Lafayette
Going German-Cajun
We’ve had boudin served in many ways in recent years, such as the Cajun benedict with boudin and eggs in a pool of gumbo at the French Press in Lafayette, or the Orielle de Cochon (pig’s ear) boudin-stuffed beignet, and the biscuit with a grilled boudin patty and eggs at Café des Amis’ in Breaux Bridge. But boudin atop fries is a first for this Cajun foodie who grew up in Abbeville eating hot links with Steen’s cane syrup for breakfast. It’s the “Boutine”: German French fries swimming with gravy, and crowned by boudin, served at the newly opened, dog-friendly Wurst Biergarten. Limited menu. The brats (three kinds) come from Earl’s Cajun Grocery; beers galore (537 Jefferson St., Lafayette).
Acadiana Corridor Update
Community Work group meetings for the I-49 Lafayette Connector (aka I-49 Corridor) — touted as one of the “most important projects” in the history of Lafayette — are on Aug. 25 and Sept. 22 at the Lafayette Public Library, second floor (room 301), on W. Congress St. The future 5.5-mile segment of I-49 will extend from I-10 to the Lafayette Regional Airport, and is a key component of I-49 South. The planned functions are as a critical hurricane evacuation route, to bring new interstate connectivity within the region and to New Orleans, alleviating the congestion on Hwy. 90 and completing a major energy and trade corridor to the nation.
Rayne, Breaux Bridge
Honoring the Best in Cajun Music
The 28th annual Le Cajun Awards Music Festival kicks off Aug. 18 on the creaky old dance floor of the beloved La Poussiere in Breaux Bridge, followed by the Aug. 19 CFMA awards announced at the Rayne Civic Center. The fest concludes Aug. 20 at the center featuring top Cajun bands.
Lake Charles
The new VA and ICU scoops
After multiple delays, the recent groundbreaking site of the new 24,000-square-foot VA permanent clinic in Lake Charles (3601 Gerstner Memorial Drive) will provide medical, dental, vision and mental health care to veterans. Meanwhile, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital opened a forward-thinking $6 million ICU unit with larger rooms, each with family sitting areas (a rarity) and USB ports for computers and cells.
Delcambre, Morgan City
Pass a good time!
Forget the car. You can now enjoy the 66th annual Delcambre Shrimp Festival (Aug. 17-21) in your own boat via the new North Pier Marina (contact the Port Director, 800-884-6120). It’s three blocks from the festival grounds, where an abundance of fab shrimp dishes, firemen water fights, cook-offs, rides, Cajun bands and the daily fais-do-do brings families dancing in the streets. Next up, the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City (Sept. 1-5) features regional and national entertainment, the Cajun Culinary Classic and a children’s village.
Erath
Museum’s anniversary celebrated with new “Coozan Dud” exhibition
The Acadiana Museum of Erath celebrates its 25th anniversary with several events starting on Aug. 20, featuring the induction of the newly appointed Commissioner of Conservation and former Attorney General Richard Leyoub into the Order of Living Legends and prominent authors in attendance signing books, followed by the 5 p.m. debut of the new Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc permanent exhibit and the re-release of his historic books (presented by his granddaughter, Michelle LeBlanc): “The Acadiana Miracle” on its 50th anniversary and “The True Story of the Acadians” on its 90th anniversary (both are available).
