Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Abacus makes 53!
That's right, Lafayette! 53 delicious restaurants for you to visit between now and August 15th.
Conveniently located at 530 West Pinhook - within the Oil Center of Lafayette, Louisiana - quick in, quick out and budget friendly, the ABACUS the noon place to be. Their talented Chef Joe Lewis is known for serving daily his award winning recipes. They also provide onsite AND offsite food catering and bar services.
Abacus has an amazing lunch buffet menu offered Monday-Friday from 11am-2pm:
Monday: Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Smothered Green Beans, assorted Veggies, Salads and Soups.
Tuesday: Baked Chicken, Rice and Gravy, Macaroni and Cheese assorted Veggies, Salads and Soups.
Wednesday: Parmesan Crusted tilapia topped with basil butter cream with shrimp and corn grits with Salads and Soups.
Thursday: Meatball & Potato Stew with Rice, (BBQ Brisket as a second entree), Roasted Corn, Salads & Soups.
Friday: Fried Stuffed Catfish with Shrimp and Crawfish Etouffee, Corn, Green Beans & Bread with Salads and Soups.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Café Roma Makes It 52.
Welcome to Café Roma to EatLafayette 2010. They have two locations: River Ranch and Sugar Mill Pond. It is so exciting that this restaurant concept is locally-owned. They act and do so big, many people think they are a franchise. And, who knows, maybe someday they will and it will all have started in Lafayette.
We have always like the restaurant for its good wine selections, wonderful food, variety and outdoor dining (especially during Rhythms on The River). Who hasn't heard of Cafe Roma! We'll dining there before you know it.
We have always like the restaurant for its good wine selections, wonderful food, variety and outdoor dining (especially during Rhythms on The River). Who hasn't heard of Cafe Roma! We'll dining there before you know it.
Monday, June 28, 2010
On The Boulevard. In The Oil Center
Met a friend for lunch at the Boulevard Grille today. We saw the medical center crew and lots of other people I knew. Our salads were so refreshing on this hot South Louisiana day. I felt like I was eating mine for an hour and almost couldn't find the bottom of the bowl.(And, yes I was talking the whole time.) The restaurant in another in the Cart family line, the same family that owns Antoni's in the same shopping center. The wait staff is attentive and my diet Coke seemed to be bottomless as well. It was never refilled. I was always presented with a fresh glass. Nice touch. Good variety on the menu - burgers, steaks, salads, little Tex/Mex, good wines.
It was nice to be able to have a conversation without having to raise our voices. It's a casual place with big flavors, although I was dressed Targét chic with a splash of kiki.
Julie & EatLafayette
It was nice to be able to have a conversation without having to raise our voices. It's a casual place with big flavors, although I was dressed Targét chic with a splash of kiki.
Julie & EatLafayette
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Johnson's Boucaniere makes us want to frolic.
So when Chelsea and I aren't running covert operations to retrieve signs, we tend to enjoy an EatLafayette special from time to time. As a girl who openly admits to an unhealthy obsession for pulled pork, I was really excited to try out Johnson's Boucaniere for the first time today. As soon as we walked through the door and smelled the savory smoked meats, I knew we were in for something good. Resisting the smokey goodness of it all was NOT an option...so we each ordered the EatLafayette special of a pulled pork sandwich, bag of Zapp's chips and a canned soft drink, AND a smoked chicken salad to split, AND a side order of potato salad. We both knew that a spectacular display of eating ability was about to commence.
We headed outside with our feast. I know, you must be thinking "These girls are insane...OUTSIDE...in June...in Lafayette!!" But really, Johnson's covered porch was surprisingly breezy and the perfect setting for our lovely lunch. I started with the pulled pork sandwich, which was so overflowing meat that it was just a bit intimidating. DELICIOUS! A few bites in, I tried out the smoked chicken salad. Now this isn't just your everyday chicken salad - this smoked chicken salad is topped with Zapp's potato chips and Johnson's
own BBQ sauce dressing! Yeah, think about that for a little while. It was unlike any salad I've ever had. Every element complements the moist smoked chicken perfectly. Back to the sandwich and the potato salad. Then some more salad. I was reaching my limit...hitting that lean back from the table and sigh moment, when I made an important decision. I forfeited the remainder of my sandwich bun and dove right back into that succulent, smokey pulled pork. It really was the best option for everyone involved.
