march/april 2013
louisianalife.com
$4.95
contents IN EVERY ISSUE 8 From the Editor
24 Home
Aboard the Cameron Ferry
Local With a Twist
By errol laborde
An architect’s vision of her home
10 Barometer A compendium of what’s hot and what’s not
28 Art
by Carolyn Kolb
Master craftsman in the Creole and Acadian styles
12 Rural Life The Truth About Farmhouses What these fancy magazines don’t know
18
By bonnie warren
By melissa bienvenu
Greg Arceneaux
By john r. kemp
32 Traveler Exploring Caroline Dormon’s Legacy
14 Biz Bits
Natchitoches Parish nature preserve has her name.
Business news from around the state
By paul f. stahls jr.
By kathy finn
16 Health Medical news in Louisiana
74 Lifetimes Our statewide calendar of events By gabrielle bethancourt
By sarah ravits
18 Great Louisiana Chefs Jeremy Langlois Executive chef of Latil’s Landing, Houmas House Plantation in Ascension Parish
44
By Thomas Ritter
80 A Louisiana Life
Graham Patrick Martin Thibodaux native earns TV roles.
Torte Reform
By megan hill
Berries and carrots for the spring table by stanley dry
ON THE COVER: This hearty stew is one of many ways to cook the versatile crawfish. PHOTOGRAPHED and styled BY Eugenia Uhl
36 Season of the Crawfish 7 different types of recipes By Stanley Dry
44 Baiting the Hook in Plaquemines Parish Hope and despair where the river meets the Gulf By cindy ross
2 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Upstate Wonders Natural treasures of Northeast Louisiana
20 Traveling Gourmet
FEATURES
78
78 Quirky Places
48 The Battle of Ponchatoula Although the skirmish was small, the written account was provocative. By Ron Soodalter
SPECIAL SECTIONS 94 Around Louisiana Louisiana Life presents Around Louisiana, a section featuring the people and places of North Louisiana, Central Louisiana, Cajun Country, Baton Rouge and Plantation Country and Greater New Orleans. By jeanne frois
LouisianaLife march/april 2013 Volume 33 Number 2 Editor Errol Laborde MANAGING EDITOR Eve Kidd Crawford Art Director Tiffani Reding Associate Editors Haley Adams, Sarah Ravits Contributing Editor Paul F. Stahls Jr. Food Editor Stanley Dry Home Editor Bonnie Warren INTERNS Tarani Duncan, Elizabeth Heideman, Caroline Malouse sales manager Kathryn Beck Sanderson kathryn@louisianalife.com
Sales Assistant Erin Maher
Production/Web Manager Staci McCarty Production designer Sarah George Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President Errol Laborde Executive Assistant Kristi Ferrante Newsstand manager Christian Coombs subscriptions (504) 828-1380 Newsstand Consultant
Joe Luca, JK Associates
2011 Silver Award Winner for Overall Art Direction
Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 Louisiana Life (ISSN 1042-9980) is published bimonthly plus one annual in November by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: One year $10; Mexico and Canada $48. Periodicals postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional mailing entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Louisiana Life, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2013 Louisiana Life. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark Louisiana Life is registered. Louisiana Life is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Louisiana Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner.
4 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
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what are you thinking? Send feedback about this issue to Managing Editor Eve Kidd Crawford at Eve@LouisianaLife.com. www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 7
from the editor
Aboard the Cameron Ferry
We did not know that there was a ferry
on to, is the only one
ahead, but since the
that operates 24 hours
alternative was to take
every day crossing the
a 150-mile detour to
deepwater Calcasieu
catch I-10, the ferry was
River/Ship Channel. On
welcomed; besides, ferries
board were industrial
are more scenic than an
workers and tourists like
interstate.
me who were driving
For all the endangered
along the Gulf-side
species near the state’s
Creole Nature Trail past
waterways, the ferries are
the towns of Creole and
among them. There are
Cameron.
only eight ferry services
In a state in which just
left in a state that was
about everything that
once filled with the boats
can be cut back has been,
chugging across the
the eight surviving lines
labyrinth of canals, rivers
have been as durable as
and bayous.
alligator hide. The most
Of the eight, the Cameron Ferry, which
8 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
we were about to drive
visible of the ferries is the Algiers/Canal boat,
which makes a sideways S-pattern as it glides across the Mississippi River connecting New Orleans’ French Quarter with the city’s west bank. While most of the ferries are in the southern part of the state, the northernmost survivor is the Catahoula Parish-based Duty/Enterprise boat that crosses the Ouachita River. The Cameron Ferry can haul 50 cars; the little Duty/ Enterprise boat can carry six cars or one 18-wheeler. There was barely time to stand on the deck as the Cameron Ferry made its crossing, but I did anyway. Because the canal connects to the Gulf, there are occasional spottings of dolphins and pelicans splashing along the way. Gulls circle above. Oil is produced along the shore, but not the kind that you think. Piles of menhaden, a nonedible fish prized for its oil, which is used to make pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, dot the beach. At nearby plants, the processed essence of menhaden is loaded into trucks, many of which take the ferry en route to providing healthier faces and lifestyles. Left behind is the smell of fish piles, overpowering in spots even with the fragrance of salt air. Soon we were back in the car waiting our turn to leave the ferry. The whole trip took about as long as the time lapsed to read this column, assuming you did not pause along the way. Now you can flip to another page. Meanwhile, the Cameron Ferry is heading back for another trip.
n
—Errol Laborde
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 9
barometer A compendium of what’s hot and what’s not in Louisiana By carolyn kolb
whose life jacket allowed him
first baby was delivered at
to reach shore but who didn’t
the hospital in November
know what had happened
1968, the 100,000th in August
to his buddy, James Rogan.
1985 and the 200,000th in
Luckily, Rogan was found
September 2000.
alive and well, sitting on a logjam in the lingering fog.
Bus Stop
Next time he would put on a
NOT
life jacket, too, Rogan said.
down Louisiana Highway 27
A school bus weaving
at 75 miles an hour got the
HOT
The Tradition Continues
attention of a trooper from Louisiana State Police Troop
The Shreveport’s Times
D. When the bus driver was
newspaper celebrates its
pulled over, an open bottle of
175th birthday this year,
Southern Comfort, recently
tracing its history back to
stolen, was in his possession.
the Caddo Free Press, with
Happily, the 49 DeQuincy
a first edition on January 17,
children he had just taken to
1839. “[I]t is an honor to be
school were not present at the
part of the 175th year and
time of his arrest, according
Board members of the
to share our past and future
to the DeQuincy News.
the Louisiana Secretary of
Sicilian Heritage Festival in
with the community as 2013
State’s office, the Louisiana
Independence will take to the
progresses,” said Times’
Cotton Museum in Lake
floor this year with Italian folk
publisher Don Bailey.
Providence will survive.
dancing for the March 8-10
East Carroll Parish voters
event, the Hammond Star
rallied to ensure its future by
noted. Lisa Maggio, ballroom
HOT
Museum “Bale” Out No matter what
happens with funding from
HOT
Get Your Dancing Shoes On!
NOT
Class Dismissed The number of
Louisiana public school
HOT
Happy Birthday, No. 300,000!
teachers retiring has jumped more than 25 percent, with
dance instructor, will teach
Baton Rouge Woman’s
3,295 teachers retiring at
the classes. The dances tell
Hospital has welcomed
the end of the 2012 fiscal
per year for three years, the
stories, she said, and had
its 300,000th newborn. To
year, the Advocate reported.
Monroe News-Star reported.
been part of the festival in
celebrate the latest milestone,
Some 1,671 retirements have
The Cotton Museum not only
the past. Festival chair Robin
the hospital is asking everyone
already been recorded in the
features exhibits chronicling
Abrams said an Italian band
who was born or had a baby
first half of this fiscal year,
the commodity’s rich history
will perform, “and all major
at the facility over the past 44
which ends July 1. The new
food booths will come back,
years to share on its 300,000
teacher evaluation system
including muffulettas, lasagna
Babies Badge on Facebook.
is suspected as the reason
and spaghetti.”
Teri Fontenot, president and
for more teachers leaving
CEO of Woman’s, said the
schools. n
passing a property tax that will generate about $75,000
in Louisiana, but it has also become a gathering place for the community. “Plantation Hall is used almost weekly for reunions, weddings and receptions,” Harriet Bridges,
HOT
Duckin’ Out A couple of would-be
a tourist information repre-
duck hunters were found
sentative at the museum, said.
soggy but safe after capsizing
“It’s one of the few facilities
on the swollen Pearl River,
available to the community.”
the Bogalusa Daily News reported. A passerby, Danny Rester, dialed 911 after he came upon Steven Leicher,
10 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
quotable “Cotton is no longer king in Louisiana, and its footprint in the coming year will probably be even smaller. Even so, we wish cotton farmers a successful year in producing a crop that still plays a big role in the world economy.” “Our Views: ‘King Cotton Gets Smaller,’” Advocate
rural life fashion. This is usually the
resembles a 1970s ranch than
case even if the house is
anyone’s idea of a 60-plus-
located on land that the
year-old farmhouse. The
owner dreamily refers to as
9-foot ceilings are not partic-
a farm or if the home once
ularly tall for a house of that
housed an actual farmer.
era. The roof is low-pitched
That’s because, generally speaking, real farmers don’t
house did not even have a
live in farmhouses like the
front porch until my father-
ones in Southern Living.
in-law added one.
Most of the farmhouses
The Truth About Farmhouses What these fancy magazines don’t know By Melissa Bienvenu
As I like to say, our house
around here were built in
has little of the charm and
the 1970s, when the dairy-
all of the problems of an old
farming industry was in
house.
its heyday. The average
In the original section
dairy farmer was young
(my in-laws constructed a
and prosperous enough to
large addition in the 1970s),
build a new house. These
one bedroom has no closet,
practical-minded folk had
while the other two have
no time or patience for old
microscopic ones. Imagining
wooden houses requiring
how my husband’s parents
constant maintenance. They
raised seven children here
didn’t want to go back to
with virtually no storage
the era of sloping floors or
for their stuff boggles my
rooms with 12-foot ceilings
mind. Most rooms lack an
that cost a mint to heat and
overhead light fixture, or if
cool. They liked the same
they have one, it is likely not
comfort, convenience and
operated by a wall switch.
utility bills that everyone
(Pull chains are not just
else in the 1970s liked:
a decorative touch in our
practical brick houses on
house.) Instead, the wall
concrete slabs with low
switches control the wall
ceilings, small windows and
sockets. (I still haven’t figured
wall-to-wall carpet.
out why anyone would want
Our own house is a sort
I admit it: I’m a fool
and shingled, not tin. The
to turn wall sockets on and
merely someone’s fantasy
of strange hybrid between
off.) We have no hallways,
for any decorating magazine
of a farmhouse. The typical
these ‘70s ranch houses and
so it is impossible to access
that features a farmhouse.
scenario involves a big
an old wooden house. The
a bathroom without passing
And it’s not just because I
wooden house, porch swings,
original version was a plain
through a bedroom. That
like decorating magazines
tin roofs, high ceilings,
box constructed entirely
makes it awkward for
and I live in a farmhouse.
claw-foot tubs, hardwood
of heart-pine lumber with
houseguests who need to go
It’s also because I am
floors and porcelain sinks.
tongue-and-groove floors,
in the middle of the night.
highly dubious that any
Most of the time, you can bet
ceilings and wood lathe walls.
No hallways means that
farmhouse idyllic enough
the farm that a hefty bankroll
We’ve never researched its
every room has two or three
to be on the cover of a
and interior decorators
exact provenance, but we do
doorways, creating a major
magazine is (a) a real
helped create that fabulous
know it was built before the
headache when it comes to
farmhouse or (b) inhabited by
farmhouse look. The more
1950s, when my husband’s
arranging furniture. Our
a real farmer.
primitive and authentic and
grandfather purchased the
roofline sags slightly because
distressed everything looks,
farm. One story is that it
the house is apparently
the more it costs.
was built from the recycled
sinking. There is scarcely a
lumber of a much older
square angle or a level floor in the entire joint.
Let me put it this way. I have seen many magazine farmhouses, and I have seen
Rarely is anyone who
many farmhouses. Rarely the
resides in these picture-
house that was torn down on
twain shall meet.
perfect farmhouses
the property.
Frankly, most farmhouses you see on the newsstand are
12 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
associated with agriculture in any form, shape or
Somehow, we didn’t even
In some ways, however,
get hardwood floors out of
our farmhouse more closely
the deal. Only our subfloor,
more of that tongue-and-
house, this problem could
whole lot of cat poop. One
farmhouses. It’s not only
groove heart-pine, is
easily be solved by adding
time, our dog came down
because I doubt whether
wooden. No doubt, it could
insulation under the
with mange, which first
anyone in those houses ever
be beautiful if restored.
subfloor. Here again, we face
manifested itself as a small
really needs a mudroom
However, it is buried under
a unique quandary. Instead
bald spot on the top of her
but also because our house
a layer of carpet, plywood
of being 3 or 4 feet off the
head. Before we realized it
(where farmers and farm
and 1950s linoleum. Once,
ground like most old houses,
was mange, however, we
boys get absolutely filthy all
during a kitchen renovation,
ours is barely 2. Our crawl
sincerely believed she had
the time) doesn’t have one.
I managed to get a peek
space is more like a slither-
gotten the bald spot – get this
As far as I’m concerned,
at the subfloor and saw
on-your-belly-like-a-reptile
– by skinning her head while
if you have never had to
daylight shining between
space. This is one reason I
chasing armadillos under
vacuum the inside of your
the boards. Mind you, I
haven’t even bothered trying
the house at night. (Just
washing machine, you don’t
love vintage wooden floors
to find out what someone
FYI: If you think your dog’s
deserve a mudroom.
– but not enough to sleep
would charge us to lie in the
bald spot is from chasing
in a ski parka. So even if
dirt, in a tight, dark space
armadillos under the house,
complaining. I am thankful
we did pull up the carpet
while insulating a surface a
but it’s really mange, you
for our home, despite its
and manage to remove the
few inches above his face. It
might be a redneck.)
quirks. Not to mention
fossilized linoleum and glue
might be cheaper to build a
(probably unleashing a toxic
whole new house.
Or maybe you just live in a
But hey, I’m not
that, unlike those gorgeous
real farmhouse, in which case
designer farmhouses, it
you probably don’t have a
comes complete with a real
couldn’t talk anyone into
mudroom: a special place just
farm, a real farmer, real farm
destroying the heart-pine
descending into that dark
for removing, cleaning and
boys, a real family history
planks underneath, we would
netherworld, anyway. I
storing wet, muddy shoes
and a real lifestyle that those
still face the issue of how to
suspect there are snakes
and boots. To be honest,
folks in the magazines can
insulate our lovely, authentic,
down there. I know for a
it always irks me to see a
never buy.
freezing floors.
fact there are mice, lizards,
mudroom in one of these
spiders, roaches and a
fancy-schmancy magazine
cloud of lead and asbestos in the process) without
In a typical raised wooden
Besides, we probably
They are living the fantasy, but I’m livin’ the dream.
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 13
biz bits Business news from around the state By kathy finn
Big manufacturing companies continue to see a
turers around the region. “This project will be the
lot to like in Louisiana, and
largest single manufacturing
many are finding excellent
investment in the history
sites where they can build new
of Louisiana,” Gov. Bobby
plants or expand on existing
Jindal said in announcing the
ones. Here’s a look at some of
project.
the projects now under way.
Used auto plant to produce ultra-new cars SHREVEPORT – A young
Plant fuels southwest Louisiana economy WESTLAKE – One of the
auto company aims to make
biggest manufacturing plants
lemonade from the lemons
of the fruit beverage business
ever built in the state could
General Motors left behind
from Covington to Metairie
Profits from castoffs OPELOUSAS – A former
create some 1,200 direct
when it shut down a plant
and add dozens of jobs as
bottling plant will find
jobs and generate thousands
here. Elio Motors Inc. will
he expands the company.
new life with a $10 million
more around southwestern
invest $100 million to reopen
He plans to add more than
investment by AgraTech
Louisiana. South Africa-based
the former GM plant, where
1,000 franchise units during
International Inc. The biotech
Sasol Ltd. is building the
it will assemble advanced,
the next five years, including
venture plans to convert
facility, which will produce
energy-efficient vehicles,
locations in Southeast Asia
seafood shell waste into
high-quality transportation
creating some 1,500 local
and China, nearly doubling
commercial products ranging
fuels, including nontoxic
jobs. The new three-wheeled
the size of the company.
from windshield coatings
diesel. The company says
Elio vehicle is expected to
it will invest upward of $16
achieve fuel efficiency of
billion in the fuel and ethane
80 miles per gallon. The
cracker complex, which
to sunscreen lotions and nasal sprays. The renovated
company is purchasing
Timberland draws pellet producer BASTROP – Morehouse
eventually could produce
the manufacturing plant
Parish residents, who saw
addition to a 38,000-square-
96,000 barrels of fuel per
from a trust formed by
the downside of economic
foot facility in Opelousas,
day. Sasol North America
a U.S. Bankruptcy Court
change when a major paper
AgraTech will participate in
Inc. currently employs about
to redevelop former GM
mill closed several years ago,
a research partnership with
550 people at its Westlake
locations. Elio will begin
got a lift when Drax Biomass
the University of Louisiana–
Chemical Complex.
renovations soon in order
International Inc. announced
Lafayette.
to start commercial vehicle
it would invest $120 million in
production in mid-2014.
a local plant that will produce
The state is supporting
plant will employ about 50 people, the company says. In
wood pellets. The England-
New plant offers a lift GRAY – About 20 people
based electric power company
landed jobs recently when
produces wood pellets in
Standard Crane & Hoist
rebate of up to 15 percent for
Smoothie King’s New Energy METAIRIE – A home-grown
the United States for use in
opened a new $1.1 million
each new job and training
business will remain in the
generating renewable power
manufacturing facility here.
support. Louisiana also will
New Orleans area thanks to
in the United Kingdom. The
The plant is designed to
invest $20 million for a new
an agreement completed with
company plans to use the
manufacture overhead bridge
training facility at SOWELA
the owner of Smoothie King
ample timberland in North
cranes, putting Standard
Technical Community College
Franchises Inc. South Korean
Louisiana for production at
Crane among only a few
in Lake Charles to offer
businessman Wan Kim,
the Bastrop plant, which will
companies in the country
programs for future Sasol
who acquired the company
employ about 50 workers.
with that capability. Founded
workers. Eventually the
last summer from founders
Another dozen jobs could
in South Louisiana more than
center will serve the broader
Steve and Cindy Kuhnau,
result from a shipping facility
100 years ago, the company
training needs of manufac-
announced he would move
the company will operate in
employs about 50 people at
the corporate headquarters
Port Allen
seven U.S. plants.
