Author: Emily Gautreaux

Experience Top Louisiana Festivals

Louisiana is well-known for its food, music, and the culture. But did you know that The Pelican State has numerous festivals throughout the year celebrating those very things? If you’re looking for a good time in Sportsman’s Paradise, try one of these Louisiana festivals!

Festival International de Louisiane

Festival International de Louisiane is one of the most popular festivals in the state of Louisiana. Hosted every year in Lafayette, Festival International in five days of culture and fun. Every April, downtown Lafayette becomes the home of international music. The festival boasts seven music stages in addition to street musicians, paintings, drawings, and boutiques. The festival is the largest international music and arts festival in the United States. The main purpose of the festival is to bring the gap between Acadiana and its roots in the French-speaking world. Over 20 countries are represented during the festival, which is about to mark its 34th year anniversary!

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival

In 1959, the Louisiana Legislature named Breaux Bridge, Louisiana the Crawfish Capital of the World. In 1960, as a spin off of the Breaux Bridge Centennial Celebration, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival was born. The festival is now known as one of the largest gatherings of Cajun musicians in the world. The Crawfish Festival takes place during the first weekend of May every year. Over 30 bands play each year! If you’re lucky, you may even win the zydeco dance contest. If you’ve never had crawfish etouffee, don’t fret. There’s a cook-off each year!

International Rice Festival

With its home in Crowley, Louisiana, the International Rice Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the state. The first festival was on October 5, 1937 and since then over seven million people have flocked to Crowley to attend. The festival is held in Downtown Crowley and highlights the importance of rice not only as a food, but also as a staple in the world’s economy. Each year the festival holds two parades: the Children’s Parade on Friday and the Grand Parade on Saturday. Other events include a Rice Cooking Contest and a Rice Eating Contest, a frog derby, and a queen’s pageant.

Christmas Festival of Lights

The Christmas Festival of Lights takes place in the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana- Natchitoches. The Festival of Lights has been a Natchitoches tradition since 1927 and is one of the oldest community holiday celebrations in the United States. The Festival began as a one day event and have transformed into six-week long celebration. The Natchitoches Christmas Season begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ends on January 6th. Each year consists of over 300,000 lights and over one hundred set pieces that are on display every night.

Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival

Located in Bogalusa, Louisiana, this Louisiana Festival is one that should not be missed. The Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival is the youngest festival on the list. The Blues & Heritage Festival was born in 2011 and quickly became one of the largest and most popular festivals in Louisiana. The first festival was held in 2012 and was declared the New Event of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals. The festival is held every September with music, lodging, food, and crafts.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

 

 

 

The World’s National Parks To Visit

Although the first national park was Yellowstone in 1872, the United States is no longer the only country that has national parks. Canada declared its first national park in the 1880s. Later came Great Britain, then its colonies, then Japan and Mexico in the 1930s. As the twentieth century progressed, more and more countries followed. The National Geographic has given us a list of the world’s national parks that are worth a visit in the article titled, Visit The Greatest National Parks Around the World and here are a few of our favorites!

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the first location to be declared a national park. The park spans over two million acres and three states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The park gained National Park status on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is well known for its hot springs, mudpots, active geysers. The most notable geyser within the park is Old Faithful. Since Yellowstone gained its national park status, Old Faithful has had over a million eruptions. Old Faithful’s eruptions vary from 100-180 feet. The eruptions normally last between 1.5 to 5 minutes.

Fiordland National Park

Located in New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland is comprised of over a dozen fjords and encompasses mountain and lake environments as well. The park was established in 1952 and sits at over 1.2 million hectares. Boasting a wide variety of flora and fauna, many plants and animals that inhabit Fiordland have evolved in a way to make them completely unique to that specific area. On land, the Great Walks offer a gorgeous view of waterfalls, granite peaks, and breathtaking lakes.

Iguazu National Park and Iguaçu National Park

With Iguazu being located in Argentina and Iguaçu in Brazil, these parks meet at the border of the two countries, creating a beautiful waterfall in the process. The waterfalls are surrounded by subtropical rainforests. The rainforests have their own unique ecosystem of plants and wildlife that have evolved and survived despite the intense conditions of the area.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

With its home in Australia, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park managed by both the Anagu and Australia’s park service. Most notable in the park is the Uluru monolith that stands proud over the park. Called Ayer’s Rock, the structure is sacred for the Anagu people. A ban on climbing the Uluru will take effect in October 2019. Despite this, Kata Tjuta can still be hiked along with other sites around the park.

Goreme National Park

Located in the country of Turkey, Goreme National Park is home to Fairy Chimneys- the name given to the park’s rock formations. If the structures themselves were not captivating by themselves, churches, dwellings, and underground cities were carved into the rocks dating as far back as the fourth century. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, museums, shops, and hotels are located in the carvings.

