by Atiya Jordan
October 11, 2023
Due to an invitation by Go to Lake Charles, BLACK ENTERPRISE explored the colourful southwest Louisiana metropolis and found resilient neighborhood gems alongside the way in which.
Lake Charles, a metropolis brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and Creole and Cajun pleasure, is on the rise since Hurricane Laura and Delta eviscerated neighborhoods and swamped properties in 2020. Throughout our journey, BE met with Black locals, restauranteurs, and enterprise house owners who’ve needed to overcome the season’s disasters. They’re rebuilding and welcoming help.
From Lake Charles’ Cajun character to its Texas aptitude, here’s a timeless bucket listing for vacationers who wish to spend consciously, flow into Black {dollars} and dive into Louisiana’s tradition with out the crowds.
Alevan – Salon Spa Sanctuary
At Alevan, the inclusive workforce desires company and purchasers to not solely really feel included, however unique. BLACK ENTERPRISE visited the Lake Charles’ neighborhood allure envisioned by proprietor Charlita Delafose for one of many metropolis’s first multicultural hair salons. In 2020, Delafose endured the impression of Hurricane Laura and sought to supply unwinding providers by fostering “unity via magnificence.” Alevan formally opened in October 2022, and BE received an opportunity to totally immerse into an oasis of self-care. Knadia, assistant supervisor and esthetician, instructed BE that Alevan is a “hidden gem.” It doesn’t matter what “you’re in good palms regardless,” she added. The nice and cozy and welcoming setting gives ranges of area and invitations us all to take pleasure in a mimosa, host a wine tasting, learn books within the library or rejoice within the outside sanctuary with a koi pond, fireplace pit, and waterfall options.
I attempted a facial!
Knadia carried out a 30-minute facial. From the calming tunes and fragrant smells to waking up with glowing pores and skin, I used to be transported into a distinct world.
The M Bar Sports activities Bar & Grill
When BE landed on the M Bar scene, the rhythm and blues was beaming and the wings was flowing. From beer to wine, signature cocktails and frozen favorites, you may take pleasure in joyful hour Monday – Saturday. In order that Thursday night time was no totally different. The a number of high-definition televisions introduced the must-see video games. The crowds and {couples} got here with the celebratory vibes. “We’re not simply your typical nightclub,” the proprietor instructed BE concerning the totally different components she brings to the neighborhood, together with cajun music and brunches. She is proud in hiring a various workforce and proudly owning the constructing she’s at the moment working. “Personal it,” she suggested.
I attempted firecracker shrimp!
Whether or not you take pleasure in a spicy dish or not, this dish is scrumptious. An order offers you six shrimp calmly battered and fried in M Bar’s spicy cajun sauce.
Biking Via The Lake LLC
Discover Lake Charles like by no means earlier than with Biking Via The Lake, LLC! You possibly can witness the beautiful and serene views of the lakefront, historic downtown and the neighborhoods that stand taller than the pure disasters that swept via a 12 months in the past. Reserve a spot on a bicycle tour via Lake Charles with music, karaoke and elective light-up wheels. Whether or not you wish to rejoice an event or go for a enjoyable night trip, Biking Via The Lake has received you lined with a excessive power ambiance. Comply with them on Fb for details about upcoming group occasions, and speak to Donnie to e book your memorable group trip. Upcoming occasions embrace The Lit Libra Journey, Rolling with the Queens of The Libras and Georgia’s Halloween Bike Journey.
Leonard’s Meals Quarters
It’s typical a morning to have a catfish and grits meal for breakfast at Leonard’s Meals Quarters. The truth is, the institution has been a convention for the Lake Space since 1986. What makes Leonard’s distinctive is the combination of Cajun & Creole meals with a contact of soul and a focus to element. Specialties embrace pink beans and rice, seafood platters, poboys, loaded baked potatoes, and naturally, boudin hyperlinks, boudin balls, and contemporary cracklins’.
I attempted catfish and grits!
If you’re a pescatarian, don’t fret. Leonard’s can break your quick with crispy cajun catfish, shrimp, grits and biscuits.
Twanie’s Terrrific Treats
BE stopped into Twanie’s Terrific Treats for freshly baked chocolate chip cookies proper earlier than they opened for enterprise. Antwan Pettis II opened the doorways close to the center of Downtown Lake Charles in 2022 after being a pop-up store. The bakery options contemporary baked items together with bread pudding, colossal cookies, pecan chocolate chip, magnificent cookies and cream, oatmeal and raisin, mocha espresso toffee, and a lot extra.
I attempted chocolate chip cookies!
The richness of the cookie is much more satisfying when it’s heat.
Ms. Johnnie’s Gingerbread Home
Well-known for her pecan pralines, gingerbread muffins and candy potato pies, Mrs. Johnnie’s treats are extremely wanted in Southwest Louisiana. Leona Guillory Johnnie, proprietor of Mrs. Johnnie’s Gingerbread Home, started her baking journey 40 years in the past. The enterprise transitioned from a home-based bakery to a storefront, providing pies, muffins, teacakes, pralines, and candy breads. Her son, Kevin Ames, is constant her legacy at present. At Mrs. Johnnie’s Gingerbread Home, candy dough pies are freshly-baked day by day for a candy deal with on-the-go or to take pleasure in of their eating room.
I attempted candy dough pie!
Mrs. Johnnie’s pies are full of affection. They’re harking back to the vacations and candy childhood reminiscences. The dough is golden brown and mushy, whereas the filling gently satisfies your candy tooth repair.
What’s extra? Lake Charles provides one thing for everybody. If you happen to’re not touring presently, help these companies by spreading the phrase.