the new fuel complex with a $115 million grant for land and other costs, an industrial tax exemption, a payroll tax
14 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
n
health By sarah ravits
Bedroom televisions link to obesity in children Baton Rouge – Pennington
more TV. These children
Biomedical Research Center
adipose tissue mass, as well
recently published a study
as higher waist circumfer-
in the American Journal
ence, when compared with
of Preventive Medicine,
their peers who did not have
revealing that children who
a bedroom TV.
watch television in their
also were shown to have more fat and subcutaneous
Study participants with
bedrooms are at a greater
a TV in the bedroom and
risk for obesity than children
those who watched TV
who do not. The study,
more than two hours a day
“Television, Adiposity, and
were each associated with
Cardiometabolic Risk in
up to 2.5 times the odds
Children and Adolescents,”
of the highest levels of fat
found that the average
mass. Viewing five or more
American child from age 8
hours a day produced an
to 18 watches approximately
association of 2 times the
four-and-a-half hours of
odds of being in the top
television per day. Seventy
quartile for visceral adipose
validates the medical center’s
Domingue, pharmacy director
percent have televisions
tissue mass. Co-author of
“commitment to improving
at Lafayette General Medical
in their bedrooms. About
the study Amanda Staiano
care for patients with heart
Center, accepted an award
one-third of youths age 6 to
said: “A bedroom TV may
disease.” During the survey,
for the 2013 Site of the Year
19 are considered obese.
create additional disruptions
Willis-Knighton received
from the Comprehensive
Pennington researcher
to healthy habits, above and
favorable comments for its
Pharmacy Services for the
Peter Katzmarzyk found that
beyond regular TV viewing.
community involvement
South Central Region. CPS,
TV viewing time was related
For instance, having a
and partnership with local
which is a leading pharmacy
to visceral adiposity, and
bedroom TV is related to
emergency medical services.
services provider to hospitals
bedroom TV was related
lower amounts of sleep and
to cardiometabolic risk in
lower prevalence of regular
Accredited Chest Pain
systems, works on cost
children. Between 2010
family meals, independent of
Center must demonstrate
containment, patient safety
and 2011, 369 children and
total TV viewing time. Both
expertise include integrating
and regulatory compliance.
adolescents aged 5 to 18 in
short sleep duration and lack
the emergency department
Identifying improvement
Baton Rouge, representing
of regular family meals have
with the local emergency
strategies and leading the
a balance between gender,
been related to weight gain
medical system; assessing,
implementation process to
ethnicity, age and BMI status,
and obesity.”
diagnosing and treating
ensure successful results is
patients quickly; treating
part of its mission. LGMC’s
patients with low risk for
pharmacy department
acute coronary syndrome
earned its recognition for
and no assignable cause for
scoring at least 85 percent
ides, high-density lipoprotein
Willis-Knighton accredited as a Chest Pain Center Shreveport – Willis-
their symptoms; maintaining
or better in an operation
cholesterol, glucose, fat mass
Knighton Medical Center
organizational structure and
audit, for outstanding
and stomach fat. According
received full accreditation
commitment; supporting
financial performance by
to a Pennington-generated
with percutaneous coronary
community outreach
meeting or exceeding its
press release, analysis of the
intervention from the Society
programs; and more.
budget, for superior scores
data developed produced
of Cardiovascular Patient
two models, which revealed
Care for a three-year period.
that children with a TV in
Kathy Walker, director of
the bedroom were more
the Willis-Knighton Heart &
likely, in general, to watch
Vascular Institute, said that it
were evaluated for a variety of factors, such as waist circumference, resting blood pressure, fasting triglycer-
16 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Key areas in which an
and integrated health
on The Joint Commission
LGMC named a Site of the Year for its pharmacy Lafayette – Shane
survey, for clinical success and for maintenance of good relationships with its staff members.
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 17
great louisiana chefs Bisque of Curried Pumpkin, Crawfish and Corn 1 cup olive oil 2 cups chopped onions 1 cup chopped bell pepper 1 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped garlic 1 cup flour 1 cup Steen’s cane syrup 1/4 cup curry powder 2 quarts crawfish stock 2 cups fresh corn kernels 1 pound peeled Louisiana crawfish tails 1 14-ounce can of unsweetened pumpkin 1 cup heavy whipping cream Salt and pepper to taste In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, and add the onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic. Cook until translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in the flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in the cane syrup, curry powder, crawfish stock, corn kernels and Louisiana crawfish tails. Whisk in the can of pumpkin, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the heavy whipping cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 12.
Jeremy Langlois Executive chef of Latil’s Landing, Houmas House Plantation in Ascension Parish Chef Jeremy Langlois is
Moving to Lafitte’s Landing
organization of 750 premier restaurants in three countries.
a rising star, and the rising has just
Restaurant at Viala Plantation in
begun. As is true with so many chefs, he
January 1998, chef Langlois learned a
began his career working with a master.
la carte preparation and experienced
team at the Houmas House Plantation
Langlois started early, the day after
the intensity of a kitchen. In 2001
as executive chef at Latil’s Landing
his 16th birthday in May 1995, when
Langlois was promoted to executive
Restaurant, named by Esquire
he joined chef John Folse’s White Oak
chef at Lafitte’s Landing Restaurant
magazine as one of the Top 20 Best
Plantation Team. Within seven months,
at Bittersweet Plantation (where the
New Restaurants in America. There he
he was promoted to prep cook. Langlois’
restaurant moved after a fire destroyed
creates dishes in a style that he calls
mentor, Folse, saw the enthusiasm and
Viala Plantation) at the young age
“nouvelle Louisiane.” His Bisque of
the potential in the young protégé and
of 22. He was the youngest executive
Curried Pumpkin, Crawfish and Corn
gave him a full scholarship to the Chef
chef of any restaurant in DiRONA,
(recipe above) is one of his signature
John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls
which stands for Distinguished,
dishes. We suspect there will be many
State University.
Restaurants of North America, an
more in the future.
18 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Langlois now leads the culinary
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 19
traveling gourmet
Torte Reform Berries and carrots for the spring table By Stanley Dry
I have a hard time keeping track of the seasons.
or sorbet, which is one of this
This is the time of year for
month’s recipes.
Louisiana strawberries, but
On the other hand, I’ll happily
they actually started showing
include blueberries in a variety
up in small quantities back in
of cooked and baked dishes,
December. That was about
in addition to enjoying them
the same time that a few local
in their fresh state. Blueberry
restaurants began serving
waffles are a welcome way
boiled crawfish, which only
to kick off the day, but they
added to my confusion. Last
don’t have to be limited to
year I was so out of kilter that I
the breakfast table. They can
missed the local blueberry crop
also double as a dessert when
by a month. By the time I got
topped with whipped cream
out to Romero’s pick-your-own
or ice cream and additional
farm in Cade, blueberry season
berries. A pound cake studded
had morphed into blackberry
with juicy blueberries, which is
season. So I picked blackber-
a snap to make, will brighten
ries, which I love, but not at the
up a dessert plate or serve
expense of blueberries.
as a fine accompaniment to
However early strawber-
eugenia uhl photograph
use them to make an ice cream
afternoon coffee or tea. I’ve
ries and blueberries may
used Greek-style yogurt in the
appear, March and April are
recipes for pound cake and
high season for them, with
waffles, and, for reasons I can’t
blueberries usually ripening
explain, it results in browning
in April (at least in South
that is superior to what either
Louisiana). So now’s the
milk or buttermilk will produce.
time to make the most of the
Because Easter is almost
crop. A bowl of fresh berries
upon us, it seems appropriate
at breakfast (or any time of
to use some spring carrots
the day, for that matter) is
to make a cake for the Easter
a seasonal treat that I never
Bunny, not to mention the kids
tire of, and there are scores
and their parents. The recipe
of ways to incorporate them
that follows is actually a torte,
into scrumptious desserts. As
and it is very different from the
a matter of personal taste, I
familiar oil-based carrot cake
don’t like cooked strawberries,
with cream cheese frosting, but
so I enjoy them on their own
I don’t think the Easter Bunny
with a little sugar and cream or
will complain.
.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 21
Carrot, Ginger and Pecan Torte
Blueberry Pound Cake
This is a very light cake made without butter or oil and with ground
1/2 cup butter, softened
pecans and panko (crisp Japanese-style bread crumbs) in place
1 1/2 cups sugar
of flour. I like it served plain with a cup of black coffee, but either
3 large eggs
powdered sugar or whipped cream is a worthy addition. For this
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
recipe, do not grease the pan.
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
6 large eggs, separated
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup plain yogurt, preferably Greek-style
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup grated carrots
1 1/2 cups blueberries
2/3 cup panko bread crumbs 1 cup ground pecans Powdered sugar (optional) Whipped cream (optional)
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour a standard loaf pan. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla,
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg
nutmeg, soda, salt and yogurt, and mix well. Fold in the flour
yolks until they are pale yellow. Slowly add the sugar, and continue
until combined. Fold in the blueberries. Turn the batter into
beating until smooth and creamy. Add the grated ginger and
the prepared pan, and bake in the preheated oven until a
carrots, and mix to combine. Add the bread crumbs and ground
tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 65-70
pecans, and mix to combine.
minutes. Serves 8 to 10.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they are stiff. Fold the egg whites into the batter. Turn the mixture into an ungreased 9-inch springform pan, and bake it in the preheated oven until it’s
Blueberry Waffles
browned and set in the middle, about 40-45 minutes. Place the pan on a wire rack, and let the torte cool in the pan. Serve with
1 cup all-purpose flour
powdered sugar or whipped cream if desired. Serves 8.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar
Strawberry Sorbet
3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup plain yogurt, preferably Greek-style
This is a good way to capture the freshness and flavor of the
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
season’s strawberries.
2 tablespoons melted butter 1/2 cup blueberries
3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups water
Preheat the waffle iron. In a medium bowl, combine the
1 pound strawberries
flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar, and whisk
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
to combine. Add the milk, yogurt and eggs, and whisk to
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
combine. Mix in the butter. Fold in the blueberries. Cook on
3 tablespoons vodka
the hot waffle iron until browned. Serve with melted butter and choice of syrups, or top with additional berries and a dusting
To make simple syrup, combine the sugar and water in a small
of powdered sugar. Makes about 4 round waffles.
pan and bring to a boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and let the syrup cool before proceeding with the recipe.
Whipped Cream
Wash, hull and slice the strawberries. Place the strawberries, simple syrup, orange juice and lemon juice in the blender,
1/2 pint very cold heavy cream
and process until liquefied. Press through a fine-mesh strainer
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
to remove the seeds. Add the vodka, and chill thoroughly; then
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
process in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Scoop into a container, and freeze until firm. Remove
Whip the cream until it begins to thicken. Add the sugar and
from the freezer 5 or 10 minutes before serving so the sorbet will
vanilla, and whip until soft peaks form. Makes about 2 1/2 cups
soften slightly. Makes about 1 quart.
of whipped cream.
22 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 23
home
Local With a Twist By Bonnie Warren | Photographed by Craig Macaluso
ABOVE: Architectural designer Gwen Loria designed her 2,668square-foot family home with her young family – she and her husband have four children under 7 – in mind.
Drive up to the home
An architect’s vision of her home
One thing is immediately
with the house she designed
design a house with an ad
of Gwen and Paul Loria
evident: This isn’t your usual
for her young family, which
hoc feel with the cityscape in
in New Orleans’ Lakeview
cookie-cutter architecture.
includes four children under
a single residence. It resulted
neighborhood, and marvel
Gwen, a young architec-
the age of 7: “Growing up
in programmatic puzzles
at the unique structure that
tural designer who attended
in the New Orleans area, I
but allowed rich interactive
includes a three-story tower
Tulane University School
have a love and appreciation
spaces to be manifested.”
and multiple buildings joined
of Architecture, is quick to
for local architecture. I love
together to create a somewhat
explain in her professional
the ad hoc assembly of the
and Gwen’s vision becomes
mysterious streetscape.
vocabulary what is going on
local vernacular. I wanted to
evident. There is a reason
24 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Step inside the house,
TOP LEFT: The rear exterior view shows the three-story tower, bedroom wing, first-floor schoolroom (or guest suite) and the large workshop. BOTTOM LEFT: Gwen’s studio/ office is a light-filled space at the top of the stairway tower. ABOVE: Gwen and Paul Loria with their children, from left, Micah, Jude, Camille and Nathan.
for each space with the total
introduced to the pièce de
stair shaft,” Paul says. “There
their three boys – Nathan, 7;
result presenting a floor plan
résistance – a 15-foot-by-
are 51 steps on three levels,
Micah, 6; and Jude, 4 – share
that validates her talent and
15-foot three-story stairway
and we both love the look of
a special creative space,
fits her family. A lagniappe
core fashioned with steps
the raw steel 38-inch-high
complete with lofts on both
factor that further accounts
cut from huge pine beams
banister that we left in its
sides of the room and a large
for the success of the house
resting on a steel base that
natural state. It is protected
core space that is flanked
is Paul’s talent as a construc-
creates a visual impact. “The
from rust with an automotive
by a bathroom and built-in
tion specialist. “It was a huge
concept for the ‘stair shaft,’
clear coating.”
“locker room” that takes into
advantage to work together
as we call it, came from the
on the design phase, thus
tower in the old Falstaff
first level offers a unique
storage. “One of the lofts in
allowing us to work out
Brewery in New Orleans,”
bathroom that is separated
the room is called the LEGO
potential construction issues
Gwen explains. “In our case,
by a clear wall of glass, while
World,” Paul says. “It’s due
before the project began,”
the design provided a multi-
a built-in closet occupies
to the fact that there are
he says.
functional space that serves
the entire space behind the
three generations of LEGOs up there.”
The master suite on the
consideration space for toy
as access to the first-floor
bedroom. “Function was the
two solid walls with exterior
master suite, second-floor
key to the closet space as we
windows, is your first intro-
quarters for the children and
did not want to walk through
room, and discover a large
duction to the unique interior.
my third-floor studio/office.”
the bathroom to get to the
patio that provides plenty of
The open floor plan allows for
The couple agrees that the
closet,” Gwen says.
space to entertain and for the
The foyer space, created by
Camille, the Lorias’
Step outside from the living
children to play. Don’t miss
a large kitchen-dining area
stair shaft always creates
to the right and a large living
a wow factor for first-time
2-year-old daughter, has a
the secret guest suite that
room at the core of the house.
visitors to their home.
standard bedroom with an
can only be entered from the
“Everybody comments on the
adjoining bathroom, but
patio. Here Gwen conducts
You are immediately
.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 25
26 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
FACING PAGE, TOP: A three-level bunk bed was constructed to accommodate the Lorias’ three sons. The loft over the bathroom provides additional play space. BOTTOM LEFT: Three of Paul’s guitars have a place of honor under the paintings done by Connie Kittok, Gwen’s aunt, on the first level of the stair shaft. BOTTOM RIGHT: The master bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a glass wall. THIS PAGE, TOP: The large kitchen and dining room showcases the hickory floors used through the main living spaces, while the handsome stainless-steel backsplash was created by Gus Mackey of Classic Roofing & Gutters. BOTTOM: The large living room adjoins the stair tower that was inspired by the original Falstaff Brewery tower in New Orleans.
her own “schoolhouse”
shaft and scampering up
as she home-schools the
the ladders to the lofts in
children.
the boys’ bedroom, and I
“Our home is a perfect fit
take great pride in having
for our family,” Paul says.
the pleasure of designing
“It is alive with the happy
a house that is unique
voices of our children who
and tailored to our every
love exploring the stair
need.”
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 27
art
Greg Arceneaux In recent decades,
Master craftsman in the Creole and Acadian styles | By John R. Kemp
ture-maker Greg Arceneaux
Louisiana craftsmen. “Creole
pecan, walnut, willow, poplar
Louisianians have reawakened
and a handful of other artisans
and Acadian styles are
and cherry plus imported
to their own history and
across the state, the legacy of
some of the most unique yet
mahogany – and traditional
cultural legacies. Young chefs
making Louisiana’s subtle but
overlooked forms of antiquity
mortise-and-tenon joinery
are giving a new taste to old
graceful Creole and Acadian
in the decorative arts,” he
with hand-rubbed oil finishes
familiar Cajun and Creole
furniture lives on.
explains. “These designs have
to give his work an ageless
recipes. Photographers
In his spacious workshop
not been produced in 150 to
look. He also gives new life
and painters are inter-
just north of Covington on the
200 years. I knew collectors
to old lumber salvaged from
preting natural and historic
Folsom highway, Arceneaux
were looking for this
demolished buildings and
landscapes. And young
and his crew are crafting
furniture, and there’s not a lot
centuries-old sinker cypress
musicians are pounding out
Creole- and Acadian-style
of it left. Only a few original
raised from the bottoms of
new riffs and old rhythms
armoires, chairs, tables and
examples still exist. It’s part of
Louisiana bayous and rivers.
from the state’s bayous,
chests that resemble the
my heritage.”
prairies and inner cities to
sometimes simple, sometimes
audiences worldwide. Thanks
elegant furniture made by
sors, Arceneaux uses the
often adapts pieces to modern
to Covington master furni-
18th- and early-19th-century
same native woods – cypress,
needs, such as entertainment
28 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Like his early predeces-
Of course, his tools and machinery are modern, and he
centers, bars and computer
distinct Louisiana Creole style
Lafayette in the early 1970s.
their homes,” he recalls. “It
desks. Nevertheless, he prides
decades before the Civil War.
He studied art and sculpture
speaks about the character
himself on his aesthetic and
Acadian furniture-makers,
at LSU for two years but soon
of the people. I saw it in
historic connections to these
however, continued to create
learned he wasn’t interested
their houses and all around
early furniture-makers – as
less ornate and rural styles
in purely aesthetic forms.
Lafayette. Before the early
well he should. He was born
of functional, minimally
It was a good time to be in
1970s that style of furniture
and raised along the River
ornamented and often
Lafayette, he recalls. It was
was overlooked.”
Road in Baton Rouge, and his
painted furniture well into
the beginning of the Acadian
family has lived in the River
the 20th century.
awakening when young
Arceneaux worked for the
While in Lafayette,
Cajuns began to explore their
Natural History Museum;
ancestor Michel Arceneaux
early Louisiana furniture
heritage, music, food and
did a bit of carpentry around
arrived from Canada and
began after he moved to
French language. “I became
town; and met his future wife,
settled in what is today St.
curious about the Acadian
Liz Lieninger of New Orleans.
James Parish.
furniture people lived with in
He also made his first
Parishes since 1705 when his
He was recognized by the Louisiana Division of the Arts as a master craftsman, and his credits are mounting.
