Best of Teche

BE S T O F THE T E CHE■

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 200832 THE DAILY IBERIAN

July 31, 2008

Supplement to

Stuffed Bread • Fully Cooked BrisketReady to Serve

Call in advance to place your order 336655--11117766

We promise to continue to deliver service,selection & low prices every day of the year!

• USDA Choice Meats• Fresh Rotisserie Chicken• Groceries & Produce• Fresh Sliced Deli Ham

• Frozen Foods & Dairy• BBQ Baby Backed Ribs• Wine, Beer & Liquor• Stuffed Potatoes

207 North Lewis • 365-1176 • 365-9886 • Store Hours Mon. - Sun. 7:00 - 8:00Locally Owned & Operated • www.bilo-supermarket.com

Money Orders • We Accept Food Stamps • Visa • Mastercard • American Express • Discover

1st PlaceBest Selection of Wines & Liquors

2nd PlaceBest Place to Buy Meat

1st PlaceBest Grocery Check-Out


■ BUY TIRES/SERICE1ST: Iberia Discount Tires.2ND: Delta World Tires.3RD: Allied Tires.HM: Winmill.HM: Ross Tires.HM: Patin’s.■ FIND UNUSUAL GIFTS1ST: This and That.2ND: Gift SensationsHM: Adella’s.HM: Bangles Baskets & Scents.■ BUY FLOWERS1ST: De De’s.2ND: Paul’s Flower Shop.3RD: Lowe’s.HM: Gallery of Flowers.HM: Breaux’s.HM: Gift Sensations.■ BUY OUTDOOR PLANTS1ST: Hebert’s.2ND: Lowe’s.3RD: Iberia Garden.■ BUY ‘COOL’ CASUAL CLOTHES

1ST: Stage.2ND: Goody’s.3RD: Backstage.HM: Wal-Mart.HM: Natalie’s.HM: Modish Posh.■ BUY ‘COOL’ CHILD’S CLOTHES1ST: Little Susan’s.2ND: Stage.3RD: For the Little Ones.HM: Wal-Mart.■ BUY APPLIANCES1ST: A&A Appliances.2ND: Conn’s.3RD: Lowe’s.HM: Chris Maytag.■ FOR APPLIANCE REPAIR1ST: A&A Appliances.2ND: Chris Maytag.HM: Lowe’s.HM: Conn’s.■ TO FIND A BARGAIN1ST: Wal-Mart.2ND: The Arc.HM: Burke’s Outlet.


THURSDAY, JULY 31, 20082 THE DAILY IBERIAN BE S T O F THE T E CHE■

THE DAILY IBERIAN 31THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2008

For Voting UsOne Of The Best!

613 E. Admiral Doyle • 364-8577

1st PlaceBest Place To Buy

“Cool Children’s Clothes”

Girls & AnimalsAre Here!

615 E. Admiral DoylePark right in front!

367-7685Hours M-F 9:30-5:30

Sat. 10-4

One of the Best PlacesTo Find

Unusual Gifts!New & Exciting

Merchandise Arriving Daily!

“It’s What Women Want!”PAUL’S FLOWER & PLANT SHOP

110 Weeks St. • 365-1428

Thank You For VotingPaul’s Flower Shop

2nd Place For Best Flowers

Mr. Paul SchwingOne Of The Best Community

Movers & ShakersOne Of The Best Community Volunteers

Arceneaux Ford1407 CENTER STREET, NEW IBERIA

337-364-9721www.arceneauxford.com

CONGRATULATIONS!Russell Snoddy and Gene Nora

Your Hometown Ford Dealer!

General Manager James Manuel (middle)

1st Place Best Boudin

13 Consecutive Years

Tuesday - Friday 7:00-5:30 • Saturday 7:00-1:00 410 Jefferson Terrace Blvd.

367-3831

Thanks For Making Us Your #1 Boucherie

• 1st Place Best Specialty Meats• 1st Place Best Meat• 2nd Place Best Cracklins

• Meat Packages • Fresh Cracklins Daily• Boudin • Crawfish Boudin • Hamburger Patties

• Chicken Sausage/Patties • Smoked Sausage• Beef/Pork Sausage • Tasso • Dressing Mix

• Stuffed Roast • Gift Certificates

I ND EX■

SOME OF THE FEATUREDWINNERS

Best Thing About Area ......This page

Best Golf Course......................Page 4

Best Place For Snowcones ......Page 6

Best Real Estate Agent............Page 7

Best Pet Groomer....................Page 9

Best Day Care ........................Page 10

Best Men’s & Child’s Haircut....Page 13

Best Check-out Service.........Page 16

Best Po-Boys...........................Page 20

Best Place for Breakfast........Page 22

Best Prepared Seafood..........Page 24

Best Travel Agent ...................Page 25

Best Jeweler............................Page 26

All the Best ............................Page 27

BE S T TH I NG ABOUT L I V I NG I N THE T E CHE A R EA■

BY MARY

CATHARINE MARTIN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

The persondown theaisle at the

grocery store justsmiled at you.Someone sayshello as you walkyour dog.

Are you suddenlyfamous? Have youforgotten a face?

No, you’re just inSouth Louisiana,where DailyIberian readersvoted the peoplethe best part of liv-ing in the TecheArea.

The DailyIberian’s annualBest of the Techepoll is an unscien-tific survey inwhich readers casttheir votes fortheir favorite peo-ple, places, busi-ness and things inthe Teche Area.

PatriciaJohnson, who livesin New Iberia, although she’s originallyfrom Delcambre and spent some time inCalifornia for work, said in the TecheArea, “basically you can walk by andspeak and say hello and people will

respond back.”In other places she’s been, she said that

wasn’t necessarily the case.“A bunch of us (here) are Cajuns. As a

whole we’re very friendly, I think,” said

Walter Peltier, also bornand raised in the area.

Dracos Burke traveled“all over” with the AirForce before retiring.

“The only place thatcompares to this for wel-come to strangers isSouth Carolina, butSouth Louisiana stilltakes the cake,” he said.

Burke said he thinks“people are pretty good everywhere” butare more open in the Teche Area.

A few years ago, his granddaughterwas visiting from Colorado, he said.

“We’d pass people (while walking inCity Park) and I’d speak to them. She’dsay ‘Do you know these people?’ ”

He didn’t. But “you pass people, youspeak to them.

“Sharing your life with others is morelikely to be done down here,” Burke said.

Beverly Huckaby said she especiallylikes that families are so close-knit here.That’s an opinion student AlyceeLeBlanc of New Iberia reinforces when

People best part of the areaSurvey: Best thing about living here are folks you meet

SEE PPEEOOPPLLEE,, PAGE 3

THE W INNER S■

BEST THING ABOUTTHE TECHE AREA

■ 1ST: The people.

■ ALSO RECEIVING VOTES: Thefood ...“It’s home” ... and “Lively yet onecan simmer down to country living.”

CarolynAllemand

Alicia Anthony Carrie Burke Dracos Burke

JaselynJeanLouis

BeverlyHuckaby

Scott FosterSandee Collins

Tom ShappuisWalter PeltierAlycee LeBlanc June Spurlock

PatriciaJohnson

A L L THE B E S T■

FROM PAGE 30

2ND: Christine Nails.3RD: Linda’s.HM: Nail Tech.■ RETIREMENT FACILITY1ST: Garden View.2ND: Azalea Estates.■ BUY LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT1ST: Lowe’s.2ND: Sammy Broussard.3RD: Romero’s.■ PHARMACY1ST: Wal-Mart.2ND: Delaune’s.3RD: Walgreens-Parkview.HM: Soileau’s Pharmacy.HM: L&M Pharmacy.■ TRAVEL AGENT1ST: Mindy Early at Let’s Travel.HM: Lamar at Let’s Travel.HM: Beth Comeaux at Cajun Travel.■ CATERING SERVICE1ST: Peltier’s.2ND: Meta Hebert.3RD: Sylvia’s Catering.

HM: Kajun Katering.■ PLUMBING1ST: Babineaux’s.2ND: Beano.3RD: R.T. Plumbing.3RD: All In One.HM: Gary’s Plumbing.■ BEST HEATING/AC SERVICE1ST: Fox’s.2ND: Doerle’s A/C & Heating.3RD: Tim’s.HM: Larry Delcambre.■ FRIENDLIEST BANK TELLERS1ST: Teche Federal-Jefferson Terrace.2ND: Community First-Jefferson Terrace.3RD: Teche Federal-St. Peter’s.■ BEST DAY CARE1ST: Cathy’s Day Care.HM: St.Anne’s.HM: Gingerbread.HM: Noah’s Ark.■ GROCERY CHECK-OUT SERVICE1ST: Bi-Lo.2ND: Super 1.HM: Simoneaud’s.

HM: Menard’s.■ DRY CLEANING SERVICE1ST: Derouen’s.2ND: Rudy’s.3RD: 1 Hour Martinizing.■ HANDYMAN SERVICE1ST: Lowe’s.2ND: Borel’s Service.HM: Sams.HM: ACE.

HM: Guidry’s Ignition.HM:Randy’s Home Improvement.■ HANDYMAN ADVICE1ST: Lowe’s.2ND: Ace Hardware.3RD: Borel’s Service.HM: Todd’s.HM: Guidry’s Ignition.




NEW IBERIA: 529 N. Lewis St 367-2516 • 142 W. St. Peter 364-5528 • 1120 Jefferson Terrace Blvd. 365-0366 • FRANKLIN: 211 Willow St. 828-3212

Thanks Iberia Parish for your vote of confidence!We strive to be the BEST!

1st Place1120 Jefferson Terrace

3rd Place142 W. St. Peter

www.teche.com

MEMBER FDIC

Home of“Totally Free Checking”

Home Equity LoansMortgage Loans • New or Refinanced

Meet the Friendliest Tellers in New Iberia

THANK YOU!VOTED #1 MECHANIC & AUTO REPAIR

Robert Babineaux#1 Mechanic

Your Trust in us is Greatly Appreciated!

1924 E. Main St.New Iberia

337-365-7471

Voted #1 Again...13 Years Running

“Thanks Everyone”

364-0495 1331 E. St. Peter St., New Iberia

Voted #1 in Appliance Repairs

AmanaWhirlpoolKitchenAidGeneral

ElectricFrigidare

Magic ChefHotpointFriedrichMaytagHooverNutone

BroanEstateRoperEureka

Voted #1 Place to Buy AppliancesWe Feature:

LocallyOwned &Operated


PEOPLE: Teche Area’s friendly residents really help make the world go ’round

she says “I’ve been here all my life. I’mgoing to stay ... can’t leave home.”

Jaselyn Jeanlouis of Loreauville isgoing to school in Tulsa. Comparing peo-ple between the two places, she said inTulsa

“You meet people and it’s ‘hi’ and ‘bye.’Here, anybody can strike up a conversa-tion.

Even on vacation with her family,she said “you always want to comehome.”

“I think mostly it’s culturally differ-ent,” said Scott Foster, who lives inLafayette but works on New Iberia’ssewer lines during the week.

“Up north they’re very outwardlyfriendly, but personally distant. Here, it’smore genuine and warm.

“If they say come in and have a cup ofcoffee, come in and have a cup of cof-fee.”

FROM PAGE 2

‘Basically you can walk by andspeak and say hello and people will respond back.’

Patricia Johnson

New Iberia resident

■

‘I’ve been here all my life. I’mgoing to stay ... can’t leavehome.’

Alycee LeBlanc

New Iberia resident

■

‘I think it’s mostly culturally different.’

Scott Foster

Lafayette resident who works in New Iberia

■

‘The only place that compares to this for welcome to strangers isSouth Carolina, but SouthLouisiana still takes the cake. ... Sharing your life with others is more likely tobe done down here.’

Dracos Burke

New Iberia resident

■

A L L THE B E S T■FROM PAGE 29

CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD OONN PPAAGGEE 3311

■ BAKERY ITEMS1ST: Super 1.2ND: Baking Memories.3RD: Wal-Mart.■ KING CAKES1ST: Fremin’s.2ND: Meches.■ DINING ‘ATMOSPHERE’1ST: Mr. Lester’s.HM: Little River Inn.HM: Clementine’s.HM: Taste N Sea.■ WAIT STAFF (LOCATION)1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.HM: Taste N Sea.HM: Little River Inn.■ WAITER/WAITRESSRECEIVING VOTES but with no clear winner:Yolanda at Victor’s.Sam Knight at Domino’s.Telitha Beech at Poppa’s.Nelda at Little River Inn.Megan at Chili’s.Mindy at Burger King.

Almeatra at SugArena Fuel Base.Alaina Buteau at Landry’s.Judy at Chili’s.Kay at Duffy’s.Liz Willis at Charlie’s (U.S. 90).■ WINES/LIQUOR1ST: Bi-Lo.1ST: Super 1.2ND: Simoneaud’s South.3RD: Clementine’s.■ BEST OF THE TECHE: BUSINESS■ INSURANCE AGENT1ST: Carrol Boudreaux at State Farm.2ND: Gilbert “Doc” Thomas at Allstate.3RD: Ray Scott at State Farm.HM: Jimmy Champagne at Allstate.HM: Alfred Ackal at State Farm.■ NEW CAR SALESMAN1ST: Calvin “Tiga” Broussard at Musson Patout.2ND: Justin Dugas at Musson Patout.3RD: Russell Snoddy at Arceneaux Ford.HM: Gene Nora at Arceneaux Ford.■ USED CAR SALESMAN1ST: Calvin “Tiga” Broussard at Musson Patout.2ND: Gene Nora at Arceneaux Ford.

3RD: Justin Dugas at Musson Patout.HM: Jarod Mullen at Superior Motors.■ CAR REPAIRS1ST: Guidry’s Ignition.2ND: Eugene’s Auto and Truck.3RD: Gordy’s Paint and Body.HM: Pat’s Auto Repair.HM: Dugas Auto Repair.HM: Dronet’s.■ PLACE FOR WOMAN’S HAIRCUT1ST: Hair U Wear.2ND: Sassy Cuts.3RD: I Love Lucy’s.HM: Hilltop.HM: Studio 902.■ PLACE FOR CHILD’S HAIRCUT1ST: Sassy Cuts.1ST: Hair U Wear.2ND: I Love Lucy’s.3RD: Wal-Mart.3RD: Mirror Mirror.3RD: Hilltop.■ TO HAVE NAILS DONE1ST: Hair U Wear.

BY NEAL MCCLELLAND

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Atough but fair and challenginglayout highlights the three nine-hole courses that make up

Squirrel Run Golf Club, according toPaul Theriot, who is the director of golfat the club.

“It’s a championship layout,” saidTheriot, originally from Delcambre, whohas been at the club for the past two years.“If you look at the yardage, it doesn’t over-all give a 73, 7400 yard tell-tale sign. Thereare some long holes and some short holes.

“There are some holes that are 300, 350

yards long but there is a lot of trouble onthose holes so you have to plan how youare going to play them.

“Some of our holes. like four and fiveon the Steeple Course, give the most trou-ble because of water and difficulty andthey are some of our shorter holes.

“If you don’t put it in the fairway offthe tee, you don’t have a chance to reachthe green. Once you’re on the green, youcould easily three putt. I’ve seen guys be15 feet from the hole and if the greens arefast, I’ve seen them four putt. It’s that dif-ficult.”




Best Donuts

Meche’s DonutsDebarado, Inc

403 E. St. Peter St. - New Iberia


403 E. St. Peter St. - New Iberia367-0726

“Thank You ForChoosing Us, WeAppreciate Your

Business!”

