THE RIGHT TOUCH OF SWEETNESS
For 100 years, "Steen's 100 Percent Pure Cane Syrup" has been a Louisiana staple. The company's sugar cane is grown in South Louisiana where it is field ripened before being crushed and cooked in open kettles into a dark, thick syrup that is not only poured over biscuits, waffles and pancakes but is also the secret ingredient in many delicious recipes. That same syrup is also converted into Steen's Louisiana Cane Vinegar...
THE RIGHT TOUCH OF SWEETNESS
For 100 years, "Steen's 100 Percent Pure Cane Syrup" has been a Louisiana staple. The company's sugar cane is grown in South Louisiana where it is field ripened before being crushed and cooked in open kettles into a dark, thick syrup that is not only poured over biscuits, waffles and pancakes but is also the secret ingredient in many delicious recipes. That same syrup is also converted into Steen's Louisiana Cane Vinegar, which has a light, sweet aftertaste. It's perfect for marinades and salad dressings. Whisk it with a little olive oil or create your own vinaigrette. I found this vinaigrette recipe at the New Orleans-based Hollygrove Market and Farm's website: pecan oil, Steen's cane vinegar, a large spoonful of peach or pineapple pepper jelly, a dab of local honey and a few thinly sliced spearmint leaves. Steen's Louisiana Cane Vinegar is available at Janise's Supermarket in Sunset. Call 662-5512 for more info. - Leslie Turk
FRESH FOOD COOKED OLD WORLD
Open for several years, Euro Breads and Pastries is tucked into a tiny side street on Republic Avenue off Kaliste Saloom Road, in the same strip at Bob's Pub. Owners Peter and Ingrid Czichomski make everything themselves. Baking begins at 3 a.m. From muffins to tea to gorgeous soups like a corn and crab bisque and the roasted pepper and gouda, Euro Breads and Pastries has everything from noshes to full meals, and full is the operative word. Its offerings are international, from authentic German bratwurst on broetchen to French pastries and Italian cannolis. Try the "The Works," which is a panini with several ingredients. This one had eggplant, tomato, artichokes and chicken blanketed by two crusty, homemade pieces of bread and seared in the panini press. Half the sandwich is more than enough although you'll want the other half later. Call them at 456-8338 to place an order to go or go sit down and enjoy an iced coffee - you get one free for spending at least $10 as part of Euro Breads EatLafayette special. $9.99 - Anna Purdy
KING CHARLES REBORN
When Bobby Charles died in January 2010, American pop/rock music lost one of its most gifted songwriters. Best known for hits like "See You Later Alligator" (Bill Haley) and "Walking to New Orleans" (Fats Domino), the reclusive Vermilion Parish native penned dozens of songs for other artists throughout his career, helping invent the genre we now call Swamp Pop. But in the early 1970s Charles also went into a studio in Woodstock, NY, and recorded what is now considered in songwriting circles to be a masterpiece, and Rhino Records has released it as a deluxe, three-disc collection that includes outtakes, alternate versions and an obscure radio interview Charles did with the disc jockey known as Dr. Demento. Charles was joined in the Bearsville Records sessions by longtime friend Dr. John, along with guitarist Amos Garrett, saxophonist David Sanborn and most of the members of The Band - quality musicians and a testament to the level of respect Charles enjoyed in music circles. The package - dubbed Bobby Charles (Handmade) - also includes extensive liner notes and vintage photos of Charles, including one snapped by The Ind's own Robin May. $49.98 at rhino.com. - Walter Pierce