Cinque Terre National Park

 While most other parks are known for their wildlife, Cinque Terreis known for the five villages that are located along the Mediterranean coast. It sits at only fifteen square miles but it still as breathtaking as the other parks on the list. Despite its size, it boasts hiking trails, churches, villas, and monasteries.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Barbecue around the US

Barbecue is not something we joke about, especially in the south. The thing about barbecue is it is not something you rush. Barbecuing is a must do, especially since the weather is starting to cool down. It’s a process that takes time but the end result is a mouth-watering meal that will satisfy anybody. Barbecue fans are all on the same page about how important barbecue is to the American food industry. However, when it comes down to each individual state, there is no agreement on who’s is better. Everyone thinks their barbecue is the best.

What makes barbecue even better? The sides! Mac n Cheese, cornbread, coleslaw and more! Load the grill up with meat and bring out all of the sides for everyone to enjoy. Maybe even make a little sweet tea! This way of cooking has been around for forever. Our ancestors use to cook on an open flame which we have now adapted into barbecuing. Even George Washington wrote about barbecuing in his own diaries. Travel+Leisure has given us 25 of the Best Places for Barbecue in the U.S. They also used the help of Yelp’s algorithm to help find the “best” barbecue restaurants around the U.S. They look at the reviews and star ratings. No need to worry about large chain restaurants popping up in this list because they are all excluded.

Ever heard of taking a road trip just to try all of these amazing restaurants? A BBQ road trip to be exact. Hop in the car and start driving to the nearest restaurant.

Jesse’s Barbecue and Local Market located in Souderton, Pennsylvania.

Meat Boss located in Mobile, Alabama

Haywood Smokehouse located in Waynesville, North Carolina

Joe’s Kansas City BBQ located in Kansas CIty, Kansas

JK’s House of Ribs located in Manning, South Carolina

Scott’s Kitchen located in Kansas City, Missouri

Hate Mondays Tavernlocated in Miami, Florida

His and Hers BBQ located in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri

Midwest Bbq and Creamery located in Camp Dennison, Ohio

Coal Creek Smokehouse located in Rocky Top, Tennessee

Spicy Mike’s Bar-B-Q Haven located in Amarilla, Texas

Kat’s Barbecue located in Santa Fe, Texas

Watson’s BBQ located in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Lunch Box Deli and BBQ located in Lewiston, Idaho

Fox Smokehouse BBQ located in Boulder City, Nevada

Sunset Smokehouse located in Haleiwa, Hawaii

Country Boy’s BBQ located in Cashmere, Washington

Sam’s Texas Sub Shop located in Norfolk, Virginia

Calhoun’s Texas Barbeque located in Murrieta, California

Julia Belle’s Restaurant located in Florence, South Carolina

Haywood Smokehouse located in Dillsboro, North Carolina

Sparks and Smoke BBQ Takeout located in Reno, Nevada

Little Miss BBQ located in Phoenix, Arizona

Delauders BBQ located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Prunedale Market located in Salinas, California

There are no more than 2 places from each state on this list that way readers can see the multiple options every state has to offer. Pick a place and take a vacation there just based on the barbecue restaurant that is in the area; now that is one way to pick a destination.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

 

Visit New Iberia, Louisiana

Due to Louisiana’s location on the Mississippi River, it made the city of New Iberia a perfect landing spot for those looking to settle land in the U.S. This means that a lot of the communities in Louisiana are some of the oldest communities in the U.S. Not only that, but Native Americans actually populated Louisiana’s area meaning that this land is filled with history.

First claimed by spanish settlers in 1779, the banks of the Bayou Teche hold a lot of that history. This area known as New Iberia was eventually taken over by french settlers, who were known as Acadians. They were pushed out of Nova Scotia and once they settled here they became known as Cajuns. The perfect place to learn about Louisiana’s history while also maybe taking a vacation. We are here to tell you about a few different things to do in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Things to do in New Iberia

The Bayou Teche Museum

Known as a “hidden gem”, this museum has been years in the making. Offering educational tours and self guided tours, its visitors can explore the history and preservation this museum holds. The Bayou Teche Museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The doors open at 10 a.m. and they close at 4 p.m.. However, they can be open at other times when an appointment is made. Students pay $3 and adults pay $5; kids under five can enter for free.

The Shadows on the Teche

The Shadows on the Teche was built in 1834 for a man named David Weeks, a sugar planter. The Shadows displays the life of four generations of the Weeks family living at the Shadows. The building is a historic sight and even still also holds all of the Weeks papers.

Not only is the house amazing, the large trees that fill the property will take your breath away. The Shadows on the Teche is open year round. Monday through Saturday, 10a.m.-4p.m. The first tour will begin at 10:15 and the last tour will begin at 3:15.

Click here for all of the admissions information.

Places to eat

Duffy’s Diner

Looking for a 50s style diner that sells the best fried chicken? Check out Duffy’s Diner. Located in New Iberia, this diner will for sure fill your hunger after checking out Main street. Their menu ranges from simple sandwiches to seafood platters. Locally owned and operated, this diner will take you back in time but won’t cost a heavy penny. Make sure to grab a milkshake to go for the ride home. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the best milkshakes in town.

