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Showing posts with label Boudin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boudin. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2015
Lt.
Governor Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana
Office of Tourism have deemed 2015 the “Louisiana Culinary Celebration!”
With that in mind, how can I possibly diet? Plus, it’s almost Mardi Gras, so King
Cakes are in no short supply and my office is directly across the street
from Steamboat
Bill’s on the Lake. I can practically hear the boiled crawfish calling my
name every day after work.
Eating in Cajun Country means good food prepared by the
people who know what to do with the bounty that nature provides. My mom recently “borrowed” kumquats from her
neighbor’s tree to make a marmalade. My brother-in-law knows a thing or two
about preparing ducks and geese after the hunt.
With seafood, everyone has their preferred methods of
cooking. You won’t find a shortage of
fried foods in Southwest Louisiana restaurants!
Don’t get me started on boudin.
Or cracklins.
.jpg) |
| www.monsoursphotography.net |
One of my favorite gumbo stories was covered recently by Michelle
Winner on www.CulinaryTraveler.com
mentioning Chef Lyle Broussard from Jack
Daniel’s Bar & Grill®. He was telling Jay Ducote, Bite and Booze food blogger, how he
knows when the roux is ready – he recalls the flavor from when he was a small
child, standing on a stool with a big heaping spoon of “chocolate” on his mother’s
stove. Little did he know, the “chocolate”
was actually roux! He’ll never forget that surprising taste!
Check out The Culinary Trails
Taste-umentary YouTube video that celebrates the local food scene and
features local restaurants at www.visitlakecharles.org/seafood.
Other culinary videos can be seen on the Visit
Lake Charles YouTube channel.
Cajun food is simple. And it’s complex. It is a conversation
starter. Food in Southwest Louisiana is
filled with passion. Don’t take my word
for it- come and taste for yourself!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Keeping it local during the Christmas season is what I’m all
about! No Black Friday crazy lines at big retail outlets or camping out for
door buster deals for me! Some of my
favorite memories Christmas shopping were with my mom going to the Cottage Shops, sniffing yummy candles and sampling the wassail at the Christian Book
Store.
I enjoy supporting our local businesses. Plus, they have all
of the Louisiana-centric gifts that my friends who live out of state enjoy so
much this time of year! You can find
locally made art and food products all over Calcasieu Parish.
Here’s a quick video of some of the unique Louisiana
products that might be great Christmas gifts ideas for some of those on your
Christmas list!
Don't forget about all of the great Christmas Events happening in the area. Click Here to check them out!
Monday, September 29, 2014
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| By Mike Shubic |
Feeling the Love in Lake Charles
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “southern hospitality” before, it’s a romanticized notion personified in movies and television shows, where chivalry flourishes and visitors are made to feel welcome. While on a recent trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana for a travel conference, I discovered the essence of southern hospitality is not a cliché, but the very embodiment of its residents. The charming southwestern Louisiana town of Lake Charles has a strong Cajun culture and has a lot to offer its visitors; from performing arts, festivals, lush golf courses, glitzy casinos, historic districts, posh resorts, wildlife excursions to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
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| By Mike Shubic |
Louisiana was one of only four states to which I had not yet traveled, so I was thankful the folks at TMShowcase selected Lake Charles for their annual travel conference which allowed me to knock yet another state off my list. The conference was held at the extraordinary L’Auberge Casino Resort, which is a retreat that captivates guests, many of whom may never want to leave due to the abundance of activities and luxuriousness of the property. Some of the journalists, myself included, were upgraded to a suite, which I have to say was one of the nicest rooms I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in—and, as a perpetual traveler, that’s saying a lot! Beyond the amazing bed and other typical features you’d expect in a luxurious suite, this room had a few things I’d never experienced before, such a remote control that takes care of just about everything…from dimming the lights, adjusting the thermostat, to controlling a T.V. embedded in one of the bathroom vanity mirrors. Speaking of the bathroom…it was fit for royalty, with its focal point being a huge claw foot bathtub that fills from the ceiling. Yes, the ceiling. A gushing stream of water falls some ten feet into the middle of the tub. To one side of the bathtub is a large marble shower; to the other, a frosted glass enclosure with high-end loo and bidet.
While the accommodations are spectacular, so too is the entire property at L’Auberge: The casino floor, nicely manicured golf course, spa, shopping, to the lazy river swimming pool and on-site restaurants. A spot I enjoyed one evening with a colleague was the beach along a tributary at the back of the resort. I also visited the Barbier, an upscale barbershop where I experienced my first old fashioned shave. One evening several of the journalists and I were treated to a meal at Ember Grille and Wine Bar, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant. Rather than ordering off the menu, the chef brought out samples of his signature dishes for us to try, which included items like Tuna Tartare, Foie Gras, Crab Cakes, Kobe beef Carpaccio, and Ember Prime, a 40oz Rib Eye carved right at the table. Following that was a host of decadent desserts. It was a sensational meal and without a doubt one of the best I had during my trip to Louisiana.
