best of the teche
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Best of the Teche tabTRANSCRIPT
BY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Sunlight filters through the overlap-ping leaves of a live oak tree. Afountain and a flock of fuzzy yellow
ducklings ripple the water of the pond.People lie on blankets or gather at picnictables with lunch, friends and music.
Relaxing, right? Teche area residentsthink so too, voting City Park “Best Placeto Relax” in The Daily Iberian’s recentBest of the Teche Poll.
The Best of the Teche poll is an unscien-
tific survey in which readers cast theirvotes for their favorite people, places, busi-nesses and things in the Teche Area.
On a recent weekday at noon, local Zack
Maturin unpacked a Cajun lunch ofboudin, cracklin’ and soda with stepsonsBlayde and Dilen Migues, ages eight andsix, at City Park’s Devil’s Pond..
“This is the best place to eat lunch,”Maturin said. “We come here, we feed theducks... We bring them swimming, theycan ride a skateboard. It’s a full day ofactivities.”
Maturin said they come to the park twoor three days a week.
Sharell Vincent came to the park with
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 20092 THE DAILY IBERIAN
Let’s Travel602 Vicnaire St., New Iberia
337-364-4444
Let’s Travel602 Vicnaire St., New Iberia
337-364-4444
Our CombinedExperience isPRICELESSWe Sincerely
Appreciate Your Vote
SOME OF THE FEATUREDWINNERS
Best Place to relax .............This page
Best Place to Fish ...................Page 4
Best Band..................................Page 7
Best Car Repairs ......................Page 8
Best Plumbing Service ............Page 9
Best Place to Buy Flowers ....Page 12
Best Seafood Market .............Page 14
Best Business Lunch ..............Page 18
Best Chinese Food.................Page 20
Best Desserts.............................Page 21
Best French Bread ................Page 22
Best Real Estate Agent..........Page 24
Friendliest Teller.....................Page 25
All the Best ............................Page 27
Ahhh, City Park beckons as relaxing spot
■ 1ST: City Park
■ 2ND (tie): Spa Almaz, Cypress Bayou andPelicans on the Bayou
■ HM (tie): Pat Walker’s Figure PerfectionSalon, Clementine’s, Bojangles,TheriotFamily Massage Therapy and Vivere Day Spa
BE S T P L A C E TO R E L AX■
MARY CATHERINE MARTIN / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Hunter Wilson, 8, contemplates chasing a duck near the pond at City Park while on an outing with his grandmother, Sharell Vincent.
SEE RELAXING, PAGE 3
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 3THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
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RELAXING: Park a beautiful, shaded place for people to go, according to Migues
her grandson Hunter Wilson, 9.“It’s so nice here,” said Vincent, watch-
ing Hunter stand at the edge of the water.“It’s so peaceful.”
Vincent said another benefit is thatsheriff ’s deputies pass the area often, so itfeels safe.
Not, however, for the ducks.“I always come and chase the ducks,”
Hunter said.“They’re kind of scared of me.”Vincent also said her family recently
planted a tree at the park in honor of herparents, Nellie and Ackal Porrier.
New Iberia Parks and RecreationDirector Tony Migues said for years, thepark has been a beautiful, shaded place forlocal residents to gather. Also important isthat it is clean and safe, he said.
As far as recent beautification, Miguessaid this year the department did a lot ofpruning of overgrown areas of the park,and many people are planting memorialtrees in honor of loved ones. The city also
installed a fountain at Devil’s Pond this year.City Park also won best place to exer-
cise, best place to play tennis, best place tospend Sunday afternoon, best place to pic-nic, and best place to swim. It got secondfor “best teen hang out.”
Spa Almaz, Cypress Bayou Casino andPelicans on the Bayou got second place inthe category of best place to relax.
Pat Walker’s Figure Perfection Salon,Clementine’s, Bojangles, Theriot FamilyMassage Therapy and Bella Vivere DaySpa were honorable mentions.
FROM PAGE 2
Zack Maturin, left, and stepsons BlaydeMigues, center, and Dilen Migues relax and
eat a Cajun lunch of boudin, cracklin’ andsoda pop on a recent weekday at City Park.
New Iberia Parks andRecreation Director Tony Migues said for years, the park has been a beautiful,
shaded place for local residents to gather.
■
MARY CATHARINE MARTIN / THE DAILY IBERIAN
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 20094 THE DAILY IBERIAN
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From The Sales Family Of Armentor JewelersThank You For Voting Armentor Jewelers 1st Place
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Survey: Fishing success best at Cypremort PointBY DON SHOOPMAN
THE DAILY IBERIAN
There may be more consistent salt-water fishing areas along theLouisiana coast than Cypremort
Point, a local fisheries biologist pointedout recently as he weighed the plusses andminuses of the destination for so manypeople in the Teche Area.
There isn’t a hotspot more popular forarea fishermen who like to bring ice chestsfull of fish back for the freezer — one rea-son they flock to Cypremort Point. Plussesinclude the likelihood of catching a 7- to 9-pound speckled trout in Vermilion Bay dur-ing the height of the speckled trout fishingseason, usually late June through October,or landing a 25- to 45-pound bull red in latesummer, fall and early winter just a fewmiles away from Cypremort Point.
The Point — as it is known colloquially— is frequented by fishermen because ofits close proximity to New Iberia and sur-rounding cities and the variety of fish thatare caught at different times of the year inand around Vermilion Bay. Nevermindthat the waters around it are fishable oftenfor only six or seven months, unlike othercoastal hotspots that constantly give up fish.
No wonder people voted CypremortPoint as the Best Place to Go Fishing inBest of the Teche balloting in The DailyIberian. The Point tied Spanish Lake andhonorable mention choices Lake FaussePointe, Catfish Haven, Marsh Island andthe Atchafalaya Basin.
The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techepoll is an unscientific survey in whichreaders cast their votes for their favorite
people, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.
Paul Cook, the state Department ofWildlife and Fisheries’ manager forcoastal study in Area 6, said coastal areasbelow Cocodrie and Calcasieu Lake belowLake Charles are fishable most of the year.
“From a fishing standpoint, there obvi-ously are most consistent areas. The onlytime things drastically change in Big Lakeis if they get a flooding rain down Calcasieu(Calcasieu River). It is far more stable thanit is in Vermilion and Cote Blanche bays,”Cook said recently, warming up to one ofhis favorite subjects since he moved herefrom Alexandria in 1977 to attend USL.
Turbity and salinity is “up and down” inVermlion Bay, mostly tied with the height ofthe Atchafalaya River, he said. When it’shigher than, say, 12 feet at Butte La Rose, thefreshwater intrusion affects the easternpart of Vermilion Bay. Also, he said, “eastwinds cause changes in a hurry here.”
The river rose above 18 feet at BLR thisyear and finally subsided in late June.That drop improved turbity and salinitytremendously in the bay.
Saltwater fish responded to the changeand fishermen responded to the fish. Theparking lots at area boat landings at
■ 1ST (tie): Cypremort Point and SpanishLake
■ HM: Lake Fausse Pointe, Catfish Haven,Marsh Island,Atchafalaya Basin
BE S T P L A C E TO F I S H■
SEE SUCCESS, PAGE 6
THE DAILY IBERIAN FILES
Teche Area saltwater fisherman, like the angler above, enjoy setting the hook on speckledtrout and fighting them to get them into the boat while fishing around Cypremort Point.You don’t have to go far to catch fish as the fisherman was catching them in a hotspotmany people call ‘The Kitchen.’ Vermilion Bay’s fishing success gets better and better asthe summer goes along, peaks in the fall and usually subsides around December.
BY CHRIS LANDRY
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Pelican’s On The Bayou has everything a sports fancould want to watch their favorite teams withfriends — a few big screen TVs, a nice bar and
cold beer.That atmosphere, and the kitchen that was started up
last year, helped make Pelican’s On The Bayou the BestPlace to Watch Sports in The Daily Iberian’s 2009 Best ofthe Teche poll.
“It all kind of goes hand in hand,” said Pelican’s man-ager Donald Robertson. “We are the only bar on thebayou. We have a nice big deck out there and people loveto sit out there.”
Pelican’s also placed first in voting as the Best Place toMeet a Guy/Girl and the Best Place to Get a Cold Beer.Pelican’s was voted second best place to meet people andplaced in the voting in several other categories, includ-ing best place to relax, spend a Sunday afternoon, godancing, go on a date, go for a special occasion and bestnight spot.
The Best of the Teche poll is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast votes for their favorite people, places,businesses and things in the Teche Area.
“Friendly service, that’s pretty much No. 1,” saidRobertson of the reasons Pelican’s received votes in somany categories.
Live music with no cover charge and barbecues on
Sundays also are big attractions, and T.K. Hulin performson Tuesday nights with no cover charge, Robertson said.Pelican’s also participates in several fundraising motor-cycle poker runs each year.
Founded in the summer of 2007, it was the addition ofa kitchen with daily plate lunches that gave Pelican’s abig push with locals.
“Things really got cranked up in the last year when wegot the kitchen going,” Robertson said.
“On Thursdays we have a meatloaf everybody loves.Mondays we have red beans and rice. Sunday we do bar-becue.”
A menu that includes numerous appetizers, homemadehamburgers, hot wings and a variety of daiquiris, not tomention that cold beer, make Pelican’s the top place towatch sports for readers of The Daily Iberian.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 5THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
BEN RICHARD1st Place - Best New Car Salesperson
1st Place - Best Used Car Salesperson
ABBY LANE2nd Place - Best New Car Salesperson
2nd Place -Best Used Car Salesperson
JOE HAMILTON2nd Place - Best Auto Mechanic
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■ 1ST: Pelican’s on the Bayou
■ 2ND: Chili’s, E&E Sports Bar
■ 3RD: America’s Sports Bar
■ HM: Bourbon Hal, BoCat’s, Shorty’s
BE S T P L A C E TO WATCH S PORT S■
LEE BAL L / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Folks enjoy relaxing in Pelicans on the Bayou, which wasvoted the Best Place to Watch Sports.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 20096 THE DAILY IBERIAN
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SUCCESS: Short drive from New Iberia
Cypremort Point, Burns Point andIntracoastal City have been full on week-ends and holidays weather permittingsince Memorial Day. That’s usually theway it happens every year. Cook sees themdaily when it’s right out there ... some-times even when it isn’t.
“It’s got good launches and it’s basicallyprotected. You can fish close to thelaunch,” Cook said. “One of the hottestspots in fall and winter is The Cove ... andyou can paddle to it.”