1st Place2nd Place

Best King Cakes

705 S. Lewis St. • New Iberia • 367-8387

Hair-U-WearSTUDIO & ACCESSORIES

Standing: Allison – Stylist 2nd Row: Nancy – Stylist, Miranda – Stylist/Owner 3rd Row: Tesa – Stylist, Jeanene – Stylist, LeiLani – Manicurist/Pedicurist 4th Row: Karly – Stylist, Lauren – Stylist

cash • check • visa • mastercard

THANK YOUto all of our customers who voted for us in

The Best of the Teche• 1st Place Best Place For Children’s Haircut

• 1st Place Best Women's Haircut • 2nd Place Best Men’s Haircut

1st PlaceBest Place To

Have Nails Done 500 Darby Lane, New Iberia

367-0863

Voted #1Best Place To

Play GolfThanks ForYour Vote!

1205 E Admiral Doyle • New Iberia, LA 70560 • (337) 367-9333

We appreciate you shopping with us.

Thank You!

BonCreoleBonCreole

Voted

Monday - Saturday 11 a.m - 9 p.m.Open Sunday for BBQ only

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.1409 E. St. Peter St. • 367-6181

#1BestPoorboysBestGumbo

BE S T GO L F COUR S E■

THE W INNER S■

BEST GOLF COURSE■ 1ST: Squirrel Run Golf Club.

Area’s best course toughbut fair — Squirrel Run

SEE FFAAIIRR,, PAGE 5BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Brad Clause, left, watches as golfing partner Shannon LeBlanc tees off at Squirrel Run.

‘If you don’t put it in thefairway off the tee,’ youwon’t reach the green


FROM PAGE 28





A sincere Thank Youfrom the staff at

Sugarena Fuel Base

Sugarena Fuel Base560-5550 • 2911 W. Admiral Doyle Drive • New Iberia

Seated left to right: Jessica Comeaux, Shereba Davis, Tressy Gary Standing left to right: Heather Richard, Mazel Fremin,

Tonia Knight, Almeatra Briggs, Tamika BroussardNot shown: Herbert Drumm

1st Place• Best

Beans & Rice• Best

Fast Food• Best Portions

• Best HomeStyle Cooking

• BestWait Staff

2nd Place• Best

Fried Chicken

COMMUNITY FIRST BANKIS PROUD TO HAVE SOME

OF THE FRIENDLIESTTELLERS IN TOWN!

Thanks, New Iberia!

w w w . c f i r s t b a n k . c o m435 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia 365-6677 • 403 Emile Verret Rd., New Iberia 365-6677801 Albertson Pkwy., Broussard 735-3400 • 2821 E.Milton Ave., Youngsville 856-7866

Bringing Banking Home

Thank You!1st Place

Winner - BestDry Cleaning

Service

We Have TheExperience To Give

You The QualityYou Expect! 1302 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. (Across from NISH)

New Iberia • 369-7082Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-3

INTEREST

FREE FINANCINGSame As Cash

“THANKS”

Carlo Foti and Walter Henry


FAIR: Hit the ball well, and score well

That type of play from the course is oneof the reasons that Squirrel Run wasselected be readers of The Daily Iberianas the Best Golf Course in the Teche Area.

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techecontest is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, businesses andthings in the Teche Area.

Separated into three distinct nine-holecourses, Squirrel Run, which opened in1986, offers top quality golf at non-topquality prices. “You can score on thiscourse,” said Theriot. “But it can alsocome up to bite you. If you hit the ballwell, you are going to score well.”

The three courses have their ownnames and personalities. Steeple (3,211yards, par 36) was named because on sev-eral holes you can see a church steeple inthe background, Woods (3,240, par 36) wasnamed because it is built through solidwood forest and had to be carved out andPlantation (3169, par 36) got its namebecause the land it was built on was origi-nally part of Darby Plantation grounds.

“It gives us three combinations of 18holes so there is a lot of variety,” saidTheriot. “There’s a different ninth holeand a different 18th hole each round. Itoffers a lot of variety instead on playingthe same 18 holes over and over.”

That’s one of the reasons that the coursehas hosted Monday qualifying for theannual Chitimacha Louisiana Open golftournament, for the past several years.

“Having three courses also gives usoptions,” said Theriot. “The members ofthe club get their chance to play but wecan still have guests come and play.

Theriot explained that there are about35,000 rounds of golf a year played atSquirrel Run, which is a semi-privatecourse that allows public daily fee play.

While Theriot encourages all to make atee time about two days in advance, it ispossible to just show up one morning orafternoon and he can get you on thecourse with about 30 minutes notice.

“We offer great value for the price,”Theriot said. “The product is as good asany course in the area. The greens aresome of the smoothest and fastest ... Youget more bang for your dollar.”

FROM PAGE 4

■ BEST OF THE TECHE: FOOD/DINING■ FRESH PRODUCE1ST: Super 1.2ND: Wal-Mart.HM: Winn Dixie.■ MEAT1ST: Legnon’s.2ND: Bi Lo.HM: Simoneaud’s South.■ SPECIALTY MEATS1ST: Legnon’s.2ND: Dave’s.HM: Joyce’s.■ ICE CREAM1ST: Baskin Robbins.2ND: Dairy Queen.■ FROZEN DRINKS1ST: TJ’s Daiquiri.2ND: Daiquiri’s.■ SANDWICHES1ST: Fresh (Shorty’s Cypress Bayou).2ND: Subway.HM: Quizno’s.■ PIZZA

1ST: Pizza Hut.2ND: Domino’s.HM: Pizza Place.■ MEXICAN FOOD1ST: Tampico’s.HM: El Chile Verde.■ SALAD BAR1ST: Ryan’s.2ND: Ruby Tuesday.■ CHINESE FOOD1ST: Golden Wok.2ND: Hong Kong.3RD: Bo-Bo’s.■ STEAKS1ST: Mr. Lester’s.HM: Chili’s.■ FRIED CHICKEN1ST: Popeye’s.2ND: SugArena Fuel Base.■ DONUTS1ST: Meche’s.■ PREPARED SEAFOOD1ST: Landry’s (New Iberia).2ND: Seafood Connection.HM: Jane’s.

■ SEAFOOD MARKET1ST: Little Lobster.2ND: Anna’s Seafood.HM: Hung’s.HM: Mike’s Seafood.■ RED BEANS & RICE1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.2ND: Popeye’s.■ GUMBO1ST: Bon Creole.2ND: Landry’s (New Iberia).3RD: Duffy’s.HM: Taste N Sea.■ FRENCH BREAD1ST: LeJeune’s Bakery.2ND: Simoneaud’s.■ BOUDIN1ST: Legnon’s.■ CRACKLINS1ST: Sonnier’s.2ND: Legnon’s.■ FASTFOOD1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.2ND: McDonald’s.■ COFFEE

1ST: Victor’s.2ND: Starbucks.■ MEET FOR BREAKFAST1ST: Victor’s.HM: Waffle House.■ DESSERTS1ST: Ryan’s.2ND: Baking Memories.■ EAT WITHOUT CHILDREN1ST: Mr. Lester’s.2ND: Clementine’s.■ CHILDREN’S PORTIONS1ST: Burger King.2ND: McDonald’s.■ PORTIONS1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.HM: Chili’s.■ BUFFET1ST: Ryan’s.HM: Taste N Sea.■ ‘HOME-STYLE’ COOKING1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.2ND: Taste N Sea.3RD: Victor’s.



FROM PAGE 27

BY WHITNEY ARMENTOR

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Pink ladies, pina colodas and cottoncandy are only a few of the wideselection of sweet delights that

enticed Teche Area residents to thisyear’s Best of the Teche snowball stand.

Recently readers of The Daily Iberianvoted The Snowball Factory the bestplace to buy snowcones in the TecheArea.

The Daily Iberian’s annual Best of theTeche Poll is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, business, andthings in the Teche Area.

Located at 1214 Center St., The SnowballFactory has been drawing people to itswrap around drive through since 1984.

The 16 workers are constantly busymaking hundreds of orders a day, partic-ularly in the busy summer months.

With a selection of more than 30 flavorsof sweet ice, plus ice cream, and othersweet delights, the demand is constant,

but the result is carefully crafted dessertsfor a reasonable price.

“We’ve been coming here since itopened,” said long-time customer AltonBatiste.

“It’s the best snow cones in town.”Owner Rhonda Smith said the shop was

opened by her parents, Ronald and PatsyFreyou, as a way to give their children an

BE S T O F THE T E CHEn

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 20086 THE DAILY IBERIAN BE S T O F THE T E CHEn


RETIREMENT•ASSISTED

LIVING

ALZHEIMER’S

•DEMENTIA

Thank You For Voting Us #1 Best Retirement Facility

GraciousLiving

Explore the possibility...1000 Darby Lane, New Iberia, LA 70560 • 337-364-2266 • www.gardenview.org

CAREFREE, TRANQUIL LIFESTYLES

SOUTH LOUISIANA

Victor’s CafeteriaDOWNTOWN NEW IBERIA ~ 369-9924 We Always Serve

Community Coffee

1st Place Best Coffee

1st Place Best Place To Meet For Breakfast

3rd Place Best Homestyle Cooking

Thank You!For Voting Us #1 BRENT DELCAMBRE

MANAGER

RELIABLE CLEANERS, L.L.C.

620 IBERIA ST.NEW IBERIA, LA 70560

369-3521DRY CLEANING SHIRTS,

JEANS - LAUNDRY

M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pmSat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thank You

Thanks Everyone, Your Business Is Appreciated

2816 Hwy 14 - New Iberia • Mon-Sat 6 - 9 • Sun 8 - 7 • PH: 560-1312

Also Voted Best For

PLANTS &FLOWERS

Lowe’s Voted #1• LAWN & GARDEN STORE• BEST HANDYMAN ADVICE • BEST HANDYMAN SERVICE

Seafood & Steak House

Hwy. 90 at Jefferson Island, New Iberia369-3772

Landry’sHours: Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-9 PM • Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-10 PM

Closed Sundays & Mondays •Visa •Mastercard •American Express •Discover

Thanksto all our loyal customers,

friends and family who voted for us in The Daily Iberian’s

Best of the Teche•1st Place ~ Best Prepared Seafood

•1st Place ~ Best Business Lunch

•2nd Place ~ Best Gumbo

Best Waiter/Waitress-Alaina Buteau

BE S T P L A C E TO BUY SNOWCONE Sn

THE W INNER Sn

BEST PLACE TOBUY SNOWCONES

n 1ST: The Snowball Factor.

n 2ND: Caribbean Ice.

n 3RD: (tie) Cool Scene, Mr. Bullers,Ausberry Snowballs, Sno-Go.

Icy treat awaits customers at The Snowball Factory

SEE TTRREEAATT,, PAGE 7

LEE BALL/THE DAILY IBERIANFrom left, Mallory Comeaux, Katie LaBiche and Emily Cobb hustle on making customerorders at The Snowball Factory.

n BEST OF THE TECHE: PLACESn RELAXRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

New Iberia City Park.

Clementine's.

Spa Almaz.

Lydia Park.

Cypremort Point.

Tampico’s.

n MEET PEOPLERECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

New Iberia City Park.

Tampico’s.

Carabella’s.

Church.

n EXERCISERECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Ladies First.

Baron’s.

Walking in Lydia Park.

Dynamic Health Club.

New Iberia City Park Walking Trail.

n SPEND SUNDAY AFTERNOON1ST: New Iberia City Park.

ALSO GETTING votes

Shadows-on-the-Teche.

The movies.

n PLAY TENNIS1ST: New Iberia City Park.

2ND: Willwood Park.

n GO DANCINGRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Rox.

Landry’s.

Buck Wild Saloon.

n GO FISHINGRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Cypremort Point.

Spanish Lake.

Henderson.

Pecan Island.

Lake Dauterive.

n PICNIC1ST: New Iberia City Park.

2ND: Cypremort Point.

n SWIMRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Cypremort Point.

Baron’s.

n NIGHT SPOT

RECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Bojangles.

Carabella’s.

Cypress Bayou Casino.

Downtown.

Buck Wild Saloon.

n TEEN ‘HANG OUT’RECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

The movies.

Cypremort Point.

n GO ON A DATERECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Le Rosier.

Ruby Tuesday’s.

Tampico’s.

Clementine’s.

Cypress Bayou Casino.

The movies.

Taste N Sea.

n MEET GUY/GIRLRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Tampico’s.

Cypremort Point.

Napoleon’s.

Chili’s.

n COLD BEERRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Bon Creole.

Clementine’s.

Bojangles.

Carabella’s.

Wheel In.

E&E Sports Bar.

Pelican’s.

Chili’s.

n WATCH SPORTSRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Chili’s.

Sting Rays.

Wheel Inn.

E&E Sports Bar.

Pelican’s.

n HEALTH FACILITYRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:

Baron’s.

Iberia Medical Center.

Ladies First.

Dauterive Hospital.

Dynamic Health Club.

A L L THE B E S Tn


Between the hours of 10:30a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and 3:30 p.m.and 9:30 p.m. Saturday andSunday, about 25 employeesserve patrons feasts ofboiled, fried and grilledseafood.

“We try to serve thebest,”Alex Romero, manag-er and owner of The BoilingPoint, said. “We have thebest seafood in the area, andthe readers of The DailyIberian also thinks so. Wehave fresh seafood and goodquality control.”

Romero said customersusually come back afterthey visit The Boiling Point.

“We never had a bad ordercome back,” he said. “Usingfresh seafood and listeningto customer input alsomakes the business reallysuccessful.”

James Burton, 29, of NewIberia said he and his familyeat at the restaurant all thetime.

“I really can see why theywere voted the Best of theTeche,” Burotn said. “Thefood is good, and the cus-tomer service is also reallygood too. My favorite here isthe boiled seafood because italways tastes good and spicy.”

His wife, Tracy, agreed.“The boiled shrimp is

really good,” she said smil-ing. “I also like the crawfishhere, too.”

afternoon job and work experience.“When I worked here, it was about

being able to make money and buythose little extras,” she said.

In keeping with her parent’s tradi-tion, Smith hires a staff of highschool and college students. For thoseworking there, the experience isinvaluable.

“The best thing about this job iswatchingthe girls grow up andmature,” she said. “I get to watchthem go through high school, college,and eventually start their lives.”

“It was my first job out of highschool,” said Krysten Sokol, anemployee of three years. “I thought itwould be fun, and I would be workingwith my friends.”

“Through good times and bad, wehave so much fun over here,” saidMallory Comeaux, who has worked atthe stand more than four years. “I’vemade so many new friends.”




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BE S T P L A C E TO BUY SNOWCONE S■

BE S T R E A L E S TAT E AGENT■

TREAT: Young people get chance to workFROM PAGE 6

‘We’ve been coming heresince it opened. It’s the bestsnow cones in town.’

Alton Batiste

Long-time customer at The Snowball Stand

■

‘It was my first job out ofhigh school.’

Krysten Sokol

The Snowball Stand employee

■So ‘many good agents’ here,but Segura’s voted the bestBY CHRIS LANDRY

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Rachel Segura is very much a peo-ple person.

The former stay-at-home mom’s secondstraight Best of the Teche honor as BestReal Estate Agent chosen by readers ofThe Daily Iberian is a reflection of heroutgoing personality.

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techepoll is an unscientific survey in whichreaders cast their votes for their favoritepeople, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

“There’s so many good agents in NewIberia,” said Segura, who has been anagent since 2003. “I felt it was such anhonor because in the past it’s been agentswho’ve had many years of experience,like Pat Caffery and Bart Broussard (whohave won).”

Caffery won the honor in 2006, withSegura placing second in voting that yearbefore garnering the most votes in 2007.Segura began working at Absolute Realtyin 2003 when her youngest son startedschool. Coldwell Banker later boughtAbsolute Realty, and she’s worked for the

SEE VVOOTTEEDD,, PAGE 8

LEE BALL/THE DAILY IBERIANRachel Segura of Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate has been voted top spot in survey.

