2011 Best of Teche

BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 28,201128 THE DAILY IBERIAN

Thanksto all our many customers and friends for voting for Bi-Lo in Best of the Teche 2011

207 North Lewis • 365-1176 • 365-9886www.bilo-supermarket.com

Locally Owned & Operated • Store Hours: Mon.-Sun. 7:00-8:00

1st PlaceBest Place To Buy Meat

Best Place To Buy Wine & Liquor

Best Place To Buy Bakery Items

2nd PlaceBest Grocery Check-Out Service

3rd PlaceBest Place To Buy Produce

Honorable MentionBest Place To Buy French Bread

Best Place To Buy Specialty Meats

SUPERMARKETSUPERMARKET

■ BEST STEAK1ST: Mr. Lester’s.2ND: Little River Inn.HM: Chili’s.HM: Landry’s.HM: Ruby Tuesday.■ BEST SUMMER SPORTS ACTIVITYThere were six sports receiving votes, but no

clear winner:Baseball.Basketball.Gardening.Softball.Swimming.T-Ball.■ BEST PLACE TO SWIMThere were two top vote-getters:Baron’s Health and Court Club.City Park.■ BEST TEACHER (NOW & PAST)Several teachers received votes, but there was no

clear winner:

Doc Voorhies.

Donna Hopson.

Ellie Arceneaux.

Jennifer Mestayer Kidd.

Kalain Harris.

Kristi Freeman.

Liz Granger.

Stephanie Jefferson.

■ BEST TEEN ‘HANG-OUT’There were two top vote-getters:

Orange Leaf.

The Grand Theatre.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY ELECTRONICS1ST: Walmart.

HM: Magic Video.

HM: Ricky Smith Audio.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1ST: Amentor’s Jewelers.

2ND: Allian’s Jewelry.

HM: Texada’s Jewelry and Gifts.

■ BEST PLACE TO FIND A BARGAIN1ST: Walmart.

■ BEST PLACE TO FIND FURNITURE

1ST: Home Furniture.

2ND: Foti’s.

HM: Bargain Furniture.

■ BEST PLACE TO HAVE NAILS DONE

1ST: Li Nail’s.

2ND: Fancy Nails.

3RD: Linda’s.

HM: Hair U Wear.

■ BEST PLACE TO RENT VIDEOS

1ST: Red Box.

2ND: Block Buster.

3RD: Magic Video.

■ BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR PERSONWHO HAS EVERYTHING

1ST: Walmart.

■ BEST TRAVEL AGENT

1ST: Mindy Early at Let’s Travel.

HM: Beth Comeaux at Let’s Travel.

HM: Sheila Molbert at Let’s Travel.

■ BEST TV PROGRAM/PERSONALITY

Three received votes, but there was no clear win-ner:

Dave Baker/ KATC.

Gary Arnold/ KLEY.

Tom Voiche/ KATC.

■ PLACE WITH BEST WAIT STAFF

1ST: Little River Inn.

2ND: Landry’s.

3RD: Duffy’s.

■ BEST WAITER/WAITRESS

1ST: Nelda Dauphine at Little River Inn.

2ND: Esella Lee at Landry’s.

3RD: Dianne Segura at Little River Inn.

HM: Myrna Roco at Seafood Connection.

HM: Santi at Tampico’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO WASH YOUR CAR

1ST: Wizard Wash.

2ND: Get Wet.

3RD: Todd’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO WATCH SPORTS

1ST: Chilis.

2ND: Pelican’s on the Bayou.

■ BEST PLACE TO GET WINES/LIQUOR

1ST: Bi-Lo.

HM: Little River Inn.

BY JESSICA GOFF

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Nelda Dauphine has been putting smiles on the faces ofher guests for more than a decade while serving upgumbos, crab cakes, sirloins and ettoufee.

The St. Martinville native is server at Little River Inn at 833 E.Main St. and has beenawarded this year’s Best ofTeche under the BestWaiter/Waitress category.

The Best of the Teche isan annual, unscientific sur-vey by readers of The DailyIberian in which readerscast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, busi-nesses and things in theTeche Area.

This is not the first timeshe has been a Best of The Teche recipient, she said. However,the humble woman said she just can’t place why she keepsreceiving the award.

BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 28,20112 THE DAILY IBERIAN BE S T O F THE T E CHE THE DAILY IBERIAN 27THURSDAY, JULY 28,2011

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

1st PlaceBest Boudin16 Consecutive Years

For Voting Garden View #1 Best Retirement Facility

1000 Darby Lane • New Iberia, LA337-364-2266 • www.gardenview.org

Best server ........................TThhiiss ppaaggeeBest po-boy ................................PPaaggee 44Best dry cleaning ......................PPaaggee 66Best place to buy/service tires ........................PPaaggee 88Best medical staff ..................PPaaggee 1100Best specialty meats ..............PPaaggee 1122Best place to buy jewelry ....PPaaggee 1133Best place to meet for breakafst............................PPaaggee 1144Best new car salesman ..........PPaaggee 1177Best pharmacy ........................PPaaggee 1188Best place to get get nails done ..........................PPaaggee 1199Best place for a man’s haircut ..........................PPaaggee 2200

——All the Best ..................PPaaggeess 2211--2277

I NDEX■

■ 1ST: Nelda Dauphine at Little River Inn.

■ 2ND: Esella Lee at Landry’s Cajun, Seafood & Steakhouse.

■ 3RD: Dianne Segura at Little River Inn.

■ HM: Myrna Roco at Seafood Connection.

■ HM: Santi at Tampico Restaurant.

BE S T S E RV ER■

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . .Will Chapman

Managing Editor . . . . . . .Jeff Zeringue

Advertising Manager . . . . . .Alan Rini

Production Manager . . .Jerry Sexton

Business Manager . . .Amanda Seneca

Circulation Manager . . . .“J.P.” Poirier

Dauphine: Service with a smile

SEE SSEERRVVIICCEE,, PAGE 3

‘I just try to do mybest. That’s all I can

do.’

Nelda Dauphine

Little River Inn server

■

JESSICA GOFF / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Nelda Dauphine has the knack for bringing restaurant-goers theirorder with a smile and professionalism at Little River Inn.

A L L THE B E S T■

FROM PAGE 26

■ BEST NIGHT SPOTThere were three places that got votes, but there

was no clear winner:Clementine’s.Jersey’s.The Camp.■ BEST PET GROOMER1ST: Tammy Talley at Tammy’s Grooming

(Reaux’s).■ BEST PHARMACY1ST: CVS (Parkview).2ND: Delaune’s.3RD: Walmart.HM: KMart.HM: L&M Pharmacy.■ BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC1ST: City Park.■ BEST PIZZA1ST: Pizza Place.2ND: Pizza Hut.HM: Domino’s.HM: Papa John’s.■ BEST PLACE FOR CHILD’S HAIRCUT1ST: Studio 902.2ND: Cliff’s.3RD: Hair U Wear.HM: Ryan Michael’s.(Note:There were 22 different places that

received votes) ■ BEST PLACE FOR MAN’S HAIRCUT1ST: Ryan Michael’s.2ND: Cliff’s.3RD: Studio 902.HM: Clyde’s.HM: Hair U Wear.(Note:There were 25 different places that

received votes)■ BEST PLACE FOR WOMAN’S HAIR-

CUT1ST: Studio 902.2ND: Ryan Michael’s.3RD: Style America.HM: Hair U Wear.■ BEST PLACE TO SHOOT POOLThree places got votes, but there was no clear

winner:Emerald’s.

Jersey’s.Slick Willies.


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• Kids Foods • Sandwiches• Fast Food • Fried Chicken• Hamburgers • Po-Boys

Walter & Carlo

INTEREST FREE 12 MONTHS WITH APPROVED CREDIT

1302 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. (Across from NISH)New Iberia

369-7082 • Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-4

Thanksfor voting us

one of the best!

We thinkour customersare the best!

Victor’s CafeteriaDOWNTOWN NEW IBERIA ~ 369-9924

We Always ServeCommunity Coffee

Desserts - 1st PlaceMeet For Breakfast - 1st PlacePortions - 1st PlaceHomestyle Cooking - 2nd PlaceBest Coffee - 2nd PlaceBusiness Lunch - Honorable MentionRed Beans & Rice - Honorable Mention

Thank You For Voting Us #1Free Delivery

Orders$25 & Up

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

#1BestPoboysHonorable Mention:Hamburger“Homestyle” CookingGumbo

3402 Old Spanish Trail East New Iberia, LA • 369-6174Store Hours: 7:30 AM-5 PM Mon.-Fri.; 8 AM-12 PM Sat.

Authorized Firestore Dealer

Iberia Discount Tire CenterWe Appreciate Your Vote And Your Business

Thank You ForVoting For Us #1

Best Of The Teche!

SERVICE: ‘She is one of the best servers we have. She always, always has a smile’

“I just try to do my best,” she said with a smile. “That’sall I can do.”

Her guests make her job a joy, she said. On a dailybasis, she serves a varietyof patrons from interna-tional guests and local reg-ulars.

Lori Hurst, who owns therestaurant with her hus-band Richard, said thebusiness constantly getsrequests from customersasking to be seated in hersection.

“We get calls also thetime from people saying,‘We want Nelda, we wantNelda,” Hurst said with alaugh.

“We wish we could cloneher,” Hurst said.

“She is one of the best servers we have. She always,always has a smile and she is so dedicated. She takes

pride in what she does and worries about making everysingle one her customers happy.”

“It’s a treat for us. She is just a gem. She loves whatshe does and show it,” she said. “We are glad to have

her.”Dauphine’s favorite menu item is “just simple chick-

en,” she said.But she said the restaurant’s seafood packed house

salad is “out of this world.”You can catch

Dauphine at the restau-rant during lunch hourson Monday, Tuesday andWednesday and at din-ner time on Fridays andSaturdays.

The Little River Inn ishome to another of thetop servers. Daily Iberianreaders selected DianneSegura for third place inthe Best of the TecheBest Waiter/Waitress cat-egory.

The second-place winnerfor the Teche of the TecheBest Waiter/Waitress category is Esella Lee at Landry’sSeafood at Landry’s Seafood House and Dianne Segurawho is also a server at Little River Inn.

FROM PAGE 2

JESICA GOFF / THE DAILY IBERIAN

‘I just try to do my best. That’s all I can do,” says LittleRiver Inn server Nelda Dauphine.

‘She always,always has a smile

and she is so dedicated.’