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| By Mike Shubic |
I arrived in Lake Charles a few days prior to the conference and was able to check out some of the local flair and activities. As a road tripper, I was particularly interested in the Creole Nature Trail, which is one of the oldest scenic byways in the country. The All-American road winds through more than 180 miles of bayous, marshlands and shores along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s an amazing blend of scenery and a wonderful view of Louisiana’s fertile prairies, lush marshes and abundant wildlife.
Along the Creole Nature Trail is a place called Airboats & Alligators where you can take an airboat ride through the marshland and visit an alligator farm. This experience was both interesting and educational…not to mention fun to zip through a marsh atop an airboat. Talking with the owner, I learned that just weeks after Katrina hit New Orleans, Hurricane Rita devastated parts of Lake Charles, including the area where Airboats & Alligators is located. Rita took away the house and the business, including $6 million in Alligator inventory. It has taken many years of recovery, but they are finally getting back to normal. It was quite inspiring to listen to the passion and persistence they had to rebuild the home and their business. Alligator farming is an interesting business and can be quite lucrative if done properly. A top tier alligator can fetch up to $1600—and, once harvested, nothing goes to waste…the skin/hide is used for shoes, belts, wallets, etc., the meat is consumed, and the teeth are often used for jewelry and tourist trinkets.
 |
| By Mike Shubic |
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| By Mike Shubic |
The next stop of the day was really special…it was a relaxing eco-tour boat ride with the folks at Grosse Savanne Eco-tours, which was lead by our amazingly well-informed guide, Bobby Jorden. Situated on 50,000 acres of private land, Grosse Savanne Eco-tours has unlimited access to a multitude of various ecotypes, including both fresh and salt water marshes, cypress swamps, native coastal prairies, pine forest plantations, and agricultural lands. Our tour was through the cypress swamp, which provided amazing bird watching and other wildlife opportunities, including an abundance of alligators.
 |
| By Mike Shubic |
Later that day, a number of my fellow travel journalists and I went to Bayou Rum for a distillery tour. This fairly new rum distiller is producing handcrafted spirits on-site the Louisiana way, using a traditional copper pot (which is like a work of art…and, it cost as much too) using 100% natural Louisiana cane sugar and molasses. Not only was the tour informative, and the facility beautiful, but we also enjoyed a rum tasting. It had been a while since I had actually consumed rum, and I have to say, it was quite tasty! The following week I was in New Orleans and actually had a cocktail made using Bayou Rum, so it seems the word is getting out.
If you’re into historic architecture, you won’t want to miss the Charpentier Historic District, which features a number of Victorian mansions and other sites, some of which are palatial estates along the banks of Lake Charles.
 |
| By Mike Shubic |
After a few days of exploring Lake Charles, it was time for the conference to start. By day we spent most of our time in one of the conference halls at L’Auberge, and by night, we were taken to various venues around town for dinner, drinks and entertainment. The first night we went to a place called The Brick House, a really cool and historic venue where they had a Zydeco band playing some lively music that blended the accordion, washboard, spoons and an electric guitar.
Another evening we went to the Lake Charles Civic Center, where again, we feasted on local cuisine and enjoyed live local music. The venue is situated across the street from the banks of Lake Charles, so the view was quite stunning. Just before sunset I escaped the festivities for a spell and strolled along the nicely developed boardwalk that follows the lake. It was a sensational sunset with a silhouetted sailboat skimming the smooth surface of the lake.
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| By Mike Shubic |
On my final evening in Lake Charles, I got tickets to an outdoor concert that was held at L’Auberge by the pool. The massive stage with sophisticated light and sound system hosted the 80s cover band, The Molly Ringwalds. From Devo to Duran Duran, the band played all the 80s favorites…we (those of us old enough to know all the songs) danced like it was 1999. I had to laugh at one point…when these three young women looked our way as one of my fellow travel journalist and I were rocking out and singling along to a song of which we knew all of the lyrics…it was evident by their stares, the young women had never heard the song before!
It was quite warm and muggy, and after rocking out for a bit, we all decided to head to our respective rooms to don our swimsuits and head back down to conclude the concert by floating down and around the lazy river…it was a fantastic end to our wonderful time in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The folks of southwestern Louisiana seem to be quite proud of their boudin and other Cajun and Créole creations; I on the other hand, found it to be my least favorite part. Call me a culinary snob if you will, but I prefer more refined and less fried foods. Personally, I gravitated toward the fresh seafood dishes in Lake Charles, which, given their proximity to the Gulf, were quite plentiful. The shrimp and crab for example were out of this world. If more traditional Cajun fare is your thing, you’ll find no shortage of that either.