T H E W INNER S■

BEST BOILED SEAFOOD

■ 1ST: The Boiling Point.

■ 2ND: Seafood Connection.

■ HM: Jane’s.

POINT: Try to serve the bestFROM PAGE 25

B E S T BO I L ED S E A FOOD■

BE S T P L A C E TO BUY J EWELRY■

BY WHITNEY ARMENTOR

THE DAILY IBERIAN

For the past 69 years, ArmentorJeweler’s has been a recognizablegem within the community.Recently, Teche Area residentsvoted the store the diamond oftheir eyes in The Daily Iberian’sBest of Teche for best place to buyjewelry.

The Daily Iberian’s annual Bestof the Teche Poll is an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast theirvotes for their favorite people,places, business, and things in theTeche Area.

Armentor’s, located at 1020 DaleSt., has been selecting fine jewelrysince 1939. Originally opened byJunius Armentor and now on thethird generation of family owners,the store has taken on a modernapproach while still providing thesame recognizable services.

“With our buy online Web site,you have the convenience of shop-

ping in your favorite chair, with theoption of seeing the items in per-son, if you so choose, before mak-ing the final decision,” said MikeArmentor, son of owner EricArmentor. “Ultimately, we’re tryingto be progressively minded whenwe’re going out into the jewelrymarket. In three generations, wecome from a different perspective.”

However, even with the new Website, regular customers can stilljust go in and peruse the selection.

“It’s just like a friendly pharma-cy,” said Joan Edgar, a regularpatron. “You don’t feel pressured.You can just go in to look and notbuy anything.”

With flexible payment options,many special occasions are markedwith jewelry selected with the helpof the small, familiar staff.

“There have been so many sto-ries,” said Eric Armentor, owner ofArmentor’s Jewelers. “But themost rewarding aspect is getting towork with people and share intheir genuine happiness.”

Both Mike and Eric Armentorsaid they feel there is a sense ofindividuality in their business, atthis point many of their customersare the third and fourth generationmembers of families that havebeen coming for years.

“We’re unique,” said EricArmentor. “We have people comein and tell us stories of how myfather used to let them pay five dol-lars a month over time.”

Armentor experience shines above competitionTHE W INNER S■

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

■ 1ST: Armentor’s.

■ 2ND: Allain’s.

■ 3RD: Texada’s.

■ HM: Gift Sensations.

company for all but about six months ofher career since.

“I wanted to do something (in the workforce) but I wanted to be able to attendschool outings and things like that too,”said Segura of her decision to go into realestate. “I wanted to have a flexible day.”

That’s allowed her to remain active inthe schools attended by her sons, a 17-year-old senior-to-be at New IberiaSenior High and an 11-year-old sixth-grader at Catholic High. Those ties, andher friendly personality, are among thethings that Segura said help her to be asuccessful real estate agent.

“I’m very active in the Catholic Highcommunity,” said Segura. “And my oldestson transferred to Senior High so I’vebeen active in that community too.

“I’ve been very fortunate that my fami-ly and friends have been loyal to me(when looking to buy or sell homes). Alot of agents tell me their friends andfamily aren’t always loyal.”

Past clients have told Segura that herfriendliness made it easy to talk to her, andto ask any question about the property orthe process of buying or selling a home.

“They tell me my experience, friendli-ness and honesty are the reasons theyfeel comfortable with me,” she said. “I’mvery much a people person. I’m able tomake people feel more comfortable withme. It’s always a big step when you pur-chase a home, whether it’s your firsthome or you’ve bought several in the

past.”Although she’s done some commercial

real estate deals, she prefers the residen-tial market.

“When you follow a deal all the waythrough, it’s an awesome experience,”she said. “When you see a familyexchange keys (to a new home), that’s soexciting for me.

“I love what I do. I love to go to workevery day. It’s great to be able to be amom and have a career.”




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THE W INNER S■

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

■ 1ST: Rachel Segura, Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate.

■ 2ND: Wayne Saunier, Coldwell Banker.

■ 3RD: Debbie Breaux, Caffery Real Estate.

■ HM: Anna Delahoussaye, Prudential; Rebekah McGee,Van Eaton.

FROM PAGE 7

VOTED: Active in the community and in the family while working as a realtor

‘When you follow a deal allthe way through, it’s an awesome experience. Whenyou see a family exchangekeys (to a new home), that’sso exciting for me. I lovewhat I do. I love to go towork every day.’

Rachel Segura

Coldwell Banker

Pelican Real Estate agent

■

BE S T BO I L ED S E A FOOD■

BY RANDY LOUIS

THE DAILY IBERIAN

If you are looking for good boiledseafood in the Teche Area, there aremany restaurants patrons can

choose from.But voters who took part in The Daily

Iberian's Best of the Teche contest feltthat only one restaurant should be calledthe best.

This year, employees of The BoilingPoint have the honor of being called thebest, according to The Daily Iberian'sannual Best of the Teche, an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite places, business andthings in the Teche Area.

The Boiling Point has been open for 27years and is owned and operated bymembers of the Maturin and Romerofamily.

Boiling Pointspot for seafood

SEE PPOOIINNTT,, PAGE 26

BE S T T R AV E L AGENT■

BY PHYLLIS ROMERO

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Enjoying traveling just makes thejob more rewarding when youmake a living helping others plan

the perfect trip.Mindy Early of Let’s Travel was recent-

ly voted the “best travel agent” in theTeche area.

“I appreciate all of the votes and trust,and I’m very humbled,” she said.

The Daily Iberian’s annual Best of theTeche poll is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, business andthings in the Teche Area.

Early has been in the business years 29years, 17 of which have been with Let’sTravel. She said she started working in theindustry after high school and never left.

“It’s interesting and exciting to helpsomeone get the best deal and save themmoney,” she said. “Especially in today’seconomy, it’s a challenge.”

Early said some of her clients’ morepopular destinations includeDisneyworld, Las Vegas, cruises and the

Caribbean. Jetting off to Europe is aclose second she said, but one destinationshe would like to visit and would like tosee more of her clients take an interestin is Quebec City in Canada.

“It gives the feel of being in Europe butis still on the North American conti-nent,” she said. “It’s so historical andarchitecturally ancient.”

Coworkers agree in the choice TheDaily Iberian readers made for theirfavorite travel agent.

“She’s very pleasant and extremelyvivacious,” Joann Segura, one of Early’sco-workers said.

“Her clients love her dearly, and she’llfind the best price for what they want.She’s been doing it for years andyears.”

Early said she really doesn’t have asecret to her success, but said she isready and willing to work hard for peopleand loves what she does.

She said the most memorable trip sheplanned was for a honeymoon toAustralia.

She said the sky was the limit for theclients and it was a very personalized

itinerary.“It was so fun and challenging and

everything was perfect,” Early said.

Early always going the distance

THE W INNER S■

BEST TRAVEL AGENT

■ 1ST: Mindy Early at Let’s Travel.

■ HM: Lamar at Let’s Travel.

■ HM: Beth Comeaux at Cajun Travel.

Mindy Early

BY HEATHER MILLER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

For Fred Wesley, owner of Wesley’sProfessional Dog Grooming in NewIberia, the secret to his success is

an open-door policy, literally.Beneath the brightly colored walls of

Wesley’s, located at 241 West St. Peter St.,is a three-bedroom house converted intoa grooming shop. The doors to all parts ofthe house remain open, giving customersthe freedom to see for themselves howanimals are being cared for.

“This gives customers a chance to real-ly see what I do for their dogs,” saidWesley while carefully placing a bowatop a Yorkshire (Yorkie) terrior. “I thinkit makes them feel more comfortable.”

Voted Best Pet Groomer in The DailyIberian’s 2008 Best of the Teche Awards,Wesley has been pampering the pets ofTeche area residents for 18 years, movingto his current location three years ago.

“Pets are part of the family, and I try totreat them as such,” Wesley said.“Service is No. 1 in this business.”

The Daily Iberian’s annual Best of theTeche poll is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for their




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THE W INNER S■

BEST PET GROOMER

■ 1ST: Wesley’s Professional Dog Grooming.

■ 2ND (TIE): Susan at Pet Spa and All

Creatures.

■ 3RD (TIE): Julie Bourgeois and Dr.

Dupuy’s.

■ HM: Acadiana Pet Spa.

He treatspets with a special cut

SEE TTRREEAATTSS,, PAGE 11BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Fred Wesley checks out one of his clients following a cut at Wesley’s Pet Grooming.

B E S T P R EPARED S E A FOOD, BU S I N E S S L UNCH■

BY HEATHER MILLER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Landry’s Seafood and Steakhouse inNew Iberia keeps regulars comingback with a simple combination of

three things: convenience, quality foodand atmosphere.

Voted best place for a business lunchand best place for prepared seafood inthe 2008 Daily Iberian’s Best of the TecheAwards, Landry’s has been satisfyingcustomers at its U.S. 90 location for 14years. Alaina Buteau, a server atLandry’s, also received honorable men-tion for best waiter/waitress.


“We have a good time over here,” saidElaine Buteau, general manager. “Wehave good food, a good atmosphere, andwe’re very accommodating for groups ofall sizes.”

Buteau said the Cajun eatery offers a

seafood/homestyle food buffet and a spe-cialty foods menu for lunch, giving din-ers the option of a quick bite or a relaxedlunch overlooking the pond outside.

“With the buffet, lunch can be veryfast,” said Buteau. “You can be in and outif you need to be.”

Buffet items during the week include

fried seafood, fettuccine, étouffée andmore, with cooked-to-order food from thelunch menu including steaks, a variety ofstuffed fish and seafood platters.

“I go with my wife two or three times aweek,” said Dave McHugh. “The food’sgood, and they’re very personable people,very hands-on with their customers.”

Buteau described the environment ascasual, family dining that also hosts liveCajun music from Hubert Maitre andGerald Thibodeaux on Friday andSaturday nights.

“We treat people like we really wantthem here, because we do,” Buteau said.“We really do want them here.”

Landry’s success comes from ‘really want to’ desire THE W INNER S■

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH■ 1ST: Landry’s, New Iberia.

■ 2ND: Little River Inn.

■ HM: Clementine.

BEST PREPARED SEAFOOD

■ 1ST: Landry’s, New Iberia.


■ HM: Jane’s.

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN Server Shandi Gonsoulin, standing left, owner Grace Landry, Joany Boudreaux, seated left,Gary Doucet, far right, and Beau Theriot, background enjoy the atmosphere at Landry’s.

BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Cathy Joseph, owner of Cathy’s DayCare Center Inc. in New Iberiasaid she is 82 percent deaf, but the

laughter, singing and cries of her 150-plus children are still music to her ears.

Winner of 2008 Best of the Teche in the“Best Day Care” category, Joseph said thebusiness has won first place in the com-petition nine out of the last 10 years,coming in second for one year.


In operation since 1978, Cathy’s DayCare originally started out of Joseph’shome with her mother and sister-in-lawhelping with the care of just a few chil-dren.

The business grew quickly and Josephbuilt what would become a 10,000 squarefoot facility on Admiral Doyle Drive toaccommodate 150 children that considerthe daycare a second home.

“We are not here to become rich, weare here to give the children love andattention in the absence of their par-ents,” Joseph said. “The key for us is to




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BE S T DAY C AR E■

THE W INNER S■

BEST DAY CARE

■ 1ST: Cathy’s Day Care.

■ 2ND: St.Anne’s.

■ 3RD: Gingerbread.

■ HM: Noah’s Ark.

Cathy’s succeeds at goal — give love and attention

SEE GGOOAALL,, PAGE 12

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIANCathy Joseph, center, with Cathy’s Day Care, reads a book to, from left, Ethan Ford, LezliSegura, Gracee Wilkerson, Cole Delahoussaye, Kobe Frilot and Dylan St. Romain, in back-ground, at the day care school.

David Stonicher, another Breakfast Clubmember, said he likes that “you can speakone on one with the kitchen.”

Communication is something one of themost friendly waiters or waitresses in theTeche area, Yolanda, or “Gail,” said is pres-ent between staff members, as well.

“We’re awesome at Victor’s,” she said.“We’re like a family. That’s what makes it.”

As far as her own friendliness goes,Yolanda said “I keep my bad days to myself.”

“If someone comes in grumpy, I say‘You’re too much of a pleasant-looking per-son to be bummed out.’ ”

Victor Huckaby’s father started the restau-rant in 1969, with Victor taking over in 1984.

He said it’s always been a central meetingplace.

“We serve a good breakfast, but a lot of itis the company, the tradition of knowingthey’re going to come in here and see theirfriends and start their day off,” he said.“One complements the other.”

Victor’s opens at 6 a.m. Monday throughSaturday and at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays.

THE W INNER S■

BEST COFFEE■ 1ST: Victor’s.

■ 2ND: Starbucks.

BEST PLACE TO MEET FOR BREAKFAST

■ 1ST: Victor’s.

■ HM: Waffle House.

BE S T P L A C E TO MEE T FOR BR EAK FA S T, CO F F E E , F R I ENDL I E S T WA I T E R■

COFFEE: ‘We’re like a family. That’s what makes it’FROM PAGE 22




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things in the Teche Area.Wesley, who received his dog-groom-

ing certification at a school in Dallas,said he offers only full-service formostly small dogs, which includeswash, dip, nails, glands, ears, haircutand decoration.

He is open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.Monday-Friday, and said he prefers togroom one dog per hour (six per day),but can fit in up to 10 if necessary.

Wesley has experience in competi-tion grooming, which he said helped himlearn top grooming standards for differ-ent breeds.

“The real practice came when I openedmy business,” he said. “I get a chance touse all my skills.”

His interest in pet grooming began inPort Arthur, Texas, when he wasemployed by the National WeatherService. He started a small dog-groomingbusiness there, but only offered washingand flea dipping.

“I noticed lots of dogs there (in PortArthur), but no groomer,” said Wesley.“That’s what gave me the idea.”

Leshia Mercier of Cade, a regular cus-tomer of Wesley’s, said she has beenusing his services for her Sheltie, Reeses,for about seven years.

“He provides great service for my dog,”she said. “He always fits me in, no matterhow busy he is. He really gives my dogthe works.”

Though he is an avid animal lover,Wesley admitted he has not owned pets ofhis own since his two collies died a few

years ago.“I adopt other people’s pets once an

hour,” he said.“I play with them, make them feel good

and then send them home.”

FROM PAGE 9

TREATS: Prefers to groom 1 dog per hour

The Area’s best of the best covered in Best of the Teche

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIANFred Wesley, owner of Wesley’s PetGrooming, talks to his client during abrushing. His shop was voted Best of theTeche.

BY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Victor’s Cafeteria, a New Iberialandmark, placed in multiple cate-gories this year in The Daily

Iberian’s annual Best of the Teche vot-ing, winning “Best Place to Meet forBreakfast,” “Best Coffee,” and with staffmember Yolanda placing in “FriendliestWaiter or Waitress,” for which there wasno clear winner.

Mernel Bourque, from New Iberia, andher friend Annie Matthews from FourCorners come just about every Saturday.

“They have very good breakfast, andthe coffee’s very good — and the service,”said Matthews. “I love their biscuits.”

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techepoll is an unscientific survey in whichreaders cast their votes for their favorite

people, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

Lori Bernard was there with friendsand her mother, Susan Bernard, on July16 to celebrate her 17th birthday. She saidduring the school year she comes withher friends on Friday mornings beforeattending Catholic High.

“It’s the best place to get breakfast forthem,” said Susan. “It’s home-made.”

