SWEET DECEPTION
Lapin gets the better of Bouki in this adaptation by Arthur “Roy” Williams of Lafayette (illustrated by L. Foote) of the Creole folktales. Bouki’s Honey follows the namesake and long-duped donkey as he undertakes a gardening project outside the church where the wily hare Lapin is the minister. The trusting Bouki hides his pot of honey in the church tower, and sneaky Lapin — feigning the call to baptize — sneaks off to church to drain the sweet syrup. This children’s book is a pleasant introduction to the Compaire Lapin (Comrade Lapin) folktales, Louisiana’s Creole version of the Brer Rabbit tales. Best of all, Bouki’s Honey is peppered with Creole-French phrases. Available at amazon.com for $15. Mais tonnere m’écrase! — Walter Pierce
GOBBLE GOBBLE
It’s not often you find roast turkey outside of Thanksgiving Day. But when you have a yen for the big bird, Baja Sports Grill serves up a great poboy stuffed with their own freshly roasted turkey breast. I’m talking about Cajun seasoning, onions, carrots, celery, stock — the whole nine yards — slow cooked, slow cooled and sliced to order. A little lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle, a swipe of their special Baja sauce, swiss cheese, French bread, the whole sandwich lightly pressed for extra crunch. Whew! $4.95 for half, $8.25 the whole. Call 264-0411 for more info. — Mary Tutwiler
FOOD ATLAS
Karl Breaux has drawn out a road map to regional cuisine. His new cookbook, written with Times of AcadianaCooking in Cajun Country food columnist Cheré Coen, is split into parochial chapters that include The Wetlands, The Bayou Region and Upper Prairie — each with its own signature recipes. From “Cottonport Jambalaya” and “Opelousas Catfish Gravy” to “Cypremort Point Speckled Trout” and “Marsh Island Crab, Shrimp and Okra Gumbo,” Breaux takes you across Acadiana from the prairie to the coast. True to form, the Breaux’s Mart owner, host of Cajun Karl’s Cook’n Adventures TV show and stalwart French-language preservationist, provides ample context on Cajun history and culture , making these recipes all the richer. retails for $16.99 and is available locally at most major bookstores. — Nathan Stubbs