At one point near the end of our meal, I said to Chelsea, "This is so good, it makes me want to frolic." I may have actually frolicked had I not just stuffed my face with way more than I could handle (see the evidence to your right).
The entire experience was made complete when a gentleman at a nearby table announced casually to his eating-mates, "This is the life." We couldn't agree more. Thanks to Johnson's Boucaniere for a fantastic meal! We WILL be back!
Chelsea ended up wearing a little bit of her BBQ sauce dressing, it's just that good. Tide pen to the rescue! Product placement anyone?
Friday, June 25, 2010
Gangster sign police.
Calzone team members spotted an EatLafayette sign at a non-participating restaurant. In broad daylight they snatched the sign and returned to the safety of the Calzone offices. The 2010 EatLafayette campaign is all the safer for their actions.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Charley G's for Lunch!
Lauren and I just enjoyed the most wonderful lunch with some of the EatLafayette™ Crew at Charley G's! Their EatLafayette™ Special is to die for and we just had to try it out. Lauren ordered the Smoked Duck and Andouille Gumbo and the Blackened Mahi Mahi (with watermelon and feta relish and basil oil), and I ordered the Southern Caesar Salad and Surf & Turf (petit filet, grilled shrimp, smashed potatoes, marsala demi glace). Both of us finished with Vanilla Bean and White Chocolate Cheesecake (which we got "to go", but to be honest, it didn't last long once we were back at the office).
We were joined for lunch by Charlie Goodson himself, Gerald Breaux from LCVC and his wife, Helen, Mike Grimsley from Townsquare Media, Debbie Ray from 99.9 KTDY and Ken Romero from 105.1 (soon to be 96.5) KPEL. Thanks to everyone who joined us today for the great company over the amazing food.
The complete Charley G's EatLafayette™ special is as follows:
A 3 course meal for $30!
First Course Choices - Seasonal Soup, Smoked Duck and Andouille Gumbo or Southern Caesar Salad.
Second Course Choices - Charley G's Blue Point Béchamel Crab Cakes (with creole green beans and bellpepper coulis), Blackened Mahi Mahi (with watermelon and feta relish and basil oil) or Surf & Turf (petit filet, grilled shrimp, smashed potatoes, marsala demi glace.)
Dessert - Seasonal Cheesecake.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Antoni's
There's a little restaurant in the Oil Center that has special meaning for me. It's Antoni's. Lynda and Bruce Cart's daughter, Jody, used to work for me at the ad agency and I guess that's how we first got connected.
Lynda loves to cook and studied authentic Italian cuisine in Italy. I remember when she learned to make her own pasta and refined the flavors to be classic, fresh and simple - just like my own mom did. The family has a long history in the restaurant business and that was important when they opened Antoni's. Being successful requires the right amount of ingredients in the culinary department as well as the business department. Thankfully, all is present there.
I dined on my favorite chicken basil salad. You would think I would have ordered a Calzone. Like I tell everyone when they say my last name sounds familiar, I am just an item on a menu or "everyone's favorite Italian dish!"
What a pleasure it was to see Lynda who took the time to visit with us. She was adorable with her EatLafayette promotion button neatly pinned to her attire. She has been with us since the inception of EatLafayette and a wonderful supporter of all things local.
What I truly enjoy is an early supper at Antoni's. There's always something special and it's usually posted on the blackboard facing the dining room. The bar is intimate and has seating for dining as well.