I found the real stars of Lake Charles to be its people…so very friendly, hospitable, old school politeness, with an air of southern hospitality and charm. Click the following link to see more of Mike Shubic's photos of Lake Charles.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
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| Stop by the Welcome Center for Louisiana souvenirs, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles |
Summer is a hot travel season here in Southwest
Louisiana. It’s the time of year for
leisure travelers and weekend warriors to explore the beaches on the Gulf of
Mexico, see the alligators along the Creole Nature Trail and hit up the casinos
and live concerts.
When visitors are
looking for something authentic from Lake Charles to bring home with them,
there are a few spots around the area they can shop for souvenirs.
 |
| Cottage Shops located on Alamo St. |
- The
Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau gift shop has
Louisiana art, Mardi Gras regalia, Lake Charles t-shirts, post cards, Cajun Ben’s
Alligator Heads and Necklaces, magnets, cookbooks, Tabasco Jelly Beans, home decor
and more.
- LeBleu’s Landing in Sulphur sells hot sauces,
Louisiana culinary gift items, children’s toys, books, aprons and other
authentic Southwest Louisiana items.
- The Cottage Shops Cultural District offers
assorted boutiques offering Louisiana art, jewelry, coffee and local souvenirs,
as well.
- The Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail brochure features several locations who ship frozen boudin across the country.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
By Glen Turk
The sum of any great golf trip is a collection of its parts. Even the most avid golfer will tell you it's the adventures enjoyed in between the fairways hit and birdies made that truly define a distinctive golf vacation. Without a doubt the 120,000 person city of Lake Charles, LA, located less than 3 hours from both Houston and 4 hours from New Orleans, was created with those parameters in mind. In late April a group of golf writers from around the country and Canada were treated to a four day extravaganza of golfing, gaming, fishing, and eating that would have made Caligula blush. Below is a recap of our exciting jam-packed four day journey to bayou country.
Day one began with our touchdown at Lake Charles Regional Airport, the perfect place to make the proper first impression. The cozy airport features direct flights to Houston and Dallas, therefore allowing anyone from anywhere to experience Lake Charles easily and cost effectively. Then it was off to Mallard Cove Golf Course, a city run municipal course located on the former Chennault Air Force Base. The 7015 yard layout dates back to 1976 and can be best described as a sporty layout at an affordable price. You'll never pay more than $40 to play and every shot in your bag will be tested as half the holes are impacted by water hazards including the mind-bending 563 yard, par-5 18th.
It is truly one of Lake Charles' most talked about holes and PGA Professional Derek Smith loves hearing the stories come through his pro shop like this one as described by former World Long Drive Champion Brian Pavlet.
"Memorial Day weekend in 2000, I was in Lake Charles, La., at Mallard Cove Golf Club playing in a charity pro-am. The last hole says "540 yards, par-5" on the card, but the tees were up about 30 yards. Having played in the event previously, I knew I could take a shortcut and drive the green if I could carry the ball about 390 yards. The hole horseshoes around a big swamp with these huge trees in the middle. When I swung, I knew it was going to be good. My ball landed just short of the green and bounced on, stopping about 12 to 15 feet from the hole. When I got to the green, everybody was going nuts. Now, I am thinking, I've got to make this. I walked up, gave it a read and nailed it for double eagle," regaled Pavlet. For more information on Mallard Cove, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com or call (337) 491-1204.
I love the second day of four day golf trips. You're over the stress of getting there plus you've got a bulk of the trip to look forward to. In a rare admission, day two in Lake Charles would have been amazing without hitting a single golf shot as our group got to enjoy an early morning fishing excursion by Capt. Eric Rue's Calcasieu Charter Service. Eric offers some sweet Stay and Play packages at www.calcasieucharters.com that includes lodging on site and the opportunity to play either Gray Plantation or Contraband Bayou Golf Course, which will be discussed shortly. The four writers plus our guide Bryan combined to catch 14 redfish that we later devoured at the legendary Seafood Palace. Besides our catches of the day we dined on one of every appetizer they serve including Pistollettes, Crawfish Pies, Fried Alligator, and their legendary deep fried boudin sausage balls.
In between fishing stories and eating glory, we took in the sights and sounds at National Golf Club of Louisiana at Westlake. Stepping off the bus my first comment was "Wow, this doesn't look like we're in Louisiana anymore!" Director of Golf Ron Brown agrees.
"As a matter of fact, most people that play here say that often. Many compare The National to Pinehurst in North Carolina. They say when they drive up that they feel like they are definitely in a different place, not in Louisiana. They love the look, the service, and the consistent quality of the course," stated Brown.