And there is, of course, the BreakfastClub, an informal gathering of regularsthat really gets going shortly after 7a.m. each week,

“We solve the world’s problem and cre-ate some more,” said Phil Culotta.

Gordon Doerle agreed. “We solve prob-lems every morning — hear the gossip,get the news.”

“It’s a nice way to rest, drink coffee andmeet old friends and young friends,” saidRussell Berard.

BE S T P L A C E TO MEE T FOR BR EAK FA S T, CO F F E E , F R I ENDL I E S T WA I T E R OR WA I T R E S S■

Victor’s aboutmore than just coffee

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIANA crowd of a dozen or more is not a rare sight at Victor’s Cafeteria, a New Iberia stop heavily lauded in the 2008 Best of the Teche.

SEE CCOOFFFFEEEE,, PAGE 23




NIRD

New Iberia Recreation DepartmentBringing Families Together Through Recreation

SINCERELY THANKS OUR PARK USERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

Voted One of the Best Places to RelaxVoted One of the Best Places to Meet People

Voted One of the Best Walking Trails

1st Place• Best Place To Have A Picnic • Best Place To Play Tennis

• Best Place To Spend Sunday Afternoon

6114 E. Hwy. 90364-9183

We appreciate your business.

Best Auto Mechanic -2nd Place

Best Place For Car andTruck Repairs -

2nd Place

Thank You for votingEugene’s Auto Service Center

*Tuscan series pottery 10% off sale prices. %’s off regular prices, existing stock only.

HOUSEPLANTS & INTERIOR PALMS

50%OFF

Summer’s almost over, back-to-schoolis right around the corner...

AND your lawn and garden can STILL look great!

ferti-lome LAWNFOOD PLUS IRON

Covers 10,000 sq. ft.Stock up now, apply after a good rain!

$1999SALE!

$1499

HEBERT’SGarden Center

533 W. ST. PETER STREET • 364-8421MON-FRI: 9-5:30 SAT 8-4 SUN CLOSED

Your lawn can be greener! Assorted

HIBISCUS1 Gallon

Regular $8.99-$9.99$499ONLY

White • Red • Pink

MANDEVILLAPopular Tropical Plant

Reg. $29.99Value

$1499ONLY

GIFTWARE

50%OFF

SHADE TREES!

OFF

CLEARANCE PRICED

Reg. $3.99 Ea.

TAKE50%

GAPS TO FILL?You’ll find a nice new selection of summer color

bedding plants prices reduced!

$199Ea.

JUST IN:FALL

TOMATOPLANTS

1 Gallon

HYDRANGEAS$399

Ea.

$149Ea.

Reg $19.99-$24.99

Remember...When you havequestions and need assistance,Hebert’s is here to help you!

Thanks everyone for voting for us. It truly is our privilege to serve you.

Thanks, Richard

ASSORTED POTTERY!*Discounted

30%-60% OFF Regular Prices

50%TAKEOFFRegular Prices

FOUNTAINS

CRAPE MYRTLESMany Colors & Varieties! 3 Gallon

$799Ea.

1 GallonAZALEAS

Reg. to $7.99 Ea.Reg. $6.99

A summer favorite!

#1 Best Placeto Buy OutdoorPlants

Reg.$25.99

OUR ENTIRESELECTION OF

PLANTS

25%OFF

up to

75%OFF

ALL PLANTSON SALE

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING367-2511 • 1321 E. Main St., New Iberia Dan Doerle

DOERLE’S

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

Voted One of the Best In Town –THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!!

GILBERT J. THOMAS, JR.Gilbert “Doc Thomas Agency, Inc.1403 Bank Ave., New Iberia

OUR STAND

EVERYONE COULD USE

A QUARTER BACK.($100 OFF YOUR DEDUCTIBLE WOULD BE EVEN BETTER.)

GET NEW DEDUCTIBLE REWARDS TODAY. $100 off yourdeductible for every year of safe driving. it’s part of new

Allstate Your Choice Auto Insurance. Are you in Good Hands®?

Feature is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Available in selectstates now and in most states by 1/31/06 (subject to regulatory approvalwhere required). Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company.Northbrook, Il. © 2007 Allstate Insurance Company

2nd Place - Best Insurance Agent

One of the Best Community Mover & Shaker

One of the Best Best Community Volunteer

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKMon.-Thur.: 11:00 am-9:30 pm

Fri. & Sat.: 11:00 am to 10:00 pmSunday: 11:00 am-9:30 pm

365-0646816 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.(In Front of Office Depot)

Voted #1

Thanks Everyone!

Chinese RestaurantDine-In

OrTake-Out


gain the trust of the parents and we dothat simply by loving our jobs and theparents come to appreciate that care.”

Cathy’s Day Care was recently awardeda second quality star from the state ofLouisiana.

Peggy Huval, assistant director of thedaycare, said two quality stars have onlybeen achieved by four day cares in thestate and Cathy’s is the only one regional-ly to boast the high rating.

Joseph is a daily presence at the daycare and takes the quality of her staffseriously. “I hire only top of the line, quali-ty and loving people and I look for a bigheart as the number one requirement,” shesaid.

Huval said evidence of Joseph’s qualitymanagement, dedication to her staff andwillingness to pay them what they areworth can be seen in the many long-termemployees at the day care, including onewho has been on staff for 20 years.

Huval said the day care provides a lot oflove and patience to the younger groups, a

computer lab and language lessons to thepre-kindergarten groups and dance lessonsfor those children whose parents can’t getthem to lessons at other locations.

Becky Musemeche’s two children,Kelton, 6, and Kylie, 5, have attendedCathy’s Day Care for several years.

Musemeche said the staff at Cathy’streats parents with a great deal of com-passion and trust and love the childrenthat attend much like an extended family.

“Everyone there is very much focusedon the well-being of your child,” shesaid. “They take care of my child justlike I would. I would highly recommendthis daycare to everyone with children.”

With a staff of 16 full-time and twopart-time employees, Joseph said in 1978,when she opened her day care as a newparent, she had a hard time trusting any-one with her child.

Perhaps, part of Joseph’s success andlongevity is due to her ability to relate toparents when they communicate theirfears about leaving their children in day-care and her guarantee their child are ina patient and loving place.

FROM PAGE 10

GOAL: Day Care received 2nd quality star

THE W INNER S■

BEST POBOYS■ 1ST: Bon Creole.

■ 2ND: Duffy’s.

Montegut describes his poboys as “typical.”“It’s like a hoagie someplace else, but the difference is the

poboy is always on French bread,” Montegut said.“We overstuff our poboys, and that’s probably what sepa-

rates us from the others.“You can have anything on your poboy. We can do seafood,

roast beef, ham, oysters or shrimp. Shrimp is the number oneseller by far.”

Bon Creole started out serving lunch Monday through Friday.“Business just grew, and we’ve gradually added days, nights

and weekends, and my daughter Renee runs our Sunday bar-becue, which has been very good for us,” Montegut said.

“We also do a good gumbo.”Bon Creole is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.

to 9 p.m. and has its barbecue only on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2p.m.

BE S T POBOYS■

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Bon Creole, Pattie Salazar prepares a shrimp po-boy in the kitchen.

CREOLE: Overstuff is the keyFROM PAGE 20

BY STEVE WILSON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

With an owner with more than 19years of hair styling experience,coupled with being a Best of the

Teche winner for the last four years, SassyCuts continues to be one of the area’s pre-miere hair salons, according to voters inThe Daily Iberian’s survey for 2008.

Sassy Cuts is a full-service salon with alarge variety of clientele. Owner SharonBoutte opened her business four and ahalf years ago, and for the last two and ahalf years Sassy Cuts has been in its cur-rent location at 2717 Curtis Lane in NewIberia. They are the 2008 Best of theTeche winner for Best Men’s Haircut.

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techepoll is an unscientific survey in which




THANKSTO OUR CUSTOMERS FORVOTING MUSSON-PATOUT

THE BEST!


Used CarsHwy14 (Across fromLowes) 365-1778 Collision Center 1200E.St.Peter 365-10251601 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.

364-0692

would like to expressour very special

THANK YOUto everyone

who voted us



who voted us#1 DayCare

CenterThank You For 29Wonderful Years

We Appreciate YourLoyal Support

#1 DayCare



Cathy’s day care center

www.coldwellbankerpelican.com

Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate1207 Center St., New Iberia • 364-9882

“Experience Is The Key!”New Iberia • Lafayette • Broussard

Breaux Bridge • Opelousas • Alexandria

A Very SpecialThank You!

1st Place...Best Real Estate Agent

Rachel SeguraWith Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate

2nd Place...Best Real Estate Agent

Wayne SaunierWith Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate

1106 CENTER ST.NEW IBERIA

365-2326

CAR SHOW2ND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

6:00 - 9:30 PM

Duffy’s DinerA special thanks to all of our customers . . .

for voting us Best of the Teche!

One of the Best Places For• Po-Boys• Gumbo• Hamburgers

BE S T MEN ’ S H A I R CUT & BE S T CH I LD ’ S H A I R CUT■

THE W INNER S■

BEST MEN’S HAIRCUT

■ 1ST: Sassy Cuts.

■ 2ND: Hair U Wear.

■ 3RD: I Love Lucy’s.

■ HM: Clyde’s and Vice’s.

THE W INNER S■

BEST CHILD’s HAIRCUT

■ 1ST (TIE): Sassy Cuts and Hair U Wear.

■ 2ND: I Love Lucy’s.

■ 3RD: Wal-mart

■ HM: Mirror Mirror and Hilltop.SEE CCRROOPPSS,, PAGE 14

Sassy Cuts crops twoawards in ‘Best’ voting

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Sassy Cuts, Scott Boutte has his hair cut by Sharon Boutte.

B E S T POBOYS■

BY STEVE WILSON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Randy Montegut is proud of his PoBoys. “I’mglad the customer appreciates what we offerthem,” Montegut said about winning the Best

Poboy award for the 2008 Best of the Teche.Montegut said that they’ve won the Best PoBoy

award as long as the contest has been run.Duffy’s won this year’s award for second best PoBoy.The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Teche poll is an

unscientific survey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite people, places, businesses and thingsin the Teche Area.

Montegut and his wife Julie are the owners andoperators of Bon Creole, located at 1409 E. St. Peter St.in New Iberia.

The Monteguts opened Bon Creole as a restaurantin 1996, and used the same building between 1982 and1994 for processing crawfish and other seafood.

The PoBoys at Bon Creole are sandwiches on Frenchbread and can have any number of items on them.

Bon Creole isthe poboy stop

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Bon Creole Seafood July 9, Judge Cameron Simmons seasons his po-boy to taste with Tabasco. SEE CCRREEOOLLEE,, PAGE 21

just love our hamburgers. Our most popu-lar hamburger that we sell is our sour-dough hamburger.

“These burgers are made fresh out ofreal Angus beef.”

Hardee’s opens its doors to patrons whowant hamburgers at 5:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Segura said the restaurant has 28employees.

Segura said Hardee’s also sells a lot ofcurly fries, cheddar fries, smoothies, appleturnover and an assortment of breakfastitems.

“Everything is hot and fresh,” she said.“We treat customers nice and they keepcoming back for more. We usually see agood crowd of people during the day.”

Hope Joseph, 29, of New Iberia said sheprefers Hardee’s over other fast-foodstores because “their hamburgers tastebetter.”

“I don’t cook that well, so I eat a lot offast food,” Joseph said. “When I am athome and I have a craving for a homemadeburger, I go to Hardee’s.

“Besides, I live right down the street. It’sconvenient for me.”




Jarod Mullen

Superior Motors367-1320 • 1406 Center St., New Iberia

ThanksNew Iberia

Great Cars At Great PricesWe Make It Easy!

Your Vote IsSincerely

Appreciated

Thank you to our

community for

our Best of the

Teche Award.

We stand committed to providing our community with quality compassionate healthcare.

2315 E. Main Street • New Iberia, LA 70560337-364-0441

www.fremins.com603-F W. Admiral Doyle Dr.

New Iberia, LA 70560FAX 364-9186

1-800-526-2771

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!




LITTLE LOBSTERSwants to thank *YOU*

FOR VOTING US

#1BEST SEAFOOD MARKETThanks for another great year...see you next season!

Rebekah McGee337-579-0333 337-365-9700

Thank You For Making MePart Of “Best Of The Teche”The Teche Area Is One Of The Best Places To Live!

Check Out These Homes That Are Available.

2104 Turnberry St. - $289,000 201 Estate Dr. - $179,900

319 Pellerin St. - $130,000 1417 Tarleton St. - $132,500

4817 Anchor Dr. - $126,000

BE S T MEN ’ S H A I R CUT■

readers cast their votes for their favoritepeople, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

Boutte attributes her success both toprayer and to dedication to her cus-tomers, who also voted the business BestChild’s Haircut and second in BestWomen’s Hair Cut behind Hair U Wear.

“Customers come first, and here atSassy Cuts we put their needs first,”Boutte said. “We pride ourselves onhealthy, soft flowing hair and we makesure our men’s haircuts are done withgreat precision.”

Boutte said that she has long beenmotivated by a desire for excellence ather craft. “I’ve always strived to be thebest,” she said.

As Sassy Cuts’ lead barber and stylist,Boutte is assisted by Beth Bergeron,Shawnetta Olivier and Cyntrelle Allen.

Bergeron has worked as an assistant atSassy Cuts for the past year.

“It’s a nice place to work,” Bergeronsaid. “Everybody’s outgoing.”

A New Iberia native, Boutte is a gradu-ate of Mt. Carmel Academy and theAcademy of Hair Design and LafayetteRegional in Barbering.

She frequently attends a variety ofhair classes and conventions, on thelocal, regional and national levels, tostay current on hair styling trends andhair care needs. She extends her grati-tude to her customers for their support.

“Thanks to all of you who have beenpart of our success,” she said. “We hope tocontinue serving you for years to come.”

Sassy Cuts works by appointment only.To make an appointment call them at 337-364-6181.

FROM PAGE 13

CROPS: ‘We make sure our men’s haircuts are done with great precision’ — Boutte

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Sassy Cuts Scott Boutte has his hair cut by Sharon Boutte.

T H E W INNER S■

BEST WOMEN’S HAIRCUT

■ 1ST: Hair U Wear.

■ 2ND: Sassy Cuts.


■ HM: Hilltop and Suite 902.

THE W INNER S■

BEST HAMBURGER■ 1ST: Hardee’s.

■ HM: Viator’s.

■ HM: Duffy’s.

■ HM: Burger King.

HAMBURGER: Doors open at 5:30 a.m. and stay open to 11 p.m. or later all weekFROM PAGE A18

‘We treat customers nice andthey keep coming back ...’

Natasha Segura

Hardee’s manager

■

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANJerry Delcambre enjoys her hamburger at Hardee’s Restaurant.

B E S T H AMBURGER■




THANKS NEW IBERIAfor making

1Number

Admiral Doyle Pizza Hut (L-R): John, DaeshaJohnson, Ashley, Kayleen & Bertha Orson.

Try our salad and buffet bar.

Cashiers Kayleen Fusilier and Ashley Landry.

Newly remodeled Pizza Hut Admiral Doyle location.

East St. Peter Pizza Hut (L-R): Chelsie Sam, BridgetArdeneaux, Kea Latulas, Ashley LeBlanc & B. Khammany.

Rebecca Roy takes phone order.

Danica McKeever and Ashley LeBlanc.

B Khammany goes out for pizza delivery.

Bridget Ardeneaux makes pizza.

DINE

IN

OR

DELIVERY

635 E. Adm. Doyle Dr.337-364-1176

905 E. St. Peter337-369-3757

Charlotte Miller taking phone orders.

THANKS!THANKS!

