of celebrity chefs and pitmasters, vintners and oenophiles, master classes and music to Lake Charles (September 19-22). Signature events include an elegant six-course Celebrity Chefs Wine Dinner…
In the days leading up to a rapidly intensifying hurricane, we anxiously await the updates, wondering if it’ll be the next Big One. Should we ride it out or hit the road before it’s too late? When there’s no time…
Elevated comfort food, seasonal craft cocktails and daily brunch served until 3 p.m. are central to the allure of Peter Sclafani’s chic new SoLou (short for South Louisiana) near River Ranch. The stylish neighborhood eatery recently joined the growing list…
LAROSE, THIBODAUX Of Decoys, Ducks and Suds The 47th annual Cajun Heritage Festival (June 7-9) celebrates hunting and hunters with hundreds of unique duck decoys, carving demos, decoy and shotgun raffles and duck calling contests in the Larose Civic Center…
SCOTT Best Boudin in the Land Known as the “boudin capital of the world” since 2012, the Scott Boudin Festival (April 5-7) features the top boudin vendors of legend and lore: Don’s Specialty Meats, Best Stop, Billy’s Boudin, Menard’s and…
As spring edges into summer, the mere mention of a tall, cool mojito evokes images of tropical vacations and white-sand beaches. Few cocktails have survived the test of time better than the minty-sweet, fizzy libation laced with lime. One of…
There’s something about a toothpick that starts the creative bloody mary juices flowing. Over the years, the spicy tomato-vodka-citrus concoction has risen from a curiosity at Harry’s Bar in Paris to a social media phenomena of outlandish garnishes. “You don’t…
EUNICE Got Crawfish Cravings? Since the debut of crawfish étouffée in the early 1920s at the Hebert Hotel in Breaux Bridge, the savory dish has stirred debates that have evolved into tribal feuds. “There’s a different recipe for every five…
THIBODAUX Fit for a King Vote for your favorite king cake prepared by esteemed local vendors, dance to live music and watch a children’s parade during the January 27 Bayou King Cake Festival in downtown Thibodaux. Hosted by the…
When brisk winds blow in the land of gumbo, the sweet warming notes of bourbon invigorate guests enjoying Park Bistro’s festive signature libations…
During Louisiana’s fall harvest, our anticipation for Thanksgiving accelerates as November’s sweetest satsumas abound at roadside stands, backyards are strewn with…
DONALDSONVILLE Sip and Savor Something delicious awaits visitors in Donaldsonville’s circa 1895 former power building, reopened in May as the Noël Family Distillery (noeldistillery.com). Private classes and tastings of ultra-premium craft spirits are enticing tequila aficionados, weekend imbibers and spirits…
Lake Charles Fabulous Foodie Fun The Louisiana Food and Wine Festival (Sept. 14-17) offers a plethora of delectable events epitomized by Saturday’s Grand Tasting that showcases top chefs including New Orleans chefs Meg Bickford (Commander’s Palace), Ryan Hacker (Brennan’s)…
The enticing Enzoni cocktail, created by bartender Vincenzo Errico of Milk & Honey in New York in the early 2000s, is…
Jennings These Gators Don't Bite When the kids start asking “Are we there yet?” while driving along I-10 during the family’s summer road trip, head to Gator Chateau and give them some baby alligators to pet. Public feedings for gators…
Watermelon is the ultimate summertime treat. Whether it’s blended into a spritz, margarita, punch or daiquiri, it goes well with just about everything to…
Lafayette Sipping Suds with Pups and Pals Two adopted dogs served as the inspiration for Ryan and Traci Pécot’s latest venture, the new Adopted Dog Brewery (ADB). Owners of Tchoup’s MidCity Smokehouse, the pet-loving husband-and-wife team unveils a family- and…
As the story goes, guitarist Robert Johnson transformed into a blues virtuoso with a shocking mastery of the six-string after a few weeks’…
Thibodaux New King Cake Festival Sample a taste of Mardi Gras and watch the Krewe of King Cake Children’s Parade at the inaugural Bayou King Cake Festival in downtown Thibodaux Feb. 4. Following the parade, Nonc Nu and Da Wild…
Palmyre 201 Settlers Trace Blvd. at River Ranch in Lafayette thepalmyre.com…
Honoring a Literary Legend January brings the debut of a new U.S. postage stamp depicting the celebrated late author, Ernest Gaines (the former UL writer-in-residence emeritus, born on a plantation in Oscar). The stamp, which artfully portrays Gaines in his…
Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn 240 Tubing Road Broussard 337-837-4011 poorboysriversideinn.com There is something undeniably nostalgic about holiday traditions. Family yuletide feasting at a favorite restaurant, helping mom twine the turducken, chilling the flutes and making classic cocktails with friends can…
Take a Drop, Don’t Stop Lafayette Acadiana’s first olive oil tasting bar, Graze Oil, has surfaced in Lafayette, courtesy of the high-end charcuterie boutique, Graze Acadiana. Patrons graze on such ultra-premium offerings as blood orange-infused olive oil with a side…
Lafayette Parish RoadRunnerApp delivery service is partnering with BackYardSapphire to expand pickup routes for glass recyclables in Lafayette Parish. The glass items are being picked up from customers’ homes and crushed into sand. Lafayette Consolidated Government has started using the…
When considering party drinks that could benefit from the oomph that vodka brings, Chef Andrew Green’s Get Lucky highball is a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour sipper that marries small-batch honeysuckle vodka with blackberries, lemon, barrel-aged bitters and orgeat, an increasingly popular…