The biologist believes it is popularbecause it is a fairly short drive toCypremort Point from New Iberia andLafayette, plus the variety of fish that can becaught. Speckled trout, redfish, drum, croak-er, flounder, sheepshead and white trout bitewell in prime time, many within sight ofthe camps and docks that line The Point.
Cook, who lives in Belle Place, said localfishermen are persistent, which alsoexplains the numerous tow vehicles and boattrailers at the boat landings, including Bayou
PatoutBoatLandingalong Lou-isiana 83.Weatherand waterconditionsmight beunfavor-able but thearea’sanglers stillgo wet aline there.
Perhapsthe mostappealingthingaboutCypre-mort Pointis peopledon’t needa big boat to fish the inside waters. Biggerboats are used to venture offshore.
FROM PAGE 4
THE DAILY IBERIAN FILES
Big redfish and plenty of floun-der are caught out of Cypre-mort Point,especially during oneof the area’s two fishing rodeos.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 7THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
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Lively Delafose leads the Best BandBY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Zydeco musician Geno Delafose isdescribed on his label’s Web site asfusing his Creole roots and modern
voice through his “multi-accordion attack,“charismatic cowboy spirit” and “livelypresentation.”
Teche Area residents seem to agree, vot-ing Delafose’s band, Geno Delafose andFrench Rockin’ Boogie, “Best Band” in TheDaily Iberian’s recent Best of the Teche Poll.The Best of the Teche poll is an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast their votes fortheir favorite people, places, businesses andthings in the Teche Area.
Delafose started playing the rubboardwhen he was just 7, learning the drums at 10and the accordion at 13. He had two brotherswho also played. When one of those brothersjoined the service, Delafose filled in for hisbrother’s spot in the Eunice Playboys, hisfather’s band. Now, 31 years later, Delafoseplays the single note, triple note and piano
accordion. He started the French Rockin’Boogie in 1994, after his father died, andlives in his family house in Eunice.
Delafose has been to almost every state toperform, as well as England, France, Germanyand Europe. Abroad and out of state, “Theyknow the music and they absolutely love it,”he said. “They’re crazy about it.”
The difference between playing in and outof Louisiana is the dancing, he said.
“In Louisiana people know to dance to themusic,” Delafose said. “Some of the otherstates, they’ll sit down and listen to it, oryou’ll play concert venues. As it goes, themore it goes people are learning more and
more about the music, about the dancing —it’s amazing.”
Delafose said he thinks that is becauseCajun music is gaining exposure, andbecause people see it when they come visitLouisiana. At the majority of dances out-side Louisiana, there is a dance lessonbefore the performance begins, he said.
“A lot of people are learning,” he said.“They do a really good job with it.”
In New Iberia, Delafose regularly per-forms at Buck Wild Saloon. He has also per-formed at Bojangles and at the SugArena, aswell as for the gumbo cookoff.
Delafose describes himself as “reallydown to earth and connected to people.”
That’s something SugArena Director TimGuidry, who booked the band for events asrecent as April’s Cajun Hot Sauce Festival,echoes. “He’s a crowd pleaser,” said Guidry.“He’s the nicest, most genuine person you’dever want to meet. What you see is what he is,on stage or in person. Everybody loves him.”
SUBMITTED
Geno Delafose is a musician whodescribes himself as ‘really down toearth and connected to people.’SugArena Director Tim Guidry calledhim a ‘crowd pleaser.’
■ 1ST: Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie
■ 2ND: Rebels
■ HM: The Andy Smith Band, Broken MoJeaux,TK Hulin, New Iberia Senior High, ChrisArdoin Zydeco, Shut up and Drive, BlueMerlot, 5th Avenue, Hit N. Run and Bay Boys
BE S T B AND■
SEE DELAFOSE, PAGE 26
BY NEAL MCCLELLAND
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Jim Borel had always received good service atGuidry’s Ignition.
He wanted to continue that tradition when he boughtthe business, with his wife Cathy, in January 2007.
“We were good friends with Cindy Guidry,” Jim Borelsaid. “She appproached us about five years ago and askedus if we’d be interested in buying the business.”
Located at 1924 E. Main St., Guidry’s Ignitions and MarineServices must be doing something right as for the secondstraight year the business has been voted Best Place for CarRepairs in the Teche Area.
The Best of the Teche poll is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for their favorite people,places, business and things in the Teche Area.
“This is our third year in business and the company hasbeen here for about 38, 39 years,” Jim Borel said. “I knewGuidry’s because I used to deal with them.”
Continuing that tradition of top flight service has beenone of the things Borel and his staff have strived forsince taking over three years ago.
“We do engine repairs, tune-ups, any kind of electronicwork on cars such as wiring, rewireing,” Jim Borel said.
“We check alternators, starters and can rebuild them ifnecessary. We also sell automotive parts and we sellmarine parts and service any type of electronic part thatwe sell. We can also repair small generators.”
Jim Borel emphasized his staff makes it a point to talkwith the customers to make sure that whatever repairsare needed they are done with quality parts and as quick-ly and efficiently as possible to minimize the time a cus-tomer’s car in in the repair shop. Guidry’s Ignition added
the marine portion of the business two years ago and hasstrived to offer the same quality services to that area ofthe business. “We added the marine part of the businessbecause we felt there was a need for it,” Cathy Borel said.
The Borels have also strived to make sure Guidry’sIgnition is a family-oriented place
“Most of our employees have been here for seven-, eight-,nine-plus years,” Cathy Borel said. “We have a lot of employ-ees that have been here a long time and we have customersthat have been coming for years and years. We enjoy beinghere and enjoy helping our customers as much as we can.”
Eventually Jim Borel would like to expand and do over-hauls on boat motors, he said that is down the road “aways.”
The Borels proudly point out one thing that makesGuidry’s Ignition a special place.
“We’re honest people. We have honest peole working forus,” Cathy Borel said. “We’re not going to tell you, your carneeds this and it doesn’t. Our guys also try to go the extramile to make sure the customer gets what they need.”
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 20098 THE DAILY IBERIAN
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Thanks For Selecting Us1st Place Retirement Facility
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LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANJay Jester works on an engine at Guidry’s Ignition, votedBest Place for Car Repairs.
Guidry’s Ignition sparks most votes for Best Car Repairs
■ 1ST: Guidry’s Ignition and Marine Services
■ 2ND: Gordy’s Paint and Body
■ 3RD: Dronet’s
BE S T P L A C E FOR C AR R EPA I R S■
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 9THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
2315 E. Main St. New Iberia, LA 70560 337.364.0441 www.iber iamedica lcenter.com
Thanks For Voting Us#1 Best Medical Staff!
When Iberia Medical Center opened its doors in September, 1960, the goal wassimilar to what it is today – to provide the high quality care for all of ourpatients. As we approach our 50th Anniversary in 2010, we’re proud of theservice we provide and of the people who deliver it on a 24/7 basis. Our commitmentto our patients, our staff, and our physicians is second to none. We pledge to continueto improve our facilities and respond to the healthcare needs of our community.
Thank you for your vote and recognition.
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Curtis Viator, left, and his wife Lori Viator of Teche Plumbing Services discuss busi-ness in their office in New Iberia.Teche Plumbing Service was voted Best PlumbingService in The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Teche poll. Viator started his businessthree months ago.
Refurbishing work leads to best plumbing service
BY JIM MUSTIAN
THE DAILY IBERIAN
During his many years of refurbishinghouses, Curtis Viator said he had dif-ficulty finding a local plumber who
was available and also charged a reasonablerate. So about three months ago, Viator, abusinessman of 33 years, decided to stop com-plaining about it and came up with a moreproductive solution: He started his ownplumbing business.
Teche Plumbing Services is but threemonths old, but already Viator says he isflooded with calls.
“I knew the plumbing need was there, but Inever thought it was this much,” Viator saidin his Main Street office. “We’ve got threecrews, and they’re constantly busy.”
The new business was voted best plumbingservice in this year’s Best of the Teche poll,an unscientific survey in which Daily Iberian
readers vote for their favorite people, places,business and things in the Teche area.
“I started it to take care of myself.Plumbers are very, very tight around here,”Viator said.
“It’s been full blast ever since. I get callsafter calls. It’s really been a blessing.”
Viator said he began with one plumber andan assistant to service some of the houses he
■ 1ST: Teche Plumbing
■ 2ND: Michael Allen’s Plumbing
■ 3RD (tie): Babineaux Plumbing Inc., Beano’s
■ HM: Roto Rooter
BE S T P LUMB ING S E RV I C E■
SEE PLUMBING, PAGE 10
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200910 THE DAILY IBERIAN
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refurbishes. But he quickly hired twoadditional plumbers and assistants tohandle the influx of calls.
One of Viator’s plumbers is a veteranwith 42 years of experience, ServingRomero. Viator said Romero was consid-ering retiring, but Viator persuaded himto bring his expertise to TechePlumbing.
To make room for the growing busi-ness, Viator recently acquired new officespace at 1612 E. Main St., down thestreet from his current location. Viatorsays he hopes to move in within twomonths.
One of Viator’s first tests came a fewweeks ago when agreed to a job for BarryDrexler of Loreauville.
“I’m very picky and people know thatabout me,” Drexler said.
“I just like things done right the firsttime. With the economy the way it istoday, we have to watch what wespend.”
While skeptical at first, Drexler said hewas “really impressed” by the workViator’s crew did on his new house onLoreauville Road.
“He didn’t leave any stones uncovered,”Drexler said.
“I absolutely told others.”
Word has spread about TechePlumbing, which Viator credits to his fairand efficient service. But on at least oneoccasion, his eagerness to please cost hima job.
“I got turned down for a job because Igot there too fast,” Viator said.
“A doctor” — who according to Viatorhad been searching for a plumber for twoyears — “refused to use me because Ishowed up in 20 minutes.”
PLUMBING: Viator persuaded Romero to bring expertise to the businessFROM PAGE 9
BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON
THE DAILY IBERIAN
When Teche Area residents aresick enough for a hospital stay,need a test or procedure per-
formed or are in need of emergency care,the place they choose is Iberia MedicalCenter for its award winning staff.
The hospital earned the Best of the Techeaward for the Best Medical Staff in TheDaily Iberian’s Best of the Teche poll. In theannual unscientific survey, readers casttheir votes for their favorite people, places,businesses and things in the Teche Area.
Iberia Medical Center’s CEO JohnTucker said he was pleased the hospitalstaff was voted best in the Teche Area.
“We are blessed with a high quality workforce who treats all patients like they wouldwant to be treated themselves,” he said. “Inrecent years, we’ve won a number of qualityawards in the state and received nationalrecognition for our customer service pro-gram and our patient satisfaction results.”
The hospital has grown over the years toinclude a staff of more than 500 health careprofessionals and more than 150 physicians.