BBESTEST BBURGERURGERin the Tin the Teche!eche!

$$110000

THICKBURGERTHICKBURGER ®®

now until now until August 10th August 10th with this ad!with this ad!

ofof f anyf any

CorCor ner of Iberia &ner of Iberia &Admiral DoyleAdmiral Doyle

THETHE

Thanks for Voting UsOne of the Best Pharmacies!

Old Fashioned Service for over 40 y ears

308 N. Lewis St., New Iberia • 364-7671 • www.delaunes1.com

BE S T HAMBURGER■

BY RANDY LOUIS

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Preparing it from scratch and keep-ing it hot has Hardee’s restaurantabove the rest of local restaurants

who sell hamburgers in the Teche Area.Recently, readers of The Daily Iberian

voted Hardee’s the best place for ham-burgers.


“We sell quite a bit of hamburgersdaily to our customers,” said NatashaSegura, 21, manager at Hardee’s. “I havebeen here three years and the customers

Hamburgersdone rightat Hardee’s

SEE HHAAMMBBUURRGGEERRSS,, PAGE 19

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANHali Morrow, from left, Mallory Landry, Tim Morrow and Ethan Landry are shown dining at Hardee’s Restaurant.

know who they are.”Boudreaux said Bi-Lo has between 35

and 40 employees. The store has utilizedjust four checkout stations for a longtime but by 3 p.m., customers can counton them all being in action.

“Checkout works out fine because wehave somebody bag it for you,”Boudreaux said. “Nobody waits unlessthey really have to. And, the people thatare waiting, know we have opened every-thing and that we are helping with every-thing. It works out fine. We pretty muchwork all of the (registers), definitely at 3p.m. For the most part, they are alwaysused.”

Having a separate employee bag thegroceries is also a staple of the Bi-Locheckout process.

“I just think it is more personal,”Boudreaux said. “You get to talk to every-one that comes through. Of course, weknow everyone so it is more on a person-al basis.”

Employees hired for work in the frontof Bi-Lo get training in deli, bakery and

register skills but all first start on theregister.

Boudreaux said the store’s front end isone of the most important so relatedskills are always stressed

As with every industry, gas prices haveaffected the grocery business. A fewprices have increased because of escalat-ing fuel costs. However, Boudreaux saidBi-Lo’s location relative to Bayou Techemake it unique for customers becausethe other area grocery stores are on theother side of the bayou.

“All of our customers are on this side,”she said.

“In fact, I think for some it’s better.(Customers) tell us they buy things herethat they wouldn’t ordinarily. You knowthey would be getting it at Wal-Mart, butright now they are going to purchase ithere.”




Ryan Borel(337) 230-8255

1718 Jules Rd.New Iberia, LA 70563

Voted#1

LeJeune’s Bakery1510 Main St., Jeanerette, Louisiana

Thank You For13 ConsecutiveYears For BestFrench Bread

Come Try The BestIce Cream In New Iberia

Thank You!

COMESEE

WHAT’SNEW!

Summer Hours: 10:30 am-10:30 pm1104 E. Main St. Town & Country Square

367-3531

Thanks forputting usfirst in the

pecking order!

1108 E. St. Peter St. • 367-2278 1134 West Main St. • 367-2254

Popeyes is honored to have been votedBest Fried Chicken and one of the Bestfor Red Beans and Rice in New Iberia.

BE S T GROCERY CHECK -OUT S E RV I C E■

BY STEPHEN HEMELT

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Nationwide grocery chains havedozens of checkout registers andnew self-checkout stations in

hopes of improving customer service.However, when it came down to decidingwhich area grocery checkout service wasthe best, Bi-Lo Supermarket stood abovethe rest.

Store owners feel the readers of TheDaily Iberian voted their supermarket at207 N. Lewis St. the Teche Area’s bestcheckout service because of Bi-Lo’sunending commitment to personal serv-ice.

Joyce Boudreaux, who’s been with Bi-Lo for all 22 years, said she is more of achief greeter these days, leaving the bulkof the business to her son Buddy andbrother Curtis. She credits the supermar-ket’s success to a personal connection

with customers.“That is the most important thing that

we have here,” she said. “It’s more familyoriented. Everybody knows us really on apersonal basis. It makes it easy to do spe-cial things for (customers) because you BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Joyce Boudreaux, foreground, is surrounded by Nicole Rebert and the rest of the cashiersat Bi-Lo Supermarket.

Personal service, attentionkey for Bi-Lo check-out

THE W INNER S■

BEST GROCERY CHECK-OUT■ 1ST: Bi-Lo Supermarket.

■ 2ND: Super 1 Foods.

■ HM: Simoneaud’s Grocery and Market.

■ HM: Menard’s.

SEE BBII--LLOO,, PAGE A17


BI-LO: Separate person for baggingFROM PAGE A16

Bi-Lo tries to make theirservice more personal.■

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN Patsy Dore scans a customer’s order while fellow Bi-Lo Supermarket cashier Nicole Rebertbags the groceries in the background.

know who they are.”Boudreaux said Bi-Lo has between 35

and 40 employees. The store has utilizedjust four checkout stations for a longtime but by 3 p.m., customers can counton them all being in action.

“Checkout works out fine because wehave somebody bag it for you,”Boudreaux said. “Nobody waits unlessthey really have to. And, the people thatare waiting, know we have opened every-thing and that we are helping with every-thing. It works out fine. We pretty muchwork all of the (registers), definitely at 3p.m. For the most part, they are alwaysused.”

Having a separate employee bag thegroceries is also a staple of the Bi-Locheckout process.

“I just think it is more personal,”Boudreaux said. “You get to talk to every-one that comes through. Of course, weknow everyone so it is more on a person-al basis.”

Employees hired for work in the frontof Bi-Lo get training in deli, bakery and

register skills but all first start on theregister.

Boudreaux said the store’s front end isone of the most important so relatedskills are always stressed

As with every industry, gas prices haveaffected the grocery business. A fewprices have increased because of escalat-ing fuel costs. However, Boudreaux saidBi-Lo’s location relative to Bayou Techemake it unique for customers becausethe other area grocery stores are on theother side of the bayou.

“All of our customers are on this side,”she said.

“In fact, I think for some it’s better.(Customers) tell us they buy things herethat they wouldn’t ordinarily. You knowthey would be getting it at Wal-Mart, butright now they are going to purchase ithere.”




Ryan Borel(337) 230-8255

1718 Jules Rd.New Iberia, LA 70563

Voted#1

LeJeune’s Bakery1510 Main St., Jeanerette, Louisiana

Thank You For13 ConsecutiveYears For BestFrench Bread

Come Try The BestIce Cream In New Iberia

Thank You!

COMESEE

WHAT’SNEW!

Summer Hours: 10:30 am-10:30 pm1104 E. Main St. Town & Country Square

367-3531

Thanks forputting usfirst in the

pecking order!

1108 E. St. Peter St. • 367-2278 1134 West Main St. • 367-2254

Popeyes is honored to have been votedBest Fried Chicken and one of the Bestfor Red Beans and Rice in New Iberia.


BY STEPHEN HEMELT

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Nationwide grocery chains havedozens of checkout registers andnew self-checkout stations in

hopes of improving customer service.However, when it came down to decidingwhich area grocery checkout service wasthe best, Bi-Lo Supermarket stood abovethe rest.

Store owners feel the readers of TheDaily Iberian voted their supermarket at207 N. Lewis St. the Teche Area’s bestcheckout service because of Bi-Lo’sunending commitment to personal serv-ice.

Joyce Boudreaux, who’s been with Bi-Lo for all 22 years, said she is more of achief greeter these days, leaving the bulkof the business to her son Buddy andbrother Curtis. She credits the supermar-ket’s success to a personal connection

with customers.“That is the most important thing that

we have here,” she said. “It’s more familyoriented. Everybody knows us really on apersonal basis. It makes it easy to do spe-cial things for (customers) because you BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Joyce Boudreaux, foreground, is surrounded by Nicole Rebert and the rest of the cashiersat Bi-Lo Supermarket.

Personal service, attentionkey for Bi-Lo check-out

THE W INNER S■

BEST GROCERY CHECK-OUT■ 1ST: Bi-Lo Supermarket.

■ 2ND: Super 1 Foods.

■ HM: Simoneaud’s Grocery and Market.

■ HM: Menard’s.

SEE BBII--LLOO,, PAGE A17


BI-LO: Separate person for baggingFROM PAGE A16

Bi-Lo tries to make theirservice more personal.■

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN Patsy Dore scans a customer’s order while fellow Bi-Lo Supermarket cashier Nicole Rebertbags the groceries in the background.




THANKS NEW IBERIAfor making

1Number

Admiral Doyle Pizza Hut (L-R): John, DaeshaJohnson, Ashley, Kayleen & Bertha Orson.

Try our salad and buffet bar.

Cashiers Kayleen Fusilier and Ashley Landry.

Newly remodeled Pizza Hut Admiral Doyle location.

East St. Peter Pizza Hut (L-R): Chelsie Sam, BridgetArdeneaux, Kea Latulas, Ashley LeBlanc & B. Khammany.

Rebecca Roy takes phone order.

Danica McKeever and Ashley LeBlanc.

B Khammany goes out for pizza delivery.

Bridget Ardeneaux makes pizza.

DINE

IN

OR

DELIVERY

635 E. Adm. Doyle Dr.337-364-1176

905 E. St. Peter337-369-3757

Charlotte Miller taking phone orders.

THANKS!THANKS!

BBESTEST BBURGERURGERin the Tin the Teche!eche!

$$110000

THICKBURGERTHICKBURGER ®®

now until now until August 10th August 10th with this ad!with this ad!

ofof f anyf any

CorCor ner of Iberia &ner of Iberia &Admiral DoyleAdmiral Doyle

THETHE

Thanks for Voting UsOne of the Best Pharmacies!

Old Fashioned Service for over 40 y ears

308 N. Lewis St., New Iberia • 364-7671 • www.delaunes1.com

BE S T HAMBURGER■

BY RANDY LOUIS

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Preparing it from scratch and keep-ing it hot has Hardee’s restaurantabove the rest of local restaurants

who sell hamburgers in the Teche Area.Recently, readers of The Daily Iberian

voted Hardee’s the best place for ham-burgers.


“We sell quite a bit of hamburgersdaily to our customers,” said NatashaSegura, 21, manager at Hardee’s. “I havebeen here three years and the customers

Hamburgersdone rightat Hardee’s

SEE HHAAMMBBUURRGGEERRSS,, PAGE 19

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANHali Morrow, from left, Mallory Landry, Tim Morrow and Ethan Landry are shown dining at Hardee’s Restaurant.

just love our hamburgers. Our most popu-lar hamburger that we sell is our sour-dough hamburger.

“These burgers are made fresh out ofreal Angus beef.”

Hardee’s opens its doors to patrons whowant hamburgers at 5:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Segura said the restaurant has 28employees.

Segura said Hardee’s also sells a lot ofcurly fries, cheddar fries, smoothies, appleturnover and an assortment of breakfastitems.

“Everything is hot and fresh,” she said.“We treat customers nice and they keepcoming back for more. We usually see agood crowd of people during the day.”

Hope Joseph, 29, of New Iberia said sheprefers Hardee’s over other fast-foodstores because “their hamburgers tastebetter.”

“I don’t cook that well, so I eat a lot offast food,” Joseph said. “When I am athome and I have a craving for a homemadeburger, I go to Hardee’s.

“Besides, I live right down the street. It’sconvenient for me.”




Jarod Mullen

Superior Motors367-1320 • 1406 Center St., New Iberia

ThanksNew Iberia

Great Cars At Great PricesWe Make It Easy!

Your Vote IsSincerely

Appreciated

Thank you to our

community for

our Best of the

Teche Award.

We stand committed to providing our community with quality compassionate healthcare.

2315 E. Main Street • New Iberia, LA 70560337-364-0441

www.fremins.com603-F W. Admiral Doyle Dr.

New Iberia, LA 70560FAX 364-9186

1-800-526-2771





LITTLE LOBSTERSwants to thank *YOU*

FOR VOTING US

#1BEST SEAFOOD MARKETThanks for another great year...see you next season!

Rebekah McGee337-579-0333 337-365-9700

Thank You For Making MePart Of “Best Of The Teche”The Teche Area Is One Of The Best Places To Live!

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BE S T MEN ’ S H A I R CUT■

readers cast their votes for their favoritepeople, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

Boutte attributes her success both toprayer and to dedication to her cus-tomers, who also voted the business BestChild’s Haircut and second in BestWomen’s Hair Cut behind Hair U Wear.

“Customers come first, and here atSassy Cuts we put their needs first,”Boutte said. “We pride ourselves onhealthy, soft flowing hair and we makesure our men’s haircuts are done withgreat precision.”

Boutte said that she has long beenmotivated by a desire for excellence ather craft. “I’ve always strived to be thebest,” she said.

As Sassy Cuts’ lead barber and stylist,Boutte is assisted by Beth Bergeron,Shawnetta Olivier and Cyntrelle Allen.

Bergeron has worked as an assistant atSassy Cuts for the past year.

“It’s a nice place to work,” Bergeronsaid. “Everybody’s outgoing.”

A New Iberia native, Boutte is a gradu-ate of Mt. Carmel Academy and theAcademy of Hair Design and LafayetteRegional in Barbering.

She frequently attends a variety ofhair classes and conventions, on thelocal, regional and national levels, tostay current on hair styling trends andhair care needs. She extends her grati-tude to her customers for their support.

“Thanks to all of you who have beenpart of our success,” she said. “We hope tocontinue serving you for years to come.”

Sassy Cuts works by appointment only.To make an appointment call them at 337-364-6181.

FROM PAGE 13

CROPS: ‘We make sure our men’s haircuts are done with great precision’ — Boutte

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Sassy Cuts Scott Boutte has his hair cut by Sharon Boutte.

T H E W INNER S■

BEST WOMEN’S HAIRCUT

■ 1ST: Hair U Wear.

■ 2ND: Sassy Cuts.


■ HM: Hilltop and Suite 902.

THE W INNER S■

BEST HAMBURGER■ 1ST: Hardee’s.

■ HM: Viator’s.

■ HM: Duffy’s.

■ HM: Burger King.

HAMBURGER: Doors open at 5:30 a.m. and stay open to 11 p.m. or later all weekFROM PAGE A18

‘We treat customers nice andthey keep coming back ...’

Natasha Segura

Hardee’s manager

■

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANJerry Delcambre enjoys her hamburger at Hardee’s Restaurant.

B E S T H AMBURGER■

BY STEVE WILSON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

With an owner with more than 19years of hair styling experience,coupled with being a Best of the

Teche winner for the last four years, SassyCuts continues to be one of the area’s pre-miere hair salons, according to voters inThe Daily Iberian’s survey for 2008.

Sassy Cuts is a full-service salon with alarge variety of clientele. Owner SharonBoutte opened her business four and ahalf years ago, and for the last two and ahalf years Sassy Cuts has been in its cur-rent location at 2717 Curtis Lane in NewIberia. They are the 2008 Best of theTeche winner for Best Men’s Haircut.

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techepoll is an unscientific survey in which




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Duffy’s DinerA special thanks to all of our customers . . .

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One of the Best Places For• Po-Boys• Gumbo• Hamburgers

BE S T MEN ’ S H A I R CUT & BE S T CH I LD ’ S H A I R CUT■

THE W INNER S■

BEST MEN’S HAIRCUT

■ 1ST: Sassy Cuts.

■ 2ND: Hair U Wear.


■ HM: Clyde’s and Vice’s.

THE W INNER S■

BEST CHILD’s HAIRCUT

■ 1ST (TIE): Sassy Cuts and Hair U Wear.

■ 2ND: I Love Lucy’s.