Julie & EatLafayette
Lynda loves to cook and studied authentic Italian cuisine in Italy. I remember when she learned to make her own pasta and refined the flavors to be classic, fresh and simple - just like my own mom did. The family has a long history in the restaurant business and that was important when they opened Antoni's. Being successful requires the right amount of ingredients in the culinary department as well as the business department. Thankfully, all is present there.
I dined on my favorite chicken basil salad. You would think I would have ordered a Calzone. Like I tell everyone when they say my last name sounds familiar, I am just an item on a menu or "everyone's favorite Italian dish!"
What a pleasure it was to see Lynda who took the time to visit with us. She was adorable with her EatLafayette promotion button neatly pinned to her attire. She has been with us since the inception of EatLafayette and a wonderful supporter of all things local.
What I truly enjoy is an early supper at Antoni's. There's always something special and it's usually posted on the blackboard facing the dining room. The bar is intimate and has seating for dining as well.
Julie & EatLafayette
Follow the Signs!
When you're out and about in Lafayette trying to decide where to eat, just follow the signs! These yard signs mark a restaurant as an official participant in EatLafayette. Don't forget to ask for the EatLafayette special or to enter to win the Caribbean cruise!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Table By Table
Here are some more videos, table by table of the great restaurants present at the 2010 Taste of EatLafayette Business After Hours... Check back for the next group of videos tomorrow!
EatLafayette™ Business After Hours Videos
Did you miss the Taste of EatLafayette™ Business After Hours and wanna feel like you were there?
Check these out!
Check these out!
Hub City Diner
Lauren and I stopped in to visit our friends at Hub City Diner for lunch today and we were definitely not disappointed. Their special is Your choice of Chicken Fried Steak or Meatloaf with Bread Pudding and a soda for $9.99! Both of us enjoyed the Chicken Fried Steak (which came complete with a veggie side and a heaping helping of mashed potatoes with the best white gravy you've ever tasted). We couldn't finish it all. The bread pudding is in to-go boxes in our office fridge as we speak. Hub City Diner gives so much food for the price, we understand how it's always packed around lunchtime!
Eating my way through Lafayette.
I'm eating my way through Lafayette, LA - so far, Cafe Vermilionville, Jolie's, ViLLage Cafe - tomorrow Antoni's, Wednesday Charley Gs...the gym and riding horses...everyday.I had to get a head start with all of this last week.
I feel like Julie (and my name is Julie) in Julie & Julia, only I am not cooking. Who needs to with 51 restaurants to sample in 60 days? I am on a journey to sample all of these wonderful locally-owned restaurants throughout the campaign. I am always a huge supporter of our clients and this one is absolute fun, fun, and more fun.
My friends are now carrying around the brochures so they always have the list with them (hopefully no one will be carrying a few extra pounds after the campaign). Thanks Kim and Patricia for starting early like I did. They told me they had a fabulous meal at Riverside Inn. They were also with me at the Chamber Taste of EatLafayette after party at Cafe V.
I tell all of my friends if it's not on the list I am not eating there until after August 15. So far no one's complaining. I don't mind repeating myself at a restaurant, but I really want to eat at everyone of them.
The real joy is I won't have to clean my kitchen for a couple of months!
Julie Calzone & EatLafayette
I feel like Julie (and my name is Julie) in Julie & Julia, only I am not cooking. Who needs to with 51 restaurants to sample in 60 days? I am on a journey to sample all of these wonderful locally-owned restaurants throughout the campaign. I am always a huge supporter of our clients and this one is absolute fun, fun, and more fun.
My friends are now carrying around the brochures so they always have the list with them (hopefully no one will be carrying a few extra pounds after the campaign). Thanks Kim and Patricia for starting early like I did. They told me they had a fabulous meal at Riverside Inn. They were also with me at the Chamber Taste of EatLafayette after party at Cafe V.
I tell all of my friends if it's not on the list I am not eating there until after August 15. So far no one's complaining. I don't mind repeating myself at a restaurant, but I really want to eat at everyone of them.
The real joy is I won't have to clean my kitchen for a couple of months!
Julie Calzone & EatLafayette
Allons Manger! EatLafayette Starts Today!