It has also become a comprehensive
health care provider that offers high qual-ity care for almost all health needs,according to patients surveyed.
Marketing Coordinator Ellen Switzer
said the Best of the Teche award lets thestaff know the patients seeking care at thehospital are pleased with the care provided.
“We want to continue our customer-ori-ented service, providing the family typecare that our community recognizes andidentifying areas that provide opportuni-ties for growth and improvement,” she said.
Unlike some of the other categories ofBest of the Teche honorees where a first,second, third place and honorable men-tion are awarded, no other health carefacility in the Teche Area garneredenough votes to even come close to thoseearned by the medical staff at IberiaMedical Center. Therefore, there was nosecond or third place or honorable men-tion awarded in this category.
“It’s gratifying to know that the commu-nity is satisfied with our care,” Tucker said.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 11THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
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Award-winning staff works at Iberia Medical Center
■ 1ST: Iberia Medical Center
BE S T MED I C A L S TA F F■
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Heather Huynh, RN, left, and Amanda Aucoin, LPN, work in Labor and Delivery in IberiaMedical Center, which was voted best Medical Staff.
BY STEPHEN HEMELT
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Fabian’s For Flowers has been serv-ing customers at the same NewIberia location for six decades.
The store’s legacy of hard work showedup when local readers voted the locationthe best place to buy flowers in the TecheArea. The Best of the Teche poll is anunscientific survey in which readers casttheir votes for their favorite people,places, businesses and things in theTeche Area.
The business, located at 628 Center St.,began in 1949 when Fabian Cestia startedthe operation. After Cestia’s death in1971, the store was sold to New Iberia’sAlfred Boudreaux, who had been workingat the location since he was 15.
Boudreaux has run the store ever sinceand was joined in 1989 by co-owner WillGary, originally from St. Martinville.
Gary said one thing that carriesFabian’s For Flowers in the industry is
the store’s ability to provide innovativeand stylized work that does not cost a for-tune, adding Fabian’s does not charge fordesign or creation.
“Over here, we combine that with anelement of tradition,” Gary said. “Wedon’t charge you for the concept or thelabor. Being so close to Lafayette, theprice differences are such an amazingthing. People in Lafayette will put threeor four flowers in a vase and do somehigh fashion style thing with it andcharge you a fortune.”
Gary said the business’ ability to com-bine creative but traditional work has ledto word-of-mouth business that has trans-
lated into some recent high profile jobs.Fabian’s recently handled floral
arraignments for Louisiana first ladySupriya Jindal’s chief of staff ’s wed-ding at the Governor’s Mansion inBaton Rouge and supplied flowers for athree-day Indian wedding in Lafayettethat was featured in an Acadiana maga-zine.
Gary said part of Fabian’s edge overother shops as far as production goes hasto do with the store’s large workforce.
“The Indian wedding took a couple ofweeks of preparation for a three-dayevent,” he said. “It is a lot of manpowerand a lot of dedication from all the part-time staff we have that really makes itwhat it is. It is definitely not something(Boudreaux) and I can take credit for. Weoversee things, but it’s a big part of every-one’s help actually getting finished prod-ucts across.”
Gary said Fabian’s normally has three
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200912 THE DAILY IBERIAN
Victor’s CafeteriaDOWNTOWN NEW IBERIA ~ 369-9924
We Always ServeCommunity Coffee
1st Place - Meet For Breakfast1st Place - Homestyle Cooking2nd Place - Best Coffee3rd Place - Best Desserts
Thank You!For Voting Us #1
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To Show Our AppreciationJansport Backpack Purchase
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Authorized Firestore Dealer
Iberia Discount Tire CenterWe Appreciate Your Vote And Your Business
Thank You ForVoting For Us #1
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367-2626
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• Voted #1 Best Place To Find Unusual Gifts• Honorable Mention For Best Place To Shop
For Person Who Has Everything
i’m lovin’ it
■ 1ST: Fabian’s For Flowers
■ 2ND: Paul’s Flowershop
■ 3RD: Breaux’s
■ HM: De De’s
TO B U Y F L OW E R S■
Fabian’s cements status as place for flowers‘We don’t charge you for the concept or the labor. Being so close to
Lafayette, the price differences are such an amazing thing. People inLafayette will put three or four flowers in a vase and do some high fashionstyle thing with it and charge you a fortune.’
Will GaryFabian’s For Flowers co-owner
■SEE FLOWERS, PAGE 13
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 13THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
2Thumbs
Up!
VOTED
BEST SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT!
VOTE
D
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SEAFO
OD
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URANT!
“BOILED CRAWFISH & CRABS IN SEASON”
Thanks for making us #1Y’all Come . . . Everyone’s Invited
Catfish Dinner . . .$8.95Boiled Shrimp . .$10.95Seafood Platter....$11.95
SEAFOODCONNECTION
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to four full-time employees workingbesides Boudreaux and himself and ateam of 12 part-time workers. The store isopen from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and from 9 a.m. to noonon Saturday.
The owners said they like to takeSundays off, but work with funerals and arecent trend of Sunday weddings hasmade the day of rest less likely.
Both men enjoy the creativity that comeswith their job. Boudreaux graduated fromthe then-named University of SouthwesternLouisiana with a degree in horticulture.However, Gary said he is just proud to bepart of a successful business in an improv-ing but struggling economic market.
“We try to work with everybody andaccommodate them.” Gary said. “I’vealways said to many of the other shops,any business that comes to play andopens their door at 8 a.m. and is able to dothat successfully every day is doing some-thing right.”
FLOWERS: Co-owner Boudreaux graduated form college with degree in horticulture FROM PAGE 12
STEPHEN HEMELT / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Fabian’s For Flowers owners, from left,Alfred Boudreaux and Will Gary get help from Gary’s nephews, Connor Duplantis and Cody Duplantis.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200914 THE DAILY IBERIAN
Thanks To All
Our Friends & Customers Who Voted For Us In The Best Of The Teche 2009!
1st Place: Best Place to Meet Guy/Girl • Best Place to Watch Sports • Best PortionsBest Place to Shoot Pool • Best Cold Beer
2nd Place: Best Business Lunch • Best Place to Eat Without Kids • Best HamburgerBest Place to Meet People • Best Place to Relax • Best Red Beans & Rice
Best Waitstaff • Best Place For a Special Occasion3rd Place: Best “Homestyle” Cooking • Best Boiled Seafood • Best Night Spot
Honorable Mention: Best Dining “Atmosphere” • Best Place to Go DancingBest Gumbo • Best Sandwiches • Best Steak • Best Place to Spend Sunday Afternoon
Best Waitress – Pauline Jenkinswww.pelicansonthebayou.com I #5 Jefferson St. I New Iberia I 364-8677
Handyman HardwareTool Supply
(Formerly Ace Hardware)
http://www.acehardware.com
912-A S. Lewis - New Iberia • Across From Super 1 • 365-4056
#1 Again!Thanks!
We appreciate your vote for#1 Place For
Handyman Advice.
BY JEFF ZERINGUE
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Thanh Le says shemust be doing some-thing right because
her business, Mike’sSeafood, was selected as theTeche Area’s best place tobuy seafood.
The Best of the Teche pollis an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast votes fortheir favorite people, places,businesses and things in theTeche Area.
This is the third time forMike’s Seafood to be selectedBest of the Teche. The lasttime the seafood processorand market earned Best ofthe Teche was in 2004 and2005.
“I’m very happy (to be selected),”Thanh said through her son who inter-
preted for her. “I must be doing some-thing right.”
Mike Pham, Thanh’s son and namesake
of the business, manages the store for hismother. He said most of the store’s busi-ness is wholesale.
“We sell to folks whosell it to restaurants andstores all over NewOrleans, Shreveport,Baton Rouge,” Pham said.
It is crab and crawfishmeat.
Pham said when Mike’sSeafood opened in 1994 at516 Lewis St., businesswas all wholesale. Hismother opened it not longafter moving to NewIberia, following herdaughter who moved hereafter marrying a NewIberia man. She had beena shrimp boat owner inPensacola, Fla., and soldit to move here.
Once established inNew Iberia, Thanh saw
there was room in the New Iberia and
Mother’s dream turns into top seafood market
SEE SEAFOOD, PAGE 15
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Cuc Le, left, and Loam Pham peel boiled crabs at Mike’s Seafood, winner of best place to buy seafood.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 15THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
New Iberia’s Favorite Barber Shop
VICE’S BARBER SHOP364-0312 ~ 841 Center St., New Iberia
Barbers: Loveless Vice,Chip Culotta & Tim Vice
Thanks For Voting Us #1
www.cfirstbank.com435 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia 365-6677 • 403 Emile Verret Rd., New Iberia 365-6677
801 Albertson Pkwy., Broussard 735-3400 • 2821 E. Milton Ave., Youngsville 856-7866
Community First BankIs Proud To Have The
FRIENDLIESTTELLERS
In Town!
Thanks, New Iberia!
NNoorrtthhss iiddee BBrraanncchh
MMaaiinn OOff ff ii ccee
Best of the Teche
Tammy Talley1st Place - Best Grooming
“Thanks For Your Vote”Tammy’s Grooming
Reaux Animal Hospital2106 W. Old Spanish Trail
364-2811
Louisiana market for a crab and crawfishmeat wholesaler and pursued her dream.About three years in business, they fami-ly decided to sell crab and crawfish retailas well.
Pham said he works with about 15 crab-bers and four other wholesale businesses.Although he said this has been a toughyear due to the economy, he feels for the
crabbers who have to deal with risingcosts for fuel and bait.
Part of the difficulty is the crabs thatare flown in from Venezuela, eitherfrozen or fresh, or crawfish tail meat fromChina are cheaper. Some laws thatrequire foreign seafood to be labeled withtheir country of origin has been some-what helpful, but he does not blame some-one if they seek a cheaper price.
That, he said, is part of the reasonMike’s Seafood was selected Best of theTeche.
Pham, 30, has many more years in thebusiness and will likely do his best to gar-ner more Best of the Teche awards. As forThanh, she has plans. In five years,Thanh, 60, will retire.
“I do a little bit (then),” Thanh said.“Now I do a lot. In five years, I’ll come ina little ... if I want.”
Thanh also thanked the many peoplewho voted for her business to be the Bestof the Teche for seafood.
SEAFOOD: Competition comes from seafood flown in from Venezuela and China FROM PAGE 14 P LACE TO BUY SEAFOOD
■■ 1ST: Mike’s Seafood
■ 2ND: (tie) Anna’s Seafood and Super 1
■ 3RD: Higgin’s
■ HM: Seafood Mart
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200916 THE DAILY IBERIAN
THANKS NEW IBERIAfor making
1Admiral Doyle Pizza Hut (L-R): Shane Myers,Shift Manager; Nicole Roche, Server; Katie
Miller, Server; Bertha Orson, Regional Manager;Cassie Landry, Server; Melissa Gary, Production;
Gloria Babineaux, Shift Manager
Try our buffet bar.