■ 3RD: Wal-mart

■ HM: Mirror Mirror and Hilltop.SEE CCRROOPPSS,, PAGE 14

Sassy Cuts crops twoawards in ‘Best’ voting

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Sassy Cuts, Scott Boutte has his hair cut by Sharon Boutte.

B E S T POBOYS■

BY STEVE WILSON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Randy Montegut is proud of his PoBoys. “I’mglad the customer appreciates what we offerthem,” Montegut said about winning the Best

Poboy award for the 2008 Best of the Teche.Montegut said that they’ve won the Best PoBoy

award as long as the contest has been run.Duffy’s won this year’s award for second best PoBoy.The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Teche poll is an

unscientific survey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite people, places, businesses and thingsin the Teche Area.

Montegut and his wife Julie are the owners andoperators of Bon Creole, located at 1409 E. St. Peter St.in New Iberia.

The Monteguts opened Bon Creole as a restaurantin 1996, and used the same building between 1982 and1994 for processing crawfish and other seafood.

The PoBoys at Bon Creole are sandwiches on Frenchbread and can have any number of items on them.

Bon Creole isthe poboy stop

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Bon Creole Seafood July 9, Judge Cameron Simmons seasons his po-boy to taste with Tabasco. SEE CCRREEOOLLEE,, PAGE 21




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gain the trust of the parents and we dothat simply by loving our jobs and theparents come to appreciate that care.”

Cathy’s Day Care was recently awardeda second quality star from the state ofLouisiana.

Peggy Huval, assistant director of thedaycare, said two quality stars have onlybeen achieved by four day cares in thestate and Cathy’s is the only one regional-ly to boast the high rating.

Joseph is a daily presence at the daycare and takes the quality of her staffseriously. “I hire only top of the line, quali-ty and loving people and I look for a bigheart as the number one requirement,” shesaid.

Huval said evidence of Joseph’s qualitymanagement, dedication to her staff andwillingness to pay them what they areworth can be seen in the many long-termemployees at the day care, including onewho has been on staff for 20 years.

Huval said the day care provides a lot oflove and patience to the younger groups, a

computer lab and language lessons to thepre-kindergarten groups and dance lessonsfor those children whose parents can’t getthem to lessons at other locations.

Becky Musemeche’s two children,Kelton, 6, and Kylie, 5, have attendedCathy’s Day Care for several years.

Musemeche said the staff at Cathy’streats parents with a great deal of com-passion and trust and love the childrenthat attend much like an extended family.

“Everyone there is very much focusedon the well-being of your child,” shesaid. “They take care of my child justlike I would. I would highly recommendthis daycare to everyone with children.”

With a staff of 16 full-time and twopart-time employees, Joseph said in 1978,when she opened her day care as a newparent, she had a hard time trusting any-one with her child.

Perhaps, part of Joseph’s success andlongevity is due to her ability to relate toparents when they communicate theirfears about leaving their children in day-care and her guarantee their child are ina patient and loving place.

FROM PAGE 10

GOAL: Day Care received 2nd quality star

THE W INNER S■

BEST POBOYS■ 1ST: Bon Creole.

■ 2ND: Duffy’s.

Montegut describes his poboys as “typical.”“It’s like a hoagie someplace else, but the difference is the

poboy is always on French bread,” Montegut said.“We overstuff our poboys, and that’s probably what sepa-

rates us from the others.“You can have anything on your poboy. We can do seafood,

roast beef, ham, oysters or shrimp. Shrimp is the number oneseller by far.”

Bon Creole started out serving lunch Monday through Friday.“Business just grew, and we’ve gradually added days, nights

and weekends, and my daughter Renee runs our Sunday bar-becue, which has been very good for us,” Montegut said.

“We also do a good gumbo.”Bon Creole is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.

to 9 p.m. and has its barbecue only on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2p.m.

BE S T POBOYS■

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIANAt Bon Creole, Pattie Salazar prepares a shrimp po-boy in the kitchen.

CREOLE: Overstuff is the keyFROM PAGE 20




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things in the Teche Area.Wesley, who received his dog-groom-

ing certification at a school in Dallas,said he offers only full-service formostly small dogs, which includeswash, dip, nails, glands, ears, haircutand decoration.

He is open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.Monday-Friday, and said he prefers togroom one dog per hour (six per day),but can fit in up to 10 if necessary.

Wesley has experience in competi-tion grooming, which he said helped himlearn top grooming standards for differ-ent breeds.

“The real practice came when I openedmy business,” he said. “I get a chance touse all my skills.”

His interest in pet grooming began inPort Arthur, Texas, when he wasemployed by the National WeatherService. He started a small dog-groomingbusiness there, but only offered washingand flea dipping.

“I noticed lots of dogs there (in PortArthur), but no groomer,” said Wesley.“That’s what gave me the idea.”

Leshia Mercier of Cade, a regular cus-tomer of Wesley’s, said she has beenusing his services for her Sheltie, Reeses,for about seven years.

“He provides great service for my dog,”she said. “He always fits me in, no matterhow busy he is. He really gives my dogthe works.”

Though he is an avid animal lover,Wesley admitted he has not owned pets ofhis own since his two collies died a few

years ago.“I adopt other people’s pets once an

hour,” he said.“I play with them, make them feel good

and then send them home.”

FROM PAGE 9

TREATS: Prefers to groom 1 dog per hour

The Area’s best of the best covered in Best of the Teche

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIANFred Wesley, owner of Wesley’s PetGrooming, talks to his client during abrushing. His shop was voted Best of theTeche.

BY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Victor’s Cafeteria, a New Iberialandmark, placed in multiple cate-gories this year in The Daily

Iberian’s annual Best of the Teche vot-ing, winning “Best Place to Meet forBreakfast,” “Best Coffee,” and with staffmember Yolanda placing in “FriendliestWaiter or Waitress,” for which there wasno clear winner.

Mernel Bourque, from New Iberia, andher friend Annie Matthews from FourCorners come just about every Saturday.

“They have very good breakfast, andthe coffee’s very good — and the service,”said Matthews. “I love their biscuits.”

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techepoll is an unscientific survey in whichreaders cast their votes for their favorite

people, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

Lori Bernard was there with friendsand her mother, Susan Bernard, on July16 to celebrate her 17th birthday. She saidduring the school year she comes withher friends on Friday mornings beforeattending Catholic High.

“It’s the best place to get breakfast forthem,” said Susan. “It’s home-made.”

And there is, of course, the BreakfastClub, an informal gathering of regularsthat really gets going shortly after 7a.m. each week,

“We solve the world’s problem and cre-ate some more,” said Phil Culotta.

Gordon Doerle agreed. “We solve prob-lems every morning — hear the gossip,get the news.”

“It’s a nice way to rest, drink coffee andmeet old friends and young friends,” saidRussell Berard.

BE S T P L A C E TO MEE T FOR BR EAK FA S T, CO F F E E , F R I ENDL I E S T WA I T E R OR WA I T R E S S■

Victor’s aboutmore than just coffee

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIANA crowd of a dozen or more is not a rare sight at Victor’s Cafeteria, a New Iberia stop heavily lauded in the 2008 Best of the Teche.

SEE CCOOFFFFEEEE,, PAGE 23

BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Cathy Joseph, owner of Cathy’s DayCare Center Inc. in New Iberiasaid she is 82 percent deaf, but the

laughter, singing and cries of her 150-plus children are still music to her ears.

Winner of 2008 Best of the Teche in the“Best Day Care” category, Joseph said thebusiness has won first place in the com-petition nine out of the last 10 years,coming in second for one year.


In operation since 1978, Cathy’s DayCare originally started out of Joseph’shome with her mother and sister-in-lawhelping with the care of just a few chil-dren.

The business grew quickly and Josephbuilt what would become a 10,000 squarefoot facility on Admiral Doyle Drive toaccommodate 150 children that considerthe daycare a second home.

“We are not here to become rich, weare here to give the children love andattention in the absence of their par-ents,” Joseph said. “The key for us is to




Thank You...To all of our customers & friends who voted us one of the BEST in

BEST OF THE TECHE 2008.

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THE W INNER S■

BEST DAY CARE

■ 1ST: Cathy’s Day Care.

■ 2ND: St.Anne’s.

■ 3RD: Gingerbread.

■ HM: Noah’s Ark.

Cathy’s succeeds at goal — give love and attention

SEE GGOOAALL,, PAGE 12

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIANCathy Joseph, center, with Cathy’s Day Care, reads a book to, from left, Ethan Ford, LezliSegura, Gracee Wilkerson, Cole Delahoussaye, Kobe Frilot and Dylan St. Romain, in back-ground, at the day care school.

David Stonicher, another Breakfast Clubmember, said he likes that “you can speakone on one with the kitchen.”

Communication is something one of themost friendly waiters or waitresses in theTeche area, Yolanda, or “Gail,” said is pres-ent between staff members, as well.

“We’re awesome at Victor’s,” she said.“We’re like a family. That’s what makes it.”

As far as her own friendliness goes,Yolanda said “I keep my bad days to myself.”

“If someone comes in grumpy, I say‘You’re too much of a pleasant-looking per-son to be bummed out.’ ”

Victor Huckaby’s father started the restau-rant in 1969, with Victor taking over in 1984.

He said it’s always been a central meetingplace.

“We serve a good breakfast, but a lot of itis the company, the tradition of knowingthey’re going to come in here and see theirfriends and start their day off,” he said.“One complements the other.”

Victor’s opens at 6 a.m. Monday throughSaturday and at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays.

THE W INNER S■

BEST COFFEE■ 1ST: Victor’s.

■ 2ND: Starbucks.

BEST PLACE TO MEET FOR BREAKFAST

■ 1ST: Victor’s.

■ HM: Waffle House.

BE S T P L A C E TO MEE T FOR BR EAK FA S T, CO F F E E , F R I ENDL I E S T WA I T E R■

COFFEE: ‘We’re like a family. That’s what makes it’FROM PAGE 22

BY HEATHER MILLER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

For Fred Wesley, owner of Wesley’sProfessional Dog Grooming in NewIberia, the secret to his success is

an open-door policy, literally.Beneath the brightly colored walls of

Wesley’s, located at 241 West St. Peter St.,is a three-bedroom house converted intoa grooming shop. The doors to all parts ofthe house remain open, giving customersthe freedom to see for themselves howanimals are being cared for.

“This gives customers a chance to real-ly see what I do for their dogs,” saidWesley while carefully placing a bowatop a Yorkshire (Yorkie) terrior. “I thinkit makes them feel more comfortable.”

Voted Best Pet Groomer in The DailyIberian’s 2008 Best of the Teche Awards,Wesley has been pampering the pets ofTeche area residents for 18 years, movingto his current location three years ago.

“Pets are part of the family, and I try totreat them as such,” Wesley said.“Service is No. 1 in this business.”

The Daily Iberian’s annual Best of theTeche poll is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for their




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THE W INNER S■

BEST PET GROOMER

■ 1ST: Wesley’s Professional Dog Grooming.

■ 2ND (TIE): Susan at Pet Spa and All

Creatures.

■ 3RD (TIE): Julie Bourgeois and Dr.

Dupuy’s.

■ HM: Acadiana Pet Spa.

He treatspets with a special cut

SEE TTRREEAATTSS,, PAGE 11BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Fred Wesley checks out one of his clients following a cut at Wesley’s Pet Grooming.

B E S T P R EPARED S E A FOOD, BU S I N E S S L UNCH■

BY HEATHER MILLER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Landry’s Seafood and Steakhouse inNew Iberia keeps regulars comingback with a simple combination of

three things: convenience, quality foodand atmosphere.

Voted best place for a business lunchand best place for prepared seafood inthe 2008 Daily Iberian’s Best of the TecheAwards, Landry’s has been satisfyingcustomers at its U.S. 90 location for 14years. Alaina Buteau, a server atLandry’s, also received honorable men-tion for best waiter/waitress.


“We have a good time over here,” saidElaine Buteau, general manager. “Wehave good food, a good atmosphere, andwe’re very accommodating for groups ofall sizes.”

Buteau said the Cajun eatery offers a

seafood/homestyle food buffet and a spe-cialty foods menu for lunch, giving din-ers the option of a quick bite or a relaxedlunch overlooking the pond outside.

“With the buffet, lunch can be veryfast,” said Buteau. “You can be in and outif you need to be.”

Buffet items during the week include

fried seafood, fettuccine, étouffée andmore, with cooked-to-order food from thelunch menu including steaks, a variety ofstuffed fish and seafood platters.

“I go with my wife two or three times aweek,” said Dave McHugh. “The food’sgood, and they’re very personable people,very hands-on with their customers.”

Buteau described the environment ascasual, family dining that also hosts liveCajun music from Hubert Maitre andGerald Thibodeaux on Friday andSaturday nights.

“We treat people like we really wantthem here, because we do,” Buteau said.“We really do want them here.”

Landry’s success comes from ‘really want to’ desire THE W INNER S■

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH■ 1ST: Landry’s, New Iberia.

■ 2ND: Little River Inn.

■ HM: Clementine.

BEST PREPARED SEAFOOD

■ 1ST: Landry’s, New Iberia.


■ HM: Jane’s.

BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN Server Shandi Gonsoulin, standing left, owner Grace Landry, Joany Boudreaux, seated left,Gary Doucet, far right, and Beau Theriot, background enjoy the atmosphere at Landry’s.

company for all but about six months ofher career since.

“I wanted to do something (in the workforce) but I wanted to be able to attendschool outings and things like that too,”said Segura of her decision to go into realestate. “I wanted to have a flexible day.”

That’s allowed her to remain active inthe schools attended by her sons, a 17-year-old senior-to-be at New IberiaSenior High and an 11-year-old sixth-grader at Catholic High. Those ties, andher friendly personality, are among thethings that Segura said help her to be asuccessful real estate agent.

“I’m very active in the Catholic Highcommunity,” said Segura. “And my oldestson transferred to Senior High so I’vebeen active in that community too.

“I’ve been very fortunate that my fami-ly and friends have been loyal to me(when looking to buy or sell homes). Alot of agents tell me their friends andfamily aren’t always loyal.”

Past clients have told Segura that herfriendliness made it easy to talk to her, andto ask any question about the property orthe process of buying or selling a home.

“They tell me my experience, friendli-ness and honesty are the reasons theyfeel comfortable with me,” she said. “I’mvery much a people person. I’m able tomake people feel more comfortable withme. It’s always a big step when you pur-chase a home, whether it’s your firsthome or you’ve bought several in the

past.”Although she’s done some commercial

real estate deals, she prefers the residen-tial market.

“When you follow a deal all the waythrough, it’s an awesome experience,”she said. “When you see a familyexchange keys (to a new home), that’s soexciting for me.

“I love what I do. I love to go to workevery day. It’s great to be able to be amom and have a career.”




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Best Of The Teche!





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Voted #1 Best Place to find Unusual Gifts

Unlimited Thanks

for Voting

1st Place Best Salad Bar1st Place Best Desserts1st Place Best Buffet

In the Best of the Teche

Ryan’sRyan’sGrill • Buffet • Bakery

www.ryans.com

Calvin Broussard

Justin Dugas

Congratulates Calvin & Justin!We are proud to have you as part of our team!

1st Place - Best New Car Salesperson1st Place - Best Used Car Salesperson

2nd Place - Best New Car Salesperson3rd Place - Best Used Car Salesperson


Used CarsHwy14 (Across fromLowes) 365-1778 Collision Center 1200E.St.Peter 365-1025

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THE W INNER S■

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

■ 1ST: Rachel Segura, Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate.

■ 2ND: Wayne Saunier, Coldwell Banker.

■ 3RD: Debbie Breaux, Caffery Real Estate.