Lori Hurst

Little River Inn owner, talking

about server Nelda Dauphine

■

You can catchDauphine at therestaurant duringlunch hours onMonday, Tuesday

and Wednesday andat dinner time of

Friday and Saturday.■


FROM PAGE 25

CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD OONN PPAAGGEE 2277

■ BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS1ST: City Park.

■ BEST PLUMBING SERVICE1ST: Babineaux’s.

2ND: Pipe’s N Plugs.

3RD: R.T.’s.

HM: Beano’s.

HM: Malcom Derouen’s.

■ BEST PO-BOYS1ST: Bon Creole.

HM: Duffy’s.

■ BEST PORTIONS1ST: Victor’s.

2ND: Little River Inn.

3RD: Bon Creole.

■ BEST PLACE FOR PREPAREDSEAFOOD

1ST: Anna Seafood.


3RD: Seafood Connection.

HM: Landry’s (New Iberia).

■ BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT1ST: Pat Caffery at Caffery Real Estate.

2nd: Karl Rouly at Van Eaton & Romero.3RD: Irene Wassel at Caffery Real Estate.HM: Patricia Grisaffe at Van Eaton & Romero.■ BEST RED BEANS & RICE1ST: Popeye’s.HM: Little River Inn.HM: Victor’s Cafeteria.■ BEST PLACE TO GO TO RELAXThere were three top vote-getters:Bojangle’s.City Park.Spa Almaz.■ BEST RETIREMENT FACILITY1ST: Garden View.2ND: Belle Teche.3RD: Azalea Estates.(Note: Only one vote separated 1&2)■ BEST SALAD BAR1ST: Ruby Tuesday.■ BEST SANDWICHES1ST: Subway.2ND: Quizno’s.3RD: Duffy’s.

■ BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

1ST: Mike’s Seafood.

1ST: Super 1 Foods.

2ND: Anna Seafood.

3RD: Hung’s.

■ BEST SNOWBALLS

1ST: Snowball Factory.

HM: Babe’s.

■ BEST PLACE FOR SPECIAL OCCASION

1ST: Clementine.


■ BEST SPECIALTY MEATS

1ST: Legnon’s Boucherie.

2ND: Dave’s Specialty Meats.

HM: Bi-Lo.

HM: Joyce’s.

HM: Super 1 Foods.

■ BEST PLACE TO SPEND SUNDAYAFTERNOON

1ST: City Park.

■ BEST GROCERY CHECKOUT SERVICE

1ST: Super 1.

2ND: Bi-Lo.

3RD: Simoneaud’s East.

HM: Winn-Dixie.

■ BEST GUMBO


2ND: Dave’s.

HM: Bon Creole.

(Note: Only one vote separated 1&2)

■ BEST HAMBURGER

1ST: Stein’s.

HM: Bon Creole.

HM: Duffy’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR HANDYMANADVICE

1ST: Lowe’s.

2ND: ACE Hardware.

BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

In a place where food reigns supremeand where some of the world’s bestcuisine is displayed on any given

kitchen table daily, Bon Creole is a famil-iar name when it comes to what residentsconsider the best food the Teche Area hasto offer.

This year, the top-notch eatery garneredhonors in five different categories in TheDaily Iberian’s annual unscientific surveyof the Best of the Teche. Among its kudosfor the 2011 survey are honorable men-tions in the Homestyle Cooking, Gumboand Hamburger categories and a thirdplace for Portions.

Top honors this year go to Bon Creolefor the Best Po-Boys category. The catego-ry had no second or third place finishers

and only one other restaurant, Duffy’s,came close to Bon Creole earning enough


Cliff Dronet, Owner

Dronet’sAuto Repair

365-5184 • 801 W. Admiral Doyle, New Iberia

Basic Oil Changes To Computer Diagnostics

38 Years Keeping New Iberia Moving

Thank You#1 Auto Mechanic - Cliff Dronet

#2 Best Car Repairs

PIZZA PLACE300 Center Street, New Iberia

337-9903 or 369-9100 www.pizzaplaceonline.com

THE PIZZA PLACE GANG WANTS TOTHANK ALL WHO VOTED US #1

This year only more of the same andmaybe some surprises!

OUR GOAL IS TO SERVE THE BEST FOODTO THE BEST CUSTOMERS!

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

We appreciate youshopping with us.

Thank You!From: Store #533

620 IBERIA ST.NEW IBERIA, LA 70560

369-3521M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pmSat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thank You!1st Place

917 PARKVIEW DR.PARKVIEW PLAZA

365-0667

RELIABLE CLEANERS, L.L.C.

Jane’sSeafood & Chinese Restaurant

1201 Jane St., New Iberia365-5412

Thanks For Voting UsOne Of Your Favorites In

Best Of The Teche

■ 1ST: Bon Creole.

■ HM: Duffy’s.

BE S T PO - BOY■

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN

At Bon Creole, Adele Montegut slices shrimp po-boys, which are No. 1 in Best of the Teche.

At Bon Creole, you cansink teeth into best po-boy

SEE PPOO--BBOOYY,, PAGE 5

Bon Creole owner RandyMontegut said his secret is touse ‘good, quality seafood’ and

‘to do it all from scratch.’■


FROM PAGE 24


HM: S&S Renovations.

■ BEST ICE CREAM

1ST: Baskin-Robbins.

HM: Sonic Drive-In.

■ BEST INSURANCE AGENT

1ST: Jimmy Champagne at AllState.

2ND: Bill Desormeaux at State Farm (Jen).

3RD: Ray Scott at State Farm.

HM: David Dorsey at Dorsey Insurance.

HM: Sheryl Reaux at Bayou Belle.

■ BEST PLACE FOR KID’S FOODS

1ST: McDonald’s.

2ND: Duffy’s.

HM: Mr. Gatti’s.

■ BEST KING CAKES

1ST: Meche’s.

HM: Fremin’s.

■ BEST LOCAL BAND

Several received votes, but there was no clear win-ner:

5th Avenue.

Andy Smith Band.

Krossfyre.

Southern Skye.

Spank the Monkey.

■ BEST LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION

1ST: Shadows-on-the-Teche.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR MEAT

1ST: Bi-Lo.

2ND: Legnon’s Boucherie.

HM: Dave’s Specialty Meats.

HM: Menard Bros.

HM: Super 1 Foods.

■ BEST MEDICAL STAFF

1ST: Boudreaux Family Medicine.

2ND: Iberia Medical Staff.

3RD: Dr. George Cousin Family Practice.

HM: Dauterive Hospital.

■ BEST PLACE TO MEET FOR BREAKFAST

1ST: Victor’s Cafeteria.

HM: McDonald’s.

HM: Waffle House.

■ BEST PLACE TO MEET GUY/GIRL

Four places received votes, but there was no clearwinner:

Bojangle’s.

Chili’s.

Napoleon’s.

Tampico’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE

There were three top vote-getters:

City Park.

Duffy’s.

Walmart.

■ BEST MEXICAN FOOD

1ST: Tampico’s.

2ND: El Mexicano.

3RD: El Chile Verde.

■ BEST NEW CAR SALESMAN

1ST: Ryan Menard at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville.

3RD: Raising Cane’s.

HM: Duffy’s.

HM: Sonic Drive-In.

■ BEST PLACE TO FIND UNUSUALGIFTS

1ST: Walmart.

2ND: Delaune’s.

2ND: This & That.

3RD: Fabian’s.

HM: Gift Sensations.

■ BEST PLACE FOR APPLIANCE REPAIR

1ST: A&A Appliance.

HM: Chris Maytag.

HM: Conn’s.

■ BEST PLACE FOR SPORTING GOODS

1ST: Lipari Sporting Goods.

2ND: Walmart.

HM: Academy.


From the owners Troy and Kit Delcambre and all the staff ofLarry Delcambre Air Conditioning we would like to thank all ourvalued customers for voting us Best of the Teche once again.

We appreciate your patronage and remember to call us For AllYour Comfort Needs!

Top row: (service techs) Cody Lopez, Craig Landry, Jonathan Bouy, Andrew Harris, Shannon Dugas,Cody Morvant, Joshua Gaspard, Clint Pesson.Middle row: Troy Delcambre owner, Kit Delcambre owner, Clayton Viator install foreman, Natalie Garzadispatcher, Chelsea Louviere receptionist, Scott Delcambre parts manager, Jo Delcambre acctspayable, Ray Lustman accts receivable, John Roseberry marine foreman.Bottom row: (installation appt. & techs) Phillip Perez, Joel Morvant, Kalem Bonin, Kirt Rebert, DavidBoudreaux, Josh Boudreaux, Dorsey Barras, Hayden Louviere.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC.1303 Jane St., New Iberia, LA

St. Lic. #44169(337) 369-6880 / (337) 369-6910 / (337) 365-3350

337.367.7466833 E. Main Street • New Iberia, Louisiana

www.LittleRiverInnNewIberia.com

Thank Youfor voting Little River Inn1st Place in Five Categories!

•Best Dining Atmosphere•Best Place to Eat Without Kids•Best Gumbo•Best Wait Staff•Best Waitress: Ms. Nelda

2nd Place•Best Home-Style Cooking•Best Business Lunch•Best Desserts•Best Portions•Best Prepared Seafood

3rd Place•Best Special Occasion•Best Steak•Best Waitress: Dianne Segura

Congratulations to our Best Waitress Winners!First Place: Ms. Nelda

Third Place: Dianne Segura

1306 West Admiral Doyle Dr., New Iberia, LA • 337-364-5472

Thank You – Your VoteMeans A Lot To Us!

Visit our award-winning facility and meetthe staff that makes Belle Teche your choice.

PO-BOY: Making them from scratch using ‘good, quality seafood’ does the trick

votes to capture an honorable mention.Bon Creole owner Randy Montegut

said his secret is to use “good, qualityseafood” and “to do it all fromscratch.”

Montegut opened the restaurant in thelate 1990s, he said, after several years inthe crawfish processing business.Montegut has been familiar with thearea’s fisheries for decades havingworked as a biologist for the LSUAgCenter Sea Grant program before delv-ing into the processing business.

The restaurant started out doing platelunches and po-boys, Montegut said,quickly developing a large following ofdiners, many of whom have become regu-lar faces.

“We’ve got customers that have beenwith us forever,” Montegut said. “Wemake sure we give them good food andtheir money’s worth. We want them tofeel like they’re getting what they’re pay-ing for.”

Another of Montegut’s secrets to suc-cess has been to stick to what the restau-rant does best and what customers like.

“We keep things the same and cus-tomers seem to like it,” he said.