Michele Edwards, Phone Orders
Newly remodeled Pizza Hut Admiral Doyle location.
Regional Manager Bertha Orson & Shane Myers make pizzas.
East St. Peter Pizza Hut (L-R): Larry Dore, Chris Guilbeau,Donald Fusilier, Regional Manager Norman Lavine, Raquel
Navy, Raven Johnson and Shift Manager, Race Hindman
Kay Latulas takes phone order.
Regional Manager Norman Lavine &Race Hindman, Shift Manager
Nancy Antoine goes out for pizza delivery.
David LeBlanc makes pizza.
DINE
IN
OR
DELIVERY
635 E. Adm. Doyle Dr.337-364-1176
905 E. St. Peter337-369-3757
Number
BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Shoppers have cast their votes andhail Super 1 Foods produce as thevery best in the Teche.
The Best of the Teche poll is an unsci-entific survey in which readers cast theirvotes for their favorite people, places,businesses and things in the Teche Area.
Super 1 is no stranger to the honorshowever, having garnered a position inthe top three spots for each of the last fiveyears. Last year the grocery store alsowon first place for its wide selection ofhigh quality produce.
Produce Manager Ricky Alleman, whohas worked for the grocery store chain formore than 12 years, could not contain hisenthusiasm when he was told his depart-ment was deemed the best around.
“This is something we strive for everyyear,” he said.
Alleman’s predecessor was no strangerto the top three, adding to the pressure forthe produce department to perform, hesaid.
“We try our best to keep the highestquality produce here,” he said, “as well asoffering the best variety and always mak-ing sure it’s fresh.”
Alleman said the store buys what it canfrom local producers but is limited todealing with the vendors in the corporatesystem. The produce section at Super 1carries a wide range of items from exoticto organic and every day ingredients.
It also offers and extensive selection ofherbs, Alleman said.
“New Iberia is a great town with lots ofgood people here,” Alleman said. “It real-ly means a lot to us that our customerscontinue to vote for us.”
Store Director Faron Thibodeauxagreed with Alleman and added for theemployees of the store, “the customer isthe boss.”
“They will let us know when we exceedtheir expectations and also when we failto exceed their expectations,” Thibodeauxsaid.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 17THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
Must Be 21
Highway 90 East to Baldwin Exit 83If you or someone you know has a gambling problem,
call toll free 1-877-770-STOP(7867)
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NEW IBERIA OFFICE:1100 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.Located in the Iberia Bank Buildingwww.vaneatonromero.com
For voting me as one of the Best Real Estate Agents in the Teche area.
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519-9277
Looking to Buy or Sell? Call me
■ 1ST: Super 1 Foods
■ 2ND: New Iberia’s Farmer’s Market
■ 3RD: Winn Dixie
■ HM: Bi-Lo
PRODUCE■
Store’s produce deemedsuper by Teche Area
HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Produce is a high priority at Super 1 Foods.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200918 THE DAILY IBERIAN
HEBERT’SGarden Center
533 W. ST. PETER STREET • 364-8421MON-FRI: 8-5 SAT 8-4 SUN CLOSED
GIFTWARE
50%OFF
HYDRANGEAS$399
Reg $19.99-$24.99
Thanks everyonefor voting for us! It
truly is our privilege to serve you.Thanks, Richard
CRAPE MYRTLESAssorted Colors!
1 GallonReg. to $7.99
FALLTOMATOPLANTSARE HERE!
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30%-50%
ALL STYLES OFPOTTERY
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Seafood & Steak House
Hwy. 90 at Jefferson Island, New Iberia • 369-3772Landry’s
Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-9 PM • Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-10 PMClosed Sundays & Mondays
•Visa •Mastercard •American Express •Discover
Thanksto all our loyal customers, friends and family
who voted for us in The Daily Iberian’s
Best of the Teche•1st Place ~ Best Prepared Seafood•2nd Place ~ Best Buffet•2nd Place ~ Best Steak•2nd Place ~ Best Salad Bar•2nd Place ~ Best Gumbo•2nd Place ~ Best Business Lunch•2nd Place ~ Best Portions•3rd Place ~ Best Po-Boys•3rd Place ~ Best “Homestyle” Cooking•Honorable Mention ~ Best Waitstaff
Tammy Talley1st Place
Tammy’s Grooming
364-2811
BY INNESS ASHER
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Little River Inn is no stranger toawards. A walk through the frontdoors and into the foyer finds cus-
tomers virtually surrounded by framedpublications, certificates and other hon-ors, including a number of previous Bestof the Teche wins, testifying to thelongevity of the restaurant’s exalted placein the hearts of many in the communityand throughout the region.
Owners Richard and Lori Hurst are con-tinuing a 77-year family tradition. LittleRiver Inn serves delicious food with local
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Carl Streva, seated from left, Jerry Streva and Oswald DeCuir are joined during their meal by the staff at Little River Inn.
Family feeling partof charm
SEE FAMILY, PAGE 19
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 19THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
Item of equal or lesser value. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Shop must retain coupon. No substitutions allowed. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited or restricted by law. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Good only at U.S. participating stores. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount or promotion. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Cash redemption value 1/20 of 1 cent. Offer Valid Only at New Iberia, La location. Phone: (337)367.3531. Offer Expires Month 08/31, 2009 PLU: 0709
©20
09. B
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Hol
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LC. A
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rese
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.
THANKS for making us
1# from Management & Crew
again!
BUY 1 Get 1 FREE!Any Sundae or Frozen Beverage
(with coupon)
308 N. Lewis St., New Iberia • 364-7671 • www.delaunes1.com
P R O U D T O B E V O T E D T H E Best Pharmacy& ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO Find Unusual Gifts
Thanks, New Iber ia!
flair and a reputation for service that isnot too formal, yet not too casual. In otherwords, a restaurant that treats each andevery customer with local SouthLouisiana hospitality.
The Best of the Teche is an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite people, places, business-es and things in the Teche Area. Andjudging from the sheer number of awardswon over the years, Little River Inn is aperennial favorite.
Lori Hurst attributes the continuedpopularity of the restaurant to the food,the atmosphere and her husband, co-owner and renaissance man Richard.
“He is amazing, the knowledge he hasin his head,” she said. “He knows noother life. He’s been working in therestaurant business since he was 4, whenhe climbed up on a stool to peel potatoesand shuck oysters.”
While Lori praises her husband, it isclear that despite describing herself as a
“glorified watergirl,” her role as promot-er and hostess plays a large part in thesuccess and popularity of an establish-ment that strikes just the right note withvisitors and locals alike.
Hurst said their customers come in to
eat and relax, and they know if they needanything all they have to do is ask,because everyone at Little River Inn, fromemployee to customers, is treated likefamily.
“It’s not too fine,” she said. “It’s not
snooty and it’s not a truck stop. It’s casual.”Little River Inn is open from 11 a.m. to
10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, from 5 p.m.to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and is closed onSundays.
FAMILY: Co-owner Richard Hurst has been in the business since he was 4 years oldFROM PAGE 18
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Carl Streva, from left, Jerry Streva and 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Oswald DeCuir dine in Little River Inn.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200920 THE DAILY IBERIAN
1st Place Best Place To Buy FlowersThanks for your votes and support.
Fabians For Flowers628 Center Street, New Iberia
337-369-6471
Celebrating 60 years in business. 1949-2009We’re not just flowers...we’re tradition.
Thank You For VotingSoileau’s Pharmacy and StaffOne of the Best Pharmacies!
Iberia Parish, You’re The Greatest!
401 1/2 St. Peter • New Iberia
365-6721
Soileau’s PharmacyHours: M-F 9am-6pm
Sat. 9am-1pm Andy Soileau
Hilltop Studio, LLC1000 Parkview Drive Suite 26 • 365-6226
1st PlaceChild’s Haircut
2nd PlaceMan’s Hair Cut
2nd PlaceWoman’sHair Cut
Owners: Elise, Jeanne, MissyStylists: Lauren, Joni, Janet, Billie, Bernard
Thanks To You!
BY INNESS ASHER
THE DAILY IBERIAN
The Teche has its share of excellent chineserestaurants, an offering of so many choices thatdiners can sometimes find it difficult to choose
between one or another.Not so with readers of The Daily Iberian, who chose
Golden Wok as their favorite for the best Chinese food in2009’s Best of the Teche.
Golden Wok, at 816 Admiral Doyle Dr., offers a plenti-ful variety of dishes, including expected fare of favoritessuch as the hot and sour and egg drop soups, a range ofbeef, chicken and shrimp dishes, sauteed green beans,won tons and more.
“Popular dishes are the jalapeno dishes,” said DaloLing, employee of Golden Wok. “Also the lo mein andfried rice and the jalapeno chicken people like.”
A versatile employee, Ling finds his work throughoutthe restaurant.
“Sometimes I do the front desk, cashier,” he said.“Sometimes I cook. I do everything.”
Diners can choose from a buffet that is fresh, plentifuland continually stocked, even during the restaurant’sbusiest lunch and dinner hours. Patrons can add wasabito their avocado, cucumber, cream cheese and Californiasushi rolls if they’re looking for spice, and dessertsrange from almond cookies to soft-serve ice cream incones or bowls.
Golden Wok offers a family-friendly atmosphere where
parents can bring their children and individuals candine comfortably, a particularly important ingredientduring the hot summer days.
Lunch buffet is priced at $6.49 per plate, while the din-ner buffet is $7.49. Takeout is priced at $3.25 per poundfor the lunch menu, with dinner takeout a quarter moreat $3.50.
Golden Wok is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundaythrough Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridaysand Saturdays.
The Best of the Teche is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for their favorite people,places, businesses and things in the Teche Area.
Golden Wok is Teche’s place for Chinese foodCH IN E S E FOOD■■ 1ST: Golden Wok
■ 2ND: Kim’s on Main Street
■ 3RD (tie): Hong King / Hot Wok
■ HM: Jane’s
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Golden Wok Restaurant was voted Best Chinese Food.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 21THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
i’m lovin’ it ™
2nd Place Best Place To Meet For Breakfast3rd Place Best Hamburgers
3rd Place Best Coffee
1st Place Best Fast Food
1st Place Best Kids’ Food
Thanks for making us your favorite!
