Best of the Teche

July 30, 2009Supplement to

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

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Let’s Travel602 Vicnaire St., New Iberia

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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.................0

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


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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.


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■ 2ND: Chili’s, E&E Sports Bar

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■ 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.


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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.


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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.”


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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■


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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


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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.


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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


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Best Of The Teche!

810 CENTER ST., NEW IBERIA

367-2626

One ItemWith Coupon

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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


2Thumbs

Up!

VOTED

BEST SEAFOOD

RESTAURANT!

VOTE

D

BEST

SEAFO

OD

RESTA

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

999 PARKVIEW DRIVENEW IBERIA • 365-2454

OPEN DAILY 4 PM - 11 PM

1120 CENTER STREETNEW IBERIA • 364-1254

OPEN DAILY 10 AM - 9 PM

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.


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


Cuc Le, left, and Loam Pham peel boiled crabs at Mike’s Seafood, winner of best place to buy seafood.


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


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


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.


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THANKS NEW IBERIA...

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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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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.


HEBERT’SGarden Center

533 W. ST. PETER STREET • 364-8421MON-FRI: 8-5 SAT 8-4 SUN CLOSED

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Thanks everyonefor voting for us! It

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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


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


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

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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


Carl Streva, from left, Jerry Streva and 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Oswald DeCuir dine in Little River Inn.


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


Golden Wok Restaurant was voted Best Chinese Food.


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■


Gwen Porche of Baking Memories in Jeanerette works on a cake.


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.


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■


Starbucks named best place to buy coffee in the Bestof the Teche.


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


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■


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


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


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


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


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


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!


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


FROM PAGE 27


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


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


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


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.



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


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


FROM PAGE 30


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



FROM PAGE 30

Best of the Teche

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