Arceneaux’s interest in
Acadian chair from native cherry wood. Greg and Liz married in 1977; started a business in
He has appeared on national and regional television, and HGTV named him a Modern Master in 2001. He also is a three-time recipient of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival’s Best of Show award. In 2010 the Ogden Museum of Southern Art featured his work in a special exhibition, and the Historic New Orleans Collection included his work in its 2012 exhibit Furnishing Louisiana. In addition, his work is now in the collections of the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans, the Ogden Museum, the Historic New Orleans Collection, Oak Alley and Laura plantations in Vacherie, Shadows-onthe-Teche in New Iberia and in many other museums and private homes. In a sense, Louisiana Creole and Acadian furniture reflects the social history of early Louisiana. Immigrants from France and French Canada, trade with Mexico and other Spanish colonies, French émigrés from the slave rebellion in St. Domingue and the creation of Haiti in 1804, Anglo-Americans arriving before and after the Louisiana Purchase and prevailing French and English styles all came together to form a www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 29
craft continues, the HNOC
museum commissioned
included several pieces made
him to make cherry wood
by Arceneaux. “It’s still a
benches for the second-floor
living and evolving style,”
gallery and furniture for
he says, glancing across his
the Sala Capitular, a long,
workshop at a new bookcase
narrow room on the second
and armoire taking shape.
floor where the transfer of
Arceneaux’s work is a
Louisiana from Spain to
marriage of grace, form and
France and from France to
function. “I want to connect
the United States took place in
beauty to utility,” he explains.
November 1803. For historical
“Furniture has a sculptured
accuracy, the museum gave
quality and a purpose in
him the 1793 specifications for
people’s lives.” This attention
the large meeting table and
to aesthetics and historical
relied upon him to design and
details has earned him respect
make the appropriate period
among museum curators;
chairs. “To this day,” he says,
historians; and collectors such
“all the wooden pieces in that
as Jack Holden, an expert
room are my creation.”
on early Louisiana furniture
Liz tells a delightful story
and co-author of the book
about the furniture Greg
Furnishing Louisiana.
made for the Cabildo. A few
Holden and his wife,
years back, their daughter
Pat, first met Arceneaux
Sarah was on a class tour of
several years ago while
the historic building when
attending a festival at Oak
she and her classmates
Alley Plantation. “He had
entered the Sala Capitular.
made a credible copy of a
She pointed to the furniture
low Louisiana Creole chair,
and said, “My daddy made
and we were fascinated
that furniture.” The tour guide
by his enthusiasm about
quickly dismissed the young
Louisiana furniture,” Jack
girl’s proclamation. “No,
Holden recalled, reflecting
dawlin’, that furniture is over
upon Arceneaux’s work.
200 years old.” Sarah, then 12,
“We subsequently had him
capitulated, and once again
their garage; and in 1979,
Museum’s groundbreaking
make reproduction chairs
the room – Sala Capitular –
moved to Covington, where
exhibition, Early Furniture
and tables for us. Using
earned its name. According
they had spent time canoeing
of Louisiana, held in 1972 at
the correct woods and
to the museum’s website, the
the local rivers. They loved the
the Cabildo in New Orleans.
techniques, he manages to
original 18th-century furniture
artisan-fed swimming pools,
Here and in the accompa-
capture the essence of the
no longer exists.
the copper-colored streams
nying catalog, the public got
original. Besides making
that cut through the forests
its first look at the history,
excellent copies, he creates
past continue in his Covington
and its proximity to New
evolution and importance
contemporary furniture,
workshop with its walls
Orleans and a bigger market
of Louisiana’s Creole and
playing off the original Creole
lined with raw planks, half-
for Greg’s work. At first
Acadian furniture. Forty years
forms. He is an excellent
completed pieces of furniture
they had a small shop in old
later, in 2012, the Historic
craftsman who understands
and the remains of earlier
Covington, and in February
New Orleans Collection
and works in the Creole
times. “I felt the Creole and
2012, they moved the shop to
published Furnishing
style. One of the missions of
Acadian styles are beautiful
its current location. Liz later
Louisiana: Creole and Acadian
Furnishing Louisiana was to
and needed to be celebrated
quit her midwife profession to
Furniture, 1735-1835, a
encourage cabinetmakers
and not slip into obscurity,”
work with Greg.
monumental encyclopedic
to continue and expand the
he says a bit wistfully. “The
history of early Louisiana
Creole tradition. Greg has
telltale marks of a culture are
has drawn upon various
furniture. At the same time,
helped fulfill that goal.”
those things that remain after
sources to create histori-
the HNOC mounted a major
cally accurate designs. The
exhibition, featuring 18th- and
Arceneaux’s career came
For more information about
most important of those has
early-19th-century Louisiana
in 1988 after a fire almost
Arceneaux’s work, visit www.
been the Louisiana State
furniture. To show that the
destroyed the Cabildo. The
gregarceneaux.com. n
Over the years, Arceneaux
30 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
An earlier milestone in
Such conversations with the
a culture disappears.”
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 31
traveler
Exploring Caroline Dormon’s Legacy
G.W. Willis, MD photo
Richard Johnson and Louisiana irises
Natchitoches Parish nature preserve has her name. | by Paul F. Stahls Jr. Remember scratch-
Highway 9 (20 miles north
conceive and acquire for
is awesome, that she helped
and-sniffs, those little cards
of U.S. 71 and 35 miles south
Louisiana our Kisatchie
design and create such
that could produce the smells
of Interstate 20), Briarwood,
National Forest is remarkable,
treasures as Hodges Gardens
of coffee, bacon, popcorn
now officially known as the
that her exquisite wildflower
in Sabine Parish and the State
and apple pie? You thought
Caroline Dormon Nature
paintings grace the pages of
Arboretum in Evangeline is
that was something? Well, let
Preserve, is a living record
her own books and others
inspirational, but the center of
me tell you about a magical
of what “Carrie” Dormon
place called Briarwood, where
considered her life’s work
scratching a leaf or snapping
and crowning achievement:
a twig can summon stunning
the collecting and nurturing
and exquisite fragrances
of the native trees, shrubs
you’ve never imagined, a place
and flowers of Louisiana and
where rare trees and shrubs
the Gulf Coastal Plain. It was
mingle with longleaf pines
a quest that occupied her
along ridges and creek banks
here through the first three-
and wildflowers blanket the
quarters of the 20th century
entire forest.
and continues to occupy two of her protégés.
Natchitoches Parish, between
That this artist/writer/
Reidheimer and Saline on hilly
forester/horticulturist could
32 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Jim Caldwell photo
At the northern tip of
Richard and Jessie Johnson
her universe was Briarwood,
College in Alabama with
political contacts.
and the driving force of
emphases on art and literature,
That network became
her daily life there was the
Dormon began a decade
the launchpad of the
wildflowers.
of teaching in the primary
one-woman lobbying
schools of remote villages such
effort that would lead
ago in the Bienville Parish seat
as Kisatchie in southernmost
in 1924 to the enabling
of Arcadia, and the influences
Natchitoches Parish. There her
act that empowered
of her family’s gardens there,
interest in the wildflowers and
and funded the federal
combined with the hills,
Kichai branch of the Caddo
purchase of lands for
plant life, birds and animals
Indians led to explorations of
the five sprawling
of their ancestral summer
the local woodlands, where she
ranger districts of
home in the Briarwood
acquired a love of Louisiana’s
Kisatchie National
community, transformed
quickly vanishing virgin pines,
Forest.
her at a tender age into a
an enchantment that was
confirmed child of nature.
enhanced by her woodland
Sis and Carrie’s
wagon rides from the train
close-knit association
station in Provencal, 20 miles
with the neighboring
to the north. It was during her
Johnson family
tenure at the Kisatchie School
blossomed into a sort
that the notion and name of
of mutual adoption,
Kisatchie National Forest were
and the Johnson boys,
born, and today that 600,000-
especially Richard,
acre forest leapfrogs across
followed at Carrie’s
seven parishes in Central and
heels, absorbing her
North Louisiana and owes its
words, observing her
existence to two factors and
actions and reading
two alone: the “CCC boys” of
everything she read
FDR’s Civilian Conservation
or wrote herself. In
Corps, who manually
time he departed on
reforested our cut-over
a career path that
timberlands, and, of course,
would lead through
Carrie Dormon.
a maze of skills and
Dormon was born 125 years
In 1908, after receiving a fine arts degree from Judson
CAROLINE DORMON BIBLIOGRAPHY Forest Trees of Louisiana and How To Know Them, 1928, Louisiana Department of Conservation, Bulletin 15 Wild Flowers of Louisiana, 1934, Doubleday (and 1942, Louisiana Department of Conservation) Flowers Native to the Deep South, 1958, Claitor’s Publishing Natives Preferred, 1965, Claitor’s Publishing Southern Indian Boy, 1967, Claitor’s Publishing Bird Talk, 1969, Claitor’s Publishing Adventures in Wild Flowers (her published articles compiled), 2010, Catawba Publishing Biography: The Gift of the Wild Things by Fran Holman Johnson, 1990, Center for Louisiana Studies, USL
Throughout her brief
Sweet coneflower
Through the years,
Dwarf violet iris
technologies, and
teaching career she returned
upon his return, those
the trails and treasures of the
to Briarwood at every
experiences, combined with
preserve.
opportunity, and in 1916,
his encyclopedic knowledge of
Stretch a golf cart like an
with the old summer house
the forest and its flora, made
accordion, and you’ll have the
dilapidated, her older sister,
him the perfect successor to
vehicle that carries pilgrims
Virginia, and she (known in
Carrie as curator and guiding
through Briarwood on a trail
the family as “Sis” and “Bad”)
light of the legacy she had
that’s just wide enough for the
oversaw construction of a
created here.
little rig, just as it had been
new house, which (rebuilt in
His fiancée, Jessie Fair, was
for the carts and wagons that
the 1980s around the 1916
from a local family and hit it
traveled it in the early 19th
stone fireplace) now serves
right off with Carrie and Sis,
century when it was known as
as the visitor center of the
both close friends of her aunts,
the Sparta Road. Sunken like
nature preserve. As the ‘20s
but today his bride of 60 years
the original Natchez Trace and
roared by, Carrie redoubled
disputes the term “local.”
Louisiana’s old Tunica Trace,
her efforts to identify the plant
The Fair home was “5 miles
but only 2 or 3 feet deep,
species of Briarwood and to
northwest,” she says, “and in
it originated in prehistory
transplant other “natives” of
those days that was a trip!”
as a Louisiana-Oklahoma
Louisiana and its southeastern
After Richard’s retirement
buffalo trail for spring and fall
neighbors, also allotting
and their return to Briarwood,
migrations. This local segment,
time to regional and national
Jessie became another disciple
adopted by settlers as their
nature-preservation boards
at Carrie’s side, and with
trail between the communities
and committees, thereby
Richard or Jessie for a guide,
of Atlanta and Sparta, ran
(incidentally) developing a
today’s visitors are assured
right through Briarwood,
base of state and federal
a thorough introduction to
mostly following the
.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 33
Atamasco lily
that were personally selected
memories of Carrie Dormon
by Caroline when the sisters
and their knowledge of the
built this, their final home,
trees and wildflowers they
and occupied it in December
nurture here, such as the
of 1950. It was spacious
medicinal values tradition-
enough for their comfort and
ally attributed to various
to contain, then as now (in
herbs or the most favorable
its current role as the nature
viewing season for this or
preserve’s museum), the
that flower or blooming tree.
botanical specimens, library,
It’s the blooming, of course,
art and treasures of geology
that dictates the preserve’s
and archaeology that defined
“regular” visiting seasons
Carrie’s areas of interest. One
– March through May for
large room has become a
azaleas and wildflowers,
museum within the museum,
August for orchids and the
housing Richard’s collection
rare plum-leafed azaleas and
of tools important to the lives
November for enjoying the
of those who worked our
witch hazel and blazing fall
early-20th-century woods
foliage – and regular hours
and farmsteads.
during those five months are
property’s magical creek
wild azaleas call their own;
that never runs dry (even in
and the Bay Garden, which
the worst of droughts, when
features many varieties of
a few curves away on the
and noon to 5 p.m. on
our beloved Louisiana irises.
forest’s primary trail, is a
Sundays. There’s actually no
They weren’t always beloved,
cabin named Three Pines but
day of the week or month of
you know. They weren’t even
better known as the Writer’s
the year, however, when the
known till the 1920s and ’30s
Cabin, built for Carrie in the
preserve discourages visits,
when Carrie and a handful of
1920s to provide solitude as
requesting only that you call
at the helm, the little tram
intrepid amateurs around the
she wrote her six books and
for appointments on weekdays
departs the visitor center
state began seeking them out
countless articles on plant
or off-seasons to assure that a
and follows the sunken
in our swamps and bogs and
life, birds, Southern Indian
guide is on hand to make your
then comparing and swapping
tribes and archaeology. Even
visit rewarding.
the various species and trying
so, solitude was sometimes
envisioned and created. Much
their hands at rudimentary
a rare commodity, sought
this summer, but fear not:
of the flora (100 species of
hybridizing. Soon enough,
after as she was by amateur
They’ve carefully scheduled
though, thanks to Carrie’s
wildflower enthusiasts, not
that event to coincide with
wildflowers) are rare, some
contacts with the National
to mention, as her reputation
the return of their son Rick, a
even endangered, but all
Horticultural Society, National
spread, America’s leading
Marine who’s retiring after an
thrive here in an environment
Council of Garden Clubs, U.S.
ornithologists, botanists,
active duty career and stint as
Forest Service, American Iris
horticulturists and anthro-
an ROTC instructor in Texas.
Society and the nation’s major
pologists. And because she
He too grew up assisting
gardens and arboreta, the
was a regular at Cammie
and learning from Carrie at
name and eventual fame of the
Henry’s art colony at Melrose
Briarwood, and Richard and
Louisiana iris spread quickly.
Plantation, celebrities,
Jessie will be staying on to
forest critters love the flora
Now upward of 200 species
including Lyle Saxon (dean
provide refresher courses
too and can, in fact, love it to
are listed and available to
of Louisiana writers in those
and to serve as volunteers at
death. “Like the wild hogs,”
tenders of public and private
days), were also among her
the preserve.
gardens, and the names of
visitors at Briarwood, as were
an acre of jack-in-the-pulpits
Caroline Dormon and Richard
loyal alumnae from her days
large-group tours, call the
in a night!”
Johnson appear prominently
at Judson College, who have
preserve at (318) 576-3379.
in the heavily illustrated story
proved through the years
For information on volun-
of that phenomenon, The
to be staunch and generous
teering or contributions
10 species coexist amiably
Louisiana Iris, published by
supporters of Briarwood and
to the Foundation for the
with azaleas; the reflecting
the Society for Louisiana Irises
its ambitious goals.
Preservation of the Caroline
pond that mirrors everything
in 1988 and still in print.
it is routinely pumped for watering the collections of mountain laurel and other delicate flora). With Richard or Jessie
trace through the forested “wild garden” that Carrie
trees, 100 of shrubs, 600 of
that is purely natural except for an occasional stem wrapped in tinfoil or a larger plant subtly encircled by short wire fencing – reminders that
grumbles Richard. “They’ll eat
Highlights along the trail are the Orchid Garden, where
from Carrie’s smallest ferns to the skyscraper pines; one entire hillside that the 34 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Another favorite structure,
Back at the visitor center
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays
The Johnsons plan to retire
To arrange weekday or
Dormon Nature Preserve, call
Eventually the tram pulls
at the end of a tour, Richard
the preserve or contact the
up to a large log cabin whose
and Jessie are always happy
foundation at P.O. Box 226,
porch columns are tree trunks
to continue discussing their
Natchitoches, LA 71457. n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 35
Season of the
Crawfish 7 Different Types of Recipes By Stanley Dry | Photographed and styled by Eugenia Uhl
This is the season when crawfish fever grips Louisiana. In the evening, the spicy aromas emanating from big crawfish boiling pots float like clouds over backyard fences, mingling with sweet jasmine and the smell of freshly mown lawns. When we’re not eating boiled crawfish, we’re cooking up something with the crawfish tails left over from the last boil. The little crustacean is a highly adaptable ingredient that can be prepared in an almost infinite variety of ways.
Spaghetti With Crawfish and Red Sauce Crawfish often show up in rich cream-and-butter sauces that are served over pasta. This is a lighter alternative. Recipe, pg. 42
crawfish étouffée Since étouffée is one of our most famous crawfish dishes, many assume that it is a traditional Louisiana dish with a long and storied history. Accounts of its origins vary, but it is almost certainly a mid-20th-century creation, though no less delicious for that. Some versions are made with a blond roux; others (as in this example) incorporate a slurry of flour and stock or water. Recipe, pg. 42
crawfish-and-crab stew The choice of crabmeat for this dish depends on budget and taste. Jumbo lump crabmeat is the most elegant (and expensive), but white or claw crabmeat (or a combination of both) are all good choices. Recipe, pg. 42
individual crawfish pot pies These are not the crawfish pies immortalized by Hank Williams in his classic song “Jambalaya (On the Bayou).” This recipe is modeled after chicken pot pie, with a good dose of Cajun influence. To make them, you’ll need four 8-ounce baking dishes. Recipe, pg. 43
spicy crawfish spread Serve this with crackers or toasts to accompany drinks; spread a thin layer on sandwiches; or use it to season baked, broiled or grilled seafood. Recipe, pg. 43
smothered okra and crawfish Okra is one of our most popular vegetables, whether fried, smothered or incorporated in a gumbo. Combining crawfish with smothered okra produces a dish that can double as a side dish or, when served over rice, as a main course. Recipe, pg. 43
Spaghetti With Crawfish and Red Sauce
Crawfish Étouffée
Crawfish-and-Crab Stew
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 28-ounce can tomato puree 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth 1/2 cup white wine 1 tablespoon cane syrup Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Creole seasoning and hot sauce to taste 1 pound cooked and peeled crawfish tails, with fat 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 pound spaghetti Freshly grated Parmesan Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot; add the onion, bell pepper and garlic; and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato puree, chicken stock, wine and cane syrup. Season with salt, pepper, Creole seasoning and hot sauce. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Add crawfish and chopped parsley, and simmer an additional 20 minutes. Adjust seasonings. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain, and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the sauce, and toss. Serve with grated Parmesan. Serves 4-6 or more.
1/2 cup butter 1 large onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 pound cooked and peeled crawfish tails, with fat 2 cups chicken stock or broth 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Creole seasoning and hot sauce to taste 1/4 cup chopped green onion tops 1/4 cup chopped parsley In a heavy pot on medium heat, melt the butter and cook the onions and celery until softened, about 15 minutes. Add the crawfish and fat. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cold chicken stock and the flour until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot. Season to taste with Creole seasoning and hot sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; and simmer until thickened and crawfish are tender, about 30 minutes. Adjust the seasonings. Add the onion tops and parsley. Serve over cooked rice. Serves about 4.