Speaking of the quality of the course, it's in remarkable condition considering it's only a few years old. The Dave Bennett design plays 6946 yards from the tips and requires shot-making expertise throughout. The course unfolds like a best-selling mystery novel as it gets better the further into it you are. To that end, one of Ron Brown's favorite holes is The National's penultimate one.
"I love the par-5 17th that's reachable in two with a huge risk reward factor involved. The hole is a slight dog-leg left with close OB on the left and trees and water all the way down the right side. The green is very well protected by bunkers in the front and back and missing the green can cause a major headache when it comes to getting up and down. This hole normally is very pivotal in the completion of the round and/or how you finish a tournament," finished Brown. For more information on all that Louisiana National has to offer including their upscale housing community,visit www.nationalgcla.com or call (337) 433-2255.
Legendary golf architect Tom Fazio drew from his considerable design acumen when shaping the Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'Auberge, located only a well struck driver away from the stately entrance of the L'Auberge Casino Resort. Completed in 2005, the 7077 yard layout is the perfect complement to a property that rivals any casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Fazio was able to fit the bill of what a casino course should be - a playable test for all abilities while still creating many memorable shot values throughout the journey.
"Mr. Fazio is good at what he does. He has the ability to visualize and move earth to make his visualization a reality. We wanted a fun course that could be challenging simply by moving back a set of tees," stated Bill Belcher, the Director of Resort Services at L'Auberge Casino Resort.
The best stretch of golf on our entire trip resides on holes 8 through 15 at Contraband. A two hour fun fest waits on this elite 8 that any course in America would be thrilled to have on their roster. The journey begins with the backdrop of a stunning edifice.
"That stretch has a great variety of holes in it. You have three great par-3's, one reachable par-5 (depending on the wind), one par-5 that makes you think on all three shots, and three par-4's - one dog leg left, one right and one straight. We are very fortunate to have such a great collection of holes. Of the eight hole stretch, the 15th is the hardest hole on the course due to all the trouble that exists on both sides all the way from tee to green," said Belcher.
For more information on Contraband Bayou including their Stay and Play packages and their top notch amenities including pool, spa, and food services, visit www.llakecharles.com call (337) 395-7777.
The final day of our trip ended in style with a bonafide southern experience at Gray Plantation, one of America's top 100 public courses according to Golf Digest. Not only is the semi-private property home to the 7,200 yard Rocky Roquemore design, but it is also home to the Golf Academy at Gray Plantation.
"The Gray Plantation Golf Academy is the most technologically advanced Academy in the region. The Academy provides our members and customers with all forms of game improvement, equipment upgrades, and analysis necessary to have the ultimate experience. With three Class A PGA Professionals on site we're able to host golf schools and clinics of any size with an impressive student to teacher ratio that feels like a one on one lesson," stated Kevin Tracy.
It is my humble opinion that you should join the Academy first and then play The Gray as the better you play the more you'll enjoy this amazing property. It's also important to note that Gray Plantation was a charter member of the Audubon Golf Trail in Louisiana when the course opened in 1999. The natural beauty of Louisiana's bayou country is on full display as 8 of their 18 holes are built along the wetlands of the Calcasieu River. No more is this beauty revealed that the quartet of par-3's-quite possibly the finest collection of short holes I've seen since The Harvester Golf Club in Iowa.
Kevin Tracey expands from there: "All four par- 3's force golfers to carry the Calcasieu River in front of the green. Two of them are island greens with wetlands surrounding the putting surface. Only one of the par 3's plays further than 150 yards, which allows golfers of skill levels an opportunity to hit it close. However, any errant shot on the wrong side of the green will inevitably reach the water," concluded Tracey. For more information on the Gray Plantation and their adjoining Graywood Community, visit www.graywoodllc.com or call (337) 562-1663.
In conclusion, four thrilling days in bayou country was the perfect elixir for the spring blues that befell the Midwest this year. Whether you want to golf 54 or 9 holes a day, I promise you'll never be bored in Lake Charles, Louisiana. For more all information on all that Lake Charles has to offer, visit www.visitlakecharles.org.
Where to Stay and Gorge Yourself in Lake Charles, LA
L'Auberge Casino Resort offers first class accommodations complete with a pool to rival any Vegas casino and gaming. (866) 580-7444
Darrell's for subs and sandwiches. A unique twist on the stereotypical po-boy. 119 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70605. (337) 474-3651
Mazens's Mediterranean Restaurant. A perfect blend of local flavors with Cajun and Mediterranean style cooking. 217 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. (337) 477-8207
Seafood Palace. The spot to get local flavor complete with crawfish and fried alligator. 2218 Enterprise Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601. (337) 433-9293
Ember Grille & Wine Bar. Located inside L'Auberge Casino Resort, you are in for a culinary experience. A modern steakhouse complete with a variety of certified angus, kobe and natural grass fed beef. (337) 395-7565
What Else to do:
Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail - a popular Cajun sausage follow this trail to several stops to taste a little local flavor.
