Finds

Finds 02.04.09

DIVINE INSPIRATION
The Rev. Frank Coco was a familiar face in Grand Coteau, where he was a retreat director at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House for 25 years. But at night, the Jesuit priest was also a clarinetist who played jazz with the likes of Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. Coco passed away in New Orleans in 2006, but during the late ’80s he had been hard at work writing down the details of his own life. Acadian House Publishing has now gathered Coco’s writings together and published it as his autobiography, Blessed Be Jazz: The Story of My Life as a Clarinet-Playing Jesuit Priest in the French Quarter of New Orleans. For more information on the book, which retails for $19.95, visit www.acadianhouse.com .  — R. Reese Fuller

THE SAVVY MANAGER
To help managers hone their skills in today’s uncertain economic environment comes The Savvy Manager: Five Skills That Drive Optimal Performance. Coauthored by Lafayette resident Sandra Bernard Dugas, Ph.D., a professional executive coach, the book focuses on the more challenging “people side” of managing and offers coaching to help create a workplace that stimulates and engages employees — a key ingredient in any successful business. “The Savvy Manager is all about maximizing workplace performance by bringing out the best in everyone,” says Dugas. Available at area and online bookstores for $16.95, the book is receiving excellent local reviews. “My journey over the years through the leadership jungle has many times been unmapped,” says MidSouth Bank Chief Operating Officer Karen Hail. “The Savvy Manager provides a clear practical road map that can help you plan your leadership journey.” — Leslie Turk

OPEN WIDE
For those who jones for Thanksgiving all year round, the newest sandwich on Joey’s lunch menu will help satisfy your turkey and cranberry cravings. Joey’s Turducken breast sandwich is a high-stacked pile of sliced roasted turkey, duck and chicken stuffed with the holy trinity of celery, bellpepper and onion — there’s no sausage in this bird. Layered onto a toasted sourdough jalapeño bun, dressed with lettuce, tomato, a bit of shredded mozzarella and pepper jack cheese, and a wipe of Joey’s special sandwich spread, the turducken benefits from a spoonful of chunky cranberry relish, thoughtfully supplied with the sandwich. Sweet potato fries round out the holiday trimmings. This big boy is really made for two, unless you have access to a post-lunch napping quarters. It goes for $8.98, at Joey’s Speciality Foods & Catering on Bertrand Drive. Call 237-3661 for more info. — Mary Tutwiler