3 cups chicken stock or broth 3 tablespoons dry roux 1 bay leaf 4 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound cooked and peeled crawfish tails, with fat 2 tablespoons lemon juice Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Cayenne pepper and hot sauce to taste 1 pound crabmeat 1/2 cup chopped green onion tops 1/4 cup chopped parsley Bring the chicken stock to a boil, and whisk in the dry roux to dissolve. Add the bay leaf, reduce heat, and simmer. Meanwhile, in a heavy pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic, and cook until softened, about 15 minutes. Add chicken stock with roux, crawfish and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, cayenne and hot sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add the crabmeat, and adjust the seasonings. Cook only until crabmeat is heated through. Add the chopped green onion tops and parsley. Serve over rice. Serves about 6.
Boiled Crawfish There are as many recipes and techniques for boiling crawfish as there are people who boil crawfish, and each cook will swear that his (or her, although men tend to dominate the boiling pot) way is the absolute best. Truth is, there are gradations of excellence, but it’s rare that you’ll have bad boiled crawfish unless
42 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
the crawfish were inferior to begin with, there was too much cayenne or salt in the water or the crawfish were overcooked and mushy. It’s best to have a large pot with a removable basket and an outdoor burner. Season the water with crab boil, salt, additional cayenne if desired and cut lemons. Bring the water to a boil, and let it boil for, say, 10 minutes, before adding vegetables and crawfish to the pot. Usually the crawfish, as well as other additions, such as onions, garlic, small red
Individual Crawfish Pot Pies
stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring the chicken stock to a boil in a small pot, and whisk in the roux to dissolve. Add the stock to the vegetable mixture. Add the tomato paste, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add the crawfish and green peas, and season with Creole seasoning and black pepper. Divide the mixture among four 8-ounce baking dishes, leaving a space at the top of each for expansion. The recipe may be prepared to this point a day in advance and refrigerated. If refrigerated, allow baking dishes and contents to come to room temperature before proceeding. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. On a floured surface, roll out a disc of dough so that it is at least an inch larger than the baking dish. Place the dough on
Crust: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons cold butter 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt to combine. Cut the butter into small pieces, and add it to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse meal. Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing it in with a fork, until dough forms. Turn the dough out on to a floured surface, and shape it into a disc. Divide the dough into four discs, and wrap each in wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Filling: 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 cup chicken stock or broth 1 tablespoon dry roux 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 pound cooked and peeled crawfish tails, with fat 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas Creole seasoning to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste Melt the butter in a heavy pot; add the onion, bell pepper and celery; and cook,
the baking dish, and press the edges to seal. Leave about a half-inch overhang, and trim any excess. Repeat with the remaining dough. Place the dishes on a heavy baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, coat each crust with an egg wash. Cut vents in each crust. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, and bake until the crusts are browned, about 30 minutes. Makes 4 individual pot pies.
Smothered Okra and Crawfish
Spicy Crawfish Spread 11/2 cups cooked and peeled crawfish tails, with fat 1/2 cup butter, softened 4 teaspoons lemon juice Creole seasoning and hot sauce to taste 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Combine the crawfish, butter and lemon juice in a food processor, and pulse until smooth. Season generously with Creole seasoning and hot sauce, and pulse to combine. Adjust seasonings. Add parsley, and pulse to combine. Makes about 2 cups.
potatoes, corn, smoked sausage and artichokes, are cooked together. Another method involves cooking all the other ingredients before cooking the crawfish. The advantage is that it’s easier to control the cooking times of each of the additions, plus guests can begin snacking before the crawfish are served. Boiling times for crawfish can vary a great deal, depending on the size of your pot, the heat of your burner and the size of the crawfish.
1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 pound okra, trimmed and sliced 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice 1 cup chicken stock or broth 1 pound peeled and cooked crawfish tails, with fat Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Hot sauce to taste In a large Dutch oven or heavy casserole, cook the onions, garlic and okra in oil on medium heat, stirring frequently, until softened, about 10-15 minutes. Add the tomatoes with juice and the chicken stock. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender, about 30-40 minutes. Add the crawfish; season with salt, pepper and hot sauce. Simmer for 10-20 minutes. Serve over rice, if desired. Serves about 4.
Many instructions call for boiling the crawfish for 10 minutes after the pot returns to a boil, while others recommend additional cooking. But it’s prudent to retrieve a crawfish from time to time so you can peel it and test for doneness. Once the crawfish are cooked, some cooks add ice to the water and let the crawfish sit in the water for five or 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning. Others remove the crawfish and sprinkle additional seasoning on them once they are on the table. n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 43
Baiting the Hook
in Plaquemines Parish Hope and despair where the river meets the Gulf b y C i n d y R oss | photograph e d b y S t e v e W e w e r k a
T
he big oil freighter sails down the
look and explain what this narrow spit of land
swollen Mississippi River at 20 knots,
called Plaquemines Parish is all about and show
as fast and wild as if it were a toy
me the people who call it home.
in the bathtub.
“She’s from Greece,” my fishing guide, Ryan
Plaquemines Parish is a watery place, a narrow finger of land jutting into the Gulf of
Lambert, informs me as we stare at the 10-foot-
Mexico. It is radically exposed, bearing the
high wake receding behind it. It separates the
brunt of the hurricanes that batter the South.
river into a monstrous wall of water, building
It is made up of 845 square miles of land but
waves that lap at our feet like the ocean.
1,584 square miles of water. From space, this
“That ship is so heavy, it’s sucking water,”
area of the Mississippi River Delta looks like
Lambert says. “Her butt is sagging like an
radiating capillaries and veins. No matter how
old woman.”
many times the residents get nailed by storms
He brought me down to the river to have a 44 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
– and most would say that it’s been a few
times too many – they rebuild and stay. They are a different breed. Add to that
some fish like me. The Mississippi is high and moving
the main channel and major shipping lane to the Gulf since 1853. A ship
problem the 2010 Gulf oil disaster and
at 7 to 10 knots. Ships have to sail
captain must relinquish control of
their ongoing disappearing marshland.
faster than the river to maintain
his rig when he comes through here,
Yet the fishermen still stay.
steering and “just hang on for dear
employing a specialized pilot to
life,” Lambert says. The freighter is
negotiate the complicated arteries of
of life. Many began their connection
heading for Pilot Town, which sits 15
the lower Mississippi.
as lads running traplines. They could
miles south of here, and then the Gulf
skin 75 nutria and muskrat a day,
beyond. Pilot Town is merely a series of
tug pushes a container ship upriver, its
thinking nothing of sitting atop a pile
elevated catwalks connecting a handful
contents chained down on the flat deck.
of skins, meat and guts while eating
of buildings, seemingly floating above
their sandwiches over lunch. Lambert’s
the Gulf. Pilot Town is not “at the end
coming from China: everything you
grandfather was a fisherman, and
of the road,” but a helicopter or boat is
wear, in your car, your home,” Lambert
Lambert has been guiding ever since he
necessary to access it.
tells me.
The land and the water is their way
was 24 years old. “From the time I could
Venice, 15 miles south of where we
Soon after the freighter sails by, a
“Everything imaginable is in that ship,
My fishing buddies and I will cross
remember, I only ever wanted to hunt
stand on the Buras riverbank, is the
this busy shipping lane tomorrow
and fish,” he says.
official “end of the road.” It is also the
morning, a risky maneuver considering
jumping-off point for the oil and gas
the traffic. But we feel in good hands.
inlets and tributaries and where the best
men who work rigs on the Gulf, as well
Lambert has been escorting clients
and the biggest fish hang out.
as ship captains. These are the main
like me on fishing trips for more than
occupations here in Plaquemines: oil,
35 years. People come to Plaquemines
gas and boats.
Parish because its waters teem with a
These men learned the bayous and
Plaquemines Parish is a place that pulls hard on the heartstrings, whether you are third generation here like the Lamberts or just stopping in to catch
Here in Buras, we are not far from the southwest pass of the Mississippi,
huge assortment of fresh- and saltwater species, creating some of the best
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 45
after another. These 20- to 22-inch fish are approximately 2 years old, Lambert tells us. They live here in Louisiana’s swamps for about four-and-a-half years. Then they move offshore to the Gulf of Mexico to breeding schools. When I do not get results with an artificial lure, Lambert slides on a slimy shrimp and then, later still, a sight indicator. He says: “Some people get addicted to this, like a predator species, trying to outsmart the fish. It is part of the hunter-gatherer instinct in us.” While the men seem to be naturals, I am challenged with setting my hook. My fishing buddies want to see me be successful probably more than I do, so they help me set my hook and are amused to see me thrust the rod’s handle into my abdomen for leverage and work hard to crank it in. Seeing the fish’s shining body slither through the water is a thrill, helping to build my fishing in North America. Just being in
to fish close to shore, where he can
the Mississippi River’s presence tonight
“walk home” if he gets stuck. Out in the
is enough to build excitement for
Gulf, the monster lunkers live. These
birds and flapping ducks, smelling the
tomorrow’s fishing adventure.
breeders get up to 40 pounds, but one
rich scent of the river and feeling the
must travel 50 to 80 miles offshore to get
warm sun on my face; I am happy just
there. It is 3,000 feet deep out there.
to be here in the waters of Plaquemines
Sunscreen, baseball caps, microfiber long-sleeved shirts and a sense of adventure are all that we need for our
“My anchor doesn’t reach that far,”
confidence and making me want more. I am enjoying watching the wading
Parish. For me, these sensory
fishing adventure. Come morning,
Lambert explains. “What do you do if
impressions are even more enjoyable
Lambert launches a 24-foot bay boat
you boat catches on fire – drift? Jump
than catching fish, which is just a perk.
into the Mississippi River on the west
into the water and hope someone
If the cooler fills with fish or doesn’t,
bank. He guns the 300-horsepower
rescues you?”
so be it, although Lambert tells me they
Yamaha engine across the mile-wide,
Lambert cuts the boat around the
190-foot-deep muddy river to the east
Ostrica Locks where the water swirls
Lambert’s Cajun Fishing Adventure
bank. I find this wildly exciting, as I
in whirlpools and confusing tides and
Lodge in Buras is a set of three lodges
scope upriver and downriver for ships.
swift currents. Lambert easily bullies
providing beds for 35. My friends and
Anglers can easily get into trouble
the fishing boat through the twists
I are staying in the Main Lodge, a
fishing the Mississippi River. First off,
and turns and then speeds across
massive, impressive log building that
they are fishing in T-shirts with warm
Quarantine Bay.
sleeps 18. It sports oversize leather
will sure taste fine at dinner.
Many different species of fish can
chairs, a big-screen TV, a pool table,
winter, the Mississippi drains cold places
be found in the waters surrounding
a Jacuzzi, a pool and a long wooden
up north and the water can be in the
Plaquemines Parish. Before the tragic
dining table that encourages conver-
low 40s. Lambert tells me a sad story
British Petroleum oil disaster, there
sation and camaraderie over meals
about a group of anglers whose boat got
were even more species. Trout have
– swapping fishing yarns, for the most
overturned when their engine died and
become scarce as of late, but the
part. Sport Fishing magazine rated
the current and tides flipped them. They
crowning jewel, the reds, are healthy
Cajun Fishing Adventure Lodge one of
had their life jackets on and hung on
and prosperous. It is not uncommon to
the five top lodges in North America
to the boat’s side, hopefully awaiting a
pull 4- to 6-footers out of these waters,
in 2011.
rescue. But in 30 minutes, they all died of
though I do not have such high hopes
hypothermia. You must keep your boat
for myself.
temperatures of 70 degrees. But in the
Tonight’s dinner begins with huge plates of steaming shrimp and bowls
Once situated, Lambert shows me
of hearty gumbo, followed by our
how to take my Quantum rod and reel
redfish for the main course. Thirty
You have to be on your toes all the
and bait my hook with artificial lures
percent of our nation’s seafood is
time, and it is best to fish with someone
on the 15-pound test line. My fishing
harvested from these Louisiana waters.
who knows the waters. Lambert tends
comrades haul in one 4- to 6-pounder
It is the most tested, regulated and
powered up all the time when the river is high and pushing hard.
safest seafood in the world. Lambert has his chef prepare a special recipe, Ryan’s Redfish: two fillets stuffed with a shrimp mixture, layered with sliced tomatoes and lemons and smothered in a rich cream sauce. He jokes, “Nothing is light at my lodge except the light bulbs!” Some folks are still hesitant after the oil disaster to come to Plaquemines to fish, Lambert explains, but the fishing is alive and good. I personally have never tasted seafood so delicious and fresh. He tells me that although Hurricane Isaac, which moved painfully slowly through the area last August, was devastating for property, it greatly improved water quality. The storm resulted in flushing out the stagnant water and ridding the marshland of algae. Lambert did notice that the speckled trout have been a little scarce since the oil disaster as they move
land on this slightly dated map is now
sediment is shooting straight out into
around more and are more affected
gone, underwater. Ever since the river
the Gulf, saltwater is able to intrude
by water temperature and food avail-
was engineered with levees and canals
in fragile marshes where freshwater
ability. The redfish, however, adore
beginning in the 1930s, the land has
plants are growing. The saltwater kills
dining on crabs, are always in the
suffered from saltwater intrusion and
these plants’ root systems, and, just like
marshes and provide excellent fishing
is disappearing. A football field-size
that, another football field-size piece of
year-round. Autumn and spring are the
chunk of land sinks into the Gulf every
land turns to soupy mud and slides into
most popular times to come fishing, but
40 minutes.
the Gulf.
winter is great, too, and Lambert offers additional duck hunting excursions.
Before the levees were built, the river
Now Lambert frequently has to use a
would flood its banks in the spring,
GPS to find his way around and cannot
and the result would be new land
rely on sight or memory. One million
large satellite map mounted on foam
being built. With the levees in place,
acres of grassland in South Louisiana
core to explain an even worse problem
the river’s natural ability to build land
has already been lost. There is no other
than the oil disaster. What shows up as
is gone. Since all the freshwater and
place on earth where land is disap-
After dinner, Lambert pulls out a
pearing at such a rapid rate. The newly passed Restore Act, however, is a bright spot in Plaquemines Parish’s future. Money from the Clean Water Act will build diversions that will punch big holes into the levees, bringing sediment and freshwater back into the marshes. “[It] will be like returning lifeblood to the starved marsh on the east side of the levee,” Lambert explains. Aquatic food, animals, plant life, fish and land will hopefully all return. “As soon as that first hole is punched in the Myrtle Grove Diversion, our future in Plaquemines Parish will grow brighter,” he says. To Lambert and residents like him, it will mean that their fishing lifestyle will endure – and for all the rest of us, great fishing will continue to be enjoyed.
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 47
CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL
The Battle of Ponchatoula Although the Skirmish was Small, the Written Account was Provocative By Ron Soodalter
I
n the grand scheme of things,
civil strife, the Union army had blockaded
the three-day campaign, nine Yankees
it was far from a major battle.
most of the South’s rivers and ports,
were wounded, and the Rebels suffered
The chroniclers of the Civil War
leaving the Confederacy increasingly
three killed and 11 wounded – hardly a
generally tell the story briefly and in
reliant on its railroads. The destruction of
cataclysmic event by Civil War standards.
perfunctory, unremarkable prose. In late
tracks and bridges had become a major
What distinguishes Ponchatoula from
March 1863, 150 years ago, a detachment
Federal priority.
thousands of other such small actions
of some 900 men, representing six U.S.
Just after noon on March 24, the two
fought during the four years of civil
infantry regiments, marched out of Union-
contingents attacked, driving out the
conflict was the fact that a creditable,
occupied New Orleans toward the tiny but
handful of enemy soldiers and taking
perceptive and highly literate Union
strategically important railroad town of
possession of Ponchatoula. The Federals
officer, Edward Bacon, documented
Ponchatoula. In a flanking movement, the
burned the bridge and proceeded to loot
every aspect of it in clear and concise
main body sailed across Lake Maurepas
the town. The next day, they marched
prose, from a soldier’s perspective “on
and proceeded upriver, while the men of
south, leaving six companies of the 6th
the ground.” In his attention to detail and
the 165th Massachusetts footslogged up
Michigan as a holding force. On the
his forthrightness in describing the less-
the tracks of the New Orleans, Jackson
evening of March 26, a large force of
than-honorable behavior on the part of
& Great Northern Railroad. Their orders
Confederates attacked the remaining
Union troops and their commanders, he
were to drive the Rebels from the area
Union troops, who – after a brief
presents a microcosmic view of what was
and destroy the nearby railroad bridge.
resistance – beat a hasty retreat.
occurring in towns and villages across the
By this time, after two years of bloody 48 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
According to the best estimate, over
South as the war progressed.
scorching sun. The narrow, sluggish
orders a beam brought up and the door
in the 6th Michigan Volunteers and
Tickfaw River presents countless oppor-
smashed in. “No man confiscates the rebel
eventually rose to the rank of colonel
tunities for Rebel snipers and saboteurs,
liquors faster than our commander.” In
and commander. He was an intriguing
but miraculously, the vessels travel
short order, the post office and Masonic
character. Bacon survived the war and two
unimpeded to their point of debarkation.
lodge are sacked and defaced, as well.
years after Lee’s surrender, published a
As the soldiers enter the pine woods and
memoir – Among the Cotton Thieves – that
begin the march toward Ponchatoula,
the Yankees’ approach. “Soon the few
served as a scathing indictment of military
they encounter some resistance.
women and children that remain in the
Bacon entered the war as a major
despotism, many of his superior officers
“One rifle shot is heard in front –
Many of the townspeople had fled at
town are seen running in confusion, or
in the Department of the Gulf and the
another, and another. Are we to have a
imploring protection, while at the windows
Union war effort in general. He begins the
fight, or is this firing on account of some
and doors soldiers are seen … searching
book with a vivid if sarcastic description
fugitive making off through the woods?”
for plunder ….”
of the arrogant and inept Gen. Thomas
It is indeed enemy fire, “and as we move
Eventually, squads of men are sent
Williams, “with his florid countenance and
along the whiz of bullets is heard above
into the neighboring countryside to
his precisely cut grizzly hair, whiskers and
our heads….” Bacon’s men charge, and
procure draft teams for hauling the
mustache … [H]e glances at the crowd,
“the rebels ran farther off than ever.”
spoils back to the river and the waiting
Shortly, the Union forces reach
boats. Meanwhile, Bacon is ordered to
and seems greatly satisfied with himself.” In a later chapter, Bacon describes the
Ponchatoula, “a little village of neatness
take four companies and reinforce the
field amputation of a soldier’s arm: “the
and thriftiness uncommon in the South….
bridge-burning detachment, which has
glimmer of candles flickering in the night
We enter the panic-stricken little town,
encountered Rebel resistance. After a brief
breeze, dimly showing the naked form of
our line of battle sweeping destructively
charge, the enemy is driven off, and the
the writhing victim, and the hard faces of
through garden fences and door yards,
arduous work of destroying the bridge by
the surgeons, with their bloody hands and
terrified children running into hiding
fire and axe continues through the night.
saws, the darkness hanging over us like a
places in the houses, while frightened
pall ….” Bacon’s skillfully wrought descrip-
women, cheaply clad and ill-looking, try to
men return to Ponchatoula, to discover
tions long remain with the reader – and so
beg for protection.”