Jane’s Seafood and Chinese

Opened in 1991 this seafood and Chinese restaurant delivers to the city of New Iberia with its flavor. Featured in New Iberia’s Best of the Teche, Jane’s received many accomplishments. Including first place for the best wait staff. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays); check their website for their hours. This restaurant will please everyone with a little bit of everything. Make sure to try their chargrilled oysters, you’ll never forget them.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

Nicholls Art Exhibit-Dorothy Fratt

The Office of University Relations informs its readers about an exhibit that will be on display at the Nicholls State University. The University will be hosting and displaying the work of Dorothy Fratt. Dorothy Fratt is known for being an artist who explored the Abstract Expressionist movement and used color to deepen her experience with Abstract expressionism. Born in 1923, Fratt was from Washington, D.C. She received multiple scholarships from multiple schools that helped Fratt really start off her career in art. Her very own solo exhibit actually happened in 1946.

Not only was she an artist, she was also a teacher at Mount Vernon College for Women from 1946 to 1951. However, after this she moved to Arizona where she privately began to teach painting and color theory. Fratt’s main focus was Abstract expressionism. Abstract expressionism was a post World War II art movement that began in New York. This was the first artistic movement that was specifically American based and it actually had international influence. Abstract art was described as, “monumental in scale, romantic in mood, and expressive of a rugged individual freedom” (The Art Story). Booming in the 1930s, this art movement came at a time where there wasn’t much hope. However, artist like Fratt took that and ran with it. Creating art that will stay with us for decades.

This also gave New York City the opportunity to be one of the centers of the western art world. Though abstract work was done before, it was not until now that it actually truly began to be recognized. Abstract expressionism is known for the display of subconscious or spontaneous creation. Fratt not only used Abstract expressionism, she also used color as a way to create art beyond just the abstract. Her work ranges from representation to non-objective. This means that she her array of artwork is unimaginable.

Nicholls State exhibition will include all of her prints- this is the first time there is an exhibition that has all of Fratt’s prints. These works of art include serigraphs, etchings, and lithographs. A serigraph is actually a design that is printed and produced by a silkscreen. Fratt did not just paint. Her 70 year career included watercolors, prints, and drawings. Nicholls art exhibit will host more than 20 works Fratt created.

The exhibit is planning to take place from September 9th to September 27th, located in the Ameen Art Gallery. The gallery is open Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. There will be a reception held on Wednesday, September 11th. Starting at 5pm and ending at 8pm. The reception is open to the public. The exhibit is also open to the public as well. This is the perfect opportunity to not only get out of the house but to also explore the art world a little. With different pieces and works of art there is bound to be at least one thing everyone who visits will enjoy.

To learn more about Abstract Expressionism click, here.

For more education related information, click here.

 

 

French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Looking for the perfect French Dip Sandwich? Pass the Sushi has the perfect recipe for you to make everything from scratch.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT FRENCH DIP SANDWICH

The Onion Spread

  • 1 large onion, sliced thinly
  • 2 bunches of scallions, chopped up, the white and green parts should be separated
  • 6 medium shallots, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup of mayo
  • 1 ½ cup of sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar
  • Kosher salt

The Beef

The Jus

  • Six, 6 inch Italian rolls, make sure they are split and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons of dry sherry

SUPPLIES NEEDED

  • A large skillet
  • A roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer

DIRECTIONS

The Onion Spread

To begin the French Dip, using the large skillet, begin to heat up the vegetable oil. Place the burner on medium to low heat. Once the oil begins to heat up, add the onion and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt. Cook the onion, covered, for about 35 minutes and stir, making sure the coloring is a golden brown. The next step is to add the scallion whites and shallots; cover the skillet and cook. Making sure to stir, making sure it begins to brown. This could take about 25 more minutes. Once the 25 minutes are up, add the scallion greens into the skillet. Remove the skillet from the burner after adding the scallion greens.

Chop up the mixture and place it in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, vinegar, sour cream, mayo, and Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate the spread for at minimum of 2 hours and it can be stored for about a day.

The Beef

The first step is to mince the garlic and season it with a teaspoon of salt; using the flat side of the large knife to mash it. It should be the consistency of a paste. This should be placed into a bowl and add the cayenne, celery salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and oil. Take the beef and cut slits, small ones, into it. Use the garlic paste to push inside of the slits. Cover the beef and place it in the fridge for at least an hour. It can stay in the fridge overnight if needed.

The oven needs to be preheated to 425 degrees fahrenheit. The beef needs to be brought to room temperature before continuing. Use the ½ teaspoon of black pepper and 2 teaspoons of salt to sprinkle on top of the beef. Use a roasting pan to place the beef in; add celery, parsely, onion, water, and 1 cup of broth. Roast the beef for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Use the thermometer to insert into the beef to watch until the temperature reaches 115 degrees fahrenheit. This will take about 45 minutes. Take the beef out of the oven and place it onto a cutting board to rest for 20 minutes. Save the pan juices!

The Jus

The first step is to melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted add the flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in the juices that were saved from the pan from the beef. Add 3 cups of broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, remove the pan and add the sherry. Stir again to make sure everything is mixed together.

Use the onion spread to spread on the rolls. Slice the beef into thin pieces, slicing against the grain. Dip the slices of beef into the jus, make sure to get a little extra on the bread. Use the leftover jus sauce as dip.

For more delicious recipes, click here.