Locally Owned: New Iberia, St. Martinville, Abbeville, Franklin, Kaplan and Broussard
BY HEATHER MILLER
THE DAILY IBERIAN
JEANERETTE — If GwenPorche had to list her mostvaluable skills on a
résumé, potential employersmight be a bit baffled to see onpaper her top two crafts — alli-gators and armadillos.
Porche, owner of BakingMemories, nabbed two firstplace awards in this year’s Bestof the Teche reader poll, BestDesserts and Best Bakery.
Best of the Teche poll is anunscientific survey in whichreaders cast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, business-es and things in the Teche Area.
“I love any challenge, but ani-mals are really my favorite,”Porche said, describing her pre-ferred kind of cake to decorate.“I’ve done ducks, fish, alligators,
cartoon dogs ... I just really lovea cake that gives me a chal-lenge.”
Porche began taking cake-deco-rating and baking classes aboutseven or eight years ago withVirginia Latiolais of Virginia’sCakes, where she said she “fell inlove” with preparing baked
goods.After joining cake clubs and
continuing to master the art ofconfection, Porche was able toopen Baking Memories abouttwo years ago.
Porche’s bakery, open byappointment only because of her
full-time job at a local nursinghome, specializes in a widerange of sweets including wed-ding cakes, birthday cakes, sweettables, sculpted cakes, pastriesand more.
“When I want to try a newrecipe I bring it to the nursing
home so the residents can cri-tique my products and I can bet-ter them,” she said. “They seemto enjoy that.”
For Shirley Francois, a co-worker and regular customer ofPorche’s, the answer to BakingMemories’ success is simple.
“Why do I keep going back?Because when she bakes, itmelts in your mouth,” saidFrancois, a St. Martinville resi-dent who works with Porche thenursing home. “She does all mycakes - birthdays, anniversaries,family reunions, parties, youname it. She even bakes cakesfor the residents here when theyhave birthdays.”
Porche took second last year ina sweets category for Best of theTeche. This year’s double wincame as a shock, she said, butcouldn’t have come at a bettertime.
Open-by-appointment bakery fuels imagination
■ 1ST: Baking Memories
■ 2ND: Ryan’s
■ 3RD: Victor’s
■ HM: Little River Inn
DE S S ERT S■
■ 1ST: Baking Memories
■ 2ND: Meches
■ 3RD: Super 1
■ HM: Guidry’s
BAKERY■
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Gwen Porche of Baking Memories in Jeanerette works on a cake.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200922 THE DAILY IBERIAN
1601 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.
364-0692
Cathy’s day care centerWOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS
OUR VERY SPECIAL
THANK YOUTO EVERYONE
WHO VOTED US
#1 DayCare
CentERThank You For 31Wonderful Years
We Appreciate YourLoyal Support
THANK YOUFor voting us your
#1 Plumbing Service!
527 West Main St., New Iberia
337-367-7588State License LMP-R-928
Plumbing Services, L.L.C.
TECHE
TECHE AREABuilders Association
BY INNESS ASHER
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Few people can resist a fresh-bakedloaf of bread still warm from theoven, and the ovens at LeJeune’s
Bakery in the familiar red-brick buildingat 1510 Main St. in Jeanerette have keptthe Teche Area well supplied with award-winning french bread since the ovenswere first lit back in 1884.
The familiar white and blue paper stillwraps around a crusty loaf with an interi-or that’s light and soft, and when the redlight outside the bakery is on, it’s freshand warm from the oven. LeJeune’s frenchbread is a past winner of the Best of theTeche, having won in 1999, 2002 and 2003.
The Best of the Teche is an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite people, places, business-es and things in the Teche Area.
Kate Nazet has been a baker atLeJeune’s for six years. Her days at thebakery begin early and end late.
“I work from between 5 and 6 a.m. until 5in the afternoon,” Nazet said. “That’s a nor-mal business day.” Over the course of a day,Nazet works alongside owner Matt LeJeuneand Carl Lajaunie. “We do everything, frombaking, panning gingers (LeJeune’s gingerbread) to wrapping to delivering.”
While everyone at LeJeune’s works hardto keep the Teche in fresh baked goods, it isLaJaunie’s 2 a.m. arrival that keeps thedough rolling. Bread doesn’t appear bymagic, and LaJaunie has to arrive in theearly morning if the ovens are going tohave anything to bake and Teche familiesare going to have any baked goods.Lajaunie mixes the flour, one 50 pound bag
at a time, with the other ingredients. Thedough is left to rise before it is divided andshaped, left to rise again, then panned. Inall, each new batch of dough rises threetimes before it reaches the oven, where it isbaked and becomes the prize-winning loafresidents of the Teche Area know and love.
Nazet can’t say how many loaves of breadare baked each day, or how many bakedgoods have passed through the wide doors
since she began six years ago, but it’s alwaysquality that’s the concern and not the quan-tity. One reason she can’t give an exact countis the array of different products that con-tinually come out of the bakery’s oven.
“We bake different things,” she said. “Webake different sizes of our bread, gingers,hot dog buns and po’boy buns. We deliverto several restaurants and grocery stores.”
Morning’s are busy at the Jenearette bak-ery, with a steady stream of customers find-ing their way to the screen-doored sideentrance when the first loaves of the daybegin streaming from the oven. But morn-ings aren’t the only time go get fresh bread.Those in the know keep their eyes on thered light out front. When it’s lit it tellspassersby that fresh bread is ready and hotfrom the oven. And while few think about itwhile enjoying the Best of the Teche frenchbread, that red light also means a traditionthat began more than 100 years ago keepson going, thanks to the small, dedicatedband of bakers awake and working whilemany in the Teche Area still slumber.
Hard to resist fresh-baked, hot-from-the-oven bread
■ 1ST: LeJeune’s
■ 2ND: Simoneaud’s
■ 3RD: Bi-Lo
■ HM: Danna’s Bakery
BE S T F R ENCH BR EAD■
INNESS ASHER / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Rows and rows of the Teche Area’s ‘Best’french bread are at LeJeune’s Bakery.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 23THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
Jane’sSeafood & Chinese
Restaurant1201 Jane St., New Iberia
365-5412
2nd PlaceBest Waiter
Auman Landry
2nd PlaceBoiled Seafood
3rd PlacePrepared Food
HonorableMention
Chinese Food
Thanks To EveryoneWho Voted Us
Best Of The Teche!
500 Darby Lane, New Iberia
367-0863
Voted #1Best Place To
Play GolfThanks ForYour Vote!
BY JIM MUSTIAN
THE DAILY IBERIAN
One recent afternoon, KathleenMolaison indulged her sweettooth over coffee at Starbucks
with her daughter, who was visitingfrom Virginia.
“The food is really good,” Molaisonsaid between bites of a cinnamon roll.“The service is really good. Theatmosphere is like you’re at home.”
Molaison’s love for Starbucks isshared by many locals. The Seattle-based coffee chain won first place inthe best coffee category of this year’sBest of Teche, an unscientific surveyin which The Daily Iberian readersvote for their favorite people, places,business and things in the Teche area.
The Starbucks on Admiral DoyleDrive draws dozens of locals on adaily basis. Many come for the Wi-FiInternet access and bring a laptop.Others cozy up on the furniture with
a good book. The cafe is often a set-ting for business meetings and inter-views.
The ambiance of the cafe separatesStarbucks from other places thatserve coffee, said Grant Viator, whohas worked at the store since itopened about two years ago. Viatorand other employees know severalcustomers by name as well as theirusual drink. It’s this rapport, Viatorsays, that brings customers back on aregular basis.
“We have some customers whocome in each morning — same time,
same drink — and they get the samesmile and the same service,” Viatorsaid. “It’s a nice place to get outinstead of just having coffee at home.”
When it comes to coffee, Starbucksoffers a wide of array of choices.Viator says older customers tend toorder black coffee and more tradition-al java fixes, while “the younger oneswant the fancy stuff and all thewhipped cream.”
Popularity of beverages can shiftwith the seasons, Viator says. Lately,the most requested hot beverageshave been the caramel macchiato andwhite mocha. The most popular coldcoffee, meanwhile, is “hands down”the caramel frappuccino.
Manager Susan Titus said Starbuckshas become a hit in New Iberia becauseit gives locals “a taste of a bigger city.”For visitors, meanwhile, “it’s a famil-iar environment.”
“It’s a welcoming environment,” shesaid. “We’re fun. We’re hip.”
Comfortable for local folks and visitors alike
■ 1ST: Starbucks
■ 2ND:Victor’s
■ 3RD: McDonald’s
BE S T P L A C E FOR CO F F E E■
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Starbucks named best place to buy coffee in the Bestof the Teche.
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200924 THE DAILY IBERIAN
Tuesday - Friday 7:00-5:30 • Saturday 7:00-1:00 410 Jefferson Terrace Blvd. 367-3831
Thanks For Making Us Your #1 Boucherie
1st Place Best Boudin14 Consecutive Years
• 1st Place Best Specialty Meats• 1st Place Best Meat • 1st Place Best Cracklins
Thanks forvoting for us in
Best ofthe Teche
again this year!
1302 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. (Across from NISH) New Iberia • 369-7082Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-3 • INTEREST FREE FINANCING SAME AS CASH
Walter Henry and Carlo Foti
BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Looking to buy or sell a residentialproperty?
Katie Indest LaBauve is the person TheDaily Iberian readers voted Best of theTeche Best Real Estate Agent in thisyear’s poll.
Best of the Teche is an unscientific sur-vey in which readers cast their votes fortheir favorite people, places, businessesand things in the Teche Area.
LaBauve had been a stay-at-home momfor many years before re-entering thework force 19 years ago when she gotstarted in real estate.
She said she was looking for flexiblework as her children got older.
Real estate proved to be a good fit.“I’m a New Iberia girl who knows a lot
of people,” she said. “I’m not aggressive.I’m up-front and honest. No games orwishy washiness, and I think people
appreciate that.”The New Iberia native said she finds it
easy to promote the area.“I love it here, there are very few things
I don’t like,” she said.“We have such a warm community and
have a tendency to embrace people thataren’t from here.
“There is also so many things going ondowntown and so many opportunities forchildren.”
Local girl loves to promote all that’s New Iberia
■ 1ST: Katie Indest LaBauve / Caffery RealEstate
■ 2ND: Tesie Dore / Van Eaton and Romero
■ 3RD: Pat Caffery / Caffery Real Estate
■ HM: Debbie Breaux / Caffery Real Estate
BE S T R E A L E S TAT EAGENT■
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Katie Indest LaBauve was voted Best Real Estate Agent in the 2009 Best of the Teche.SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 26
BY HEATHER MILLER
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Community First Bank’s IberiaParish branches took two out ofthree spots in this year’s Best of
the Teche friendliest tellers category, anhonor Senior Vice President Joey Danosattributes to “teaching good, old-fash-ioned banking.”