“a ravished town.” Doors and windows
with the occupation of Ponchatoula.
Ignoring the civilians, the Federals take
The next morning, Bacon and his
are wide open in the abandoned houses;
over the railroad and – discovering the
furniture, books, photographs, papers
March 22, as his regiment awaits the boats
town is unprotected – proceed to loot and
and women’s clothing lie scattered in the
that will ferry them across Lake Maurepas
vandalize it. Chief among the looters is the
street; and nearly all the residents have
and up the Tickfaw River to Ponchatoula:
commanding officer.
run off to hide in the surrounding woods.
His account begins on the night of
“It now becomes apparent that our
Word arrives that railroad cars full of
pile up ties and pieces of plank for walls,
colonel finds the temptation more than
Rebels are rapidly approaching from
and with their oil-cloths make roofs for
he can bear…. [A]s our commander
above the destroyed bridge, and Bacon,
shelter. Officers can do no better. We
has abandoned himself to plunder with
commanding a detachment of 300 men,
huddle together along the scanty and
patriotism equal to that of the worst
is ordered to remain and hold the town
muddy embankment which fills the trestle
soldier, every man follows suit.”
as long as he can while the rest of the
“A chilly drizzling rain begins. The men
work, and pass a miserable night. I am
The troops abandon all discipline and
Union force follows the railroad south,
long kept awake by some of the most
sack the houses and shops in search of
leading their stolen livestock and hauling
talkative of the company negroes, who are
plunder. Bacon is appalled.
their plunder. Yet, despite the thorough
telling each other long stories of the old
“I see what an opportunity is given to
savaging of the town, now left “useless
the enemy. One well-handled company
and empty,” the items of true value
Conditions go from bad to worse:
of horsemen might take advantage of our
have eluded the officers. Bacon writes,
“During the forenoon of the 23rd day of
confusion, excitement and plundering,
“the faces of my … commanders are
and rout us.”
unusually solemn. The reported wealth of
plantation life of their youth.”
March, we are making the embarkation….
Two companies are sent 2 miles up the
Pontchitoula [sic] in cotton and turpentine
hurricane…. Torrents of rain drench
tracks to locate and burn the first bridge,
has not been found in paying quantities …
us. We all have to go, one at a time, over
while “the work in Pontchitoula [sic] goes
to get which the patriotism and zeal of our
a long timber, extending about ten feet
bravely on.” Tobacco, rum and personal
men have been basely used.”
above the water to a point where the boats
valuables are carried off, and the first of
On March 26, the Rebels attack the
can come. Some men have to be steadied
the town’s two country stores is stripped
remaining force, and Bacon and his men
by their companions reaching out their
of goods, as the Union commander,
withdraw under heavy fire, burning
rifles for them to take hold of.”
bearing a “wild and uncommonly thievish
the railroad depot as they depart. The
expression of face … hastens toward the
enemy pursues them, but Bacon’s force
steamers and schooners finally begins
remaining store, followed by several of his
is soon reinforced. By nightfall, the
its voyage across the lake and upriver,
favorites.” Unable to force open the door
Rebels have withdrawn; the Battle of
the rain has stopped, replaced by a
with the “weight of his corpulence,” he
Ponchatoula is over.
The rain has given place to a southern
By the time the small flotilla of
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 49
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flavors of louisiana Signature Dishes
F
rom small snacks to gourmet meals, Louisianians know how to eat. This spring, some of the state’s favorite food purveyors have offered up a few top recipes for all to enjoy. Signature Louisiana flavors incorporated in the following dishes include farm-raised duck, a spicy, bold remoulade sauce, sweet and savory short-ribs, and a Tex-Mex take on crawfish. Serve up these decadent dishes at your next gathering, and you’ll be guaranteed not only happy guests, but happy plates, too. Donny Rouse hunted down the perfect ducks for Rouses customers and found them on a family farm located in Tangipahoa Parish. Chappapeela Farms in Husser, Louisiana, is the only duck farm in the South, and they cleave to tradition: ducks are fed an all-natural grain diet with no antibiotics and allowed to forage on natural vegetation. Chappapeela Farms’ prized ducks were once reserved for high-end restaurants, but Rouses now brings these rich, uniquely flavored local birds to customers. Visit Rouses.com. Louisiana Fish Fry Products of Baton Rouge, LA, the manufacturer of the No. 1 selling Fish Fry in the country, was founded more than 25 years ago as an offshoot of the retail seafood operation, Tony’s Seafood. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing family-owned food manufacturing businesses in Louisiana. Owned by the Pizzolato family, the company produces more than 50 products,
formulated to make Cajun cuisine easy to prepare at home. Enjoy all Louisiana Fish Fry has to offer, including recipes, gift ideas and more, by visiting LouisianaFishFry.com. In the heart of French Louisiana, Prejean’s Restaurant has earned a worldwide reputation for its Cajun cuisine. This favorite Lafayette destination holds the record for most medals captured by any culinary team in the south, and their juicy steaks, wild game dishes and world famous gumbos turn a meal into a memorable occasion. Prejean’s has been voted No. 1 Best Ethnic Restaurant in all the South by AAA Southern Traveler. To order deliveries to nearly anywhere in the lower 48 states, visit prejeans. com or call 337-896-3247. Follow Prejean’s online at Facebook.com/Prejeans. Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar, the casual upscale restaurant housed within the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, offers a captivating environment and cuisine that engages your senses and arouses curiosity. Executive Chef Andy Papson serves notable cuisine from around Louisiana, while featuring house-crafted menu items that interpret local flavors in fresh and unique ways. From savory dishes such as Braised Osso Bucco or the Pan Fried Sea Bass Filet to the Traditional White Chocolate Bread Pudding Tallulah’s distinguished menu brings a world of flavor to Louisiana’s capital. Visit tallulahrestaurant.com.
Rouses’ Chappapeela
(Dough should be moist but
cook about more seconds 45
Crumbled fresh goat cheese
FarmsDuck Taco with
not sticky when formed into a
seconds. You want the tortilla
Favorite red salsa
Port- Cherry Sauce
ball. If necessary, knead a little
slightly brown but not too dark.
more tortilla flour or water into
Keep tortillas in folded cloth to
Duck Breast Marinade
Tortillas
dough.) Form remaining dough
keep warm and moist.
1 cup soy sauce
3 cup masa harina
into 3/4-inch balls. Put all of the
(tortilla flour)
dough balls in a plate and cover
2 1/4 cups warm water or
with plastic to keep them from
vegetable stock
drying out. Flatten dough balls
Roasted Duck Tacos
12 frozen dark sweet cherries,
Make more tortillas, stacking
1 cup Sherry
them in cloth. Port – Cherry Sauce
with a tortilla press of roll them
Sliced fresh avacodo or your
thawed, halved
water in a large bowl and knead
out in-between two pieces of
favorite guacamole recipe
1 cup chicken stock
with your hands until a uniform
parchment paper.
2 6-ounce “Chappapeela
1 cup beef stock
Farms” duck breast halves–
1/2 cup ruby Port
recipe follows
1 fresh thyme sprig
Combine tortilla flour and
dough forms. Pinch off enough dough to form a 3/4-inch ball.
50 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Cook until brown, about 30 to 45 seconds. Turnover and
a dv ertis in g s ec tio n
Day 2
mixture is thickened. Next add
Take the short ribs out and
the remaining ingredients and
mark them on a very hot grill
mix well. Next add the vanilla
until the ribs look blackened.
bean/Brown Sugar mix and
Let the ribs cool and place
Honey Vanilla Mix. Bring to a
them back into the refrigerator
simmer and remove from the
overnight.
heat.
Day 3
Braising the Ribs
Prepare the Braising Liquid
Pre heat oven to 325.
1/2 C Oil
Renaissance Baton Rouge
Mix together all of the dry
Place the Short ribs in a
5 ea Onions, chopped
roasting pan and pour the
5 ea Carrots, chopped
braising liquid over the short
1 bu Celery, chopped
ribs until the ribs are completely
3 lb Tomato Paste
covered. If there is any liquid
1 bottle Red Wine
leftover, save and set aside.
2 Sprigs Rosemary, fresh
Cover the pan with plastic wrap
5 Sprigs Thyme, fresh
and then cover with foil. Place
5 ea Bay Leaves
in the oven and roast for 5 to 6
1 C Black Peppercorns, whole
hours or until the bones slide
Hotel’s Vanilla Bean
ingredients and rub over the
1/4 C Salt
out easily and the meat is fork
Braised Short Ribs
short ribs very generously.
3 Gal Veal or Beef Stock
tender. Remove the short ribs
Let the seasoned short ribs
from the liquid and set aside. Method
Next portion the ribs to the
4 Racks Short Ribs, Whole
Heat the oil in a roasting
desired size and set back in
with Bone In
12 ea Vanilla Beans
pan and add the onions,
the roasting pan. Next, Strain
2 # Brown Sugar
carrots, and celery. Sauté the
the braising liquid into a large
12 oz Honey
vegetables until they are very
enough container and set aside
Day 1
Dry Rub 1 C Old Bay Seasoning 1/2 C Salt 1/2 C Black Pepper 1 C Garlic Powder 1 C Onion Powder 1/4 C Dried Tarragon 1 C Creole Seasoning Score 1/4” thick diamonds on
sit overnight in refrigerator.
soft and caramelized. Next add
until all of the fat/oil rises to the
beans and mix the seeds with
the tomato paste and continue
top. Remove the oil layer from
the brown sugar. Be sure to
to cook until the tomato
the liquid and discard. Next,
mix well, Cover and set aside.
paste starts to caramelize.
Pour the braising liquid back
Do not refrigerate. Next Take
Immediately add the Red Wine
over the ribs and keep warm. If
the cleaned vanilla beans and
and deglaze the pan, being
not using right away, cool down
steep them in the honey.
sure to scrape the bottom.
the ribs and put in the cooler
Continue cooking until the wine
and reheat when needed.
Cut and scrape out the vanilla
Cover and set aside. Do not
the fat side of short ribs.
refrigerate.
has reduced and the vegetable
1 teaspoon cornstarch
marinate in refrigerator for 6
marinade. Add duck breasts,
Build Taco
dissolved in 2 tsp. water
hours.
skin side down, to skillet. Cook
Warm Tacos in slightly damp
until skin is crispy, about 10
towel in microwave or oven
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, room
Sauce
minutes. Turn duck over and
Add avocado or guacamole to
temperature
Bring cherries, chicken and beef
continue cooking to desired
the bottom of your tortilla, add
stock, Port and thyme to boil in
doneness, about 5 minutes
a little salsa, thin sliced duck
Marinate the Breast
heavy medium saucepan over
for medium. Add cornstarch
breast, crumble a little goat
Whisk soy sauce and Sherry in
high heat and reduce to about
mixture to Port-cherry sauce.
cheese on top, Spoon a little
medium bowl to blend. Using
1/2 cup.
Bring to simmer, whisking
cherry sauce over the top of
constantly. Add butter 1 piece
taco and eat immediately.
sharp knife, make diagonal cuts at 1/2-inch intervals in duck skin
To cook the Breast
at a time, whisking until butter
(not through meat). Place duck,
Meanwhile, heat heavy large
is melted before adding next
skin side up, in s baking dish.
skillet over medium heat.
piece. Season to taste with salt
Pour marinade over breast and
Remove duck breast from
and pepper.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 51
a dv ertis in g s ec tio n
Louisiana Fish Fry Tuna Fish Salad 7oz can of tuna fish 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup Louisiana fish fry remoulade dressing 1 tbsp chopped celery 1/2 cup sweet relish 1 tbsp chopped onion 1 hard boiled egg, chopped salt and pepper to taste optional: sliced apples or walnuts Drain tuna. Break into pieces. Combine next seven ingredients lightly. Serve on lettuce or bread or stuff tomato.
Prejean’s Famous Crawfish Enchiladas 1/2 cup butter 1 cup diced onion 1/2 cup diced bell pepper 1 1/4 cups canned Rotel tomatoes 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons granulated garlic 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 pound crawfish tails 3 cups heavy cream 4 tablespoons Blonde Roux 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese, shredded 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded In a skillet over high heat melt butter. Add onion and pepper and
2 tablespoons granulated garlic 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
sauté until transparent. Add Rotel tomatoes and simmer 2 minutes.
5 cups crawfish tails, cooked
Add cayenne, black pepper, salt, garlic, and chili powder and stir well.
1 quart heavy cream
Add crawfish and simmer 3 minutes. Add cream and roux. Stir
1/2 cup very concentrated basic chicken stock
continuously while bringing to a boil. Remove from heat and add
3/4 cup Blonde Roux
Velveeta cheese. Allow to cool completely.
1 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fill crawfish mixture into tortillas and roll. Place in greased baking pan and top with cheddar cheese. Bake 7 minutes or until golden brown. Top with remaining mixture as desired. This recipe makes 12 enchiladas - Top with Prejean’s Enchilada Sauce to complete this dish.
1 1/2 teaspoons salt Heat butter on high heat until almost melted. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until onion begins to brown and moisture is gone. Add undrained Rotel tomatoes to deglaze pan. Stir well and bring to simmer. Add cayenne, black pepper, granulated garlic, chili powder, and crawfish tails and stir well. Bring to a hot simmer. Allow mixture to brown a little on the bottom of the pot by not stirring too much.
Enchilada Sauce 1/2 cup & 2 tablespoons butter 1 1/4 cups finely diced onion 3/4 cup finely diced bell pepper
Add cream to deglaze pan, stirring well. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to a medium simmer; stirring occasionally. Add stock and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thicken sauce as desired with roux. Allow for some thickening
1 cup undrained Rotel tomatoes
to occur when cheese is added. Simmer over medium heat. Add
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
cheese and salt, a little at a time, stirring until completely blended.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
This recipe makes about 2 quarts. •
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 53
advertising section
Love &Care
Aging Parents
C
aring for older adults can mean any number of things, from watching for warning signs of age-related complications to full-time care and support for those no longer independent. Wherever you or your aging parent is on the spectrum of need, care and attention can make a difference in ensuring quality health care is available and that the right decisions are made when the time comes for making them. Louisiana has a number of resources available for older adults, from top-notch cardiovascular care to rehabilitation and retirement living. Here are a few from around the state. Cardiovascular Aging can be hard on the body, sometimes leading directly to heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease, conditions that can 54 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
cause major health complications if left untreated. It has long been known that vascular aging can lead to heart attack and stroke, but evidence is mounting that vascular health may be directly related to other geriatric conditions. Taking care of your cardiovascular system is the first step in taking care of your whole body. Tulane Heart and Vascular Institute (TUHVI) looks to the future with cuttingedge techniques and procedures to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in American men and women. Your heart has taken care of you for all these years. Now it’s time for you to take care of your heart. Call 504-378-5080 or 988-6113 to schedule an appointment today at one of TUHVI’s four clinics to meet with one of their dedicated physicians. If you have family history of heart
disease, smoke or have diabetes, you may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. A common misconception about heart disease is that it only affects the elderly. But heart disease can affect both men and women of any age. In fact, statistics show that cardiovascular disease affects 40 percent of both men and women ages 40-59. That’s why it’s never too early to take care of your heart. For more than 29 years, Cardiovascular Institute of the South has provided a full range of personalized, cardiovascular care to Louisiana, with 13 clinics throughout south Louisiana. The institute has earned an international reputation for providing state-of-the-art cardiovascular care and is known as a world-leader in preventing and treating both cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com. Rehabilitation The Rehabilitation Center of Thibodaux Regional, located in Lafourche Parish, offers a comprehensive balance program designed to resolve, reduce or prevent impairments in individuals while developing effective, specific treatment programs for each individual. “A great deal of research has been conducted that supports the effectiveness of balance training in the geriatric and neurologically impaired populations,” says Lauren Vedros, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Thibodaux Regional’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. “Many people go through their days feeling unsteady and afraid of falling, but think that it is a normal part of the aging process. Others have suffered a stroke or illness that has left them unsteady, and they feel that they just have to live with it,” adds Vedros. At the Rehabilitation Center of Thibodaux Regional, therapists design individualized programs utilizing the newest technology to effectively treat balance issues. The technology is helping aging patients with balance problems such as dizziness, unsteadiness and falls. To learn more about the Rehabilitation Center of Thibodaux Regional, visit thibodaux.com.
advertising section Retirement Living & Long-Term Care Seventy percent of Louisianians will need long-term care after age 65, yet few openly discuss care needs and wishes. The Louisiana Nursing Home Association invites you to start a new conversation. A dynamic new Web site, CareConversations.org, changes this trend of silence by providing information and resources for individuals to share with their loved ones, health care providers and experts. We are in the midst of a generational storm. By 2030 the number of retirees will have doubled, but the number of people in the workforce will not have kept pace. The fiscal gap could reach $51 trillion if changes to entitlement programs are not implemented. CareConversations.org allows you to explore options and find solutions. Governmental reliance should not be your only option. Visit CareConversations.org today. Visitors to The Oaks of Louisiana can’t escape the grandeur of the 312-acre property. However, the discovery that the active adult community (ages 55+) is “surprisingly affordable” is what makes a lasting impression. Apartment leases start at $1,536 per month. The residential community is located in a tranquil wooded area of southeast Shreveport and features beautiful vistas of plants, wildlife and two lakes. The campus features a variety of living options to meet residents’ needs as they change. From independent living to assisted living to total care and short-term rehabilitation, residents are assured a continuum of care in their own neighborhood. A beautiful chapel and on-site chaplains honor the community’s rich multi-faith heritage. Its affiliation with Willis-Knighton Health System carries an emphasis on healthy living evidenced by the saltwater pool in the Spa & Wellness Center and staff specially trained in fitness for mature adults. Maintaining a Louisiana lifestyle is a top consideration, from cuisine to atmosphere and entertainment. Best of all, this lifestyle can be enjoyed without fear and hassles of hurricanes. Learn more about the quality of Louisiana living you’ll find here at oaksofla.com. • www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 55
56 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
advertising section
Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Alabama
States of Paradise
F
regional travel
or some, paradise is a warm, sandy beach, a fragrant, blossoming garden, or the heartwarming, boot-stomping sounds of a favorite song. For others, paradise is a round of golf, a shopping spree, or the simple pleasures of a giant plate of BBQ and a bowl of homemade ice cream. Experience your own personal paradise this spring with a trip to one of Louisiana’s neighboring states. With diverse landscapes, unique cultural celebrations and rich histories, these nearby destinations offer a multitude of vacation options for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers, foodies, history seekers and more. Louisiana may be the only state with “Paradise” in its nickname, but Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas each offer their own versions of pure vacation bliss. Texas Looking for an easy, fast and fun getaway? Beautiful Beaumont, Texas, is brimming with activity, rich with history and full of flavor. With more museums per capita than any city in Texas, a thriving arts community of artisans and musicians, a plethora of festivals and delicious dining, and diverse shopping districts for discerning shoppers, Beaumont enchants sightseers of all kinds. The new LoCA (Lower Calder) District features fantastic local vintage boutiques and antiques dealers, while the Dowlen Road District offers shopping options beginning with the Parkdale Mall and extending down to the Calder/Phelan connection.