“Some people come to eat with us everyday.”

Bon Creole is no stranger to Best of theTeche accolades having won first place inthe Best Po-boy category, and honorablementions for its Best Gumbo and BestPortion sizes in the 2010 survey.

FROM PAGE 4


At Bon Creole, Debbie Duplantis wraps an overstuffed shrimp po-boy.

‘We keep things the same andcustomers seem to like it

Some people come to eat withus every day.’

Randy Montegut

Bon Creole owner

■


FROM PAGE 23


HM: Hibbett Sports.

■ BEST FRENCH BREAD

1ST: LeJeune’s.

HM: Bi-Lo.

HM: Simoneaud’s South.

■ BEST FRESH PRODUCE

1ST: Super 1.

2ND: Farmer’s Market.

2ND: Winn-Dixie.

3RD: Bi-Lo.

■ BEST FRIED CHICKEN

1ST: Popeye’s.

HM: Duffy’s.

HM: Raising Cane’s.

■ FRIENDLIEST BANK TELLERS

1ST: Community First - Jefferson Terrace.

2ND: Chase - North Lewis.

2ND: Iberia Bank - St. Peter.

3RD: Teche Federal - Jefferson Terrace.

■ FRIENDLIEST LAW ENFORCEMENT

OFFICER

There were six officers who got votes, but there

was no clear winner:

C. Rankin.

Greg Pete.

Guy Bonin.

Officer Gonzales.

Troy Willis.

Willie Thomas.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO DANCING

There were four top vote-getters, but no clear

winner:

Landry’s.

Mon Ami.

Rox.

The Camp.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FISHING

1ST: Cypremort Point.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO ON A DATE

There were several top vote-getters, but no clear

winner:

Bojangles.

Cafe Jefferson.

Chili’s.

Clementine.

Little River Inn.

Mr. Lester’s.

The Camp.

The Patio.

■ BEST GOLF COURSE

Two courses got votes, but there was no clear

winner:

Squirrel Run.

Sugar Oaks.

BY JUSTIN HALL

SPECIAL TO THE DAILY IBERIAN

Providing quality drycleaning while help-ing to protect the

environment is the maingoal for Rudy’s ReliableCleaners, said owner RudyDelcambre.

“The dry cleaning indus-try has been labeled as pol-luting over the years and Ihave been very consciousabout that,” Delcambresaid.

Less than six months after

Delcambre switched over to usingmore nature-friendly products, theresidents of New Iberia named hisstore as the Best Dry CleaningService in the 2011 Best of the TecheAwards.

The Best of the Teche is an annual,unscientific survey by readers of TheDaily Iberian in which readers casttheir votes for their favorite people,places, businesses and things in theTeche Area.

“Well I think it’s a wonderfulthing,” Delcambre said. “I believethat my customers have noticed the


DOERLE’SAIR CONDITIONING & HEATINGDan Doerle, Owner

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

367-2511 • 1321 E. Main St., New Iberia

Voted One Of TheBest In Town

THANK YOU!WE SERVICE ALL

MAKES & MODELS

Thanks For Voting Us #1New Iberia’s Favorite Insurance Agent!

Jimmy Champagne(337) 365-09141550 E. Admiral DoyleNew [email protected]

Serving the community for over 25 years.

We can help you make sure your coverage is up-to-date. Call us today.

Insurance subject to availability and qualifications. Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, Illinois © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.

The Votes Are In... 1stPlaceCar Repairs

2nd PlaceBest Mechanic

goes toKent Viator

TRACY’S AUTO SPECIALIST, INC.Kent Viator – Tracy Migues, Owner

1105 Weeks Island Rd. New Iberia • 337-365-7635

Thanks

THANK YOU!For Voting Us

“The Best Of The Teche”

Best Boat Mechanic

Carroll Perez



Best Boat Mechanic

Carroll Perez

5611 Perez Road, Lydia 367-5102Perez Marine ServicePerez Marine Service

ABC & 123’sPre-School Day Care

Thanks for voting our school one of your favorites!We accept ages 1 year old to

12 years and after school20 years in business

Past Top Business WomenOwner: Paula Arceneaux

Open Mon–Fri 6:30 am – 5:30 pm900 Briarwood Dr (Off Lewis Street) New Iberia • 365-4046

■ 1ST: Rudy’s Reliable Cleaners.

■ 2ND: Derouen Cleaners.

BE S T DRY C L E AN ING S E RV I C E■

His top-rated dry cleaning also best for environment

At Rudy’s Reliable Cleaners, Rudy Delcambre showsthe new Union HL860 dry cleaning system.

Delcambre said the unit is environmentally safe anduses fresh solvent all of the time.


SEE CCLLEEAANNIINNGG,, PAGE 7

Rudy’s ReliableCleaners uses nature-friendlyproducts, units

■ BEST CATERING SERVICE

1ST: Peltier’s.

2ND: Art of Eating.

3RD: Cajun Tidbits.

HM: Gallery Catering.

■ BEST CHINESE FOOD

1ST: Kim’s (Main).

2ND: Hong Kong Buffet.

HM: Golden Wok.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR COFFEE

1ST: Starbucks.

2ND: Victor’s.

■ BEST PLACE FOR A COLD BEER

There were four places that were the top vote-getters, but there was no clear winner:

Chili’s.

E&E Sport’s Bar.

Jersey’s.


FROM PAGE 22


Pelican’s on the Bayou.

■ BEST COMMUNITY ‘MOVER

& SHAKER’

There were four people who got votes, but there


Corleen Rouly.

Freddie DeCourt.

Jennifer Kidd.

Jerre Borland.

■ BEST COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

There were seven people who received votes, but

there was no clear winners:

Amber Curryl.

Doc Thomas.

Kathryn Fourtnet.

Larry Hensgens.

Mary Miller.

Peggy Quinlan.

Rickey Huval.

■ BEST CRACKLINS

1ST: Legnon’s.

2ND: Dave’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR DESSERTS

1ST: Victor’s.


3RD: Super 1.

HM: Orange Leaf.

■ BEST PLACE FOR DINING ‘ATMOS-PHERE’

1ST: Little River Inn.*

2ND: Clementine’s.*

* Only one vote separated 1&2

■ BEST DONUTS

1ST: Meche’s.

■ BEST DRY CLEANING SERVICE

1ST: Rudy’s.

2ND: Derouen’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO EAT WITHOUT KIDS


2ND: Clementine’s.

3RD: Bojangles.

HM: Mr. Lester’s.

■ BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL

(Who & Why)

1ST: Louis Ackal; gets to the bottom of things,

gets the job done, not afraid of putting “punks”

in jail. Does good work on crime.

■ BEST PLACE TO EXERCISE


winner:

AnyTime Fitness.

City Park.

Dynamic Health Club.

Snap Fitness.

■ BEST PLACE FOR FAST-FOOD

1ST: McDonald’s.

2ND: Wendy’s.


NIRDSINCERELY THANKS

OUR PARK USERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

1st Place• Best Place For Picnic

• Best Place To Play Tennis• Best Place To Spend Sunday Afternoon

Top Votes For• Best Place To Exercise

• Best Place To Meet People• Best Place To Relax• Best Place To Swim

New Iberia Recreation DepartmentBringing Families Together Through Recreation

Honorable MentionTo Meet For Breakfast

#1Best Fast Food#1Best Kids’ Food

Thanks for making usyour favorite!

Locally Owned: New Iberia, St. Martinville, Abbeville, Franklin, Kaplan and Broussardii’’mm lloovviinn’’ iitt ™

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

Voted #1 in Appliance Repairs

AmanaWhirlpoolKitchenAidGeneral

ElectricFrigidareMagic ChefHotpoint

FriedrichMaytagHooverNutoneBroanEstateRoperEureka

Voted #1 Place to Buy AppliancesWe Feature:

LocallyOwned &Operated

Voted #1 Again...16 Years Running

“Thanks Everyone”

1601 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.

364-0692

Cathy’s day care centerWOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS

OUR VERY SPECIAL

THANK YOUTO EVERYONE

WHO VOTED US

#1 DayCare

CentERThank You For 33Wonderful Years

We Appreciate YourLoyal Support

CLEANING: Also looking for new plastic that is biodegradable for shop

difference.”Having been in business for the past 27

years at his two locations, one on IberiaStreet and the other on Parkview Drive,Delcambre said he made the switch to safersolvents in February.

“We bought a new dry cleaningmachine that doesn’t pollute the atmos-phere as much,” Delcambre said. “It’swonderful. It cleans better than the oldstuff and there is no smell to it. We don’twant to pollute if we don’t have to.”

Delcambre said the environment hasalways been important to him, as he spentyears on the state’s dry cleaning committeeto help the industry use safer products.

The owner added he is looking to insti-tute a new type of plastic in his shop thatwould be biodegradable, like his solvents,but he has no definitive plans yet.

“You can actually flush (the solvent)into the ground and it wouldn’t pollute,even though I don’t do that anyway,”Delcambre said.

FROM PAGE 6


At Rudy’s Reliable Cleaners, Rudy Delcambre gets ready to press a shirt.


■ BEST PLACE FOR HEAING/AC SERVICE

1ST: Fox’s.

2ND: Larry Delcambre.

3RD: Doerle’s.

■ BEST SPORTS TEAM

1ST: Saints.

■ BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN THETECHE AREA

There were two top reasons receiving votes, butneither was a clear winner:

Friendly People; the Food.

■ BEST USED CAR SALESMAN

There were five sales representatives who werethe top vote-getters, but there was no clearwinner:

Duane Dorsey at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville.

Gene Nora at Arceneaux Ford.

Gerald Sigue at Musson Patout.

Ricky Aires at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville.

Ryan Menard at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville. CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD OONN PPAAGGEE 2233

FROM PAGE 21 ■ BEST BOAT MECHANIC

1ST: Ryan Sonnier at Iberia Outboard.

HM: Carol Perez at Perez Marine Repair.

■ BEST PLACE FOR BOILED SEAFOOD

1ST: Seafood Connection.

2ND: Jane’s.

HM: The Boiling Point.

■ BEST BOUDIN

1ST: Legnon’s.

HM: Dave’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO BRING YOUR SICK ANIMAL

1ST: Reaux’s Animal Hospital.

HM: Dr. Dupuy’s.

■ BEST BUFFET

1ST: Taste-N-Sea.


3RD: Kim’s (Main).


HM: Ruby Tuesday.

■ BEST PLACE FOR BUSINESS LUNCH

1ST: Clementine.