Calcasieu Charter Service. Create a customized trip complete with fishing, hunting and golf, of course. 210 Bank Street - Big Lake, Lake Charles, LA 70607. (337) 598-4700
Golfing, Gambling, Fishing, and Dining Combine to Create a Memorable Trip
.jpg) |
| www.monsoursphotography.net |
Day one began with our touchdown at Lake Charles Regional Airport, the perfect place to make the proper first impression. The cozy airport features direct flights to Houston and Dallas, therefore allowing anyone from anywhere to experience Lake Charles easily and cost effectively. Then it was off to Mallard Cove Golf Course, a city run municipal course located on the former Chennault Air Force Base. The 7015 yard layout dates back to 1976 and can be best described as a sporty layout at an affordable price. You'll never pay more than $40 to play and every shot in your bag will be tested as half the holes are impacted by water hazards including the mind-bending 563 yard, par-5 18th.
 |
| Mallard Cove Golf Course |
It is truly one of Lake Charles' most talked about holes and PGA Professional Derek Smith loves hearing the stories come through his pro shop like this one as described by former World Long Drive Champion Brian Pavlet.
"Memorial Day weekend in 2000, I was in Lake Charles, La., at Mallard Cove Golf Club playing in a charity pro-am. The last hole says "540 yards, par-5" on the card, but the tees were up about 30 yards. Having played in the event previously, I knew I could take a shortcut and drive the green if I could carry the ball about 390 yards. The hole horseshoes around a big swamp with these huge trees in the middle. When I swung, I knew it was going to be good. My ball landed just short of the green and bounced on, stopping about 12 to 15 feet from the hole. When I got to the green, everybody was going nuts. Now, I am thinking, I've got to make this. I walked up, gave it a read and nailed it for double eagle," regaled Pavlet. For more information on Mallard Cove, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com or call (337) 491-1204.
I love the second day of four day golf trips. You're over the stress of getting there plus you've got a bulk of the trip to look forward to. In a rare admission, day two in Lake Charles would have been amazing without hitting a single golf shot as our group got to enjoy an early morning fishing excursion by Capt. Eric Rue's Calcasieu Charter Service. Eric offers some sweet Stay and Play packages at www.calcasieucharters.com that includes lodging on site and the opportunity to play either Gray Plantation or Contraband Bayou Golf Course, which will be discussed shortly. The four writers plus our guide Bryan combined to catch 14 redfish that we later devoured at the legendary Seafood Palace. Besides our catches of the day we dined on one of every appetizer they serve including Pistollettes, Crawfish Pies, Fried Alligator, and their legendary deep fried boudin sausage balls.
.jpg) |
| www.monsoursphotography.net |
In between fishing stories and eating glory, we took in the sights and sounds at National Golf Club of Louisiana at Westlake. Stepping off the bus my first comment was "Wow, this doesn't look like we're in Louisiana anymore!" Director of Golf Ron Brown agrees.
 |
| National Golf Club of Louisiana |
Speaking of the quality of the course, it's in remarkable condition considering it's only a few years old. The Dave Bennett design plays 6946 yards from the tips and requires shot-making expertise throughout. The course unfolds like a best-selling mystery novel as it gets better the further into it you are. To that end, one of Ron Brown's favorite holes is The National's penultimate one.
"I love the par-5 17th that's reachable in two with a huge risk reward factor involved. The hole is a slight dog-leg left with close OB on the left and trees and water all the way down the right side. The green is very well protected by bunkers in the front and back and missing the green can cause a major headache when it comes to getting up and down. This hole normally is very pivotal in the completion of the round and/or how you finish a tournament," finished Brown. For more information on all that Louisiana National has to offer including their upscale housing community,visit www.nationalgcla.com or call (337) 433-2255.
Legendary golf architect Tom Fazio drew from his considerable design acumen when shaping the Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'Auberge, located only a well struck driver away from the stately entrance of the L'Auberge Casino Resort. Completed in 2005, the 7077 yard layout is the perfect complement to a property that rivals any casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Fazio was able to fit the bill of what a casino course should be - a playable test for all abilities while still creating many memorable shot values throughout the journey.
 |
| Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'Auberge Casino Resort |
"Mr. Fazio is good at what he does. He has the ability to visualize and move earth to make his visualization a reality. We wanted a fun course that could be challenging simply by moving back a set of tees," stated Bill Belcher, the Director of Resort Services at L'Auberge Casino Resort.
The best stretch of golf on our entire trip resides on holes 8 through 15 at Contraband. A two hour fun fest waits on this elite 8 that any course in America would be thrilled to have on their roster. The journey begins with the backdrop of a stunning edifice.