Dine in Beaumont and taste the many flavors of Southeast Texas, from Mexican and Tex-Mex to Cajun, Southern cooking, barbeque, Gulf seafood, Thai and more. Enjoy some Texas wine and uncork the perfect bottle at one of several world-class wineries located in Beaumont. Visit BeaumontCVB.com and create your own custom itinerary. Social seekers will also want to check out their Foursquare lists, Pinterest boards, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Travel the gently rolling terrain of the Brenham-Washington County, Texas area and feel echoes of a time long past. At Washington-onthe-Brazos State Historic Site, Stephen F. Austin’s revolutionaries drafted the declaration of independence from Mexico, and 2013 marks its 177th anniversary. While there, explore a replica of Independence Hall, a working 1850s farm, Star of the Republic Museum and a superb Visitor Center. The villages of Independence and Chappell Hill provide terrific small-town excursions, including museums and walking trails. In Burton, history is alive at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, the “Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas.” Brenham’s restored historic downtown includes a state-of-theart Visitor Center in the 1925 Simon Theatre building. Shopping and dining options are the focus as visitors stroll down the streets or enjoy watching the world go by from a comfortable park bench. The home of Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham is where the “best ice cream in the country” is made. www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 57
advertising section Washington County boasts three wineries and the stunning Antique Rose Emporium, known internationally for its “found” antique roses. For more info and destinations, check out VisitBrenhamTexas.com. Arkansas The southernmost region of The Natural State, The Timberlands, is a haven for fun, a place where discovery and escape are constant, but in no way common. Here, you’ll find El Dorado. This charming city lives up to the honor of being named “America’s Best Downtown” in 2009. Events like MusicFest El Dorado and the Mayhaw Festival become gatherings with the rhythm of fun. If outdoor exploration is more your thing, the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal retreat for connecting with nature. In nearby Historic Washington State Park, the lure of a bygone era remains alive and well. As part of the National Register of Historic Places, it offers a unique experience. With its Civil War-period buildings, the Williams’ Tavern Restaurant and the Texarkana College/Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing, Historic Washington State Park is living history. Take a short drive down the road to Hope, AR, and discover the birthplace of former president Bill Clinton. From lively festivals to exhilarating outdoor activities, spring is a great time for getting away to southern Arkansas. For more information and to order a free Vacation Planning Kit, visit
58 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Arkansas.com or call 1-800-NATURAL. Mississippi Spring is the perfect time to venture east into Mississippi. With endless festivals, exhibits, tours and activities, you’d be hardpressed to find a reason not to take the short trip. Check out the Culinary Trail for excellent local fare like the Round Table Restaurant’s home-cooked assortment in Columbia or The Shed’s award-winning barbecue in Ocean Springs, Gulfport and Hattiesburg. Travel the Country Music Trail and see the birthplaces of such legends as Elvis Presley and Jimmie Rodgers. Or wind your way along the Blues Trail and discover the roots of greats like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Music fans will want to check out Pass Christian’s Art in the Pass (April 6-7), Clarksdale’s Juke Joint Festival (April 11-14), Rivergate Festival in Tunica (April 19-20) and Bluegrass on the Creek in Tylertown (May 16). History buffs shouldn’t miss the spring pilgrimage events throughout the state: Vicksburg (April 1-30), Holly Springs (April 12-14), Columbus (April 1-13), and Natchez (March 9-April 13). View more activities and destinations at visitmississippi.org or call 866-SEEMISS. The sesquicentennial of the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War is approaching and the city has much planned for the big anniversary. Special commemorative events begin in April with the Civil War Heritage Fair at Pemberton’s Headquarters, the Southern
advertising section Cultural Heritage Center and the Old Court House Museum featuring concerts and workshops in music, crafts and drama. The Vicksburg National Military Park has been chosen as a venue for a Civil War Sesquicentennial Signature Event by the National Park Service. A weekend of observance is planned for Memorial Day weekend including free nightly concerts by the Jackson Mass Choir, the U.S. Navy Band and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with a special appearance by Trace Adkins. Living history programs, book signings, the U.S. Camel Corps and special presentations at Pemberton Headquarters, the Shirley House and the Illinois monument are also planned. For more information and details on more things to see and do in Vicksburg, visit www.visitvicksburg.com. Old Masters to Monet: Three Centuries of French Painting from the Wadsworth Atheneum is on view at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Mississippi, March 23 – Sept. 8. The exhibition features 50 masterpieces of French art ranging from the 17th-19th centuries and into the beginning of the 20th century. Théodore Géricault, Eugène Delacroix, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Claude Monet are among the masters represented. This exhibition was organized by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT, and is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Old Masters to Monet is the 13th installation of The Annie Laurie
Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (60+), and $6 for students. For more information, visit www.msmuseumart.org or call 601-960-1515. Alabama In the middle of the 18th century, Fifise Langlois brought three colors of azaleas from his childhood home of Toulouse, France, to Mobile, Ala. The azaleas are woven into Mobile’s history, and in 1770, when the Spaniards took Mobile, they marveled at the glory of these flowers. Some bushes planted during the middle of the 18th century have become almost trees, towering 15 to 20 feet in height and measuring over 100 feet in circumference. Many of these ancient and unparalleled bushes have been brought into Bellingrath Gardens, where they are zealously guarded for this and other generations to enjoy and admire. When Bellingrath Gardens and Home opened its gates in 1932, azaleas and camellias were the signature flowers, and today visitors can enjoy more than 250,000 bushes throughout the 65-acre garden. Plan a visit to Bellingrath this March and experience azalea season and the beauty of spring on the Gulf Coast. While at Bellingrath, tour the Bellingrath Home, complete with original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collection of decorative arts. For hours, admission, and more information, call 800-247-8420 or visit www.bellingrath.org. •
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 59
around louisiana Regional Reports from across the state compiled and edited by jeanne frois
northern Quirky Places Wild and Woolly in Winn Parish
replied. “I’m going to vote
victims. For a
for Russell Long!” To my
time he was
immense surprise they both
king of the
Perhaps the biggest claim
broke into belly laughs and
highway and
to fame for Winn Parish
gave me half a box of candy
unstoppable
is that it was home to the
canes they were handing out
in his
Long family, especially Huey,
as part of the campaign.
murdering
considered a political rogue
But I digress.
and
of sorts who nevertheless
There once was a time in
marauding.
propelled Louisiana into the
Winn Parish’s history when
West and
20th century. Huey’s son
it was ruled by outlaws.
his clan once
Russell, born in Shreveport,
On what is today Highway
held some of
is someone I associate with
34, just 11 miles south
the village’s
all but wiped out the town
a childhood experience. The
of Winnfield (the Longs’
citizens hostage overnight.
that lay so close to the home
summer I was to turn 9 in the
hometown) there once
Finally, the village citizens
of the Long family.
early 1960s, I was spending
existed a spot called Atlanta
formed a committee to
When my book, Louisianians
those hot months in
Village in Winn Parish.
end the bloodletting. West
All, was published, I was
Avoyelles Parish. There was
In the early 1850s, some
and his motley crew were
asked how I could include a
a fierce political campaign
Georgia natives were given
tried in an old Masonic
chapter on Huey Long with
being waged for a seat in the
land grants by the United
building where they were
his questionable, corrupt
Senate, and I only knew that
States in Louisiana, and by
also convicted and executed
political practices. I simply
Central Louisiana was afire
1858 many settled in Winn
before a firing squad.
replied, “How can you write
with Russell Long fever. So
Parish along the El Camino
therefore was I. One evening
Real where the Atlanta Male
bravery, Gov. Henry Clay
not include Huey Long?” And
he came to speak to a crowd
and Female Institute was
Warmoth influenced the
I was surprised to experience
outside of my Cousin Tit’s
established along with one
state Legislature to approve
a little déjà vu somehow
(swear to God, that was her
grocery store and a saddle
logging in Atlanta Village,
connected again to the Longs
name) grocery store across
shop. The Georgia natives
and the citizens erected a
– because of Louisianians
from Bayou des Glaises.
supposedly named the
turpentine still.
All, I was invited to speak
I had no idea what his
town for its state capital. In
platform meant, but I became
addition to the establishment
it was located near the center
teachers in Breaux Bridge.
such a Russell Long crusader
of a farming community, the
of the Kisatchie National
Afterward, my mother,
that I would pull opposing
creation of Atlanta Village
Forest, a company from
brother and I stopped
campaign posters off
likewise established the wild
Saginaw, Mich., started a
for lunch at Henderson’s,
telephone poles. One day two
reign of terror that was
sawmill and Atlanta Village’s
and our waitress bore a
young men caught me doing
John West and his followers.
population swelled to more
nameplate that said “Tit.”
this, and I saw they had
West and his cretins rode
than 15,000. But by 1929, the
My mother told me that “Tit”
an armful of Long posters.
the El Camino Real from
sawmill was moved from
is a pet name, a diminutive
“Little girl,” one of them said,
Natchez to the Sabine River,
Atlanta Village, and mass
of “petite,” meaning “little,”
“are you going to tear down
growing rich from the blood
unemployment ensued. A
while her eyes dared me to
our poster?” “Whoa, no!” I
money he gleaned from his
December hurricane in 1916
make a comment. n
64 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
To thank the town for their
By the early 1900s, because
about Louisiana history and
to a charming group of
around louisiana
central Cause to Celebrate The Stories Behind the Names
Big Bend, Echo, the lyrically
Capitol Building in Baton
named reed grass “roseau,”
beautiful Mansura and Lac
Rouge) took responsibility for
and the name of the lake is
aux Roseaux. Many, many
clearing out the area by using
pronounced “ro-soe.”
Each year as Easter draws
years later, I was to learn that
convict labor approved by the
nigh, I always find myself
the stories behind the names
state Legislature. Couvillion
of all is Mansura, site of the
remembering spending the
are as homespun and rurally
observed that the houses
old station where the train
season in Bordelonville as a
pertinent to the area as the
along the bayou were so close
from New Orleans would
child in the time before the
cattle who low softly and the
together that he could send a
pull in (if we didn’t drive to
house of Big Mama, my great-
fields with rows of milo.
message down the bayou for
Bordelonville). My great-
miles by relaying it from one
great-great-grandfather
grandmother, was towed to
According to Louisiana
But I suppose my favorite
the banks of Bayou des Glaises
Place Names by Clare
house to the next. According
Merile Tassin, who was in
and the great old mulberry
D’Artois Leeper, published
to Leeper, there is some
the Confederate cavalry, was
tree was cut down. I remember
by LSU Press, you can thank
scientific belief that the bayou
killed in 1864 at the Battle
crawfishing in Horseshoe
the steamboat captains who
was once a river since it forms
of Mansura. As explained in
Lake on Good Friday morning
steered into the
Leeper’s book, Mansura
when I was 8 with my aunt
landing for Echo’s
was supposedly named
and cousin and feeling most
name. As they blew
by its early settlers, trans-
important when I rescued my
their steamboat
planted French soldiers
older male cousin from the
horns from the
from Napoleon’s army
grips of a crawfish claw that
river, the sound
during his Egyptian
latched on to his finger. After
would return in
campaigns when the Great
what my great aunt called
an echo from the
Sphinx lost his snoot to
the Good Friday Sermon, we
woods. The three
French cannon fire. The
ate the boiled crawfish on the
most frequent
new Louisiana settlers
picnic table under the mulberry
boats to land were
thought the Avoyelles
tree for supper in an April dusk
the H.M. Carter, a
Prairie looked very much
filled with soft breezes and
snag boat named
like Mansura, Egypt.
pastel-colored light with my
U.S. Howell and
mother and brother who joined
the Valley Queen,
excellent compendium of
us from New Orleans. It didn’t
all arriving laden
well-known and lesser-
seem like Easter Sunday if I
with groceries from
known places in Louisiana.
didn’t sit next to my cousin and
New Orleans. When
Published posthumously,
hear him making sounds like
emptied of the cargo
it is a compilation of her
“phew!” or “bah!” or eye-rolling
from the Crescent
newspaper columns,
as he made fun of the choir
City, the steamboats
“Louisiana Places: Those
and gave me a case of the
would be loaded
Strange Sounding Names,”
agonizingly enjoyable giggles-
with cottonseed and
in-church. When my brother
cotton that had been ginned.
would join in, we were lucky not to be deprived of our pews. The winding Bayou des
Big Bend in Avoyelles Parish rests squarely on
Leeper’s book is an
which she wrote from 1960 an oxbow nearly 30 miles long,
to 1979 and then from 2004
giving Big Bend its name.
to 2006. As a young freelance
Lac aux Roseaux in
writer, Leeper’s research
Bayou des Glaises (which
Avoyelles lies a bit to the west
involved simply driving from
Glaises Road in Avoyelles
has also been called Salt-lick
of Big Bend. “Roseaux” is
one spot to another to learn as
Parish and the nearby
Bayou). By 1840, it was filled
the French plural of reeds or
much history and lore firsthand
Rapides Parish area runs
with canebrakes, existing
reed-cane, a diminutive form
from the location to place in
through communities with
as a total wilderness, until
of “ros” which translates to
her column.
names that always aroused
state Sen. Pierre Couvillion
“weaver’s reed.” The South
a sense of curiosity in me –
(he who haunts the Old State
Louisiana French trappers
For more information, visit www.lsupress.org. n www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 65
around louisiana
cajun
Profile Brewing in Broussard
not quantity, and Godley’s
Half a decade ago, Andrew
reputation of being true to
Godley was in the company
this credo is already legend
of the woman who would
after only a few short years
become his wife, drinking
of brewing. Brenton Day,
rather indifferent beer from
who runs a beer blog called
a limited beer menu in
“The Ale Runner,” extols
what was one link in a long
Godley’s dedication to
restaurant chain. Describing
quality. Indeed, the brewery
what he calls “the epiphany
can hardly keep up with
at Olive Garden,” Godley,
the huge demand for its
now 32, followed his star and
sudsy creation, but Godley
eventually opened Parish
refuses to cut any corners
Brewing Co. According to
and sell himself into mass
a report by Timothy Boone
production.
in the New Orleans edition
The emphasis is on quality
After his Olive Garden
of the Advocate, Godley,
epiphany, Godley threw
a chemical engineering
himself into learning the art
graduate from LSU,
of brewing beer, something
draught house called The
of 11 percent. To Godley’s
developed what became
with which he had no
Barley Oak, the sales of
surprise, bottles were
the flagship brew of the
experience. He set up shop
Canebrake are on par with
snatched from store shelves.
microbrewery, Canebrake,
in a 1,200-square-foot room
such European biggies as
a velvety smooth wheat
and bought beer brewing
Guinness and Stella Artois.
ale made with Steen’s
supplies from the Internet,
cane syrup.
reshaping and refitting them
also extends to the caliber
summery beer made with
to his own purpose. He
of the people he employs.
Belgian yeast and more
had to think out of the box
Will Gallaspy, who worked
delicate hops, perfect for
field with Louisiana’s
because it was the cheap
as a commercial brewer
warmer weather. Godley
brewskie devotees, and now
way to go.
before joining Parish
can’t make enough beer to
Brewing Co., usually mans
meet the high demand for
Canebrake’s popularity ignited like fires in a sugar
the company brews 2,000
By 2009, he had hit upon
Godley’s sense of quality
Due to be released this April, the next offering will be Farmhouse IPA, a light
to 4,000 gallons weekly
and perfected the nectar of
the microscope analyzing
his product although he has
to be sold on tap at bars
Canebrake. Still working
the mix of microbes – the
moved to a larger brewery
and restaurants. The six
as a chemical engineer and
company is planning
and his revenue is growing.
members that comprise the
in spite of the hand-rigged
to make a sour Belgian
total brewery staff make
brewing equipment, Godley
beer – and has already
selling beer; our problem is
their magic beer potions in a
managed to produce 16
expanded its repertoire of
making beer,” Godley told
metal building in Broussard,
kegs of beer and peddle his
refreshment by creating
the Advocate. “We just need
replete with microscopes to
product to the bars, working
Grand Reserve. Described
to make more in a high-
study microbes in Belgian
70 and 80 hours a week.
as a smooth, bottle-aged
quality way.”
According to Vanessa
barley wine that is more
ales and other concoctions
“Our problem is not
Mass expansion is not
to help create their own
Gomes, who is the marketing
complex than Canebrake, it
necessarily the goal or
unique blends.
director at a Mandeville
also has an alcohol content
the key.
66 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
n
around louisiana
baton rouge/ plantation country For Clotile, estranged from
The Da Vinci Code. The story
her father and her Louisiana
weaves a mystical spell in
roots for years because of an
the timeless story of good
out-of-wedlock pregnancy,
against evil that’s hard to
the return to Louisiana opens
resist; Judas the Apostle joins
old wounds she tried to bury.
my personal rank of books
As she begins to unravel
that I call one-sitting reads.
the mystery of her father’s
Mayhall, a Louisiana
murder, she likewise begins
native, has done extensive
to suspect with good reason
research on Judas Iscariot,
the oil jar may be a religious
exploring loose ends and
relic important enough to
inconsistencies.
shatter Christian beliefs.
“The book examines
Unbeknownst to all, on the
controversial claims
other side of the world, an
involving Judas Iscariot,”
evil billionaire who deals in
Mayhall says. “But more than
arms is leaving a scorched
that, I wanted people to think
earth pathway strewn with
about the Bible, its meaning
corpses as he searches for
and the battle between good
the oil jar bearing Judas
and evil.” Mayhall claims
Iscariot’s name, aided by his
he wrote the book as a
own empty-eyed goon squad.
thriller that also celebrated
Mayhall has spun a highly original, suspenseful and
Louisiana’s culture. “The book is about the
atmospheric thriller. It’s a
main character’s rediscovery
savvy story of academia,
of family roots and the
archaeology and theology,
importance of her Louisiana
Worth Watching Judas the Apostle
Mayhall Jr., neatly transitions
but you can also taste the
upbringing and faith,”
the story to present-day
warm Louisiana thread that
Mayhall says.
It briefly begins at Masada
Louisiana when Dr. Clotile
runs through it like a good
in a blood-red sunset. While
Lejeune, an ancient language
flavor – the Tchefuncte
Judas the Apostle has been
Romans batter the wall,
expert, returns home to
River, the LSU campus, the
featured in the Barnes &
about to gain entrance,
Madisonville with her son
elements of close family ties
Noble Rising Star Special
Elazar ben Yair, the last
because of the murder of her
and the influence of religion.