HM: Victor’s Cafeteria.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY ‘COOL’ CHIL-DREN’S CLOTHES

1ST: Stage.

2ND: Walmart.

3RD: KMart.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY APPLIANCES

1ST: A&A Appliance.

2ND: Conn’s.

3RD: Lowe’s.

HM: Magic Video.

HM: Sear’s (New Iberia).

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS

1ST: Fabian’s.

2ND: Paul’s.

3RD: Breaux’s.

HM: A Gallery of Flowers.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT

1ST: Lowe’s.


■ BEST PLACE TO BUY OUTDOORPLANTS

1ST: Hebert’s.

2ND: Lowe’s.

3RD: Fabian’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY/ SERVICE TIRES

1ST: Iberia Discount Tire.

2ND: Winmill.

HM: Allied Tires.

HM: B&B Tires.

HM: Delta Tires.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR CAR REPAIRS

1ST: Tracey’s.

2ND: Dronet’s.

3RD: Musson Patout.

HM: Gordy’s Auto Repair.

HM: Master Mechanic.

(Note: 21 different places got votes)


Mike Armentor, Janet Landry, Jenni Richard & Eric Armentor

1303 N. State St.Abbeville

893-0917

1020 E. Dale St. New Iberia, LA

364-5375www.armentorjewelers.com

From The Sales Family Of Armentor JewelersThank You For Voting Armentor Jewelers 1st Place

For Best Place To Purchase JewelryYour confidence and support are greatly appreciated. We will continueto provide our customers with excellent and personal service.

Thanks to all our visitors who voted us

#1 Tourist Attraction

We Appreciate Your Vote317 E. Main St., New Iberia ~ 337-369-6446

Shadows-On-The-Teche Museum

Celebrating50 Years

September2011

Thank You For 16 Consecutive Years

Lejeune’s Bakery1510 Main St., Jeanerette 337-276-5690

BestFrenchBread

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

ThanksIberia Parishfor your vote

ofconfidence!

We strive to bethe BEST!

www.teche.com

MEMBER FDIC

“We say YES! to Home Loans!Call the bankers that make you

feel right at home.”

Meet the Friendliest Tellers in New Iberia

3rd Place – Jefferson TerraceJulie Broussard, Lori Berard, Cindy Cheng, Sandra Kuehn, Ruth Broussard,

Stephanie Comeaux Branch Sales & Service Manager

■ 1ST: Iberia Discount Tire.

■ 2ND: Allied Discount Tire and Breakes.

■ HM: B&B Quality Tire & Service.

■ HM: Delta World Tire.

BE S T P L A C E TOBUY / S E RV I C E T I R E S■


Aaron Comeaux mounts a new tire at Iberia Discount Tires, voted Best Place to Buy/Service Tires.

Roll into Iberia Discount Tire for best buy, serviceBY KARMA CHAMPAGNE

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Friendly, honest and incomparable servic-es are the reasons Phil Lassalle keepsreturning to Iberia Discount Tire for all

his tire and service needs.“When you walk through the door, you know

you will be greeted with a friendly smile andthe service is great. They treat every customeras they are their best customer,” said Lassalle,who has been a customer of Iberia DiscountTire since it opened its doors 21 years ago.

SEE TTIIRREE,, PAGE 9

BOUDOIN: A 20-year veteran of the trade

and more often than not they want it asshort as possible because of the heat.”

Boudoin takes continuing educationcourses every year, he said, often as manyas he can get to while also working a 45-hour plus work week.

He knows how important the continu-ing education is, he said, since he spentseven years of his professional careerteaching for Redken in salons around thecountry and for another five years beforethat with another company.

“Education gives me an advantage andbeing tied in to the products through thateducation gives me a large body of knowl-

edge to work with and pass along to myclients,” Boudoin said.

And perhaps Boudoin is rubbing off onhis 6-year-old son Jacob, who said he goesstraight for the hair products when hevisits his dad’s shop.

This year’s Best of the Teche isn’t thefirst time Ryan Michael’s has beennoticed as one of the best things in theTeche Area. In 2010, the salon garnered athird place in the Children’s Haircut cate-gory and an honorable mention in theMen’s Haircut category.

FROM PAGE 20

Men’s cuts vary with theweather, according to Ryan

Michael Boudoin.■

He knows how important thecontinuing education is, hesaid, since he spent seven

years of his professional careerteaching for Redken.

■


Each year,The Daily Iberian readers select theservices, businesses and people they like best inour annual Best of the Teche publication.Although it is an unscientific survey where read-ers vote for their favorites, it is a fun survey thatmany participate in each year.This year, weinclude all the categories, even though somemight not have clear winners. Some categoriesreceived many suggested favorites, other cate-gories were so close in voting that only one voteseparated No. 1 from No. 2 spots. Here is ourcomplete list:

■ PLACE TO BUY ‘COOL’ CASUALCLOTHES

1ST: Stage.

HM: Cato’s.

HM: Walmart.

■ BEST ‘HOME-STYLE’ COOKING

1ST: Taste-N-Sea.


2ND: Victor’s.

HM: Bon Creole.

HM: Theriot’s.CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD OONN PPAAGGEE 2222

■ BEST AREA FESTIVAL

These three festivals all received votes, but therewas no clear winner.

Delcambre Shrimp Festival.

Gumbo Cookoff.

Sugar Cane Festival.

■ BEST AUTO MECHANIC

1ST: Cliff Dronet at Dronet’s Auto Repair.*

2ND: Kent at Tracey’s.*

* Only 1 vote separated 1&2

■ BEST PLACE FOR BAKERY ITEMS

1ST: Bi-Lo.*

2ND: Meche’s.*

HM: Super 1 Foods.


■ BEST DAY CARE

1ST: Cathy’s Day Care.

2ND: ABC & 123 Pre-School.

3RD: Little People Place.

HM: Gingerbread.

“I know they will be honest about the repairs thatare needed on my vehicle and that’s important tome.”

Teche Area residents think so too, voting IberiaDiscount Tire as the “Best Place to BuyTires/Service” in The Daily Iberian’s recent Best ofthe Teche Poll for the fourth consecutive year.

The poll is an unscientific survey in which readerscast their votes for their favorite people, places, busi-nesses and things in the Teche Area.

“I think our service, honesty and integrity speaksfor itself. That always keeps people coming back. Wehave a good business through word of mouth,” saidA.J. Dore, manager and part owner.

When Dore and his brother-in-law the late Farrell A.Bonin Sr. started the business along with five otherpartners 21 years ago, they knew they had to build theirbusiness on honesty and customer satisfaction.

Operating on those two principles, Dore and currentpartners Jackie Judice, Chad Judice, Clint Judice, JoeJudice and Travis Segura still continue to receive thesupport of Teche Area residents.

“We’re thankful for all the support we’ve receivedfrom the community and appreciative of being selected

as the best place to buy tires and receive service,” saidDore.

Located at 3402 E. Old Spanish Trail, the businessoffers a full line of services including oil change, tirerotation, front end repair, shocks, alignments andnumerous other minor repair services.

“We treat our customers right,” said employee WayneHonore.

“We give every vehicle a 20-point inspection. Even if thecustomer doesn’t choose to fix their vehicle, when theyleave here, they know exactly what is wrong with it.”

When there is a downfall in the economy, Dore said thecar-service industry is usually one of the few types ofbusinesses that does not suffer.

“When things are tight, people are not looking to goout and spend money to buy a new vehicle. They want tofix it,” he said.

Dore’s daughter Shannon Segura, who has served asreceptionist and secretary for the past 16 years, said thebusiness has grown steadily over the years. Dore andhis five employees service approximately 200 vehiclesweekly.


Reaux AnimalHospital

We Sincerely Thank YouFor Voting Us #1

Dr. Andy Reaux

Dr. Harold Reaux (1921-2009)

2106 W. Old Spanish Trail

New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone: 337-364-2811

Fax: 337-367-8141

Small Animal Medicine & Surgery

Best King CakesBest Donuts

2nd PlaceBest Bakery Items

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 Place“Thank you for this honor!It is our privilege to serve you!”

1st PlaceBest Place To Buy Outdoor Plants

HEBERT’SGarden Center

St. Augustine Sod

OPEN ALL SUMMER

364-8421

533 W. St. Peter St.

Available thissummer...

Call to placeyour order!

Follow us daily on

for currentgardening tips!

and...Visit our website to sign up for upcoming news letters!

www.hebertsgardencenter.com

Fabians For Flowers628 Center Street, New Iberia

337-369-6471

1st Place Best Place To Buy FlowersThanks for your votes and support.

Celebrating 62 years in business. 1949-2011We’re not just flowers...we’re tradition.

Pat Caffery

CafferyRealEstate.com

A Big Thank YouProud To Be Voted 1st Place

Best Real Estate Agent

MASTER MECHANICS1305 Lemaire St.

New Iberia, LA 70560337-364-6977

for voting Master Mechanics OneOf The Best Places For Car Repairs

THANK YOU!

TIRE: Fourth consecutive year at the top in this survey for Iberia Discount TireFROM PAGE 8

‘I think our service, honesty and integrity speaks for itself. That alwayskeeps people coming back We have a

good business through word of mouth.’

A.J. Dore

Manager and part-owner at Iberia Discount Tire

■

‘Even if the customer doesn’t choose tofix their vehicle, when they leave here, they know exactly what is

wrong with it.’

Wayne Honore

Employee at Iberia Discount Tire

■

HAVING AGARAGE SALE?

Reach the people looking to buy. Our readers tell us they look in

The Daily Iberian firstto find garage sale ads.

Boudoin stays on top of hair cuts with educationBY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Ryan Michael Boudoin, owner ofRyan Michael Salon on Ann Streetin New Iberia, stays on the top of

his game by continuing his education, hesaid.

Voted Best Place for a Man’s Haircut inthis year’s Best of the Teche survey, anunscientific poll conducted every year byThe Daily Iberian in which readers casttheir votes for the best people, places andthings in the Teche Area, Boudoin said heknows how to give men the kinds of cutsthey want.

“Men want to be low maintenance,”Boudoin said. “They want to use a littleproduct, stick it up for a textured lookwhile coming across as professional,strong, clean and masculine.”

Ryan Michael’s also garnered a second-place in the Women’s Haircut categoryand an honorable mention for theChildren’s Haircut category.

A stylist for almost 20 years and in busi-ness for himself at Ryan Michael for 11years, Boudoin said he always knew what

he wanted to be when he grew up.“I was the kid ripping off my sister’s

Barbie doll heads trying to brush their

hair,” Boudoin said.He said about 80 percent of his business

is hair coloring and women’s haircuts.Unlike women who are more apt to go fora particular style or trend, men’s cutsvary with the weather, Boudoin said.