"That stretch has a great variety of holes in it. You have three great par-3's, one reachable par-5 (depending on the wind), one par-5 that makes you think on all three shots, and three par-4's - one dog leg left, one right and one straight. We are very fortunate to have such a great collection of holes. Of the eight hole stretch, the 15th is the hardest hole on the course due to all the trouble that exists on both sides all the way from tee to green," said Belcher.
For more information on Contraband Bayou including their Stay and Play packages and their top notch amenities including pool, spa, and food services, visit www.llakecharles.com call (337) 395-7777.
The final day of our trip ended in style with a bonafide southern experience at Gray Plantation, one of America's top 100 public courses according to Golf Digest. Not only is the semi-private property home to the 7,200 yard Rocky Roquemore design, but it is also home to the Golf Academy at Gray Plantation.
 |
| Gray Plantation |
"The Gray Plantation Golf Academy is the most technologically advanced Academy in the region. The Academy provides our members and customers with all forms of game improvement, equipment upgrades, and analysis necessary to have the ultimate experience. With three Class A PGA Professionals on site we're able to host golf schools and clinics of any size with an impressive student to teacher ratio that feels like a one on one lesson," stated Kevin Tracy.
It is my humble opinion that you should join the Academy first and then play The Gray as the better you play the more you'll enjoy this amazing property. It's also important to note that Gray Plantation was a charter member of the Audubon Golf Trail in Louisiana when the course opened in 1999. The natural beauty of Louisiana's bayou country is on full display as 8 of their 18 holes are built along the wetlands of the Calcasieu River. No more is this beauty revealed that the quartet of par-3's-quite possibly the finest collection of short holes I've seen since The Harvester Golf Club in Iowa.
Kevin Tracey expands from there: "All four par- 3's force golfers to carry the Calcasieu River in front of the green. Two of them are island greens with wetlands surrounding the putting surface. Only one of the par 3's plays further than 150 yards, which allows golfers of skill levels an opportunity to hit it close. However, any errant shot on the wrong side of the green will inevitably reach the water," concluded Tracey. For more information on the Gray Plantation and their adjoining Graywood Community, visit www.graywoodllc.com or call (337) 562-1663.
In conclusion, four thrilling days in bayou country was the perfect elixir for the spring blues that befell the Midwest this year. Whether you want to golf 54 or 9 holes a day, I promise you'll never be bored in Lake Charles, Louisiana. For more all information on all that Lake Charles has to offer, visit www.visitlakecharles.org.
Where to Stay and Gorge Yourself in Lake Charles, LA
L'Auberge Casino Resort offers first class accommodations complete with a pool to rival any Vegas casino and gaming. (866) 580-7444
Darrell's for subs and sandwiches. A unique twist on the stereotypical po-boy. 119 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70605. (337) 474-3651
Mazens's Mediterranean Restaurant. A perfect blend of local flavors with Cajun and Mediterranean style cooking. 217 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. (337) 477-8207
Seafood Palace. The spot to get local flavor complete with crawfish and fried alligator. 2218 Enterprise Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601. (337) 433-9293
Ember Grille & Wine Bar. Located inside L'Auberge Casino Resort, you are in for a culinary experience. A modern steakhouse complete with a variety of certified angus, kobe and natural grass fed beef. (337) 395-7565
What Else to do:
Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail - a popular Cajun sausage follow this trail to several stops to taste a little local flavor.
Calcasieu Charter Service. Create a customized trip complete with fishing, hunting and golf, of course. 210 Bank Street - Big Lake, Lake Charles, LA 70607. (337) 598-4700
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Adapted from Austin Price's April 2014 THRIVE Magazine article
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| Luna Bar & Grill's Omelet Mamou by Michelle Higginbotham |
When the English writer Guy Berringer coined the term “brunch” in 1895
and proposed that England make it a staple of their weekends, his reasons were
as social as they were gustatory. In fact, he wasn’t particularly interested in
what kinds of meals might make up a brunch, suggesting only that the cook
provide “everything good, plenty of it, (and) a variety of selection.” His
concern was more with the human element, how it should be “sociable and
inciting…” so that it would in turn “put you in a good temper… with yourself
and your fellow people,” confident that if it was doing its job right a
healthy, post-church brunch would “sweep away the worries and the cobwebs of
the week.” Maybe that’s why he chose the word “brunch” to represent this
proposed meal. Sure, it’s linguistically appropriate, but it’s always a fun
word, the kind you might expect children in the back of a car ride to come up
with just to keep themselves amused, a word light and inviting and playful,
just as a good “brunch” should be.