Collection.
man alive, falls upon his
elderly father. It becomes
The story also takes place in
own sword amid the many
apparent to everyone that
present-day Jerusalem and
in a Baton Rouge law firm.
bodies of those who chose
Thibodeaux Lejeune was
France. Exploring the true
A Baton Rouge native, he
to die free and untouched by
murdered because of an
motives of Judas Iscariot, it
attended both LSU and
Rome. In what proved to be
ancient oil jar inscribed with
leaves you with a perhaps
Georgetown University.
a hard-to-put-down page-
Judas Iscariot’s name that
controversial but plausible
If you’d like to know more
turner, Judas the Apostle,
he found in an underground
impression of the betrayer of
about this highly readable
written by Baton Rouge
cavern fighting the African
Christ – but not in the same
book, visit www.vanrmay-
resident and attorney Van R.
campaign in World War II.
almost sacrilegious sense of
halljr.com. n
Published by iUniverse,
Mayhall is a senior partner
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 67
around louisiana
Greater New Orleans Cause to Celebrate Advocacy for the Advocate
actually had fun working the
My great-aunt Dessa (aka
answers. The newspaper was
Tut) lived for a time in the
my daily companion during
Avoyelles Parish farmhouse
lunch breaks, causing woe
of her parents. She never
and chagrin if I forgot it at
failed to end her day of
home before leaving for work.
housework, yardwork and
When the Times-Picayune
cooking with a hot bath and
announced it would no longer
an evening of retiring to her
be a daily but would go
bedroom with Baton Rouge’s
completely digital except for
daily newspaper, then called
three days of the week when
the Morning Advocate,
it would issue a printed copy,
which, she often stated, she
I felt like the end of days must
read “from cover to cover.”
be near. For someone who
She swore by it.
spends all day at a computer,
My family in New Orleans
crossword puzzle together as I read the clues and wrote her
Chefs Rick Tramonto and John Folse
the idea of collapsing into
call from the Times-Picayune
guinea fowl, homemade
revered the Times-Picayune.
a chair with a printed
asking me to renew my
sauerkraut, Creole mustard
As a child, I took a lot of
newspaper is near-nirvana. I
subscription to its three-day
spaetzle and a sauce made
delight in checking on the
felt that our newspaper was
deal, I politely say I can’t
from caramelized onions in a
weather frog’s forecast
the second Judas.
forgive it for no longer being
caraway “cage.”
with my father. I can hear
Coming to the rescue was
a daily and will not renew.
Anyone who may
Daddy now: “Well, Zsa-Ree
Tut’s beloved paper, now
New Orleans deserves more,
remember the divinity of the
[his nickname for me], the
simply called the Advocate.
and thankfully, the Advocate
stuffed flounder at Bruning’s
frog says it’s going to be
Expanding its Baton Rouge
stepped up to fill the gap.
on the lakefront will
cold.” Then he’d show me
base to open a New Orleans
the drawing of the shivering
office, it rescued lovers of the
weather frog with the huge eyes. I can’t remember a
probably enjoy the upscale Flounder Napoleon – stuffed
printed word from the lack
Fork in the Road Death by Gumbo
of a daily. The first Saturday
Chefs John Folse and Rick
crawfish and served with a
breakfast table at which
I received it, I, like Tut, read
Tramonto recently forged
Gulf oyster-and-artichoke
someone, including my
it from cover to cover and
a culinary partnership that
stew and one crunchy
brother, wasn’t sitting before
found I enjoyed it. I found its
has given the New Orleans
crawfish ball for luck. In
its spread pages. The daily
somewhat conservative bent
area Restaurant R’evolution
this very complete and
smell of fresh coffee and
refreshing. It ran columns
in the French Quarter.
innovative menu, Folse and
newsprint just seemed a
that had disappeared from
This eatery will let you
Tramonto make liberal use of
natural fit. My mother was a
the Times-Picayune such
enjoy dishes like Death by
Louisiana’s natural bounty,
crossword puzzle-hogger of
as “Miss Manners” and
Gumbo, in which an entire
using the seafood, fowl,
sorts; years later, in the last
“Hints from Heloise”; it also
semi-boneless quail stuffed
alligator, frog, sassafras,
year of her life, she had to
boasted a very concise daily
with oysters, andouille
persimmons and kumquats
spend hours on a radiology
column of what happened
and rice rests in a rich
that comprise its “swamp
table while a dye slowly
this day in history that was
gumbo filled with oysters,
floor pantry.”
inched its way through her
enthralling. The crossword
quail, andouille and tasso.
Restaurant R’evolution in
system. I stayed with her
puzzles weren’t bad either.
Louisiana’s rich German
the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 777
the entire time, and, under
It might be petty of me, but
heritage is represented by
Bienville St., New Orleans,
the circumstances, we
every time I receive a phone
Bird in a Cage: smoked
(504) 553-2277
68 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
with shrimp mousse and
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 69
H texas travel
Texas In Bloom On the flower trail
plan/wildflower-watch.html) tracking the progress of the wildflower fields. The weekend of April 13, the fun culminates with several events, including the 35th annual Blue Bell Fun Run, a race alongside fields of bluebonnets.
Chappell Hill. Chappell Hill bears the distinction of holding the Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival. On April 13-14, guests can tap their feet to the beat of live musical performances; mull over merchandise among an array of vendor booths brimming with gardening supplies as well as more than 300 arts and crafts vendors; check out a wildflower photo exhibit; and join a tour of the historic town, which includes views of fields of the famous lupinus. www.chappellhillmuseum.org/bluebonnet.html
Ennis. A carpet of bluebonnets 40 miles long greets visitors to the city of
Sitting Bull once
that pinpoint the best sites for
kind climate, East Texas
Ennis each April. Dubbed
stated, “Behold, my friends,
flower power. Call the Texas
is home to a wide variety
the Official Bluebonnet City
the spring is come; the earth
Department of Transportation
of wildflowers as well as
and Official Bluebonnet
has gladly received the
at (800) 452-9292; along
cultured plants, all of which
Trail of Texas by the Texas
embraces of the sun, and
with road information,
offer a sweet getaway during
Legislature in 1997, Ennis
we shall soon see the results
this number offers reports
the spring months.
honors the symbol of the
of their love!” If you have a
on wildflower sightings
perennial passion to see the
throughout the state. Reports
Brenham. The cozy
Bluebonnet Trails Festival,
wildflowers that decorate
are updated weekly with
community of Brenham,
which will be held on April
East Texas and the Texas Hill
news of spectacular roadside
best-known as the home of
20-21. www.visitennis.org
Country each spring, here’s
wildflower displays on the
Blue Bell ice cream, is also a
a virtual bouquet of cities
hot line, as well as at www.
capital for wildflower-lovers.
Henderson. Celebrate the
where you can cultivate your
txdot.gov.
Well before the first blooms,
sight of life renewing itself
the Chamber publishes a
in a city that’s older than
interest. Before you reach
state’s pride annually at the
for the car keys, spend a few
East Texas
“Wildflower Watch” (www.
the Lone Star State with
minutes checking the hot lines
With its rich soil and
visitbrenhamtexas.com/
a drive along one of three
70 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
of Henderson’s wildflower
Nacogdoches. In China,
trails. Coreopsis and Indian
the azalea is called the
paintbrushes color the
“thinking-of-home bush,”
landscape on the East Texas
and when plant-lovers pay
Oilfield/Overton History
a visit to Nacogdoches
Tour, while red-blooming
during the city’s annual
clovers dot the spots that
Azalea Trail, they will no
woodpeckers and bobwhites
doubt be thinking of ways
call home on the Loop Within
to incorporate the flowering
a Loop – Henderson to Tatum
shrub into their own home
driving tour. Cruising along
gardens. Proud to hold
the Southern East Tour, fans
the title of Texas’ largest
of floral finery can look for
azalea garden, Nacogdoches
a variety of native blooms
welcomes fans of flowers,
flourishing in the area’s
who can take a guided
rich red clay soils. www.
tour of the Ruby M. Mize
hendersontx.us
Azalea Garden and enjoy the beauty of more than
Jasper. Jasper’s motto is
20 miles of azalea trails.
tour of homes; the Art of
visitors enjoy a full day
“Jewel of the Forest,” and
Throughout the month of
Floral Design, Color and
devoted to the trees’ delicate
on March 16 the small East
March, visitors can attend an
Textures from the Gardens
white petals. www.dogwood-
Texas town will celebrate
itinerary of azalea-inspired
showcase; the Nacogdoches
bloomwatch.blogspot.com
a botanical treasure at the
special events including the
Farmers Market Spring Fling
25th annual Azalea Festival,
Nacogdoches Azalea Trail
Saturday; the SFA Garden
Tyler. Tyler may be known
a nod to nostalgia complete
Symposium, which this year
Gala Day and Plant Sale; and
as the Rose Capital of the
with an antique car show,
will feature “Building Azalea
much more. azaleas.visitna-
World, but each spring the
a children’s carnival and
Gardens: Large and Small.”
cogdoches.org
city celebrates another natural
a plethora of petals in full
Other events include the
bloom. www.jaspercoc.org/
Nacogdoches Azalea Trail
Linden. Home to a host of
Azalea and Spring Flower
azalea_festival.html
Photography Show; a guided
musical giants ranging from
Trails. From March 15-April
blues great “T-Bone” Walker
7 this year, floral fanciers
and ragtime jazz founder
can admire nature’s palette
Scott Joplin to The Eagles’
of vibrantly colored petals as
Don Henley, Linden offers a
they enjoy activities including
chorus of color each spring as
tours of the historic city, the
yellow-fringed orchids, phlox,
Main Street Flower Market,
coral beans, coreopsis and
an amateur photography
Indian paintbrushes welcome
contest, the Southwest
botanical buffs. Partnering
Regional Orchid Show and
with nearby towns Avinger
Sale and much more. www.
and Hughes Springs, Linden
tylerazaleatrail.com
beauty during the Tyler
will pay tribute once again to its blooms on April 27 at the
Hill Country
Wildflower Trails Festival.
The Hill Country, located
www.lindenwildflowertrails.
west and northwest of
net
Austin, is home to some of the best fields of wildflowers
Palestine. For 75 years,
in the state. Along the chain
flower enthusiasts have
of lakes that snakes through
flocked to the Anderson
the hills, the Highland Lakes
County community of
Bluebonnet Trail features
Palestine for the Dogwood
flowering fields and festival
Trails Celebration, this year
fun in the towns of Burnet,
taking place during the last
Buchanan Dam, Llano and
three weekends in March.
smaller area communities.
The celebration reaches a
Each town on the trail
peak on March 16, when
celebrates with art shows www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 71
devotion to the state’s official
16 to enjoy this winding trail.
flower is in full bloom every
And on the outskirts of the
second weekend in April
city, the production fields at
when a sea of blue blossoms
the family-owned Wildseed
welcomes visitors to a floral-
Farms in Fredericksburg
themed festival that offers
are blanketed in a kaleido-
three days of good, old-
scope of colors to inspire any
fashioned fun for the whole
green thumb. The largest
family. The festival celebrates
family-owned wildflower
its 30th anniversary this
seed company in the country,
year from April 12-14 with
Wildseed Farms holds its
events that range from a pet
Wildflower Celebration in
parade to a cowboy breakfast
early to mid-April, when
as well as an arts and crafts
the fields are filled with
show featuring plenty of
bluebonnets and other Texas
bluebonnet-themed creations.
wildflowers. You can stroll
bluebonnetfestival.org
along a walking trail and even cut your own wildflower
and a festival atmosphere,
Kendrick’s cultivation of
and you’ll be able to get
2,000 lavender plants in
information on the best fields
1999, Blanco has blossomed
for photos, too.
into the Lavender Capital of Texas. While the purple
Austin. Lady Bird Johnson,
blossoms can be seen from
whose love of the state’s
May through July, in early
native plants was cultivated
June the city holds the Blanco
in the soil of her East Texas
Lavender Festival to honor
home in Karnack, once
its favorite flower, which
stated, “Where flowers
includes free tours of area
bloom, so does hope,” and
lavender farms. www.blanco-
the hope for a brighter
lavenderfest.com
Fredericksburg. Near
bouquet; weekend visitors
Fredericksburg, the 16-mile-
can also enjoy a taste of
long Willow City Loop, a drive
local wines and the sound of
through unfenced ranch land
Texas music. Each spring,
that includes canyon views,
the Butterfly Haus opens for
bluffs, spectacular wildflowers
visitors to walk through its
and wildlife, is another
free-flying butterfly habitat.
popular bluebonnet trail. The
www.visitfredericksburgtx.
Willow City Loop is north of
com
n
Fredericksburg off Highway 16; take the second Willow
By Paris Permenter and
City Loop turn off Highway
John Bigley
tomorrow springs eternal along the trails of the Lady
Boerne. At the Cibolo
Bird Johnson Wildflower
Nature Center in Boerne, a
Center. In April, a rainbow
colorful array of butterflies
of blooms, ranging from
will flit past folks wandering
the cheerful yellow of the
along nature trails that
buttercup to the saturated
showcase four ecosystems:
purple of wine cups, dots the
riparian forest, tall-grass
facility’s many gardens and
prairie, spring-fed marsh and
trails. www.wildflower.org
live oak savanna. For those who wish to bring home
Blanco. Blanco’s love of
a bit of Boerne’s beauty,
lavender stems from the
the Cibolo Nature’s Mostly
fertile imagination of a
Native Plant Sale takes place
National Geographic photog-
each spring. www.cibolo.org
rapher on assignment in Provence, who noticed that
Burnet. A look at the Lone
the landscape of the French
Star State’s wildflowers
region resembled that of
wouldn’t be complete without
the Texas Hill Country.
a trip to the Bluebonnet
From photographer Robb
Capital of Texas. Burnet’s
72 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Fast Facts About Bluebonnets Although several plants are termed “bluebonnets,” the Lupinus texensis is the Texas bluebonnet. The bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas. The designation includes the Lupinus texensis and four other varieties. Very rarely, bluebonnets will be pink. Want to plant bluebonnets? Plant in direct sunlight in welldrained soil; August is the best time to plant seeds.
reducing
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 73
lifetimes a guide to events around the state march/april Compiled by gabrielle bethancourt
NORTH Through March 10. Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers. Shreveport Little Theatre, Shreveport. (318) 424-4439.
Through March 15. Further on Down the Road. Louisiana State Exhibit Museum,
Alexandria/Pineville Area Civil War Sesquicentennial Events
Shreveport. (318) 632-2020.
www.centurylinkcenter.com.
Through March 19. Kool-Out Mondays.
March 15. Moody Blues. Riverdome at
Uncle Buck’s Smokehouse, Shreveport. (214) 791-6730.
Through March 31. Guild Hall: An Adventure in the Arts. R. W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport. www.rwnaf.org.
Through April 13. Dark of the Moon. Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier City. (318) 678-6000.
March 2. Great Artists Who Just Happen to be Women Tour. R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport. www.rwnaf.org.
March 5. Volleyball & Activities for Singles Ages 25-50. First United Methodist
Horseshoe Casino Hotel, Bossier City. (318) 742-0711.
March 22. Eleanor, Her Secret Journey (portrayed by Loretta Swit). The Strand
April 19. Cody Cooke. Festival Plaza, Shreveport. (318) 673-5143. Through April 25. Sigmund Freud Exhibit. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Shreveport. (318) 861-7615.
April 27. Aaron Neville Quintet. Sam’s
Theatre, Shreveport. (318) 226-8555.
Town, Shreveport. (318) 424-7777.
March 22-24. Northwest Louisiana Homebuilders Association’s Home Products Show. CenturyLink Century, Bossier City.
Through May 5. Forever Plaid. Shreveport Little Theatre, Shreveport. (318) 424-4439.
www.centurylinkcenter.com.
March 23. The Doobie Brothers. Riverdome
central
at Horseshoe Casino Hotel, Bossier City. (318) 742-0711.
March 2. Raising Cane: A Musical Tour in Creole Country. Northwestern
March 28. Dreamgirls. The Strand Theatre,
State University, Natchitoches. www.louisianatravel.com.
Church, Shreveport. (318) 797-3145.
Shreveport. (318) 226-8555.
March 7-9. Junior League Market: Shopping for a Cause. Shreveport
March 29. 19th Annual Spring Arts Festival presented by Cultural Crossroads. 417 E.
March 7-10. Alexandria/Pineville Area Civil War Sesquicentennial Events. 707 Second (Main) St., Alexandria. (800) 551-9546.
Convention Center, Shreveport. (318) 221-6144.
Union St., Minden. (318) 393-5991.
March 7-10. Anybody Out There?
CenturyLink Century, Bossier City. www.centurylinkcenter.com.
March 16. Viva Italia! Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, Alexandria. (318) 442-9709.
April 2. Natalie Stovall. Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier City. (318) 678-6000.
March 23. Bloomin’ on the Bricks. 781 Front St., Natchitoches. (318) 352-1626.
Ruston Community Theatre, Ruston. (318) 255-1450.
March 8. Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. CenturyLink Century, Bossier City. www.centurylinkcenter.com.
March 9. P. Allen Smith lecture and booksigning. Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Shreveport. (318) 426-6275.
March 9. Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators Gumbo Cook-off. Festival Plaza, Shreveport. (318) 425-4413.
March 9. Shreveport Blues Fest. CenturyLink Century, Bossier City. 74 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
March 29. Royal Comedy Tour.
April 6. 11th Annual Scottish Tartan Festival. Scotland Farms, Minden. (318) 393-2693.
April 6. Spring Walking Tour. R. W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport. www.rwnaf.org.
April 12-21. Holiday in Dixie. Festival Plaza, Shreveport. (318) 865-5555.
April 13. Chicago. Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino Hotel, Bossier City. (318) 742-0711.
March 23. Art Along the Bricks. 781 Front St., Natchitoches. (318) 352-1626. April 12-13. Nachitoches Jazz and R & B Festival. 781 Front St., Natchitoches. (318) 352-8072.
April 13-14. Melrose Arts and Craft Festival. 3524 Highway 119, Natchitoches. (800) 259-1714.
April 19. Spring ArtWalk. 1101 Fourth St.,
Alexandria. (318) 443-4719.
cajun country March 2. Shadows Arts & Crafts Show. Shadows-on-the-Teche, New Iberia. (337) 369-6446.
March 2-3. SugaSheaux. SugArena,
Bridal Show presented by Sunburst Media. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. (985) 851-1020.
April 13-14. Louisiana Gated Dressage Horse Clinic. Camelot Wilderness Ranch, Leonville. (337) 507-7267.
March 17-April 9. Spring Art Show.
April 17. SugaSheaux Ride Night. SugArena,
Downtown Art Gallery 630, Houma. (985) 851-2198.
New Iberia. www.sugarena.com.
March 22-24. Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival. Nicholls State University,
April 18-28, Wednesdays-Sundays. Rounding Third. Le Petit Playhouse, Houma. (985) 876-4278.
New Iberia. www.sugarena.com.
Thibodaux. (985) 448-4965.
