Acadiana Profile - October-November 2021

Editor's Note

On Aug. 29, the second most destructive hurricane in Louisiana history tore through the Gulf Coast region of the state. Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 storm, took so much from so many in South Louisiana. The devastation is truly overwhelming…

Of Whiskey and Whimsey

The hotly anticipated Mercy Kitchen in Lafayette (mercy-kitchen.com), opened in September, is an “elevated casual” concept that was birthed during the pandemic by owner Stuart Ottinger (founder of Oxford Provisions Group) “to provide an escape from the madness.” He engaged…

Cold Front

There are those who eat gumbo year round. I’m not one of them. I wait for that…

Dreamscapes

Dreams are like waves washing upon a sandy beach. They leave impressions that quickly disappear. Not for Lafayette artist Kate Gordon, however. Those enigmatic images conjured in Gordon’s dreams often cross the subconscious threshold…

Sleeves Up!

Lafayette The Acadiana Center for the Arts is hosting a vaccination event during Second Saturday ArtWalk Oct. 9, 4-8 pm called “Bring Back Louisiana” (walk-ins welcome) leading up to the…

Food and Fall Fun

You'll find all of the cool kids at The Virgin hotel in New Orleans' Warehouse District this fall and beyond. Playful design and see-and-be-seen bars, eateries and other spaces round out the signature experience people have…

Best of Dining

Each year, Acadiana Profile celebrates the top chefs and restaurants within the 22-parish region that encompasses 14, 500 square miles and more than 1,400,000 residents. We have explored the very heart of Acadiana to find the best of the best.…

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler

I admit that every time I see or hear “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” I cringe a little and rub my ears. It is often pronounced with a dreadful accent and as to its spelling, it is sometimes extraordinarily creative.…

This is Us

“All the things I choose, whether it’s the textiles for drapery or furniture — it’s important to have that feeling,” says Thibeaux, of how she used soft finishes and estate sale pieces to make the home…

Good Cooking

My mother may have been the only abysmal cook in Louisiana, a place where culinary acumen is pretty much a birthright. After confronting too many inedible meals that even my 6-year-old…

Ties that Bind

"Everybody covers New Orleans, but they’re ignored down here." says Mark Porter, who owns a camp at Isle de Jean Charles. "People here are so used to not getting assistance, they…

Coy R. Watson

For two decades, Coy Watson has served fellow Acadians, helping them envision their future and laying out concise plans to get there. The New Iberia native founded Watson Wealth Management in 2019 and has steadily grown the company to offer…

Noah G. Brandon, MBA

As a leader, Noah Brandon holds a firm belief that prioritizing quality growth, innovation, and integrity while giving back to those in need is key to success. Since becoming CEO of Unitech Training Academy, Noah has spearheaded positive growth and…

Steve Dupuis

Over 30 years, Steve Dupuis has grown the Aspen Clinic—a weight loss and wellness company— from one to nine Louisiana clinics. Leading the weight loss industry, the program utilizes both medical and holistic solutions, including nutritional guidance, vitamin injections, and its…

Kenneth J. Cochran, DSc, RN, FACHE

With over 20 years of hospital experience, including clinical expertise as a registered nurse, Dr. Kenneth Cochran is an enormous asset to Opelousas General Health System as President/CEO. Dr. Cochran has extensive involvement in local, state and national level organizations and…

JD Pierce

Leader of an Acadiana-based real estate group, JD has directed growth from a small, single-location real estate office to a multimillion-dollar organization with locations all across the Gulf South, from Lake Charles to Orange Beach, Alabama. “I am committed to…

Jesse Luquette, Jr.,

In the automotive business since the early 1970s, second generation Dealer Jesse Luquette, Jr. has developed a healthy respect for the hardworking, top-caliber employees at Service Chevrolet Cadillac who not only give their all for the company but who also work…