■ HM: Anna Delahoussaye, Prudential; Rebekah McGee,Van Eaton.

FROM PAGE 7

VOTED: Active in the community and in the family while working as a realtor

‘When you follow a deal allthe way through, it’s an awesome experience. Whenyou see a family exchangekeys (to a new home), that’sso exciting for me. I lovewhat I do. I love to go towork every day.’

Rachel Segura

Coldwell Banker

Pelican Real Estate agent

■

BE S T BO I L ED S E A FOOD■

BY RANDY LOUIS

THE DAILY IBERIAN

If you are looking for good boiledseafood in the Teche Area, there aremany restaurants patrons can

choose from.But voters who took part in The Daily

Iberian's Best of the Teche contest feltthat only one restaurant should be calledthe best.

This year, employees of The BoilingPoint have the honor of being called thebest, according to The Daily Iberian'sannual Best of the Teche, an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite places, business andthings in the Teche Area.

The Boiling Point has been open for 27years and is owned and operated bymembers of the Maturin and Romerofamily.

Boiling Pointspot for seafood

SEE PPOOIINNTT,, PAGE 26

BE S T T R AV E L AGENT■

BY PHYLLIS ROMERO

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Enjoying traveling just makes thejob more rewarding when youmake a living helping others plan

the perfect trip.Mindy Early of Let’s Travel was recent-

ly voted the “best travel agent” in theTeche area.

“I appreciate all of the votes and trust,and I’m very humbled,” she said.


Early has been in the business years 29years, 17 of which have been with Let’sTravel. She said she started working in theindustry after high school and never left.

“It’s interesting and exciting to helpsomeone get the best deal and save themmoney,” she said. “Especially in today’seconomy, it’s a challenge.”

Early said some of her clients’ morepopular destinations includeDisneyworld, Las Vegas, cruises and the

Caribbean. Jetting off to Europe is aclose second she said, but one destinationshe would like to visit and would like tosee more of her clients take an interestin is Quebec City in Canada.

“It gives the feel of being in Europe butis still on the North American conti-nent,” she said. “It’s so historical andarchitecturally ancient.”

Coworkers agree in the choice TheDaily Iberian readers made for theirfavorite travel agent.

“She’s very pleasant and extremelyvivacious,” Joann Segura, one of Early’sco-workers said.

“Her clients love her dearly, and she’llfind the best price for what they want.She’s been doing it for years andyears.”

Early said she really doesn’t have asecret to her success, but said she isready and willing to work hard for peopleand loves what she does.

She said the most memorable trip sheplanned was for a honeymoon toAustralia.

She said the sky was the limit for theclients and it was a very personalized

itinerary.“It was so fun and challenging and

everything was perfect,” Early said.

Early always going the distance

THE W INNER S■

BEST TRAVEL AGENT

■ 1ST: Mindy Early at Let’s Travel.

■ HM: Lamar at Let’s Travel.

■ HM: Beth Comeaux at Cajun Travel.

Mindy Early

Between the hours of 10:30a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and 3:30 p.m.and 9:30 p.m. Saturday andSunday, about 25 employeesserve patrons feasts ofboiled, fried and grilledseafood.

“We try to serve thebest,”Alex Romero, manag-er and owner of The BoilingPoint, said. “We have thebest seafood in the area, andthe readers of The DailyIberian also thinks so. Wehave fresh seafood and goodquality control.”

Romero said customersusually come back afterthey visit The Boiling Point.

“We never had a bad ordercome back,” he said. “Usingfresh seafood and listeningto customer input alsomakes the business reallysuccessful.”

James Burton, 29, of NewIberia said he and his familyeat at the restaurant all thetime.

“I really can see why theywere voted the Best of theTeche,” Burotn said. “Thefood is good, and the cus-tomer service is also reallygood too. My favorite here isthe boiled seafood because italways tastes good and spicy.”

His wife, Tracy, agreed.“The boiled shrimp is

really good,” she said smil-ing. “I also like the crawfishhere, too.”

afternoon job and work experience.“When I worked here, it was about

being able to make money and buythose little extras,” she said.

In keeping with her parent’s tradi-tion, Smith hires a staff of highschool and college students. For thoseworking there, the experience isinvaluable.

“The best thing about this job iswatchingthe girls grow up andmature,” she said. “I get to watchthem go through high school, college,and eventually start their lives.”

“It was my first job out of highschool,” said Krysten Sokol, anemployee of three years. “I thought itwould be fun, and I would be workingwith my friends.”

“Through good times and bad, wehave so much fun over here,” saidMallory Comeaux, who has worked atthe stand more than four years. “I’vemade so many new friends.”




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TREAT: Young people get chance to workFROM PAGE 6

‘We’ve been coming heresince it opened. It’s the bestsnow cones in town.’

Alton Batiste

Long-time customer at The Snowball Stand

■

‘It was my first job out ofhigh school.’

Krysten Sokol

The Snowball Stand employee

■So ‘many good agents’ here,but Segura’s voted the bestBY CHRIS LANDRY

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Rachel Segura is very much a peo-ple person.

The former stay-at-home mom’s secondstraight Best of the Teche honor as BestReal Estate Agent chosen by readers ofThe Daily Iberian is a reflection of heroutgoing personality.

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techepoll is an unscientific survey in whichreaders cast their votes for their favoritepeople, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

“There’s so many good agents in NewIberia,” said Segura, who has been anagent since 2003. “I felt it was such anhonor because in the past it’s been agentswho’ve had many years of experience,like Pat Caffery and Bart Broussard (whohave won).”

Caffery won the honor in 2006, withSegura placing second in voting that yearbefore garnering the most votes in 2007.Segura began working at Absolute Realtyin 2003 when her youngest son startedschool. Coldwell Banker later boughtAbsolute Realty, and she’s worked for the

SEE VVOOTTEEDD,, PAGE 8

LEE BALL/THE DAILY IBERIANRachel Segura of Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate has been voted top spot in survey.

T H E W INNER S■

BEST BOILED SEAFOOD

■ 1ST: The Boiling Point.


■ HM: Jane’s.

POINT: Try to serve the bestFROM PAGE 25

B E S T BO I L ED S E A FOOD■

BE S T P L A C E TO BUY J EWELRY■

BY WHITNEY ARMENTOR

THE DAILY IBERIAN

For the past 69 years, ArmentorJeweler’s has been a recognizablegem within the community.Recently, Teche Area residentsvoted the store the diamond oftheir eyes in The Daily Iberian’sBest of Teche for best place to buyjewelry.

The Daily Iberian’s annual Bestof the Teche Poll is an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast theirvotes for their favorite people,places, business, and things in theTeche Area.

Armentor’s, located at 1020 DaleSt., has been selecting fine jewelrysince 1939. Originally opened byJunius Armentor and now on thethird generation of family owners,the store has taken on a modernapproach while still providing thesame recognizable services.

“With our buy online Web site,you have the convenience of shop-

ping in your favorite chair, with theoption of seeing the items in per-son, if you so choose, before mak-ing the final decision,” said MikeArmentor, son of owner EricArmentor. “Ultimately, we’re tryingto be progressively minded whenwe’re going out into the jewelrymarket. In three generations, wecome from a different perspective.”

However, even with the new Website, regular customers can stilljust go in and peruse the selection.

“It’s just like a friendly pharma-cy,” said Joan Edgar, a regularpatron. “You don’t feel pressured.You can just go in to look and notbuy anything.”

With flexible payment options,many special occasions are markedwith jewelry selected with the helpof the small, familiar staff.

“There have been so many sto-ries,” said Eric Armentor, owner ofArmentor’s Jewelers. “But themost rewarding aspect is getting towork with people and share intheir genuine happiness.”

Both Mike and Eric Armentorsaid they feel there is a sense ofindividuality in their business, atthis point many of their customersare the third and fourth generationmembers of families that havebeen coming for years.

“We’re unique,” said EricArmentor. “We have people comein and tell us stories of how myfather used to let them pay five dol-lars a month over time.”

Armentor experience shines above competitionTHE W INNER S■

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

■ 1ST: Armentor’s.

■ 2ND: Allain’s.

■ 3RD: Texada’s.

■ HM: Gift Sensations.

BY WHITNEY ARMENTOR

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Pink ladies, pina colodas and cottoncandy are only a few of the wideselection of sweet delights that

enticed Teche Area residents to thisyear’s Best of the Teche snowball stand.

Recently readers of The Daily Iberianvoted The Snowball Factory the bestplace to buy snowcones in the TecheArea.


Located at 1214 Center St., The SnowballFactory has been drawing people to itswrap around drive through since 1984.

The 16 workers are constantly busymaking hundreds of orders a day, partic-ularly in the busy summer months.

With a selection of more than 30 flavorsof sweet ice, plus ice cream, and othersweet delights, the demand is constant,

but the result is carefully crafted dessertsfor a reasonable price.

“We’ve been coming here since itopened,” said long-time customer AltonBatiste.

“It’s the best snow cones in town.”Owner Rhonda Smith said the shop was

opened by her parents, Ronald and PatsyFreyou, as a way to give their children an




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Best Waiter/Waitress-Alaina Buteau


THE W INNER S■

BEST PLACE TOBUY SNOWCONES

■ 1ST: The Snowball Factor.

■ 2ND: Caribbean Ice.

■ 3RD: (tie) Cool Scene, Mr. Bullers,Ausberry Snowballs, Sno-Go.

Icy treat awaits customers at The Snowball Factory

SEE TTRREEAATT,, PAGE 7

LEE BALL/THE DAILY IBERIANFrom left, Mallory Comeaux, Katie LaBiche and Emily Cobb hustle on making customerorders at The Snowball Factory.

■ BEST OF THE TECHE: PLACES■ RELAXRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:New Iberia City Park.Clementine's.Spa Almaz.Lydia Park.Cypremort Point.Tampico’s.■ MEET PEOPLERECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:New Iberia City Park.Tampico’s.Carabella’s.Church.■ EXERCISERECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Ladies First.Baron’s.Walking in Lydia Park.Dynamic Health Club.New Iberia City Park Walking Trail.■ SPEND SUNDAY AFTERNOON1ST: New Iberia City Park.ALSO GETTING votes

Shadows-on-the-Teche.The movies.■ PLAY TENNIS1ST: New Iberia City Park.2ND: Willwood Park.■ GO DANCINGRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Rox.Landry’s.Buck Wild Saloon.■ GO FISHINGRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Cypremort Point.Spanish Lake.Henderson.Pecan Island.Lake Dauterive.■ PICNIC1ST: New Iberia City Park.2ND: Cypremort Point.■ SWIMRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Cypremort Point.Baron’s.■ NIGHT SPOT

RECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Bojangles.Carabella’s.Cypress Bayou Casino.Downtown.Buck Wild Saloon.■ TEEN ‘HANG OUT’RECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:The movies.Cypremort Point.■ GO ON A DATERECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Le Rosier.Ruby Tuesday’s.Tampico’s.Clementine’s.Cypress Bayou Casino.The movies.Taste N Sea.■ MEET GUY/GIRLRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Tampico’s.Cypremort Point.Napoleon’s.Chili’s.

■ COLD BEERRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Bon Creole.Clementine’s.Bojangles.Carabella’s.Wheel In.E&E Sports Bar.Pelican’s.Chili’s.■ WATCH SPORTSRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Chili’s.Sting Rays.Wheel Inn.E&E Sports Bar.Pelican’s.■ HEALTH FACILITYRECEIVING VOTES but without clear winner:Baron’s.Iberia Medical Center.Ladies First.Dauterive Hospital.Dynamic Health Club.






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FAIR: Hit the ball well, and score well

That type of play from the course is oneof the reasons that Squirrel Run wasselected be readers of The Daily Iberianas the Best Golf Course in the Teche Area.

The Daily Iberian’s Best of the Techecontest is an unscientific survey inwhich readers cast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, businesses andthings in the Teche Area.

Separated into three distinct nine-holecourses, Squirrel Run, which opened in1986, offers top quality golf at non-topquality prices. “You can score on thiscourse,” said Theriot. “But it can alsocome up to bite you. If you hit the ballwell, you are going to score well.”

The three courses have their ownnames and personalities. Steeple (3,211yards, par 36) was named because on sev-eral holes you can see a church steeple inthe background, Woods (3,240, par 36) wasnamed because it is built through solidwood forest and had to be carved out andPlantation (3169, par 36) got its namebecause the land it was built on was origi-nally part of Darby Plantation grounds.

“It gives us three combinations of 18holes so there is a lot of variety,” saidTheriot. “There’s a different ninth holeand a different 18th hole each round. Itoffers a lot of variety instead on playingthe same 18 holes over and over.”

That’s one of the reasons that the coursehas hosted Monday qualifying for theannual Chitimacha Louisiana Open golftournament, for the past several years.

“Having three courses also gives usoptions,” said Theriot. “The members ofthe club get their chance to play but wecan still have guests come and play.

Theriot explained that there are about35,000 rounds of golf a year played atSquirrel Run, which is a semi-privatecourse that allows public daily fee play.

While Theriot encourages all to make atee time about two days in advance, it ispossible to just show up one morning orafternoon and he can get you on thecourse with about 30 minutes notice.

“We offer great value for the price,”Theriot said. “The product is as good asany course in the area. The greens aresome of the smoothest and fastest ... Youget more bang for your dollar.”

FROM PAGE 4

■ BEST OF THE TECHE: FOOD/DINING■ FRESH PRODUCE1ST: Super 1.2ND: Wal-Mart.HM: Winn Dixie.■ MEAT1ST: Legnon’s.2ND: Bi Lo.HM: Simoneaud’s South.■ SPECIALTY MEATS1ST: Legnon’s.2ND: Dave’s.HM: Joyce’s.■ ICE CREAM1ST: Baskin Robbins.2ND: Dairy Queen.■ FROZEN DRINKS1ST: TJ’s Daiquiri.2ND: Daiquiri’s.■ SANDWICHES1ST: Fresh (Shorty’s Cypress Bayou).2ND: Subway.HM: Quizno’s.■ PIZZA

1ST: Pizza Hut.2ND: Domino’s.HM: Pizza Place.■ MEXICAN FOOD1ST: Tampico’s.HM: El Chile Verde.■ SALAD BAR1ST: Ryan’s.2ND: Ruby Tuesday.■ CHINESE FOOD1ST: Golden Wok.2ND: Hong Kong.3RD: Bo-Bo’s.■ STEAKS1ST: Mr. Lester’s.HM: Chili’s.■ FRIED CHICKEN1ST: Popeye’s.2ND: SugArena Fuel Base.■ DONUTS1ST: Meche’s.■ PREPARED SEAFOOD1ST: Landry’s (New Iberia).2ND: Seafood Connection.HM: Jane’s.

■ SEAFOOD MARKET1ST: Little Lobster.2ND: Anna’s Seafood.HM: Hung’s.HM: Mike’s Seafood.■ RED BEANS & RICE1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.2ND: Popeye’s.■ GUMBO1ST: Bon Creole.2ND: Landry’s (New Iberia).3RD: Duffy’s.HM: Taste N Sea.■ FRENCH BREAD1ST: LeJeune’s Bakery.2ND: Simoneaud’s.■ BOUDIN1ST: Legnon’s.■ CRACKLINS1ST: Sonnier’s.2ND: Legnon’s.■ FASTFOOD1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.2ND: McDonald’s.■ COFFEE

1ST: Victor’s.2ND: Starbucks.■ MEET FOR BREAKFAST1ST: Victor’s.HM: Waffle House.■ DESSERTS1ST: Ryan’s.2ND: Baking Memories.■ EAT WITHOUT CHILDREN1ST: Mr. Lester’s.2ND: Clementine’s.■ CHILDREN’S PORTIONS1ST: Burger King.2ND: McDonald’s.■ PORTIONS1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.HM: Chili’s.■ BUFFET1ST: Ryan’s.HM: Taste N Sea.■ ‘HOME-STYLE’ COOKING1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.2ND: Taste N Sea.3RD: Victor’s.