March 3. Horse Show. Houma Airbase
March 22. Downtown Live After 5.
April 18-21. The 14th Annual Washington Catfish Festival. Washington.
Courthouse Square, Houma. (985) 873-6408.
(337) 826-3627.
March 23. Southdown Marketplace Arts & Crafts Festival. Southdown Museum,
Arnaudville and Opelousas. (337) 948-8004.
Arena, Houma. (985) 868-3484.
March 3. The 28th Annual Here’s the Beef Cook-off. Yambilee Agricultural Arena, Opelousas. (337) 945-0364.
March 3-8. School Art Show. Downtown Art
Houma. (985) 851-0154.
March 23. Rodeo. Houma Airbase Arena,
April 19-24. La Semaine Francaise. April 20. The Haven’s Annual Spring Gala.
Gallery 630, Houma. (985) 851-2198.
Houma. (985) 868-3484.
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. (985) 872-0757.
March 8-10. Choctaw Fireman’s Fair. 2854
March 23. Acadiana Dragon Boat Festival.
April 20. Ladybug Ball Children’s Festival.
March 9. Black Heritage Festival. Lake
102 W. Main St., New Iberia. (337) 352-2180.
Southdown Plantation, Houma. (985) 851-3999.
Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles. (337) 436-9588.
March 24. The 28th Annual World Championship Crawfish Éouffée Cook-Off.
April 20. Cajun Seasoning: Zydeco Rhythms in the Heart of Acadiana. Parc Sans Souci,
March 9. Top of the Teche Canoe Race.
Northwest Pavilion, Eunice. (337) 457-7389.
Lafayette. Louisianatravel.com/music.
Leonville to Arnaudville. (337) 789-0319.
March 29-31. 14th Annual Parade of Rods.
April 20-21. The Third Annual Artmania.
March 9-10. Bayou Home Show. Houma-
Ramada Inn, Houma. (985) 447-2210.
Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. (866) 839-1643.
March 30. Southdown Marketplace Arts & Crafts Festival. Southdown Plantation,
Old School House Antique Mall, Washington. (337) 277-2820.
March 7-24. Man of La Mancha. New Iberia
Houma. (985) 851-0154.
Performing Arts League, New Iberia. (337) 364-6114.
April 4-6. 2013 LA State H.O.G. Rally.
Choctaw Road, Thibodaux. (985) 859-0079.
April 21. Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet. St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chauvin. (985) 594-5859.
March 15. Eighth Annual Ladies Night Out.
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. (985) 850-4657.
April 21. Chauvin Folk Art Festival. Chauvin Sculpture Gardens, Chauvin. (985) 493-2500.
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. (985) 873-4616.
April 5-7. 15th Annual Pre-49 Parade of Rods. Ramada Inn, Houma. (985) 537-7656.
April 24-28. Festival International de Louisiane. Downtown, Lafayette. (337)
March 16. CASA for Kids Springfest “A World of Fun.” Courthouse Square, Houma.
April 6. New Iberia Downtown Art Walk.
232-8086.
102 West Main Street, New Iberia. (337) 369-2330.
April 26. Downtown Live After 5. Courthouse
April 7. Symphony Sunday in the Park.
April 26-28. The 28th Annual Étouffée Festival. Little Flower School Grounds,
(985) 876-0250.
March 16. Festival of Live Oaks. New Iberia City Park, New Iberia. (337) 369-2337.
Square, Houma. (985) 873-6408.
New Iberia City Park, New Iberia. (337) 364-1603.
Arnaudville. (337) 754-5911.
Along Highway 93, Arnaudville, Grand Coteau and Sunset. (337) 754-5316.
April 7. Horse Show. Houma Airbase Arena,
April 26-28. SugarFest High School Rodeo.
Houma. (985) 232-5141.
SugArena, New Iberia. (337) 365-7539.
March 16. 13th Annual Lockport Main Street Market & Bayouside Arts & Crafts Show. Bayouside Park, Lockport.
April 12-14. Cajun Hot Sauce Festival.
April 27. American Cancer Society’s Annual Terrebonne Relay for Life. Houma-
March 16. The 7 Mile Plus Yard Sale.
(985) 532-5909.
March 16. Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off. Nicholls State University, Thibodaux. (985) 448-4518.
March 17. Nation Barrel Race Association State Show. SugArena, New Iberia. www.sugarena.com.
March 17. St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Houma. (985) 851-6977.
March 17. The 10th Annual South LA
SugArena, New Iberia. www.sugarena.com.
April 12-14. Southern Garden Festival. Lafayette. (337) 593-9051.
April 13. Jambalaya Writers’ Conference. Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Houma. (985) 850-5313.
April 13. The Louisiana Cajun Food Festival. Kaplan. (337) 898-6600.
April 13-14. Downtown Crawfish Festival. Corner of Broad and Ryan streets, Lake Charles. (337) 310-0083.
Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. (985) 851-7719.
April 27. Grillin in the Park. New Iberia City Park, New Iberia. (337) 367-8464.
baton rouge/plantation March 1-12. The Listening Room Presents: Amina Figarova. Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge. www.artsbr.org.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 75
March 2. Maceo Parker. Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
Zachary Community Park, Zachary. (225) 654-6777.
March 9. Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans.
March 6. Jesse Cook. Manship Theatre,
March 23. Jake Shimabukuro.
www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
Baton Rouge. (866) 451-2787.
Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
March 10. Home Tours in the Lower Garden District. Lower Garden District,
March 23 – 24. Annual Civil War Re-enactment. Port Hudson State Historic
New Orleans. (504) 581-1367.
March 6. St. Francisville Spring Stroll. St. Francisville. (225) 635-6162.
March 6-17. Rising Water. LSU Music and Dramatic Arts Building, Baton Rouge. www.swinepalace.org.
March 8. Marc Broussard plus The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Manship Theatre,
Site, Baton Rouge. (888) 677-3400.
March 24. Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour. Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
March 13. Irish Celebration: Crescent City Celtic Band Plus the McTeggart Irish Dancers. St. Alphonsus Church, New Orleans. www.stalphonsusneworleans.org.
March 13. Bucktown All-Stars Plus Park Row. Lafayette Square, New Orleans.
March 9. Krewe of Erin Ponchatoula St. Patrick’s Parade. Downtown, Ponchatoula.
April 3. BRSO Present Lamar Family Chamber Series III. Baton Rouge
www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
Symphony, Baton Rouge. www.brso.org.
March 15-17. Samson and Delilah.
(800) 617-4502.
April 4. Riders in the Sky.
Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
March 9-10. Habitat Home and Garden Show. Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge. (225) 389-4953.
March 9-10. Frisco Fest. San Francisco Plantation, Baton Rouge. (985) 535-2341.
March 9. Stormy Weather – The Lena Horne Project. LSU Student Union Theatre,
Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
April 5. The Hitmen. Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
April 10. Tiempo Libre. Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
Baton Rouge. www.unionweb.lsu.edu.
April 11. Jane Monheit. Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
March 10-11. Skippyjon Jones.
April 12. Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.
Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
Ponchatoula. (800) 917-7045.
March 12. Danu. Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, Baton Rouge. www.batonrougebluesfestival.org.
March 14. The Mixed Bill Spring Concert.
April 15. Garrison Keillor.
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, Baton Rouge. (225) 766-8379.
Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
March 14-17. Debbie Allen at BR Community College. Manship Theatre,
April 18. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: Two Man Group. LSU
Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
Student Union Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.unionweb.lsu.edu.
March 15. Amite Oyster Festival.
April 13. Baton Rouge Blues Festival.
Downtown, Amite. (985) 748-7156.
March 18. Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Get the Sillies Out! Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
March 18. Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 presented by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. First Baptist Church, Covington. (504) 523-6530.
March 19. Jim Gaffigan: The White Bread Tour. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
March 20-24. Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival. Downtown, New Orleans. (504) 581-1144.
March 20. Col. Bruce Hampton Plus Andrew Duhon. Lafayette Square, New Orleans. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
March 21-24. Louisiana Crawfish Festival/ Redfish Cup. Torres Park, Chalmette. (504) 271-0537.
March 22-23. Hammond Smokin’ Blues & BBQ Challenge. Downtown, Hammond.
March 16. Buddy Guy. Manship Theatre,
new orleans
(800) 542-7520.
Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
March 1-3. Flashdance. Mahalia
March 17. One Night of Queen. LSU Student Union Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.unionweb.lsu.edu.
Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
March 23-24. Congo Square Rhythms Festival. Louis Armstrong Park, New
March 2-10. New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association/Home Tours. 826 St. Ann St.,
Orleans. (504) 558-6100.
March 23. Martha Graham Dance Co.
Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
New Orleans. (504) 581-1367.
Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
March 3. The Irish, Italian, Islenos Parade.
March 23. Hogs for the Cause. City Park
March 20. Michael Fosberg – Incognito.
Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette. (504) 931-8772.
Festival Fair Grounds, New Orleans. www.hogsforthecause.org.
March 4. Nunez Community College History Lecture Series. 3710 Paris Road,
March 23. NOLA Mad Dash. New Orleans.
Chalmette. (504) 278-6422.
March 27. Pajanimals Live: Pajama Playdate. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New
March 19. The Vagina Monologues.
LSU Student Union Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.unionweb.lsu.edu.
March 21. Reveal the Path. Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge. www.manshiptheatre.org.
March 21-24. Zachary Art and Music Festival. Zachary Youth Park & BREC’s 76 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
March 6. Anders Osborne Plus The Colin Lake Band. Lafayette Square, New Orleans. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
www.nolamaddash.com.
Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
March 27. Marcia Ball Plus Jenn Howard.
Lafayette Square, New Orleans. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
April 11-14. French Quarter Festival.
March 28. Leonard Cohen’s Old Ideas World Tour. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New
April 12-14. Madame Butterfly.
French Quarter, New Orleans. www.fqfi.org.
Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
March 30. Crescent City Classic.
April 12-14. Great Louisiana Birdfest.
Downtown, New Orleans. www.ccc10k.com.
Northlake Nature Center, Mandeville. www.northlakenature.org.
April 3. Irvin Mayfield & the Jazz Playhouse Revue with Special Guest Kermit Ruffins Plus The New Orleans Jazz Institute’s Saturday Music School.
April 15. Aces Against Aneurysms Tennis Tournament. Pelican Athletic Club,
Lafayette Square, New Orleans. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
Mandeville. (504) 261-4895.
April 16-21. Million Dollar Quartet. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
April 17. The Revivalists Plus Disco Demolition Knights. Lafayette Square, New Orleans. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
April 19. Sentimental Journeys 2013: Venetian Carneval. Longue Vue House and Gardens, New Orleans. (504) 293-4723.
April 24. Eric McFadden with Bernie Worrell, Luther Dickenson, Eric Bolivar & Robert Mercurio Plus Dave Jordan Band. Lafayette Square, New Orleans. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
April 26-28. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Fair Grounds, New Orleans. nojazzfest.com.
n
April 6. Shostakovich Symphony No. 9. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
April 6. Broadway at NOCCA Presents Megan Mullally. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans. www.broadwaynola.com.
April 10. The Mother Hips Plus Jon Roniger. Lafayette Square, New Orleans. www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
ATTENTION FESTIVAL-PLANNERS & CARNIVAL PARADE-PLANNERS HELP US PROMOTE YOUR EVENT! n
Go online to provide information for our calendar section and Web page.
Go to www.MyNewOrleans.com/Louisiana-Life/Submit-an-Event to let us know about festivals, shows or special events coming up in your areas!
n
n Go to www.MyNewOrleans.com/Louisiana-Life/Submit-a-Parade-to-Louisiana-Life to keep us posted on your Carnival plans!
Remember, the sooner we get the information, the better able we are to help you.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 77
quirky places as a jewel among the numerous scenic sites for which our Sportsman’s Paradise is known. Established in 1975,
D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge is a paradise for viewing the wonders of nature. Thirteen miles of Bayou D’Arbonne course through the 17,000-acre refuge. The flora of the area includes magnificent stands of American cypresses and rare species of hardwood trees. It offers a sanctuary for many types of wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles and red-cockaded woodpeckers. During the wet season, the refuge becomes an overflow area for the Ouachita River, creating a surreal landscape when it recedes.
Lake D’Arbonne State Park is in Union Parish on the western side of the lake. A staggering Lake D’Arbonne State Park
array of wildlife can be found here, along with towering
Upstate Wonders Natural treasures of Northeast Louisiana |
By Thomas Ritter
pines and cypress trees. Hiking trails weave for miles within the park, allowing for close interaction with the area. Each of the four trails is color-coded to make a visitor’s time in the park both enjoyable and safe. Five piers extend over the
Louisiana is known
in Europe or listening to a
By photographing natural
lake, providing outstanding
for its natural treasures, but
concert by an outstanding
landscapes, I am trying to
fishing and a place to view
much emphasis has been
orchestra.
preserve this pristine beauty
glorious sunsets.
placed on the southern
We must recognize before
in some small way with
Cheniere Brake Park is located
portion of the state. My
it is too late that more
the hope that those who
in West Ouachita Parish and
mission is to inspire
than half of our original
view my images will wish
boasts some of the densest
individuals to appreciate
ecosystems have been totally
to do whatever they can to
stands of bald cypress in
the incredible beauty that is
destroyed or are greatly
conserve our very special
this part of the state. Draped
abundant in the northeastern
altered. At this time, there is
scenic heritage.
with Spanish moss, the trees
region. Spending time on
precious little public funding
There are myriad areas
jut from the water, turning
the banks of a bayou filled
designated to preserving the
throughout the state that
the park into a fantasyland
with cypress trees or hiking
environment. As individuals
deserve our appreciation
of unimaginable shapes
through a woodland trail can
we must become aware of the
and protection. Northeast
and forms. But when early
be comparable to visiting
urgency for action that this
Louisiana is one of them
morning mist rises, the lake
the magnificent cathedrals
situation requires.
and should be recognized
takes on the appearance of
78 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Top left: Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge. Top right: Cheniere Brake Park. Bottom left: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Bottom right: D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge
being enchanted .
state’s largest population of
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a few miles
endangered Louisiana black
north of Monroe near
here. The refuge contains
Highway 165. It is one of five
one of the largest stands of
refuges in North Louisiana.
hardwood trees remaining
Established in 1997, the
in the Mississippi Delta. In
4,500-acre site includes
autumn, the leaves create a
Black Bayou Lake, which
spectacular display of color.
is more than 1,600 acres.
bear are often seen frolicking
These five natural treasures
Trails meander through the
are but a few of the many
site, and there is a photo
wonderful sites that can be
blind from which migratory
found in Northeast Louisiana.
birds and other wildlife may
As a nature photographer, I
be observed. Bald cypress,
have traveled to most of the
Tupelo gums, various
states in the union and have
hardwood trees and majestic
observed magnificent scenery
pines are found within the
everywhere I go. However,
boundaries of the refuge.
there is nothing more dear to
Lotus flowers and water
my heart or more spectacular
hyacinths push through
and unique than what is to
masses of lily pads around
be seen here. Anyone who
the edges of the lake.
appreciates the beauty of
Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses an
nature should spend as much
area of privately owned
of Louisiana. The rewards
bottomland forests. The
include not only the stunning
almost-80,000-acre refuge
visuals but also the unforget-
is home to more than
table experience of visiting
400 species of mammals,
a spectacular landscape that
birds, reptiles and fish. The
one day may vanish.
time as possible in this part
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 79
a louisiana life
Graham Patrick Martin Thibodaux native earns TV roles. By Megan Hill
Graham Patrick
Instead, he auditioned and
Martin wasn’t always
was accepted to Fiorello H.
interested in acting. Before
LaGuardia High School of
he followed his older sister
Music & Art and Performing
to an acting camp at 8 and
Arts as a drama major.
discovered his talent, the
Martin acted in several
Louisiana native envisioned a
national commercials before
very different career path.
landing a guest role on Law &
“I wanted to be a professional football player,” says
Order: Criminal Intent. “I kept auditioning, and I
Martin, who was born in
kept getting roles,” he says.
Thibodaux and moved to
The family relocated to Los
Metairie as a child. “Football
Angeles when Martin landed
is my first love.”
a major role on the television
acted mostly in plays until
comedy The Bill Engvall Show
he started work on The Bill
top-rated scripted show
himself the star of Major
in 2007. It was Martin’s big
Engvall Show, he says the
on Monday night and was
Crimes, a TNT drama and
break, and he was just 15
transition from the stage to
picked up for a second
spinoff of The Closer, and
years old.
the television set wasn’t hard
season. Martin plays Rusty
because the show was shot
Beck, a former rent boy who witnesses a murder.
The 21-year-old now finds
playing a supporting role in
Martin says his family has
Major Crimes is now the
Two and a Half Men. And it
been “wildly supportive,”
in front of a live audience.
all began on a whim.
making sacrifices over the
“It’s like the theater but with
Martin also co-stars
years to support him. His
cameras pointed at you,” he
alongside Jessalyn Gilsig
preparing to spend her
father and sister eventually
says. Two and a Half Men,
in an independent drama,
second summer at French
moved back to Thibodaux,
which he joined in 2010, is
Somewhere Slow, written and
Woods, a performing arts
while his mother and
also filmed live.
directed by Jeremy O’Keefe.
summer camp in upstate
younger brother stayed
New York. Martin decided
in Los Angeles with him.
people laughing – it’s heaven;
an 18-year-old who becomes
to tag along, and he found
They plan to move back,
it’s amazing,” Martin says.
involved with an older
a new love. Back at home,
too, when Martin’s brother
Martin continued cultivating
finishes high school next
passion lies with drama.
midlife crisis. “It’s an intense
his talents at Metairie Park
year. “They’ve been more
“That’s what I’m trained for,”
script, and I’m very proud of
Country Day School. He later
supportive than any family
he says.
it,” Martin says.
landed roles at Southern
should be,” Martin says.
Martin’s older sister was
Repertory Theatre before
Martin goes back to visit
“Acting on stage with
But ultimately, Martin’s
Landing the starring role
Martin plays Travis Tratten,
woman in the throes of a
So what would Martin’s
on Major Crimes was “a
dream role be? A Drew Brees biopic, perhaps?
his father’s job relocated the
Louisiana often, especially
dream come true. I’m excited
family to New York.
during football season. “I
to do what I’ve been training
have to get my fixes of food
for for so long. I enjoy the
movie, but I don’t think I’m
the stereotypical starving
and football,” the Saints
work you have to put behind
tall enough,” Martin says.
artist’s. He didn’t languish
fan says. “I go straight to
a dramatic performance,
“Though I hear Tom Cruise
in a dilapidated New York
Drago’s from the airport for
researching the background
and Sylvester Stallone are
apartment, working odd
charbroiled oysters.”
and representing a different
pretty short, so I guess the
human life,” he says.
camera can work magic.”
Martin’s success story isn’t
jobs to make ends meet. 80 | Louisiana Life March/April 2013
Although Martin had
“I’d kill to do a football
n