“It’s all based on the heat outside,” hesaid. “There are different options formen’s cuts and it often depends on aman’s style. In New Iberia, not many mengo against the grain as far as hair style


At Ryan Michael Salon Ryan Michael Boudoin, right, cuts Jack Clifton’s hair.

■ 1ST: Ryan Michael.

■ 2ND: Cliff’s.

■ 3RD: Studio 902.

■ HM: Clyde’s.

■ HM: Hair U Wear.

BE S T P L A C E FOR A MAN ’ S H A I R CUT■

SEE BBOOUUDDOOIINN,, PAGE 21


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

ComeJoin Us!

336655--99554477602 W. Admiral Doyle • New Iberia

Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Wed: Ladies NightDrink Specials

Thurs: Karaoke NightFri: DJ & Drink Special

Happy Hour 5 to 7

VOTED #1 BEST MEXICAN FOODHonorable Mention:

SantaBest Waiter/Waitress

Thank You For VotingPaul’s Flower ShopOne Of TheBest Places

To Buy FlowersPPAAUULL’’SS FFLLOOWWEERR && PPLLAANNTT SSHHOOPP

111100 WWeeeekkss SStt.. •• 336655--114422882Thumbs

Up!

VOTEDONE OF THE

BEST FOR

PREPARED SEAFOOD

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BOILED

SEAFO

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“BOILED CRAWFISH & CRABS IN SEASON”

Thanks for making us #1Y’all Come . . . Everyone’s Invited

#1 Best Boiled Seafood

2nd Place BestPrepared Seafood

Myrna Roco One OfThe Best Waitresses

SEAFOODCONNECTION

999 PARKVIEW DRIVENEW IBERIA • 365-2454

OPEN DAILY 4 PM - 11 PM

1120 CENTER STREETNEW IBERIA • 364-1254

OPEN DAILY 10 AM - 9 PM


Brenda Derouen, from left, Debbie Guilbeau, Dr. Stephen Boudreaux, Pamela Derouen andBethany Green of Boudreaux Family Medicine.

Li Nails keep tips of toes, fingers in perfect condition

BY CHRIS LANDRY

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Dr. Stephen Boudreaux came tounderstand that medicine is avocation and not just a job after

years of observing his father, “an old-time country doc,” practice in Jeanerettefor 50 years.

The lessons he learned from Dr. N.C.Boudreaux, first as a child accompanyinghis dad on house calls, and later througha quarter century working alongside hisfather, have been put to good use in hisBoudreaux Family Medicine practice.

Boudreaux Family Medicine was cho-sen by the readers of The Daily Iberian as

■ 1ST: Boudreaux Family Medicine.

■ 2ND: Iberia Medical Center.

■ 3RD: Dr. George Cousin Family Practice.

■ HM: Dauterive Hospital.

BE S T MED I C A L S TA F F■

Boudreaux FamilyMedicine takes cuefrom his father’spractice of 50 years

Dr. Stephen Boudreaux saidthe credit goes to his ‘wonderful staff,’ which

includes front office workersand nurses.

■

SEE MMEEDDIICCAALL,, PAGE 11

BY JESSICA GOFF

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Teche Area residents have cast theirvotes on their favorite place tohelp keep their brows, toes and fin-

gertips in picture perfect condition andup with the newest trends.

Li Nail at 1102 E. Admiral Doyle wasvoted Best of the Teche by Daily Iberianreaders this year.

The Best of the Teche is an annual,unscientific survey by readers of TheDaily Iberian, in which they cast theirvotes for their favorite people, places,businesses and things in the TecheArea.

The family-owned business was started“from scratch” five years ago by WendyLam, who is originally from San Diego,her daughter Phoung Duong, 22, said.

“My mom was looking around all overand found this place in the plaza,” shesaid.

The location turned out to be an ideal

place for the salon, she said. It Now oper-ates with six employees and takes walk-ins only for pedicures, manicures and eyebrow waxing.

“We stay pretty busy,” said Duong, 22,who also works at Li Nails.

Services that are most popular withregular customers are eye brow waxingand pink and white nail tips, she said.

Frequent visits from regular customersmean plenty of gossip and other gab floatthrough the salon, Duong said with alaugh.

The Best of the Teche second-place win-ner under the “To Have Nails Done” cate-gory is Fancy Nails on South Lewis

Street.Third-place winner was Linda’s on

Center Street.

■ 1ST: Li Nails.

■ 2ND: Fancy Nails.

■ 3RD: Linda’s.


BE S T P L A C E TO G E T NA I L S DONE■


Phoung Duong adds a finishing touch to nails while working at family’s Li Nails.

Dad set example for top medical staff

BY PATRICK FLANAGAN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

CVS has been voted as the Best Phar-macy in the Teche Area for thisyear’s 2011 Best of the Teche

awards.The Best of the Teche is an unofficial

poll in which Daily Iberian readers sub-mit votes on their favorite businesses,people, places and things.

Edwin Whipp, 58, a CVS pharmacistwho works at the corner of Parkview andNorth Lewis, said he credits the recogni-tion as the area’s best pharmacy to thecompany’s drive to put customers first.

“One of the things we strive to do iscustomer service,” Whipp said betweentaking phone calls and filling prescrip-tions. “It’s our top priority.”

Along with providing a drive-throughfor customers to drop off and pick up pre-scriptions, Whipp said the pharmacy’sstaff also makes phone calls to let cus-tomers know when their prescriptions

have been called in by their doctors.According to the CVS website, cus-

tomers also can refill prescriptionsonline, and then pick them up from one ofthe company’s 6,900 locations, two in NewIberia and one in St. Martinville.


Art of Eating CateringMeta Hebert

2901 Coteau Holmes Rd., St. Martinville (337) 229-6712

Thank YouWith a heartfelt thanks, we would like to thank

everyone who voted us one of the Best Catering Companies. Your kindness and generosity have made doing business

in this community a real joy for us.

103 West Admiral Doyle Dr. Ste B • New Iberia337-365-4166

Your vote for Cheryl Reauxas one of the Best Insurance

Agents was overwhelming andappreciated. We would like tosay thank you again for your

vote of confidence.

Cheryl Monica

Best of the Teche

TTaammmmyy TTaalllleeyy11sstt PPllaaccee - Best Grooming

“Thanks For Your Vote”TTaammmmyy’’ss PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall GGrroooommiinngg

Reaux Animal Hospital2106 W. Old Spanish Trail

336644--22881111

New Iberiathank you

for voting us the best!1st Placefresh produceseafood marketgrocery checkout service

3rd Placedesserthonorable mentionmeats, specialty meats, bakery items

939 S. Lewis St., New Iberia, LA 70560 super1foods.com

■ 1ST: CVS (Parkview).

■ 2ND: Delaune’s Pharmacy, Home Medical,Gifts.

■ 3RD: Walmart Supercenter.

■ HM: Kmart.

■ HM: L&M Pharmacy.

BE S T PHARMACY■

MEDICAL: Boudreaux gives credit to his ‘wonderful staff’ for the award

the Best Medical Staff in the newspaper’s annualBest of the Teche voting, an unscientific surveyin which readers cast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

Boudreaux said the credit goes to his “wonder-ful staff,” which includes front office workersDebbie Guilbeau, who also worked with his dad,and Pam Derouen and nurses Brenda Derouenand Bethany Green.

“I’ve always thought I’ve had the best staff,” hesaid. “We’re a service profession, and we come to

work to help people. If you keep that in mind,you’re going to be all right.”

Nell Broussard, the practice manager forPrimary Care Physicians, said the first thing peo-ple notice about Dr. Boudreaux’s practice is thesmiling faces patients are greeted with whenthey check in at the front desk. Primary CarePhysicians is an affiliated group that includesseveral primary care (general/family practice)physicians as well a couple of specialists andsurgeons.

“A lot of it is the physician himself,” saidBroussard. “He requires the staff to be pleasant.He takes special care (with his patients). He’s avery religious man, a very caring man.”

One of the main things Boudreaux requires hisnurses to do is return each phone call made by apatient, regardless of what their concern orquestion is. Patients notice the caring attitude,said Broussard.

“This past week, we have two ladies working infront, and they received flowers from a patient,”said Broussard.

“We like to have a family atmosphere, but alsokeep it professional,” said Boudreaux. “From my

standpoint, if I don’t respect my staff, my officedoesn’t run properly.”

And that respect he learned from the bestsource of all — his father, who worked for hos-pice after retiring, until he himself went intohospice care.

“He practiced real medicine, what I call an old-time country doc,” said Stephen Boudreaux, whohas been practicing for nearly 33 years.

“I practiced with him for 25 years until heretired.”

FROM PAGE 10

BUYING ACOMPUTER?

Check The Daily Iberian’sclassification

#1110 – Computer Sales and Service.

‘We’re a service profession, and wecome to work to help people.’

Dr. Stephen Boudreaux

Local physician

■

‘A lot of it is the physician himself.He requires the staff to be pleasant.

He takes special care (with hispatients).’

Nell Broussard

Primary Care Physicians practice manager

■

CVS-Parkview puts its customers first

Pharmacist Edwin Whipp credits the company’s drive to

put customers first.■


CVS Pharmacy at North Lewis and Parkview takes Best Pharmacy award for 2011.

BY PATRICK FLANAGAN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Ryan Menard has been selected as the TecheArea’s best new car salesman, according toresults for this year’s Best of the Teche

awards.The Best of the Teche is an unofficial poll in

which Daily Iberian readers vote on their favoritepeople, places and things.

Menard, a 36-year-old New Iberia native, said he

learned the art of customer serviceby working for his dad, TerryMenard, who owns MenardBrothers grocery store on BankAvenue.

With about seven years’ experi-ence as a car salesman, Menard,who works for Courtesy Motors onU.S. 90, said he does more than justsell, but continues to maintain arelationship with his customer following their pur-chase.

“Anybody can sell you a car, but it takes someonepretty special to follow up and back them up after-ward,” Menard said.

“I build a relationship so that even if some-thing goes wrong, they know they’re not just anumber.”

Menard also was among the top vote-getters in

the Best Used Car Salesman category, althoughthere was no clear winner in that category.

Tra Dupuis, Courtesy’s sales manager, saidMenard is perhaps the best car salesman he’sworked with.

“He has the ability to relate with all differ-ent types of customers and does a great job oftaking care of them after the sale,” Dupuissaid.


