A few days ago I decided to set out on an adventure to re-discover my home turf.  I struggled with where to start.  Being a photographer, I decided to start in the country and work my way in.  Just a heads up...there's so much to see and do, that there's NO WAY to get it all in one post.

By Brice Perrin

Farm land, marsh land, groves of beautiful trees that have withstood some of the most intense weather on the planet.  They're all there within a few miles of the city.  Standing on a dirt road, in my Southwest Louisiana...watching the sky begin to glow from the coming sunrise, the light fog hugging the ground, the sounds of native birds and wildlife beginning to call out as they start their daily activities...it was peaceful, soothing, meditative, and awe-inspiring all at the same time.  And it's in my back yard!

They say, "It's not the destination, but the journey."  Here in Southwest Louisiana...it's both.  One way to discover it is on the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which just so happens to have a free tour app.

For more blogs by Brice Perrin, check out his blog at https://perrinstudios.wordpress.com.

“Winning Best in Class distinctions from our craft distilling peers at American Craft Distillers Association and American Distilling Institute was a very proud moment.  Competing against all the world’s rums and coming away with Best in Class Gold Medal at the Miami International Rum Festival and 6 medals at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition was sweet indeed!” said Trey Litel, President of Louisiana Spirits. 

In Louisiana, meals are meant to share. We enjoy the dining experience from the shaken specialty cocktails, to the fresh vegetable sides, and most importantly, the company that gathers at the dinner table. Memories are made at the dinner table.

As we adapt our meals at home to the seasonal vegetables and warmer weather, restaurants do as well.  I was able to get recipes of a few of my favorite summer selections from the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel’s Otis & Henry’s and L’Auberge Casino Resort’s Ember Grille and Wine Bar.

Ember Grille &Wine Bar
Recently, I shared a memorable dinner at Ember listening to the soulful John Guidroz singing with Kevin Lambert playing piano while I sipped on the old Ember classic Cable Car. 

John T. Edge, an esteemed Southern food writer and founder of the Southern Foodways Alliance, once said, “What intrigues me is how food in public is everyday theatre.” 

As the mixologist dramatically melted sugar with fire for my Cable Car, the servers at Ember were definitely in the midst of a performance when they brought the main dish to the table.  The Ember Prime Tamahawk, a 40 ounce rib eye for two, was carved tableside and was as high quality as it gets.  Although it comes with your choice of two sauces, my dad always told me that you never want to cover the taste of good piece of meat with sauce.  The quality of the meat, simply prepared with salt and pepper, spoke for itself.

As a side dish, we shared the Truffled Mac n’ Cheese, an adult version of the childhood staple.  Cheesy, rich and delicious, this nostalgic Southern dish brought me back to my mom’s kitchen in the house where I grew up.  (They also offer Crawfish Mac n’ Cheese that is packed with flavor!)

For dessert, award winning Pastry Chef Bill Foltz prepared a banana nut honey churro.

Otis & Henry’s

For an affordable lunch date, my husband and I love going to Otis & Henry’s at the Isle of Capri – especially on Saturdays and Sundays when they have live music.  (Check out the Events Calendar to see who's playing.)  The bartenders are always crafting their specialty martinis that are fun to try.  It’s like being at an island oasis!

Otis & Henry’s Shrimp Cocktail is making a splash on their summer menu and is an outstanding appetizer choice.   It just doesn’t get any better than flavorful, Louisiana seafood! 

I enjoy the Cajun Rib Eye (medium plus please!) that is always seasoned just right and expertly prepared.  We always split the Bourbon Pecan Pie for dessert.  It’s made from scratch and tastes pretty close to my great grandmother’s recipe.

On Sundays, the Otis & Henry’s has their Blues Brunch that is an option for live blues music and delicious food.   

Check out a few of these recipes to try at home this summer.

By Braylin Jenkins

When you think of Southwest Louisiana chances are you immediately think of food, music and culture. Beginning Friday, May 16, one of Lake Charles’ premiere concert series, Downtown at Sundown, will kick off by Ryan and Broad Streets featuring everything you love about a downtown street fair and party. The main component of Downtown at Sundown is the music, so expect some of the best of the best performing.

For the first concert on Friday, May 16, Louisiana Express will get the crowd pumped up with their dance music, classics from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Chris Flowers is golden with her saxophone and amazing vocals. 

On Friday, May 23, City Heat, a local favorite, will perform a variety of feel good covers sure to get you out your chair and dancing in the street. They are known for their rhythm and blues and jazz and funk dance tunes. 

Grammy nominated Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars makes their return to Lake Charles on Friday, May 30 with their “Louisiana Roots” music encompassing Zydeco, Cajun and Americana. 

Topping off the concert series Friday, June 6 is Boomerang, a band that brings sizzling hot funk, classic rock and Top 40 hits.

Look forward to music talent in the 700 block of Ryan Street by Luna, and also the vendors, food and more. All beverage sales of Downtown at Sundown will benefit the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana. They ask that no pets or outside drinks be brought on site. Be sure to bring your lawn chair.  The event lasts from 6-9 p.m. If for any reason it rains, the event will move inside the Lake Charles Civic Center.