Brunch is my favorite meal. In fact, if more places offered it during the week, I’d find a way to earn more vacation days, so that I could schedule several long, lazy weekday brunches throughout the year. The best brunches are those that incorporate live music. Even better is when bottomless mimosas are on the menu. Two such places come to mind right away — Blue Dog Cafe in Lafayette and Lake Charles, as well as Artmosphere in Lafayette. Champagne brunch? Yes, please.
If like me you love brunch, our feature story in this issue is for you. Contributor Lisa LeBlanc-Berry has done the tough work of traveling all over Acadiana to sample, test and try brunch at tried-and-true, new and off the beaten path spots to get your Eggs Benedict on. I’m ready to tear the pages out, hit the road and start checking places off my list, one slice of bacon at a time. These establishments offer a little something for everyone, so pick your non-negotiables and find a brunch that fills in all of your blanks and fills your belly.
While some of us love to have brunch prepared for us, others would rather get creative in the kitchen. Whether you are an experienced home cook or a kitchen voyeur, our expanded La Maison section is sure to wow. Style Editor Marie Elizabeth Oliver has rounded up four enviable kitchens that will likely spur remodels and renovations all over the region. Get inspired and then get cookin’ on your own dream kitchen.
It’s officially summer, so this is the perfect time to explore indoor entertainment options. We hope the brunch feature keeps you occupied through the hot months and puts a few new places on your radar. Did we leave off your favorite place? Email me and we’ll keep it in mind for when we revisit the subject. Which if I have my way will be annually. There’s no such thing as too much brunch, right?
Cheers!
EDITOR’S PICKS
July 4th Fun
Uncle Sam’s Jam kicks off on July 3 at Parc International in downtown Lafayette. Attendees can take in live music by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, DG & The Freetown Sound and DJ RV, there will be food and drinks available for purchase and a fireworks display. Bonus: A portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way of Acadiana. downtownlafayette.org/events
Enjoy a parade, live music and fireworks duing the annual Red, White, Blue & You Festival in downtown Lake Charles on July 4. The event is family friendly and free. visitlakecharles.org
En Français
Are you interested in practicing your French or would you like to take part in activities that celebrate French culture? The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana hosts a variety of regular events all month long and special events throughout the year. On Fridays, hit Phillipe’s Wine Cellar in Lafayette for free wine tastings. Sundays are for enjoying French conversation, jam sessions and card games at Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville. Be sure to check the schedule for details on the Bastille Day celebration on July 14 and find other regular events throughout the region on the CODOFIL website. crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/codofil
