Romancing the Roads Read Online Free

the drawing boards, including an antique shop, a tavern and restaurant, and a Victorian greenhouse botanical garden, which will offer cuttings and samplings from rare and exotic plants on the property.
    There is so much to see, admire, and learn at Houmas House. You will definitely enjoy. Admission is approximately $20 per adult. Group rates are available, and the property is wheelchair accessible. Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    2010 Addendum: I spoke with Kevin Kelly, who, it is obvious from his voice, is a very proud owner. A teahouse has been opened. The surrounding gardens, fountains, ponds, and Japanese bridge are beautiful. The gardens are being touted as among the best in the South. The teahouse, at a twenty-foot elevation, overlooks the plantation. Visit the Turtle Bar for your choice of libation and then the award-winning Latil’s Landing Restaurant (225-473-9380). Reservations are required. Hopefully I will see all of these new additions when on tour. It all sounds fabulous.
    Shopping
    Bella Bella
    3064 Perkins Rd.
    225-343-2352
    This is an attractive shop for fashionistas. Owner Elise Decoteau now has two other shops It’s best to call for directions (252-923-1505 or 225-757-0090).
    Imelda’s
    7865 Jefferson Hwy.
    225-923-3737
    Owned by Sally Fowler, Imelda’s has lots of wonderful shoes—some, of course, pricey. This shop is open every day of the week. Check for hours. I saw on the card that Imelda’s has two other stores in Lafayette and Shreveport.
    Personal Input to Share
    Via Moda
    This great little store has shoes, pocketbooks, and small accessories, all sensibly priced. The owner was so bubbly and friendly, and when she learned I was coming to visit, she made a large bag with Curves on the Highways (a previous book of mine) embroidered on the front. Was that not the most original? So very thoughtful! What a super surprise. I admit I found a pink and orange jelly bag on sale that I had to have. Sadly, I called to verify some details and find that the shop has closed, hopefully only temporarily.
    Real Life: I share this cute story, which could happen to anyone—especially young mothers. While I was at Via Moda, a young woman ran in. She was obviously dressed up for an event—except for her shoes. It turned out that her child had hidden or misplaced one of the shoes that she was going to wear to a wedding that afternoon. The owner, as well as everyone in the store, pitched in and found her the perfect replacement pair—not too expensive—that she could wear with lots of different kinds of attire. Oh, the trials of wonderful motherhood.
    Dining
    Coffee Call
    3132 College Dr., Ste. F
    225-925-9493
    This is the spot for breakfast. Whoa! Just try to set limits as to how much of a standard Louisiana breakfast—beignets and café au lait—you are going to consume. It’s not easy. Coffee Call is a Baton Rouge landmark and gathering place for all Homo sapiens. The Cannatella family opened the business twenty-seven years ago. It’s delicious, superclean, and below reasonable in price, with great atmosphere. Can I rave more?
    Juban’s Creole Restaurant
    3739 Perkins Rd.
    225-346-8422
    www.jubans.com
    Acclaimed as one of 1984’s best new restaurants by Esquire , Juban’s, I am glad to emphasize, is owned by two women. Yes! The exceptional menu made choosing what to eat difficult. My selections included
    Cajun popcorn: This dish consists of fried crawfish tails served with spicy cocktail sauce. Don’t get put off by what Cajun popcorn is. It is delicious.
    Filet Juban: The dish of beef tenderloin with maître d’hôtel butter, crabmeat, and béarnaise sauce, was absolutely delicious. I think I split a small salad, and dessert was sweet and decadent.
    FYI: One of Juban’s signature dishes is Hallelujah Crab, which consists of fried seafood-stuffed soft-shell crab topped with sauce creolaise.
    Prices are standard high-end. The atmosphere is upscale casual and definitely friendly. Juban’s is