FROM PAGE 27

■ BAKERY ITEMS1ST: Super 1.2ND: Baking Memories.3RD: Wal-Mart.■ KING CAKES1ST: Fremin’s.2ND: Meches.■ DINING ‘ATMOSPHERE’1ST: Mr. Lester’s.HM: Little River Inn.HM: Clementine’s.HM: Taste N Sea.■ WAIT STAFF (LOCATION)1ST: SugArena Fuel Base.HM: Taste N Sea.HM: Little River Inn.■ WAITER/WAITRESSRECEIVING VOTES but with no clear winner:Yolanda at Victor’s.Sam Knight at Domino’s.Telitha Beech at Poppa’s.Nelda at Little River Inn.Megan at Chili’s.Mindy at Burger King.

Almeatra at SugArena Fuel Base.Alaina Buteau at Landry’s.Judy at Chili’s.Kay at Duffy’s.Liz Willis at Charlie’s (U.S. 90).■ WINES/LIQUOR1ST: Bi-Lo.1ST: Super 1.2ND: Simoneaud’s South.3RD: Clementine’s.■ BEST OF THE TECHE: BUSINESS■ INSURANCE AGENT1ST: Carrol Boudreaux at State Farm.2ND: Gilbert “Doc” Thomas at Allstate.3RD: Ray Scott at State Farm.HM: Jimmy Champagne at Allstate.HM: Alfred Ackal at State Farm.■ NEW CAR SALESMAN1ST: Calvin “Tiga” Broussard at Musson Patout.2ND: Justin Dugas at Musson Patout.3RD: Russell Snoddy at Arceneaux Ford.HM: Gene Nora at Arceneaux Ford.■ USED CAR SALESMAN1ST: Calvin “Tiga” Broussard at Musson Patout.2ND: Gene Nora at Arceneaux Ford.

3RD: Justin Dugas at Musson Patout.HM: Jarod Mullen at Superior Motors.■ CAR REPAIRS1ST: Guidry’s Ignition.2ND: Eugene’s Auto and Truck.3RD: Gordy’s Paint and Body.HM: Pat’s Auto Repair.HM: Dugas Auto Repair.HM: Dronet’s.■ PLACE FOR WOMAN’S HAIRCUT1ST: Hair U Wear.2ND: Sassy Cuts.3RD: I Love Lucy’s.HM: Hilltop.HM: Studio 902.■ PLACE FOR CHILD’S HAIRCUT1ST: Sassy Cuts.1ST: Hair U Wear.2ND: I Love Lucy’s.3RD: Wal-Mart.3RD: Mirror Mirror.3RD: Hilltop.■ TO HAVE NAILS DONE1ST: Hair U Wear.

BY NEAL MCCLELLAND

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Atough but fair and challenginglayout highlights the three nine-hole courses that make up

Squirrel Run Golf Club, according toPaul Theriot, who is the director of golfat the club.

“It’s a championship layout,” saidTheriot, originally from Delcambre, whohas been at the club for the past two years.“If you look at the yardage, it doesn’t over-all give a 73, 7400 yard tell-tale sign. Thereare some long holes and some short holes.

“There are some holes that are 300, 350

yards long but there is a lot of trouble onthose holes so you have to plan how youare going to play them.

“Some of our holes. like four and fiveon the Steeple Course, give the most trou-ble because of water and difficulty andthey are some of our shorter holes.

“If you don’t put it in the fairway offthe tee, you don’t have a chance to reachthe green. Once you’re on the green, youcould easily three putt. I’ve seen guys be15 feet from the hole and if the greens arefast, I’ve seen them four putt. It’s that dif-ficult.”




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THE W INNER S■

BEST GOLF COURSE■ 1ST: Squirrel Run Golf Club.

Area’s best course toughbut fair — Squirrel Run

SEE FFAAIIRR,, PAGE 5BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Brad Clause, left, watches as golfing partner Shannon LeBlanc tees off at Squirrel Run.

‘If you don’t put it in thefairway off the tee,’ youwon’t reach the green


FROM PAGE 28


2ND: Christine Nails.3RD: Linda’s.HM: Nail Tech.■ RETIREMENT FACILITY1ST: Garden View.2ND: Azalea Estates.■ BUY LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT1ST: Lowe’s.2ND: Sammy Broussard.3RD: Romero’s.■ PHARMACY1ST: Wal-Mart.2ND: Delaune’s.3RD: Walgreens-Parkview.HM: Soileau’s Pharmacy.HM: L&M Pharmacy.■ TRAVEL AGENT1ST: Mindy Early at Let’s Travel.HM: Lamar at Let’s Travel.HM: Beth Comeaux at Cajun Travel.■ CATERING SERVICE1ST: Peltier’s.2ND: Meta Hebert.3RD: Sylvia’s Catering.

HM: Kajun Katering.■ PLUMBING1ST: Babineaux’s.2ND: Beano.3RD: R.T. Plumbing.3RD: All In One.HM: Gary’s Plumbing.■ BEST HEATING/AC SERVICE1ST: Fox’s.2ND: Doerle’s A/C & Heating.3RD: Tim’s.HM: Larry Delcambre.■ FRIENDLIEST BANK TELLERS1ST: Teche Federal-Jefferson Terrace.2ND: Community First-Jefferson Terrace.3RD: Teche Federal-St. Peter’s.■ BEST DAY CARE1ST: Cathy’s Day Care.HM: St.Anne’s.HM: Gingerbread.HM: Noah’s Ark.■ GROCERY CHECK-OUT SERVICE1ST: Bi-Lo.2ND: Super 1.HM: Simoneaud’s.

HM: Menard’s.■ DRY CLEANING SERVICE1ST: Derouen’s.2ND: Rudy’s.3RD: 1 Hour Martinizing.■ HANDYMAN SERVICE1ST: Lowe’s.2ND: Borel’s Service.HM: Sams.HM: ACE.

HM: Guidry’s Ignition.HM:Randy’s Home Improvement.■ HANDYMAN ADVICE1ST: Lowe’s.2ND: Ace Hardware.3RD: Borel’s Service.HM: Todd’s.HM: Guidry’s Ignition.




NEW IBERIA: 529 N. Lewis St 367-2516 • 142 W. St. Peter 364-5528 • 1120 Jefferson Terrace Blvd. 365-0366 • FRANKLIN: 211 Willow St. 828-3212

Thanks Iberia Parish for your vote of confidence!We strive to be the BEST!

1st Place1120 Jefferson Terrace

3rd Place142 W. St. Peter

www.teche.com

MEMBER FDIC

Home of“Totally Free Checking”

Home Equity LoansMortgage Loans • New or Refinanced

Meet the Friendliest Tellers in New Iberia

THANK YOU!VOTED #1 MECHANIC & AUTO REPAIR

Robert Babineaux#1 Mechanic

Your Trust in us is Greatly Appreciated!

1924 E. Main St.New Iberia

337-365-7471

Voted #1 Again...13 Years Running

“Thanks Everyone”

364-0495 1331 E. St. Peter St., New Iberia

Voted #1 in Appliance Repairs

AmanaWhirlpoolKitchenAidGeneral

ElectricFrigidare

Magic ChefHotpointFriedrichMaytagHooverNutone

BroanEstateRoperEureka

Voted #1 Place to Buy AppliancesWe Feature:

LocallyOwned &Operated


PEOPLE: Teche Area’s friendly residents really help make the world go ’round

she says “I’ve been here all my life. I’mgoing to stay ... can’t leave home.”

Jaselyn Jeanlouis of Loreauville isgoing to school in Tulsa. Comparing peo-ple between the two places, she said inTulsa

“You meet people and it’s ‘hi’ and ‘bye.’Here, anybody can strike up a conversa-tion.

Even on vacation with her family,she said “you always want to comehome.”

“I think mostly it’s culturally differ-ent,” said Scott Foster, who lives inLafayette but works on New Iberia’ssewer lines during the week.

“Up north they’re very outwardlyfriendly, but personally distant. Here, it’smore genuine and warm.

“If they say come in and have a cup ofcoffee, come in and have a cup of cof-fee.”

FROM PAGE 2

‘Basically you can walk by andspeak and say hello and people will respond back.’

Patricia Johnson

New Iberia resident

■

‘I’ve been here all my life. I’mgoing to stay ... can’t leavehome.’

Alycee LeBlanc

New Iberia resident

■

‘I think it’s mostly culturally different.’

Scott Foster

Lafayette resident who works in New Iberia

■

‘The only place that compares to this for welcome to strangers isSouth Carolina, but SouthLouisiana still takes the cake. ... Sharing your life with others is more likely tobe done down here.’

Dracos Burke

New Iberia resident

■

A L L THE B E S T■FROM PAGE 29


■ BUY TIRES/SERICE1ST: Iberia Discount Tires.2ND: Delta World Tires.3RD: Allied Tires.HM: Winmill.HM: Ross Tires.HM: Patin’s.■ FIND UNUSUAL GIFTS1ST: This and That.2ND: Gift SensationsHM: Adella’s.HM: Bangles Baskets & Scents.■ BUY FLOWERS1ST: De De’s.2ND: Paul’s Flower Shop.3RD: Lowe’s.HM: Gallery of Flowers.HM: Breaux’s.HM: Gift Sensations.■ BUY OUTDOOR PLANTS1ST: Hebert’s.2ND: Lowe’s.3RD: Iberia Garden.■ BUY ‘COOL’ CASUAL CLOTHES

1ST: Stage.2ND: Goody’s.3RD: Backstage.HM: Wal-Mart.HM: Natalie’s.HM: Modish Posh.■ BUY ‘COOL’ CHILD’S CLOTHES1ST: Little Susan’s.2ND: Stage.3RD: For the Little Ones.HM: Wal-Mart.■ BUY APPLIANCES1ST: A&A Appliances.2ND: Conn’s.3RD: Lowe’s.HM: Chris Maytag.■ FOR APPLIANCE REPAIR1ST: A&A Appliances.2ND: Chris Maytag.HM: Lowe’s.HM: Conn’s.■ TO FIND A BARGAIN1ST: Wal-Mart.2ND: The Arc.HM: Burke’s Outlet.




For Voting UsOne Of The Best!

613 E. Admiral Doyle • 364-8577

1st PlaceBest Place To Buy

“Cool Children’s Clothes”

Girls & AnimalsAre Here!

615 E. Admiral DoylePark right in front!

367-7685Hours M-F 9:30-5:30

Sat. 10-4

One of the Best PlacesTo Find

Unusual Gifts!New & Exciting

Merchandise Arriving Daily!

“It’s What Women Want!”PAUL’S FLOWER & PLANT SHOP

110 Weeks St. • 365-1428

Thank You For VotingPaul’s Flower Shop

2nd Place For Best Flowers

Mr. Paul SchwingOne Of The Best Community

Movers & ShakersOne Of The Best Community Volunteers

Arceneaux Ford1407 CENTER STREET, NEW IBERIA

337-364-9721www.arceneauxford.com

CONGRATULATIONS!Russell Snoddy and Gene Nora

Your Hometown Ford Dealer!

General Manager James Manuel (middle)

1st Place Best Boudin

13 Consecutive Years

Tuesday - Friday 7:00-5:30 • Saturday 7:00-1:00 410 Jefferson Terrace Blvd.

367-3831

Thanks For Making Us Your #1 Boucherie

• 1st Place Best Specialty Meats• 1st Place Best Meat• 2nd Place Best Cracklins

• Meat Packages • Fresh Cracklins Daily• Boudin • Crawfish Boudin • Hamburger Patties

• Chicken Sausage/Patties • Smoked Sausage• Beef/Pork Sausage • Tasso • Dressing Mix

• Stuffed Roast • Gift Certificates

I ND EX■

SOME OF THE FEATUREDWINNERS

Best Thing About Area ......This page

Best Golf Course......................Page 4

Best Place For Snowcones ......Page 6

Best Real Estate Agent............Page 7

Best Pet Groomer....................Page 9

Best Day Care ........................Page 10

Best Men’s & Child’s Haircut....Page 13

Best Check-out Service.........Page 16

Best Po-Boys...........................Page 20

Best Place for Breakfast........Page 22

Best Prepared Seafood..........Page 24

Best Travel Agent ...................Page 25

Best Jeweler............................Page 26

All the Best ............................Page 27


BY MARY

CATHARINE MARTIN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

The persondown theaisle at the

grocery store justsmiled at you.Someone sayshello as you walkyour dog.

Are you suddenlyfamous? Have youforgotten a face?

No, you’re just inSouth Louisiana,where DailyIberian readersvoted the peoplethe best part of liv-ing in the TecheArea.

The DailyIberian’s annualBest of the Techepoll is an unscien-tific survey inwhich readers casttheir votes fortheir favorite peo-ple, places, busi-ness and things inthe Teche Area.

PatriciaJohnson, who livesin New Iberia, although she’s originallyfrom Delcambre and spent some time inCalifornia for work, said in the TecheArea, “basically you can walk by andspeak and say hello and people will

respond back.”In other places she’s been, she said that

wasn’t necessarily the case.“A bunch of us (here) are Cajuns. As a

whole we’re very friendly, I think,” said

Walter Peltier, also bornand raised in the area.

Dracos Burke traveled“all over” with the AirForce before retiring.

“The only place thatcompares to this for wel-come to strangers isSouth Carolina, butSouth Louisiana stilltakes the cake,” he said.

Burke said he thinks“people are pretty good everywhere” butare more open in the Teche Area.

A few years ago, his granddaughterwas visiting from Colorado, he said.

“We’d pass people (while walking inCity Park) and I’d speak to them. She’dsay ‘Do you know these people?’ ”

He didn’t. But “you pass people, youspeak to them.

“Sharing your life with others is morelikely to be done down here,” Burke said.

Beverly Huckaby said she especiallylikes that families are so close-knit here.That’s an opinion student AlyceeLeBlanc of New Iberia reinforces when

People best part of the areaSurvey: Best thing about living here are folks you meet

SEE PPEEOOPPLLEE,, PAGE 3

THE W INNER S■

BEST THING ABOUTTHE TECHE AREA

■ 1ST: The people.

■ ALSO RECEIVING VOTES: Thefood ...“It’s home” ... and “Lively yet onecan simmer down to country living.”

CarolynAllemand

Alicia Anthony Carrie Burke Dracos Burke

JaselynJeanLouis

BeverlyHuckaby

Scott FosterSandee Collins

Tom ShappuisWalter PeltierAlycee LeBlanc June Spurlock

PatriciaJohnson


FROM PAGE 30


THURSDAY, JULY 31, 200832 THE DAILY IBERIAN

July 31, 2008

Supplement to

Stuffed Bread • Fully Cooked BrisketReady to Serve

Call in advance to place your order 336655--11117766

We promise to continue to deliver service,selection & low prices every day of the year!

• USDA Choice Meats• Fresh Rotisserie Chicken• Groceries & Produce• Fresh Sliced Deli Ham

• Frozen Foods & Dairy• BBQ Baby Backed Ribs• Wine, Beer & Liquor• Stuffed Potatoes

207 North Lewis • 365-1176 • 365-9886 • Store Hours Mon. - Sun. 7:00 - 8:00Locally Owned & Operated • www.bilo-supermarket.com

Money Orders • We Accept Food Stamps • Visa • Mastercard • American Express • Discover

1st PlaceBest Selection of Wines & Liquors

2nd PlaceBest Place to Buy Meat



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