We have the

Friendliest Tellers

in Town!

535 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia 365-6677 • 403 Emile Verret Rd., New Iberia 365-6677

801 Albertson Pkwy., Broussard 735-3400 • 2821 E. Milton Ave., Youngsville 856-7866 • www.cfirstbank.com

Thanks for Voting us #1, AGAIN!

■ 1ST: Ryan Menard at Courtesy Vermillion-Abbeville.

BE S T N EW C AR S A L E SMAN■

Best meat can befound at Legnon’s

BY NEAL MCCLELLAND

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Exceptional service, attentive andcaring employees and a fresh,quality product.

Owner Ted Legnon said those qualitiesare what makes Legnon’s Boucheriestand out when it comes to providing spe-cialty meats for the Teche Area.

“It’s something that we try hard at,”said Legnon. “We provide a level of serv-ice that stands out in the area.”

Being in business for 31 years, includ-ing 10 at its current location on JeffersonTerrance Boulevard, shows what Legnon,his wife, Sue, and all the employees haveaccomplished in making Legnon’sBoucherie the top vote recipient in TheDaily Iberian’s Best of the Teche categoryfor specialty meats.

The Best of the Teche is an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite people, places, business-es and things in the Teche Area.

Legnon is pleased that Teche Area vot-ers chose his business as the best for spe-cialty meats.

“It’s very nice and I really appreciatedthe readers of The Daily Iberian for mak-ing their selection,” said Legnon. “I thinkthat they recognize that myself and myemployees do the best we can to makesure that our customers’ needs are met.”

NEAL MCCLELLAND / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Owners Ted and Sue Legnon get an order from some customers at Legnon’s Boucherie. SEE MMEEAATT,, PAGE 15

■ 1ST: Legnon’s Boucherie.

■ 2ND: Dave’s Specialty Meats.

BE S T S P E C I A LT Y MEAT S■

More than sales involved for best car salesman

‘He has the ability to relate with alldifferent types of

customers and does a great job oftaking care of them after the sale.

Tra Dupuis

Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville

■

‘Anybody can sell you a car, but ittakes someone pretty special to

follow up and back them up afterward.’

Ryan Menard

New car salesman

at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville

■Menard

BY HOPE RURIK

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Armentor’s Jewelers has been“doing what’s right” for their cus-tomer for 72 years.

That’s why Armentor’s was selectedby Daily Iberian readers as the Best ofthe Teche for Best Place to Buy Jewelry,said owner Eric Armentor.

The Best of the Teche is an annual,unscientific survey in which readerscast their votes for their favorite people,places, businesses and things in theTeche Area.

Armentor’s Jewelers first opened itsdoors on Main Street in 1939. Now the

family-owned jeweler is grooming thethird generation for ownership.

Junius Armentor was the original pro-prietor of the shop. When his healthbegan to fail in 1973, his son Ericstepped into his father’s shoes.

Eric Armentor, 57, said his fatherloved the business and the people.Junius liked the business, said EricArmentor, because it was blind, mean-ing people had to rely on the jeweler to“shoot square.


Thanks to everyone for voting Mike’s Seafood #1 Best Place To

Buy Fresh Seafood!

516 S. Lewis St. • 364-8807 or 367-6368

Donovan Pham, Ricky Truong, Mike Pham, Alex Pham, Thanh Thi Le, Lan Pham, Lan Nguyen, Kim Nguyen

Mike’s SeafoodItem of equal or lesser value. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Shop must retain coupon. No substitutions allowed. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited or restricted by law. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Good only at U.S. participating stores. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount or promotion. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Cash redemption value 1/20 of 1 cent. Offer Valid Only at New Iberia, La location. Phone: (337)367.3531. Offer Expires Month 09/30, 2011 PLU: 0811

©20

11. B

R I

P H

olde

r L

LC

. All

righ

ts r

eser

ved.

THANKS for making us

1# from Management & Crew

ffrrroooommmm again!

BUY 1 Get 1 FREE!Any Sundae or Frozen Beverage

(with coupon)

www.courtesynewiberia.com

6100 Hwy 90 WNew Iberia, LA337-364-64111-866-5CREDIT

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

www.courtesy.getayes.com

CourtesyGMC Cadillac Buick

New Iberia

CongratulatesRyan Menard

#1 Best New Car SalesmanThanks Iberia Parish For Voting Us #1

■ 1ST: Armentor’s Jewelers.

■ 2ND: Allain’s Jewelry.

■ HM: Texada’s Jewelry and Gifts.

BE S T P L A C E TO BUY J EWELRY■

Armentor’s does a sparkling jobSecond and thirdgenerations continuesuccess at business

Mike Armentor, from left, general manager ofArmentor Jewelry, associates Janet Landryand Jenni Richard, and owner Eric Armentorare pleased with the store garnering first

place in the Best Place to Buy Jewelry cate-gory in this year’s Best of the Teche, a com-pilation of reader selections of the area’sbest people, places, businesses and things.

HOPE RURICK / THE DAILY IBERIAN

SEE SSPPAARRKKLLIINNGG,, PAGE A15

VICTOR’S: Owner and staff have stayed true to old-fashioned cooking, he says

going to Victor’s for 18 years.“It becomes a mainstay like exercise

each morning.”In 1982, Victor Huckaby took over the

restaurant his father opened in 1969, andstarted his career by working in thekitchen, writing down the recipes thecooks used from memory.

The legacy owner said one of the rea-sons people keep coming to the restaurantis because he and his staff have stayedtrue to old-fashioned cooking, whichearned a second place home-style cookingrecognition in Best of the Teche this year.

The recipes might get a few updates,said Huckaby, from experimenting, talk-ing to customers and poring over vari-ous cookbooks and recipes. But all in all,he said the restaurant keeps to thebasics.

“Nothing’s rushed,” he said.Even more important than the food,

said employee Debra Placide, are the peo-

ple who eat it.“The most important thing is our cus-

tomers,” she said, adding that it’s impor-tant for her and the rest of the staff tomeet people with a good attitude.

Although there are bad days, saidemployee Yolanda Greene, it’s easier to

keep providing the service they do becausethe staff stays together like family. Greeneis a former Best of the Teche: BestWaitress winner.

According to Jim Sandoz, the regularsstart pouring in at about 6:30 a.m.Meanwhile, tourists often work their way

into the mix to see “where Dave eats,” saidHuckaby.

The restaurant has reached acclaim farand wide for its presence in the DaveRobicheaux series of James Lee Burke’snovels.

The restaurant also has been featuredin Good Housekeeping and Taste of theSouth magazine for best dessert, forwhich the restaurant also received anoth-er of its three first place Best of theTeche awards this year. Readers alsothought Victor’s Cafeteria was No. 1 inthe Best Portions category, they garnereda second place for Best Place to go forCoffee category and honorable mentionsfor Best Place for Business Lunch andBest Red Beans & Rice.

The job has been good to him, saidHuckaby, and he hopes to continue seeingthe familiar faces he enjoys.

“I enjoy what I do, enjoy seeing thesame faces every day,” said Victor. “I hopeto continue providing the service theycome back for.”

FROM PAGE 14

‘Every hometown has a gathering place wherepeople can go to give newsand be heard. It becomes amainstay like exercise each

morning.’

David Stonicher

Victor’s Restaurant patron

■

‘Nothing’s rushed. ... I enjoywhat I do, enjoy

seeing the same faces everyday. I hope to continue

providing the service theycome back for.’

Victor Huckaby

Victor’s Cafeteria owner

■


Kevin BeltonCole SimonBill Sonnier

Ronnie SonnierJoe DavisJeremy BroachThanks For Voting the “Steinburger” the BEST BURGER in town!

Lunch Hours: Mon – Fri 10:00 – 2 pm • Sunday BBQ 9 am – 4:00 pm

Steins Superette365-2520 • 201 Daspit Rd., New Iberia (Next to Iberia Parish School Board)

“It’s All About Taste”

Daily Lunch Specials & Don’t Forget about our Sunday BBQ Since 1965

to all our loyal customers for your continued support.We appreciate your business as our #1 Customers. We look forward to new customers as well as ourregular customers everyday, to serve you with the

best quality and service you deserve. Again thanks to our employees and our

customers. Together we achieve theextraordinary....Success!!

“VOTED BESTPLACE TO

BUY CHINESEFOOD”

OPEN 11:00 AM-10:00 PMCenter St. • 364-3464

Tues.-Sun. Closed Mon.Main St. • 367-6256

Mon.-Sat. Closed Sun.

■ 1ST: Victor’s Cafeteria.

■ HM: McDonald’s.

■ HM: Waffle House.

BE S T P L A C E TO MEE T FOR BR EAK FA S T■

MEAT: Offers all cuts of beef, pork

Legnon’s Boucherie offers all cuts of beefand pork and also makes boudin, sausageand cracklins.

But what really stands out, and whatLegnon emphasizes, is that all their prod-ucts are cut fresh at the store.

“Everything is made here,” said Legnon.“It’s very labor intensive, but we feel thatit makes a difference in the quality ofproducts that we have.”

Legnon explains that the success of hisbusiness and why he has been around andsuccessful for so long is not really a secret.

“You have to have something that peoplewant and do a good job with it and be con-sistent,” he said. “People want to be treatedwith respect and it’s the easiest thing to dowhen you’re taking care of their needs.”

Legnon’s also was selected Best Place toBuy Cracklins and Best Place to BuyBoudin, as well as coming in second placefor in the Best Place to Buy Meat category.

He also explained that making sure hehas fresh products to offer customers ishard work, harder than most people think.From working early morning hours toworking 12 to 14 hours a day, it’s a labor oflove and a desire to keep serving the best

cuts of meat for the Teche Area customers,whom he thanks for supporting Legnon’sBoucherie all these years.

It’s also in the employees at Legnon’sBoucherie, who stay at the store for manyyears because of the environment theywork in and the desire to keep helping thecustomers.

“Our customers have always been goodto us,” said Legnon. “And we have a lot ofemployees that stay for a long time. Thetwo we have in the front with the cus-tomers, Angie Fontenette and Emma Hill,have been with us for about 25 years.

“It’s that loyalty to service and our cus-tomers that makes our shop a success.”

FROM PAGE 12

SPARKLING: Taking care of customers

The second-generation owner echoedsome of his father’s love for the business inhis reasons for enjoying his role, includingthe nature of the business.

“People buy for primarily happy occa-sions,” he said, noting engagements, birth-days and graduations.