“That’s what we try to hold onto here,”Danos said. “In South Louisiana, it’s stillsmiles, handshakes and knowing theirnames.”
Community First’s Jefferson Terracebranch placed first for friendliest tellers,while its Northside branch placed third.
The Best of the Teche poll is an unsci-
entific survey in which readers cast theirvotes for their favorite people, places,businesses and things in the Teche Area.
Community First Bank President
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 25THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
Thank YouNew Iberia
for 25 Sweet Years!
Let Us Chill You To The Bone!Come try the
#1 Best of the Teche Snowcone!
SNOWBALL FACTORY1214 Center St. • New Iberia • 364-0448
1 FREESmall
SnowballWith This Coupon at Snowball Factory
1214 Center St., New Iberia
SNOWBALLFACTORY
Offer expires 8/31/09
FRIENDLIEST BANK TELLERS■
Community First takestwo of top three spots
■ 1ST: Community First Bank - JeffersonTerrace
■ 2ND: IberiaBank - Admiral Doyle Drive
■ 3RD: Community First Bank - ParkviewDrive
■ HM: Teche Federal Savings Bank - NorthLewis Street
LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN
Gloria Pommier is teller supervisor at Community First Bank. Her bank was voted firstplace for Friendliest Bank Tellers in the Best of the Teche survey.
SEE TELLERS, PAGE 26
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200926 THE DAILY IBERIAN
THANK YOU!VOTED #1 AUTO REPAIR SHOP
337-365-74711924 E. Main St., New Iberia
Your Trust in us is Greatly Appreciated!
ComeJoin Us!
Thurs: Karaoke NightFri: DJ & Drink Special
Happy Hour 5 to 7 365-9547602 W. Admiral Doyle • New Iberia
Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
VOTED #1 MEXICAN RESTAURANTWed.
Ladies NightDrink Specials
PAUL’S FLOWER &PLANT SHOP
110 Weeks St. • 365-1428
Thank You For VotingPaul’s Flower Shop
One Of The Best PlacesTo Buy Flowers
Thank You
G&M Meat Market432 Domingue St., Jeanerette
337-276-6110
For Voting G&M Meats One Of The BestPlaces To Buy Boudin And Specialty Meats
We Sincerely Appreciate Your Vote
DELAFOSE: Likehis music here
Delafose also is not a stranger to awards,winning “Best Zydeco Artist” at the 2003Big Easy Awards in New Orleans and withthe CD “Le Cowboy Creole” nominated forthe Best Cajun/Zydeco Grammy in 2008.
Guidry said Delafose also recentlyplayed for St. Edward School’sPandaPalooza, taking time to meet andgreet many of the school’s children.
“He’s just a very nice and genuine per-son,” Guidry said. “You’re glad to seesomeone succeed like that.”
Delafose said people seem to like hismusic here. “We’re going to continue totry to give them the best music that wepossibly can,” he said.
Information on Geno Delafose and theFrench Rockin’ Boogie, as well as music,is available on the Internet on the group’sMySpace page. Information is also avail-able on Ritmo Artists’ homepage.
FROM PAGE 7
REAL ESTATE: ‘...stable and steady.’FROM PAGE 24
LaBauve said despite lacklusternational real estate trends, the TecheArea’s market has remained “stable andsteady.”
“Values here haven’t dropped to anygreat degree,” she said. “And, as long as aproperty is priced competitively, it willsell.”
She said in her opinion, New Iberia willcontinue to grow in the next several yearsas the communities of Broussard andYoungsville move farther south.
“I see everything touching,” she said ofthe three, now-distinct areas. “I’ll miss thecanefields but it will be good for the com-munity, good for business and good forreal estate.”
LaBauve certainly had some tough com-petition in the Best Real Estate Agent cate-gory, which saw no less than 20 localagents received votes.
Benny Menard had a vision when heopened the bank 10 years ago, Danos said,a vision that included “bringing the bestIberia Parish had to offer.”
“He always said, ‘I want the best,’ andthat’s what he brought,” Danos said. “Youquickly get the feeling here that it’s morethan a job for those around you becausethat’s how Benny is. It makes a differencein getting up and coming to work everymorning.”
In a technology-fueled era in which peo-ple have turned more to online bankingand drive-through banking services,Danos and teller supervisor GoriaPommier said it has not affected theunusually high number of customers whostill would rather take a step inside to dobusiness face to face.
“We have customers who come just forhuman interaction,” Danos said. “We’renot an organization that focuses on salesquotas. We do sell accounts, but we’remore focused on customer service.”
Though Danos and Pommier agreed thelow turnover and veteran bankers whoset good examples for new tellers are keycontributers to the honor, Pommier said italso “starts at the top.”
“I think our reputation speaks foritself,” said Pommier, who has beenemployed at Community First since itopened 10 years ago. “We work for anorganization that starts our staff meet-ings with a prayer. That says a lot initself.”
And if customers encounterCommunity First tellers at grocery storesor other spots throughout the community,Danos said they can expect the samesmiles they see when they come into thebank each day.
“The friendliness doesn’t stop whenthey go home,” Danos said. “It’s not aswitch they turn on when they come tothe bank. Our older, more seasonedtellers have worked for bigger banks,and they’ll tell you it’s completely differ-ent here.
“This is fun and friendly.”
TELLERS: Staff meetings start with prayerFROM PAGE 25
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 27THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
1106 CENTER ST.NEW IBERIA
365-2326
CAR SHOW2ND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
6:00 - 9:30 PM
Duffy’s DinerA special thanks to all of our customers . . .
for voting us Best of the Teche!
Thanks for 25 Great Years!Your loyal partronage is greatly appreciated.
1st Place• Best Hamburger
2nd Place• Best Po-Boys
• Best Fried Chicken • Best Kid’s Foods3rd Place
• Best Sandwiches • Best Fast FoodHonorable Mention
• Best Red Beans & Rice • Best Portions• Best Waitress - Lauren Snoddy
1205 E. Admiral Doyle • New Iberia, LA • (337) 367-9333
We appreciate youshopping with us.
Thank You!
A L L THE B E S T■
Each year, The Daily Iberian readers tell us whatservices, businesses and people they like best inthe Best of the Teche. It is an unscientific surveywhere they cast votes for their favorite people,places, businesses and things in the Teche Area.Here is a partial list of our readers’ rankings:
BEST OF THE TECHE: PLACES■ RELAX1ST: New Iberia City Park2ND: Spa Almaz; Cypress Bayou Casino; Pelicans
on the BayouHM: Pat Walker’s Figure Salon; Clementine;
Bojangles;Theriot Family Massage; Belle Viviere■ MEET PEOPLE1ST: Wal-Mart 2ND: Pelicans on the Bayou3RD: ChurchHM: Cypress Bayou Casino;Tampico’s Restaurant;
Clementine; Library; Farmer’s Market■ EXERCISE1ST: New Iberia City Park2ND: Ladies First; Baron’s Health Club3RD: Snap Fitness; Dynamic Health ClubHM: Main Street Fitness■ SPEND SUNDAY AFTERNOON
1ST: New Iberia City Park2ND: MoviesHM: Jungle Gardens; Pelicans on the Bayou;
Cypress Bayou Casino; Home;Walking down-town; Lake Dauterive; Fishing;Visiting friends
■ PLAY TENNIS1ST: New Iberia City Park2ND: Willow Wood■ GO DANCING1ST: Rox2ND: BojanglesHM: Buck Wild Saloon; Carabella’s Bar;America’s
Sports Bar; Pelicans on the Bayou■ GO FISHING1ST: Cypremort Point; Spanish Lake2ND: Lake Fausse PointeHM: Catfish Haven; Marsh Island;Atchafalaya
Basin■ PICNIC1ST: New Iberia City Park■ SWIM1ST: New Iberia City Park■ NIGHT SPOT1ST: Rox
2ND: Bojangles 3RD: Pelicans on the Bayou; Bourbon HallHM: Clementine; Downtown; Underground Sea;
Carabella’s Bar■ TEEN ‘HANG OUT’1ST: The Grand Theater2ND: New Iberia City Park3RD: Bayou Landing; Underground Sea■ GO ON A DATE1ST: Movies■ SPECIAL OCCASION1ST: Clementine2ND: Little River Inn; Mr. Lester Steak House;
Chili’s Grill & Bar; Pelicans on the Bayou■ MEET GUY/GIRL1ST: Pelicans on the Bayou; Rox■ COLD BEER1ST: Pelicans on the Bayou2ND: Carabella’s Bar■ WATCH SPORTS1ST: Pelicans on the Bayou2ND: Chili’s Grill & Bar; E&E Sports Bar3RD: America’s Sports Bar
HM: Bourbon Hall; BoCat’s; Shorty’s■ MEDICAL STAFF1ST: Iberia Medical CenterBEST OF THE TECHE: FOOD/DINING■ FRESH PRODUCE1ST: Super I Foods2ND: Farmer’s Market3RD: Winn DixieHM: Bi-Lo Supermarket■ MEAT1ST: Legnon’s Boucherie2ND: Bi-Lo Supermarket3RD: Dave’s Quality MeatsHM: Winn Dixie■ SPECIALTY MEATS1ST: Legnon’s Boucherie2ND: Dave’s Quality Meats3RD: Peltier’sHM: Bi-Lo Supermarket; G & M Meat Market ■ ICE CREAM1ST: Baskin Robbins2ND: Dairy Queen
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200928 THE DAILY IBERIAN
Thank You For Voting For Us In The“Best Of The Teche”
#1 Best Desserts#1 Best Bakery Item
Baking Memories12204 E.12204 E. AdmirAdmiralal DoDoyleyle ,, JJeanereanerette ~ 276-4678ette ~ 276-4678
We provide cakesfor all occasions -
birthdays, weddings,catered sweet tables
and more
GORDY’S PAINT & BODY, INC.1404 Twenty Arpent Rd. • 365-9054
To Everyone Who Voted Us One Of TheBest Places For Car Repairs.
We Appreciate Your Business!
Open 7 Days A Week ~ Lunch & Dinner365-0646 ~ 814 E. Admiral Doyle (Front of Office Depot)
Voted #1ChineseRestaurant
Thanks Everyone!Dine In or Take Out
Breaux’s Flowers &Video Production, Inc.
1212 Center St. • New Iberia(337) 364-6467 • 800-490-9935 • Fax: 364-7964
To Our CustomersYou’reThe Best!
