12th Street Bakery // A Community Supported Approach

by Spencer Valdespino, Writer & Videographer Baking and community just go together. And Alaskan native Elizabeth Cotter is putting the community into her bakery with a community supported approach — instead of going to a storefront, customers sign up for weekly bread drops. Formerly a resident of Alaska, Cotter had a bakery called “Bun on […]

Fresh, Local Food // A South Louisiana Movement

by Betsy Davis, Features Editor More and more people are demanding FRESH, LOCAL AND HOMEGROWN GOODS from the communities they live in, and Louisiana is responding. Farmers markets are on the rise, community gardens are sprouting up and businesses are staying true to their southern roots and all of the natural ingredients it has to […]

Donner-Peltier Distillers // Local Spirits

by Spencer Valdespino, Writer & Videographer The sweet scent of molasses and whiskey quickly fill the nostrils of customers who walk in. The small lobby has seating for about ten people–standing room for maybe 50. The walls are decorated with the award-winning liquor bottles. Souvenirs of glasses, sweaters, t-shirts and alcohol are also on display […]

Poirier Cane Syrup // Sweet Traditions

by Spencer Valdespino, Staff Writer This is a commodity that goes with pancakes, waffles, ice cream and it’s even used for marinades. Actually, the list is endless of what people put it on. From the kitchen of residential Louisiana homes to the fanciest of shelves in chef’s restaurants, CANE SYRUP is essential in the south. […]

St. Francis Vegetable Garden // Feeding the Community

by Claire LeBeouf, Staff Writer When Kimber Ratcliff, Chris Ledet and Nancy Bernard discussed the idea of opening a LOCAL GARDEN, they never expected that two months later they would break ground with the help of Catholic Charities and quickly become one of the most successful charitable organizations in the area. The original St. Francis […]

Rienzi Market // Connecting Food and Community

by Andetrie Vicks, Writer & Special Sections Rienzi Market is more than just a place to buy FRESH PRODUCE, it’s a place that gives back — the local bounty — to the COMMUNITY. “There is something special about going to the market and buying fresh food that has been grown by members of the community […]

Lafourche Central Market // A Rural Market

by Andetrie Vicks, Writer & Special Sections With hog headcheese and cracklings, chicken and duck eggs, beef and turkey jerky, arts and crafts, starter plants and more, there is something for everyone at the LAFOURCHE CENTRAL MARKET, where all the items here are fresh, homegrown or made by their vendor with no middleman involved. “The […]

Mudbug Brewery // Locally Inspired Beer

by Betsy Davis, Features Editor Anyone with a craving for some liquid Cajun culture can take a ride down Highway 3185 and indulge their senses at the Mudbug Brewery, a young Thibodaux-based manufacturing and distribution business that’s got something to different to offer even the most curious pallets. The King Cake Ale is one of […]