It’s nice to see,
then, that his proposal didn’t go ignored. Flash forward to the present and you’ll see that Sunday
brunch isn’t simply acceptable or even merely liked: people love their brunches. From New Orleans,
where Sunday mornings find roughly half of the city’s population sitting on
street corners just waiting to get inside for a nip to New York, which boasts
many of the most avant-garde cooks in the brunch business (where else can you
pick up a dish that couples oysters-on-the-half-shell, scrambled eggs and
steel-cut oatmeal?), everyone can find a perfect excuse to stay in a little
later Sunday mornings and delay their breakfast just a little. Whether you’re
hung over and looking to recover with heartier fare or part of a church group
that’s eager to continue socializing well beyond the service, there’s no reason
to skip out on the many brunch options available in your own backyard. Lake
Charles may not rival New Orleans, New York or Seattle for diverse morning
fair, but it’s not without its attractions. Just consider the following:
BRUNCH OPTIONS IN LAKE CHARLES:
- Luna Bar & Grill (11 AM – 2 PM)
"I love sitting on the patio to watch the jazz band. You must try the Eggs Calcasieu, which are topped with boudin and Hollandaise sauce over French bread. I substitute the fried oysters for shrimp." Megan Monsour Hartman
 |
| Luna Bar & Grill's Eggs Calcasieu by Michelle Higginbotham |
- Pujo Street Café (10 AM – 2 PM)
"I like getting to Pujo Street Cafe early around 10:15 a.m. to start my lazy Sunday with the fried chicken and waffles! I mean, how can you get any better than a fried chicken breast, topped with bacon, and sandwiched between waffles?" Chris Berryhill
 |
| Pujo Street Cafe's Chicken & Waffles |
"Pujo Street Cafe's brunch is actually reasonably priced and the mimosas and bellinis are BOGO." Leigh Ward
- KD’s Diner (all day)
- Le Peep Café (all day)
- Pitt Grill (all day; Eggs
Benedict breakfast meal served exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays)
- IHOP (all day)
- Waffle House (all day)
- Le Café at L'Auberge Casino Resort (all day)
- Stellar Beans Coffee House and Edibles (all day)
- O'Charley's (10 AM - 3 PM)
"O'Charley's serves a brunch menu as well as their regular menu. I take my four-year-old granddaughter after church when we are together. She loves the popcorn shrimp and fruit and I always get the Cajun Chicken Pasta." Martha Damian
- The Buffet at Isle of Capri (7 AM - 3:30PM; Bloody Mary Brunch Bar)
"The build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar at the Isle of Capri is a nice bonus. They have a spread of garnishes that you would never expect, but it's really impressive." Christie Guidry
 |
| Isle of Capri's Bloody Mary Brunch Bar |
- Otis & Henry's at Isle of Capri (11 AM - 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays; Blues Brunch)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
By Cory Cart, http://seemybackyard.com/
Crispy,
juicy and often salty - and when prepared correctly, nothing satisfies me like
fried food. In fact, I sometimes only eat fried food when I travel.
While I’m not a food expert, I did grow up in a household that traded in their
Fry Daddy for a Fry Pappy (a larger model of the popular Fry Daddy – in case
you weren’t aware) and never felt the pantry was full unless you had Crisco on
hand. So I guess you could say, I know my fried foods.
Getting
older, I’ve learned you can’t eat fried foods for every meal, so it with a
discerning group of taste buds that I seek the finest fried foods. I’m
not into the “frankenfried” concoctions that lure people to the nearest state
fair – you can keep your fried bananas, Snickers, Twinkies and peaches. I
want the real McCoy.
I
have logged the tens of thousands of miles driving around the country eating at
diners, roadside food stands and sometimes dripping grease on fine white table
linens. There have been times the soggy, reheated and fresh from the
freezer fried foods have been piled high in a red plastic basket only to
disappoint. But I trudged forward knowing I’d be rewarded one day with
fried food magic.
Then
two years ago, I discovered the Holy Grail of fried foods. It wasn’t one
restaurant, it wasn’t one dish, but it was an entire city! Sure I’ve written
about Lake Charles before, but never in such a blatant and open way. I
think part of me wanted to keep this spot a secret. But the softer side
of my heart tells me that isn’t fair. While I try to make regular trips
back to savory these goodies, I am still no where near as regular of a visitor
as I aim to be.
So
without further ado, here are my five favorite fried foods in Lake Charles,Louisiana.
- Boudin Balls – No two boudins
are exactly alike although they are all mostly rice and pork. When
you roll it into a ball and fry it, well - something magical happens.
After sampling many, my favorite boudin balls are found at Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake.
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Fried Boudin Balls - Fried Oysters - Have you ever
tasted a fried sponge? Well that’s how I find most fried oysters to
taste. Oysters are my favorite fried food of all-time, and I’m
picky, picky, picky about fried oysters. Again, Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake didn’t disappoint. I’d freely suggest these piled high on a
Po’ Boy or alongside a steaming hot heap of fries.