It's time to EatLafayette! We are so excited that EatLafayette has officially kicked-off! Print out the list of our 51 participating restaurants and start visiting each one NOW through August 15th. Ask for the EatLafayette special for some delicious food and money-saving deals! Don't forget to register to win a Caribbean cruise every time you stop by any of the restaurants.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Daily Advertiser BAH Gallery
Big Thanks to the Daily Advertiser for the great photo gallery of last night's Business After Hours! Click here and check it out!
Thank You, Lafayette!
Thank You for an amazing Kick-off Event, Lafayette!
We couldn't have asked for a better kick-off for our 6th year of EatLafayette than the EatLafayette Business After Hours at the Petroleum Club.
We hope you had as much fun as we did and left as full as we did!
We can't wait for next year!
Click here to see a gallery of a few of the people eating Lafayette last night at the Petroleum Club!
We couldn't have asked for a better kick-off for our 6th year of EatLafayette than the EatLafayette Business After Hours at the Petroleum Club.
We hope you had as much fun as we did and left as full as we did!
We can't wait for next year!
Click here to see a gallery of a few of the people eating Lafayette last night at the Petroleum Club!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
EatLafayette Kick Off Event TONIGHT!
Well, it's finally here! EatLafayette kicks off TONIGHT at Business After Hours. We are looking forward to sampling the flavors of over 30 Lafayette restaurants! Many thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for hosting Business After Hours, and to all of tonight's sponsors! The event will be at The Petroleum Club of Lafayette from 5 p.m.-7p.m. Come and MANGER with us tonight!
Jolie's Wednesday Nights.
Did you know that cocktails and appetizers are 1/2 price on Wednesdays? We had a blast last night. We started sitting at the bar and then moved to the deck by the fireplace (it was not lit-just we were). Our waiter was so attentive to us and we sampled the BBQ shrimp, salmon bruschetta, crab cakes, fries and duck crepes.
The cosmos were refreshing. The wine list is just right and the martini list was endless. Somewhere in there we googled an Italian martini recipe for the bartender.
It's a very eclectic group at Jolie's and we discovered what patrons have been discovering since the place opened: Jolie's is a great alternative to the "usual" haunts in town.
The cosmos were refreshing. The wine list is just right and the martini list was endless. Somewhere in there we googled an Italian martini recipe for the bartender.
It's a very eclectic group at Jolie's and we discovered what patrons have been discovering since the place opened: Jolie's is a great alternative to the "usual" haunts in town.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
It's time to eat, Lafayette!
This year's EatLafayette™ Campaign is bigger than ever! With 52 locally owned restaurants from all over the Lafayette area, there truly is something for everyone. Visit the website at www.eatlafayette.com today for a complete list of this years participants, their specials and a convenient map for printing. This year's campaign runs from June 21 - August 15, 2010.
We're gearing up to host 36 of the 52 restaurants tomorrow night at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette for the Taste of EatLafayette™ Business After Hours from 5-7pm. Stop in and sample as many of them as you can while enjoying wine from the good folks at Glazer and soft drinks from Coca-Cola. The event is sponsored by the Lafayette Conventions and Visitors Commission, Glazer, Coca-Cola, Bon Temps Magazine and Calzone.
Look for our new TV commercial to be hitting the air soon and don't forget, just because the EatLafayette™ Campaign isn't year round, our love for these restaurants should be! The website and social media will be updated all year and we encourage you to eat locally year round!
www.eatlafayette.com
Kick off tomorrow.
EatLafayette committee
Over 50 restaurants have signed up for the 2010 EatLafayette campaign. The event kicks off tomorrow at the Petroleum Club 3 dozen of the restaurants providing a taste of EatLafayette.
What started as a coffee meeting over six years ago has evolved to a major promotion supporting locally-owned restaurants. Corporate sponsorships, a small fee from each of the restaurants and major funding from the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission. Thanks to Gerald Breaux and team!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
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