It’s a small world after all. No longer will international visitors have to travel to Louisiana to eat crawfish or experience the rootsy Cajun funk of the Pine Leaf Boys. They can find the best of the bayou at Disney World’s 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Orlando, at least for another two weeks. “The Louisiana Experience - My Louisiana” exhibit opened in late September, with representatives from New Orleans. Each week another section of the state has had its opportunity to show off, and come Saturday, October 25, it will be Acadiana’s turn. Chefs Marcelle Bienvenu, and Brian Blanchard of i Monelli, Sandy Davis representing Konriko Rice, New Iberia woodcarver Kenny Grieg, and accordion maker Junior Martin will be demonstrating their crafts along with music from the Pine Leaf Boys .
The closing party will take place November 7 and 8, with Grammy award winner Terrance Simien, New Orleans soul queen Irma Thomas and the Lost Bayou Ramblers headlining. Cchefs John Folse, John Besh and Donovan Solis from Lafayette’s Randol’s Restaurant will cook up a banquet for visitors, to give visitors to Epcot a taste of Louisiana and invite the world to come experience the real thing, here at home.