He said he grew up learning how to takecare of customers and do what’s right forthem to keep them coming back generationafter generation.

“We want customers to realize we appre-ciate them and don’t take them for grant-ed,” Armentor said.

About 14 years ago, Armentor’s sonMike, now 35, joined the family businessand is now general manager of the NewIberia location at 1020 E. Dale St. and inAbbeville at 1303 North State St.

“It’s always been a good business for my

family, and I wanted to carry on the tradi-tion,” said Mike Armentor.

He said he enjoys how multi-faceted hisjob is and that each day varies a littlefrom the last.

As the shop changes hands from genera-tion to generation, Eric Armentor said italso is on top of ever-changing styles andfashions and what people want.

The Armentors’ next effort will be toincrease custom work.

Both father and son recently returnedfrom a trade show where they made con-nections that will help them expand thatelement of their business, said the elderArmentor.

However, Eric Armentor said thatalthough other jewelry stores may offercomparable products, people continue toshop at Armentor’s because of the laid-back, no-pressure attitude the staff pro-vides.

FROM PAGE 13

‘You have to have somethingthat people want and do agood job with it and be

consistent. ’

Ted Legnon

Legnon’s Boucherie owner

■

Meet atVictor’s forbreakfastBY HOPE RURIK

THE DAILY IBERIAN

When patrons walk into Victor’sCafeteria, they’re corralledalong a wall littered with memo-

rabilia, including several “Best of theTeche” awards, and now the restaurantcan hang another award: Best Place toMeet for Breakfast.

The Best of the Teche is a nonscientificsurvey where readers of The DailyIberian vote on the best places, businesses,things and people in the Teche Area.

Sure, there are tables that pack 20-25 ofthe same people every day. However, thereare also regulars that come in by twos andthrees.

“Every hometown has a gathering placewhere people can go to give news and beheard,” said David Stonicher, who’s been

SEE VVIICCTTOORR’’SS,, PAGE 16

NEEDCASH?

Daily IberianClassifieds

can shed morelight on your

selling opportunities!Call 365-6773 today.


Paulet and Kurt Rivet enjoy breakfast at Victor’s Cafeteria, a landmark for food and meeting people in New Iberia.


Kevin BeltonCole SimonBill Sonnier

Ronnie SonnierJoe DavisJeremy BroachThanks For Voting the “Steinburger” the BEST BURGER in town!

Lunch Hours: Mon – Fri 10:00 – 2 pm • Sunday BBQ 9 am – 4:00 pm

Steins Superette365-2520 • 201 Daspit Rd., New Iberia (Next to Iberia Parish School Board)

“It’s All About Taste”

Daily Lunch Specials & Don’t Forget about our Sunday BBQ Since 1965

to all our loyal customers for your continued support.We appreciate your business as our #1 Customers. We look forward to new customers as well as ourregular customers everyday, to serve you with the

best quality and service you deserve. Again thanks to our employees and our

customers. Together we achieve theextraordinary....Success!!

“VOTED BESTPLACE TO

BUY CHINESEFOOD”

OPEN 11:00 AM-10:00 PMCenter St. • 364-3464

Tues.-Sun. Closed Mon.Main St. • 367-6256

Mon.-Sat. Closed Sun.

■ 1ST: Victor’s Cafeteria.

■ HM: McDonald’s.

■ HM: Waffle House.

BE S T P L A C E TO MEE T FOR BR EAK FA S T■

MEAT: Offers all cuts of beef, pork

Legnon’s Boucherie offers all cuts of beefand pork and also makes boudin, sausageand cracklins.

But what really stands out, and whatLegnon emphasizes, is that all their prod-ucts are cut fresh at the store.

“Everything is made here,” said Legnon.“It’s very labor intensive, but we feel thatit makes a difference in the quality ofproducts that we have.”

Legnon explains that the success of hisbusiness and why he has been around andsuccessful for so long is not really a secret.

“You have to have something that peoplewant and do a good job with it and be con-sistent,” he said. “People want to be treatedwith respect and it’s the easiest thing to dowhen you’re taking care of their needs.”

Legnon’s also was selected Best Place toBuy Cracklins and Best Place to BuyBoudin, as well as coming in second placefor in the Best Place to Buy Meat category.

He also explained that making sure hehas fresh products to offer customers ishard work, harder than most people think.From working early morning hours toworking 12 to 14 hours a day, it’s a labor oflove and a desire to keep serving the best

cuts of meat for the Teche Area customers,whom he thanks for supporting Legnon’sBoucherie all these years.

It’s also in the employees at Legnon’sBoucherie, who stay at the store for manyyears because of the environment theywork in and the desire to keep helping thecustomers.

“Our customers have always been goodto us,” said Legnon. “And we have a lot ofemployees that stay for a long time. Thetwo we have in the front with the cus-tomers, Angie Fontenette and Emma Hill,have been with us for about 25 years.

“It’s that loyalty to service and our cus-tomers that makes our shop a success.”

FROM PAGE 12

SPARKLING: Taking care of customers

The second-generation owner echoedsome of his father’s love for the business inhis reasons for enjoying his role, includingthe nature of the business.

“People buy for primarily happy occa-sions,” he said, noting engagements, birth-days and graduations.

He said he grew up learning how to takecare of customers and do what’s right forthem to keep them coming back generationafter generation.

“We want customers to realize we appre-ciate them and don’t take them for grant-ed,” Armentor said.

About 14 years ago, Armentor’s sonMike, now 35, joined the family businessand is now general manager of the NewIberia location at 1020 E. Dale St. and inAbbeville at 1303 North State St.

“It’s always been a good business for my

family, and I wanted to carry on the tradi-tion,” said Mike Armentor.

He said he enjoys how multi-faceted hisjob is and that each day varies a littlefrom the last.

As the shop changes hands from genera-tion to generation, Eric Armentor said italso is on top of ever-changing styles andfashions and what people want.

The Armentors’ next effort will be toincrease custom work.

Both father and son recently returnedfrom a trade show where they made con-nections that will help them expand thatelement of their business, said the elderArmentor.

However, Eric Armentor said thatalthough other jewelry stores may offercomparable products, people continue toshop at Armentor’s because of the laid-back, no-pressure attitude the staff pro-vides.

FROM PAGE 13

‘You have to have somethingthat people want and do agood job with it and be

consistent. ’

Ted Legnon

Legnon’s Boucherie owner

■

Meet atVictor’s forbreakfastBY HOPE RURIK

THE DAILY IBERIAN

When patrons walk into Victor’sCafeteria, they’re corralledalong a wall littered with memo-

rabilia, including several “Best of theTeche” awards, and now the restaurantcan hang another award: Best Place toMeet for Breakfast.

The Best of the Teche is a nonscientificsurvey where readers of The DailyIberian vote on the best places, businesses,things and people in the Teche Area.

Sure, there are tables that pack 20-25 ofthe same people every day. However, thereare also regulars that come in by twos andthrees.

“Every hometown has a gathering placewhere people can go to give news and beheard,” said David Stonicher, who’s been

SEE VVIICCTTOORR’’SS,, PAGE 16

NEEDCASH?

Daily IberianClassifieds

can shed morelight on your

selling opportunities!Call 365-6773 today.


Paulet and Kurt Rivet enjoy breakfast at Victor’s Cafeteria, a landmark for food and meeting people in New Iberia.

BY HOPE RURIK

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Armentor’s Jewelers has been“doing what’s right” for their cus-tomer for 72 years.

That’s why Armentor’s was selectedby Daily Iberian readers as the Best ofthe Teche for Best Place to Buy Jewelry,said owner Eric Armentor.

The Best of the Teche is an annual,unscientific survey in which readerscast their votes for their favorite people,places, businesses and things in theTeche Area.

Armentor’s Jewelers first opened itsdoors on Main Street in 1939. Now the

family-owned jeweler is grooming thethird generation for ownership.

Junius Armentor was the original pro-prietor of the shop. When his healthbegan to fail in 1973, his son Ericstepped into his father’s shoes.

Eric Armentor, 57, said his fatherloved the business and the people.Junius liked the business, said EricArmentor, because it was blind, mean-ing people had to rely on the jeweler to“shoot square.


Thanks to everyone for voting Mike’s Seafood #1 Best Place To

Buy Fresh Seafood!

516 S. Lewis St. • 364-8807 or 367-6368

Donovan Pham, Ricky Truong, Mike Pham, Alex Pham, Thanh Thi Le, Lan Pham, Lan Nguyen, Kim Nguyen

Mike’s SeafoodItem of equal or lesser value. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Shop must retain coupon. No substitutions allowed. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited or restricted by law. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Good only at U.S. participating stores. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount or promotion. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Cash redemption value 1/20 of 1 cent. Offer Valid Only at New Iberia, La location. Phone: (337)367.3531. Offer Expires Month 09/30, 2011 PLU: 0811

©20

11. B

R I

P H

olde

r L

LC

. All

righ

ts r

eser

ved.

THANKS for making us

1# from Management & Crew

ffrrroooommmm again!

BUY 1 Get 1 FREE!Any Sundae or Frozen Beverage

(with coupon)

www.courtesynewiberia.com

6100 Hwy 90 WNew Iberia, LA337-364-64111-866-5CREDIT

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

www.courtesy.getayes.com

CourtesyGMC Cadillac Buick

New Iberia

CongratulatesRyan Menard

#1 Best New Car SalesmanThanks Iberia Parish For Voting Us #1

■ 1ST: Armentor’s Jewelers.

■ 2ND: Allain’s Jewelry.

■ HM: Texada’s Jewelry and Gifts.

BE S T P L A C E TO BUY J EWELRY■

Armentor’s does a sparkling jobSecond and thirdgenerations continuesuccess at business

Mike Armentor, from left, general manager ofArmentor Jewelry, associates Janet Landryand Jenni Richard, and owner Eric Armentorare pleased with the store garnering first

place in the Best Place to Buy Jewelry cate-gory in this year’s Best of the Teche, a com-pilation of reader selections of the area’sbest people, places, businesses and things.

HOPE RURICK / THE DAILY IBERIAN

SEE SSPPAARRKKLLIINNGG,, PAGE A15

VICTOR’S: Owner and staff have stayed true to old-fashioned cooking, he says

going to Victor’s for 18 years.“It becomes a mainstay like exercise

each morning.”In 1982, Victor Huckaby took over the

restaurant his father opened in 1969, andstarted his career by working in thekitchen, writing down the recipes thecooks used from memory.