A L L THE B E S T■
3RD: Sonic Drive In ■ SNOWBALLS1ST: Snowball Factory2ND: Caribbean Ice3RD: Yes It’s YogurtHM: Cool Spot■ SANDWICHES1ST: Subway2ND: Quizno’s3RD: Duffy’s DinerHM: Bon Creole Seafood; Pelicans on the Bayou■ PIZZA1ST: Pizza Hut2ND: Pizza Place3RD: Gatti’s PizzaHM: Domino’s Pizza■ MEXICAN FOOD1ST: Tampico’s Restaurant2ND: El Mexicano 3RD: El Chile VerdeHM: Taco San Loui■ SALAD BAR
1ST: Ryan’s Family Steak House; Ruby Tuesday2ND: Landry’s Seafood & Steakhouse of New
Iberia■ CHINESE FOOD1ST: Golden Wok2ND: Kim’s Chinese Food - Main3RD: Hong Kong Buffet & Grill; Hot WokHM: Jane’s Seafood; Bobo’s Chinese Restaurant■ HAMBURGER1ST: Duffy’s Diner2ND: Burger King; Pelicans on the Bayou3RD: Hardee’s Restaurant; McDonald’s; Sonic
Drive InHM: Viator’s Drive Inn■ STEAK1ST: Mr. Lester Steak House2ND: Little River Inn; Landry’s Seafood &
Steakhouse3RD: Chili’s Grill & BarHM: Ryan’s Family Steak House; Pelicans on the
Bayou■ FRIED CHICKEN1ST: Popeye’s 2ND: Duffy’s Diner
3RD: Church’s Fried ChickenHM: Kentucky Fried Chicken■ PO-BOYS1ST: Bon Creole Seafood2ND: Duffy’s Diner3RD: Landry’s Seafood & Steak House - New
IberiaHM: Subway■ DONUTS1ST: Meche’s Donuts■ BOILED SEAFOOD1ST: Seafood Connection2ND: Jane’s Seafood3RD: Pelicans on the BayouHM: The Boiling Point■ PREPARED SEAFOOD1ST: Landry’s Seafood & Steak House -New
Iberia2ND: Seafood Connection3RD: Little River Inn; Jane’s SeafoodHM: Anna Seafood■ SEAFOOD MARKET1ST: Mike’s Seafood
2ND: Anna Seafood; Super I Foods3RD: HigginsHM: Seafood Mart■ RED BEANS & RICE1ST: Popeye’s2ND: Pelicans on the Bayou3RD: Taste N SeaHM: Fremin’s Food; Duffy’s Diner■ GUMBO1ST: Bon Creole Seafood2ND: Landry’s Seafood & Steak House - New
Iberia3RD: Little River InnHM: Pelicans on the Bayou■ FRENCH BREAD1ST: LeJeune’s Bakery2ND: Simoneaud’s Grocery & Market3RD: Bi-Lo SupermarketHM: Danna’s Bakery■ BOUDIN1ST: Legnon’s Boucherie2ND: Dave’s Quality Meats
CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
FROM PAGE 27
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 29THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
Best King CakesBest Donuts
Meche’s DonutsDebarado, Inc
403 E. St. Peter St. - New Iberia
Meche’s DonutsDebarado, Inc
403 E. St. Peter St. - New Iberia367-0726
“Thank You ForChoosing Us, WeAppreciate Your
Business!”
1st Place
2nd PlaceBest Bakery Items
THANK YOU1st Place 6 Years Running
Best Insurance Agent
Thank you foryour vote ofconfidence!
Carrol Boudreaux
365-81111401 Parkview Drive, New Iberia
A L L THE B E S T■
3RD: G & M Meat Market - JeaneretteHM: Billeaud’s Too■ CRACKLINS1ST: Legnon’s Boucherie2ND: Dave’s Quality Meats3RD: Sonnier’sHM: Billeaud’s ■ FAST FOOD1ST: McDonalds2ND: Burger King3RD: Duffy’s DinerHM: Sonic Drive In■ COFFEE1ST: Starbucks2ND: Victor’s Cafeteria3RD: McDonalds■ MEET FOR BREAKFAST1ST: Victor’s Cafeteria2ND: McDonalds3RD: Taste N SeaHM: Waffle House■ DESSERTS
1ST: Baking Memories2ND: Ryan’s Family Steak House3RD: Victor’s CafeteriaHM: Little River Inn■ BUSINESS LUNCH1ST: Little River Inn2ND: Landry’s Seafood & Steak House - New
Iberia; Pelicans on the Bayou3RD: Taste N SeaHM: Clementine■ EAT WITHOUT KIDS1ST: Mr. Lester Steak House2ND: Pelicans on the Bayou3RD: Little River InnHM: Clementine■ KID’S FOODS1ST: McDonalds2ND: Duffy’s Diner; Mr. Gatti’s Pizza3RD: Burger KingHM: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers■ PORTIONS1ST: Bon Creole Seafood; Pelicans on the Bayou2ND: Landry’s Seafood & Steak House - New
Iberia3RD: Little River InnHM: Duffy’s Diner■ BUFFET1ST: Ryan’s Family Steak House2ND: Landry’s3RD: Kims Chinese - Main StreetHM: Hong Kong■ HOME STYLE COOKING1ST: Victor’s Cafeteria2ND: Taste N Sea3RD: Pelicans on the Bayou; Landry’sHM: Theriot’s■ BAKERY ITEMS1ST: Baking Memories2ND: Meche’s Donuts3RD: Super I FoodsHM: Guidry’s Cake Shop ■ KING CAKES1ST: Meche’s Donuts2ND: Fremin’s Food3RD: Winn Dixie; Bi-Lo SupermarketHM: Super I Foods
■ DINING ATMOSPHERE1ST: Little River Inn2ND: Clementine3RD: Ruby TuesdayHM: Pelicans on the Bayou■ WAIT STAFF (LOCATION)1ST: Little River Inn2ND: Pelicans on the Bayou; Ruby Tuesday3RD: Taste N SeaHM: Landry’s■ WAITER/WAITRESS 1ST: Frank Weathman at Pelicans on the Bayou2ND: Debbie Lancon at Landry’s;Auman Landry
at Jane’s Seafood3RD: Nelda Dauphine at Little River InnHM: Pauline Jenkins at Pelicans on the Bayou;
Candice Jones at Duffy’s Diner; Lauren Snoddyat Duffy’s Diner
■ WINES/LIQUOR1ST: Super I Foods2ND: Bi-Lo Supermarket3RD: Clementine
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
FROM PAGE 28
HM: Simoneaud’s Grocery & Market; Fremin’sFood;Winn Dixie; Little River Inn
BEST OF THE TECHE: BUSINESS■ INSURANCE AGENT1ST: Carol Boudreaux at State Farm2ND: Dwayne Dorsey at Dorsey Agency;Alfred
Ackal at State Farm3RD: Jimmy Champagne at All StateHM: Janice Berthelot at DJW■ NEW CAR SALESMAN 1ST: Ben Richard at Musson Patout2ND: Abby Lane at Musson Patout3RD: Allen Theriot at Arceneaux FordHM: Lawrence Sherville at Robin Motors■ USED CAR SALESMAN1ST: Ben Richard at Musson Patout2ND: Abby Lane at Musson Patout3RD: Allen Theriot at Arceneaux FordHM: Jay Mitchell at Z Best■ CAR REPAIRS1ST: Guidry’s Ignition2ND: Gordy’s Paint and Body3RD: Dronet’s Auto Repair
HM: Dugas Auto Repair■ REAL ESTATE AGENT1ST: Katie Labauve at Caffery Real Estate2ND: Tessie Dore at Van Eaton & Romero; Pat
Caffery at Caffery Real Estate3RD: Debbie Breaux at Caffery Real EstateHM: Bart Broussard at Coldwell Banker■ PLACE FOR MAN’S HAIRCUT1ST: Vice Barber Shop2ND: Hilltop Hair Salon3RD: Studio 902; Fantastic Sam’s Family Hair
CuttersHM: Clydes Hair Designs■ PLACE FOR WOMAN’S HAIRCUT1ST: Hair U Wear2ND: Hilltop Hair Salon3RD: Studio 902HM: J J Peach Salon■ PLACE FOR CHILD’S HAIRCUT1ST: Hilltop Hair Salon2ND: Hair U Wear; Fantastic Sam’s Family Hair
Cutters3RD: Studio 902HM: Smart Style
■ TO HAVE NAILS DONE1ST: Linda’s Nails; Kim’s Nails2ND: Nail Tech3RD: Li NailsHM: Regal Nails; Hilltop Hair Salon■ RETIREMENT FACILITY1ST: Belle Teche2ND: Azalea Estates3RD: Garden View Assisted LivingHM: Consolata Home; New Iberia Manor North;
School Days; Camelot■ BUY LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT1ST: Lowe’s Home Improvement2ND: Romero’s3RD: Hi Crop John DeereHM: Sammy Broussard■ PHARMACY1ST: Delaune’s Pharmacy & Home Medical2ND: Soileau’s Pharmacy
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200930 THE DAILY IBERIAN
Corner of Iberia & Admiral Doyle • 364-5930
Thanks For Voting UsOne Of The Best
Burgers In The Teche!
THANK YOU!
For Voting Us As One Of
“The Best Of The Teche”
Best Boat Mechanic
Carroll & Craig Perez
THANK YOU!
For Voting Us As One Of
“The Best Of The Teche”
Best Boat Mechanic
Carroll & Craig Perez
5611 Perez Road, Lydia 367-5102
Perez Marine ServicePerez Marine Service
DOERLE’SAIR CONDITIONING & HEATINGDan Doerle, Owner
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
WE SERVICE ALLMAKES & MODELS
367-2511 • 1321 E. Main St., New Iberia
A Very SincereThank You!
Voting Us #1 Is GreatlyAppreciated.
We Strive To Be The Best We Can.