Fried oysters by Cory Cart - Pistolettes – I’m pretty sure
there were some nervous oysters as I took my first bite of a crawfish
pistolette. I literally saw stars dripping with grease as I savored
this Cajun favorite. The fried bread is cupped in the center and
holds a rich, savory crawfish (or shrimp when crawfish are not in season)
mixture. It’s still up for debate if this will move into the #1 rank
as my favorite fried food of all time. Where do you find these you
ask? Well …Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake of course!
Pistolette by Cory Cart - Fried Shrimp – How many fried
shrimp have we all had? It’s a standard staple on most menus that
serve anything fried. But one Lake Charles eatery has mastered the
art of frying shrimp. Big Daddy’s Sports Grill and Restaurant knows
how to bread ‘em, fry ‘em and keep ‘em tender and juicy. There will
be no dried out frozen fried shrimp here. (Psst – If you are on
fried food overload, the grilled shrimp are just as good.)
Fried shrimp poboy by Cory Cart - Beignets
– Who can travel to Louisiana without eating a beignet? No
one. I know most people think they must visit New Orleans for a
great beignet, but that isn’t true. My two favorite beignets are in
two other Louisiana cities, one being Lake Charles. Again, Big Daddy’s Sports Grill and Restaurant takes the prize.
Beignets by Cory Cart
Monday, March 24, 2014
*Adapted from www.movoto.com
and Mitchel Broussard
Lake Charles mixes
small town charm, exciting nightlife and outdoor adventure into a combination
that will have you packing before you finish reading this list.
1. This Town Doesn't Stay Down
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| www.monsoursphotography.net |
Lake Charles has been around for
centuries, but it's the town that almost wasn't after a devastating fire back in 1910. But these people are made of strong stuff. They rebuilt and bounced
right back. Now the city is a booming industrial educational center.
2. Who Needs Vegas When You Have Lake Charles?
3. Lake Charles Has ALL The Golf
 |
| Gray Plantation on Louisiana's Audubon Golf Trail |
Southwest Louisiana has a total of five
public courses for fulfilling all of your ESPN-fantasy needs. There are also a
handful of family putt-putt courses for everyone else.
4. You Can Take A Deep Breath
 |
| Brenda LaFleur |
The Creole Nature Trail, colloquially
known as "Louisiana's Outback," is one of the first official scenic byways in
the country. The 180-mile driving tour offers fishing, boating, bird watching,
and even crabbing. Tours are open year round so the views and wildlife are
constantly changing.
5. The Best Snacks You've Never Had
 |
| Jeff Benoit, B&O's Kitchen and Grocery |
This may sound a little off-putting at
first, but hear me out: Boudin is made of pork meat, liver, rice, onions,
parsley, and seasonings like salt, peppers and garlic powder. It's delicious,
and a staple in Lake Charles along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. Soon
to be one of your favorites.
6. Two Words: Mardi Gras
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| www.lindseyjanies.com |
7. But Don't Worry, Lake Charles Still Has Class...
 |
| Spring Art Walk |
The galleries in Lake Charles are
constantly shifting around their art to make sure you're never bored. The
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center showcases exhibits from around
the world, and of course local artists' work too.
8. Learn About History
 |
| DeQuincy Railroad Museum |
9. A Pirate's Life For Lake Charles
 |
| www.contrabanddays.com |
10. You Can Still See Men In Tights Here
 |
| Cameron Durham |
The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is just
what the doctor ordered for those looking for a night of high culture in southern
Louisiana: The classical music (by the Lake Charles Symphony), the ridiculous
costumes-they even put on a ballet version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer" last December.
11. You'll See A Larger-Than-Life Relic Of US History
The USS Orleck had her glory days back
in the 1800s and served in Vietnam and Korea, but nowadays she's a constant
reminder in the Calcasieu River of the dedication of the armed forces. The ship
also turns into a haunted ghost ship every Halloween, which is pretty much
about as terrifying as it sounds.
12. This City Will Have You Dancing All Night
.jpg) |
| www.lindseyjanies.com |
13. It's Even Produced A Few Famous Musicians
 |
| Joshua Ledet at the Burton Complex |
14. The Grocery Stores Aren't Like Yours
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| Sausage Link |
See a wide range of Louisiana-grown rice available
to the public, an assortment of hot sauces, the roux section, and a variety of
different meat and seafood sold. Local
grocers stuff chicken and pork chops with boudin, sausage and other tasty delicacies.
Lake Charles also has a glowing
admiration for farmers and all of the fruit, veggies, jams, spices, soaps, and
other goodies they make. The city hosts two farmers markets that run weekly for
most of the year, where you can find what you need and discover stuff you
didn't even know you wanted.
15. Lake Charles Throws The Rule Book Out The Window
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| www.monsoursphotography.net |
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