A&E

Bienvenu cuts the baloney

by Anna Purdy

Marcelle Bienvenu is trying to make sure you don't only take sardines and processed luncheon meat on trips.
At 6 p.m. Friday, May 6 at Don's Seafood & Steakhouse in downtown Lafayette, Acadian House Publishing is hosting a book launch party for Marcelle Bienvenu's newest cookbook, No Baloney on My Boat. This is the latest of Bienvenu's offerings. Her book Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux? is a legendary Cajun cookbook staple. She has also co-written cookbooks with Emeril Legasse and was nominated for a James Beard award.

The title of this book references her father and what he always insisted on packing before any fishing trip with his family. In this book Bienvenu shows how easily you can make things like Gazpacho, Summer Spaghetti, Cheesy Bacon Bread and more with few ingredients and little fuss. The book isn't strictly for boats - its theme is more outdoorsy than strictly nautical, perfect for any outdoor cooking setting.

Bienvenu is an instructor at Nicholls State University's culinary program as well as a regular writer for The Times-Picayune and has been writing about Cajun and Creole cooking since the 1960s.

There is a second book signing from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble the following day.