A L L THE B E S T■
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
FROM PAGE 29
3RD: Walgreen’s (Parkview)HM: CVS Pharmacy (Parkview)LIVING IN THE TECHE AREA1ST: The food2ND: Friendly peopleBEST OF THE TECHE: ODDS N ENDS■ BEST SPORTS TEAM1ST: LSU Sports■ COMMUNITY MOVER AND SHAKERRECEIVING VOTES but with no clear winner:
Paul Schwing; Ernest Freyou; Hilda Curry; SheriffLouis Ackal; David Broussard; Debbie White;Ricky Huval
■ COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERRECEIVING VOTES but with no clear winner:
Paul Schwing;Debra Savoie; Jeff Jolet;Penny Corvart;Erne Lowery;Brother Declouet; Junie O’Donnell;Doc Thomas;Brenda Bergeron; Irene Castille
■ AREA FESTIVAL1ST: Sugar Cane Festival ■ LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION1ST: Shadows-on-the-Teche■TEACHER ( NOW & BACK)RECEIVING VOTES but no clear winner: Kim
Romero; Ruth Bogan at Centerville High; BeverlyFreeman; Nicole Rentrop; Gwen Guilbeaux; ChrisNeuner; Diane Gisclaiiz; Billie Bonin; StevenStansbury; Nicholas Gallimore; Mrs.Armentor atPark Avenue; Mr. Lee (no complete name orschool submitted); Mrs. Barras (NISH 1978)
■TRAVEL AGENT1ST: Beth Comeaux at Let’s Travel2ND: Sheila Molbert at Let’s Travel3RD: Mindy Early at Let’s TravelHM: Carla Sapienza at Cajun Travel
■ CATERING SERVICE1ST: Peltier’s Catering2ND: Cookie’s3RD: Cajun TidbitsHM: Art of Eating Meta Hebert;Antique Roseville■ PLUMBING SERVICE1ST: Teche Plumbing2ND: Michael Allen’s Plumbing3RD: Babineaux Plumbing Inc.; Beano’s PlumbingHM: Roto Rooter
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 31THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
Cliff Dronet, Owner
Dronet’sAuto Repair
365-5184 • 801 W. Admiral Doyle, New Iberia
Basic Oil Changes To Computer Diagnostics
36 Years Keeping New Iberia Moving
Voted #1 Car RepairThank You
BonCreoleBonCreole
Voted
Monday - Saturday 11 a.m - 9 p.m.Open Sunday for BBQ only
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.1409 E. St. Peter St. • 367-6181
#1BestPoorboysGumbo &Portions
NIRDSINCERELY THANKS
OUR PARK USERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT
1st Place• Best Place To Exercise
• Best Place To Relax• Best Sports Activity - Swimming At City Park
2nd Place• Best Place For Teens To Hang Out
Honorable Mention• Best Place To Spend SundayAfternoon Walking Downtown
New Iberia Recreation DepartmentBringing Families Together Through Recreation
Thanks to The Daily Iberian readers forvoting me one of the “Best of the Teche”
Carla O. Sapienza
New Iberia337-256-0026
A L L THE B E S T■
FROM PAGE 30
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 30, 200932 THE DAILY IBERIAN
1st PlaceBest Grocery Check-out Service
Thanksto our many customers
& friends for voting for Bi-Lo in Best of the Teche 2009!
Locally Owned & Operated • Store Hours: Mon.-Sun. 7:00-8:00
www.bi lo - supermarket .com
SUPERMARKETSUPERMARKET207 North Lewis • 365-1176 • 365-9886
• Money Orders – We Accept • FOOD STAMPS • VISA • MASTERCARD • AMERICAN EXPRESS • DISCOVER
2nd Place • Best Place To Buy Meat • Best Selection of Wines & Liquors
3rd Place • Best French Bread • Best King Cakes
Honorable Mention • Best Fresh Produce • Best Specialty Meats
■ BEST HEATING/AIR CONDI-TION SERVICE
1ST: Doerle’s Air Condition & Heating
2ND: Larry Delcambre AirConditioning & Heating
3RD: Fox Air Conditioning
HM: Darryl Labiche Air Conditioning& Heating
■ FRIENDLIEST BANK TELLERS1ST: Community First - Jefferson
Terrace
2ND: Iberia Bank - Admiral Doyle
3RD: Community First - Parkview
HM: Teche Federal - North Lewis
■ BEST DAY CARE
1ST: Cathy’s Day Care
2ND: Buttons and Bows
3RD: Gingerbread
HM: Noah’s Ark
■ GROCERY CHECK-OUT SER-VICE
1ST: Bi-Lo Supermarket
2ND: Simoneaud’s Grocery
3RD: Super 1 Foods
HM: Menard Brothers
HM: Daspit Supermarket
■ DRY CLEANING SERVICE1ST: Derouen Cleaners
2ND: Rudy’s Cleaners
3RD: One Hour Martinizing
HM: One Low Price
■ HANDYMAN ADVICE1ST: ACE
2ND: Lowe’s Home Improvement
3RD: Handyman Hardware
HM: Walet’s Olde Tyme Hardware
■ BUY/TIRES SERVICE1ST: Iberia Discount Tires
2ND: Winmill Service Center
3RD: Delta World Tire
HM: Patin’s Auto & Car Center
■ FIND UNUSUAL GIFTS1ST: This & That
2ND: Texadas Jewelry & Gifts
3RD: Burke’s Outlet Store
HM: Delaune’s Pharmacy
■ BUY FLOWERS1ST: Fabian’s For Flowers
2ND: Paul’s Flower & Plant Shop
3RD: Breaux’s Flowers
HM: Dede’s Flowers & Gifts
■ BUY OUTDOOR PLANTS 1ST: Hebert’s Garden Center
2ND: Lowe’s Home Improvement
3RD: Iberia Gardens & Nursery
HM: Wal-Mart
■ BUY ‘COOL’ CASUALCLOTHES
1ST: Stage
2ND: Wal-Mart
3RD: Natalie’s Apparel & Accessories
HM: Kmart
■ BUY ‘COOL’ CHILD’SCLOTHES
1ST: Stage
2ND: For the Little Ones
3RD: Wal-Mart
HM: Kmart
■ BUY APPLIANCES1ST: A& A Appliances
2ND: Sears (New Iberia)
3RD: Lowe’s Home Improvement
HM: Magic Video
■ FOR APPLIANCE REPAIR1ST: A&A Appliances
2ND: Sears
3RD: Chris Maytag
HM: Magic Video
■ TO FIND A BARGAIN1ST: Wal-Mart
2ND: Goodwill
3RD: The Arc
HM: Dollar Tree
■ FOR SPORTING GOODS1ST: Lipari Sporting Goods
2ND: Holiday Sporting Goods
3RD: Wal-Mart
HM: Hibbett Sports
■ TO FIND FURNITURE1ST: Home Furniture
2ND: Foti Furniture
3RD: Fremin’s Food
HM: Pessons Furniture
■ TO SHOP FOR PERSONWHO HAS EVERYTHING
1ST: Wal-Mart
2ND: Texadas Jewelry & Gifts
3RD: Accentrics
HM: This & That
■ TO BUY ELECTRONICS1ST: Conn Appliance
2ND: Office Depot
3RD: Wal-Mart
HM: Radio Shack
■ TO RENT VIDEOS1ST: Movie Gallery
2ND: Blockbuster
3RD: Magic Video
HM: NetFlix
■ AUTO MECHANIC1ST: Cliff Dronet at Dronets Auto
Shop
2ND: Joe Hamilton at Musson Patout
3RD: Brady Guilbeaux at Teche Auto
■ BOAT MECHANIC1ST: Ryan Sonnier at Iberia Outboard
2ND: Carol Perez at Perez MarineRepair
3RD: Al Fortier at Fortier Boating
HM: Rodney Decoux at ExtremeMarine
■ TO BUY JEWELRY1ST: Armentor Jewelers
2ND: Allain’s Jewelry
3RD: Texadas Jewelry & Gifts
HM: Wal-Mart
■ PET GROOMER1ST: Tammy Talley at Tammy’s
Grooming Reaux’s
2ND: Acadiana Pet Spa
2ND: Kim at Doggie Bag Boutique
3RD: Toni Gonsoulin at All Creatures
HM: Theresa Flash at Dupuy AnimalClinic
HM: Theresa Hash at Theresa’s PetGroomer
■ BEST OF THE TECHE: ODDSN ENDS
■ BEST SPORTS TEAM1ST: LSU Sports
■ COMMUNITY MOVER ANDSHAKER
RECEIVING VOTES but with noclear winner
Paul Schwing
Ernest Freyou
Hilda Curry
Sheriff Louis Ackal
David Broussard
Debbie White
Ricky Huval
■ COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERRECEIVING VOTES but with no
clear winner
Paul Schwing
Debra Savoie
Jeff Jolet
Penny Corvart
Erne Lowery
Brother Declouet
Junie O’Donnell
Doc Thomas
Brenda Bergeron
Irene Castille
■ ELECTED OFFICIAL (WHOAND WHY)
1ST: Sheriff Louis Ackal - Doing hisbest to rid crime, dedicated recordspeaks for itself, getting drugs off thestreet, not afraid of challenges.
2ND: Iberia Parish Councilman JohnBerard - Helps anybody poor or rich.
3RD: Ernest Freyou - In office for thepeople and not for himself, gettingthe job done.
3RD: Hilda Curry - Keeps her cool,strong leadership.
■ AREA FESTIVAL1ST: Sugar Cane Festival
■ LOCAL TOURIST ATTRAC-TION
1ST: Shadows-on-the-Teche
■ TEACHER ( NOW & BACK)RECEIVING VOTES but no clear
winner:
Kim Romero
Ruth Bogan at Centerville High
Beverly Freeman
Nicole Rentrop
Gwen Guilbeaux
Chris Neuner
Diane Gisclaiiz
Billie Bonin
Steven Stansbury
Nicholas Gallimore
Mrs.Armentor at Park Avenue
Mr. Lee (no complete name or schoolsubmitted)
Mrs. Barras (NISH 1978)
■ GOLF COURSES1ST: Squirrel Run
■ RADIO PROGRAM PERSON-ALITY
RECEIVING VOTES but no clearwinner
Lee Kleinpeter “Lee K” at KANE
Jeff Boggs at KANE
CJ & Debbi Rae at KTDY 99.9
Gary Arnold
Jo-Bo-96.5
Bobby Novasad
■ TV PROGRAM PERSONALITY
RECEIVING VOTES but no clearwinner
Darla Montgomery
Tracy Wirtz KATC
Tom Voiche KATC
Gary Arnold KLFY
Dave Baker KATC
Lori Meaux Steel KLFY
Sarah Forgany KLFY
Alexandria Lewis KLFY
Blue Rolfes KLFY
■ FRIENDLIEST LAWENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Louis Ackal
Calvin Bourque
Earl Robicheaux
Laurie Segura
John Romero
Tony Derouen
Cy Landry
Kevin Prejean
David Baudoin
Sharon Gray
Wendell Raborn
■ PLACE TO SHOOT POOL
1ST: Pelicans on the Bayou
2ND: Bourbon Pub
2ND: Daiquiri’s and Company
■ SUMMER SPORTS ACTIVITY
1ST: Baseball
1ST: Swimming at City Park
■ LOCAL BAND
1ST: Geno Delofos
2ND: Rebel’s
■ BEST THING ABOUT LIVINGIN THE TECHE AREA
1ST: The food
2ND: Friendly people
BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 33THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
A L L THE B E S T■
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