The legacy owner said one of the rea-sons people keep coming to the restaurantis because he and his staff have stayedtrue to old-fashioned cooking, whichearned a second place home-style cookingrecognition in Best of the Teche this year.

The recipes might get a few updates,said Huckaby, from experimenting, talk-ing to customers and poring over vari-ous cookbooks and recipes. But all in all,he said the restaurant keeps to thebasics.

“Nothing’s rushed,” he said.Even more important than the food,

said employee Debra Placide, are the peo-

ple who eat it.“The most important thing is our cus-

tomers,” she said, adding that it’s impor-tant for her and the rest of the staff tomeet people with a good attitude.

Although there are bad days, saidemployee Yolanda Greene, it’s easier to

keep providing the service they do becausethe staff stays together like family. Greeneis a former Best of the Teche: BestWaitress winner.

According to Jim Sandoz, the regularsstart pouring in at about 6:30 a.m.Meanwhile, tourists often work their way

into the mix to see “where Dave eats,” saidHuckaby.

The restaurant has reached acclaim farand wide for its presence in the DaveRobicheaux series of James Lee Burke’snovels.

The restaurant also has been featuredin Good Housekeeping and Taste of theSouth magazine for best dessert, forwhich the restaurant also received anoth-er of its three first place Best of theTeche awards this year. Readers alsothought Victor’s Cafeteria was No. 1 inthe Best Portions category, they garnereda second place for Best Place to go forCoffee category and honorable mentionsfor Best Place for Business Lunch andBest Red Beans & Rice.

The job has been good to him, saidHuckaby, and he hopes to continue seeingthe familiar faces he enjoys.

“I enjoy what I do, enjoy seeing thesame faces every day,” said Victor. “I hopeto continue providing the service theycome back for.”

FROM PAGE 14

‘Every hometown has a gathering place wherepeople can go to give newsand be heard. It becomes amainstay like exercise each

morning.’

David Stonicher

Victor’s Restaurant patron

■

‘Nothing’s rushed. ... I enjoywhat I do, enjoy

seeing the same faces everyday. I hope to continue

providing the service theycome back for.’

Victor Huckaby

Victor’s Cafeteria owner

■

BY PATRICK FLA NAGA N

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Ryan Menard has been selected as the TecheArea’s best new car salesman, according toresults for this year’s Best of the Teche

awards.The Best of the Teche is an unofficial poll in

which Daily Iberian readers vote on their favoritepeople, places and things.

Menard, a 36-year-old New Iberia native, said he

learned the art of customer serviceby working for his dad, TerryMenard, who owns MenardBrothers grocery store on BankAvenue.

With about seven years’ experi-ence as a car salesman, Menard,who works for Courtesy Motors onU.S. 90, said he does more than justsell, but continues to maintain arelationship with his customer following their pur-chase.

“Anybody can sell you a car, but it takes someonepretty special to follow up and back them up after-ward,” Menard said.

“I build a relationship so that even if some-thing goes wrong, they know they’re not just anumber.”

Menard also was among the top vote-getters in

the Best Used Car Salesman category, althoughthere was no clear winner in that category.

Tra Dupuis, Courtesy’s sales manager, saidMenard is perhaps the best car salesman he’sworked with.

“He has the ability to relate with all differ-ent types of customers and does a great job oftaking care of them after the sale,” Dupuissaid.


We have the

Friendliest Tellers

in Town!

535 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia 365-6677 • 403 Emile Verret Rd., New Iberia 365-6677

801 Albertson Pkwy., Broussard 735-3400 • 2821 E. Milton Ave., Youngsville 856-7866 • www.cfirstbank.com

Thanks for Voting us #1, AGAIN!

■ 1ST: Ryan Menard at Courtesy New Iberia.

BE S T N EW C AR S A L E SMAN■

Best meat can befound at Legnon’s

BY NEAL MCCLELLAND

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Exceptional service, attentive andcaring employees and a fresh,quality product.

Owner Ted Legnon said those qualitiesare what makes Legnon’s Boucheriestand out when it comes to providing spe-cialty meats for the Teche Area.

“It’s something that we try hard at,”said Legnon. “We provide a level of serv-ice that stands out in the area.”

Being in business for 31 years, includ-ing 10 at its current location on JeffersonTerrance Boulevard, shows what Legnon,his wife, Sue, and all the employees haveaccomplished in making Legnon’sBoucherie the top vote recipient in TheDaily Iberian’s Best of the Teche categoryfor specialty meats.

The Best of the Teche is an unscientificsurvey in which readers cast their votesfor their favorite people, places, business-es and things in the Teche Area.

Legnon is pleased that Teche Area vot-ers chose his business as the best for spe-cialty meats.

“It’s very nice and I really appreciatedthe readers of The Daily Iberian for mak-ing their selection,” said Legnon. “I thinkthat they recognize that myself and myemployees do the best we can to makesure that our customers’ needs are met.”

NEAL MCCLELLAND / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Owners Ted and Sue Legnon get an order from some customers at Legnon’s Boucherie. SEE MEAT, PAGE 15

■ 1ST: Legnon s Boucherie.

■ 2ND: Daves Specialty Meats.

BE S T S P E C I A LT Y MEAT S■

More than sales involved for best car salesman

‘He has the ability to relate with alldifferent types of

customers and does a great job oftaking care of them after the sale.

Tra Dupuis

Courtesy New Iberia

■

‘Anybody can sell you a car, but ittakes someone pretty special to

follow up and back them up afterward.’

Ryan Menard

New car salesman

at Courtesy New Iberia

■Menard

BY PATRICK FLANAGAN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

CVS has been voted as the Best Phar-macy in the Teche Area for thisyear’s 2011 Best of the Teche

awards.The Best of the Teche is an unofficial

poll in which Daily Iberian readers sub-mit votes on their favorite businesses,people, places and things.

Edwin Whipp, 58, a CVS pharmacistwho works at the corner of Parkview andNorth Lewis, said he credits the recogni-tion as the area’s best pharmacy to thecompany’s drive to put customers first.

“One of the things we strive to do iscustomer service,” Whipp said betweentaking phone calls and filling prescrip-tions. “It’s our top priority.”

Along with providing a drive-throughfor customers to drop off and pick up pre-scriptions, Whipp said the pharmacy’sstaff also makes phone calls to let cus-tomers know when their prescriptions

have been called in by their doctors.According to the CVS website, cus-

tomers also can refill prescriptionsonline, and then pick them up from one ofthe company’s 6,900 locations, two in NewIberia and one in St. Martinville.


Art of Eating CateringMeta Hebert

2901 Coteau Holmes Rd., St. Martinville (337) 229-6712

Thank YouWith a heartfelt thanks, we would like to thank

everyone who voted us one of the Best Catering Companies. Your kindness and generosity have made doing business

in this community a real joy for us.

103 West Admiral Doyle Dr. Ste B • New Iberia337-365-4166

Your vote for Cheryl Reauxas one of the Best Insurance

Agents was overwhelming andappreciated. We would like tosay thank you again for your

vote of confidence.

Cheryl Monica

Best of the Teche

TTaammmmyy TTaalllleeyy11sstt PPllaaccee - Best Grooming

“Thanks For Your Vote”TTaammmmyy’’ss PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall GGrroooommiinngg

Reaux Animal Hospital2106 W. Old Spanish Trail

336644--22881111

New Iberiathank you

for voting us the best!1st Placefresh produceseafood marketgrocery checkout service

3rd Placedesserthonorable mentionmeats, specialty meats, bakery items

939 S. Lewis St., New Iberia, LA 70560 super1foods.com

■ 1ST: CVS (Parkview).

■ 2ND: Delaune’s Pharmacy, Home Medical,Gifts.

■ 3RD: Walmart Supercenter.

■ HM: Kmart.

■ HM: L&M Pharmacy.

BE S T PHARMACY■

MEDICAL: Boudreaux gives credit to his ‘wonderful staff’ for the award

the Best Medical Staff in the newspaper’s annualBest of the Teche voting, an unscientific surveyin which readers cast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, businesses and things inthe Teche Area.

Boudreaux said the credit goes to his “wonder-ful staff,” which includes front office workersDebbie Guilbeau, who also worked with his dad,and Pam Derouen and nurses Brenda Derouenand Bethany Green.

“I’ve always thought I’ve had the best staff,” hesaid. “We’re a service profession, and we come to

work to help people. If you keep that in mind,you’re going to be all right.”

Nell Broussard, the practice manager forPrimary Care Physicians, said the first thing peo-ple notice about Dr. Boudreaux’s practice is thesmiling faces patients are greeted with whenthey check in at the front desk. Primary CarePhysicians is an affiliated group that includesseveral primary care (general/family practice)physicians as well a couple of specialists andsurgeons.

“A lot of it is the physician himself,” saidBroussard. “He requires the staff to be pleasant.He takes special care (with his patients). He’s avery religious man, a very caring man.”

One of the main things Boudreaux requires hisnurses to do is return each phone call made by apatient, regardless of what their concern orquestion is. Patients notice the caring attitude,said Broussard.

“This past week, we have two ladies working infront, and they received flowers from a patient,”said Broussard.

“We like to have a family atmosphere, but alsokeep it professional,” said Boudreaux. “From my

standpoint, if I don’t respect my staff, my officedoesn’t run properly.”

And that respect he learned from the bestsource of all — his father, who worked for hos-pice after retiring, until he himself went intohospice care.

“He practiced real medicine, what I call an old-time country doc,” said Stephen Boudreaux, whohas been practicing for nearly 33 years.

“I practiced with him for 25 years until heretired.”

FROM PAGE 10

BUYING ACOMPUTER?

Check The Daily Iberian’sclassification

#1110 – Computer Sales and Service.

‘We’re a service profession, and wecome to work to help people.’

Dr. Stephen Boudreaux

Local physician

■

‘A lot of it is the physician himself.He requires the staff to be pleasant.

He takes special care (with hispatients).’

Nell Broussard

Primary Care Physicians practice manager

■

CVS-Parkview puts its customers first

Pharmacist Edwin Whipp credits the company’s drive to

put customers first.■


CVS Pharmacy at North Lewis and Parkview takes Best Pharmacy award for 2011.


Thank you to our

community for

our Best of the

Teche Award.

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

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Brenda Derouen, from left, Debbie Guilbeau, Dr. Stephen Boudreaux, Pamela Derouen andBethany Green of Boudreaux Family Medicine.

Li Nails keep tips of toes, fingers in perfect condition

BY CHRIS LANDRY

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Dr. Stephen Boudreaux came tounderstand that medicine is avocation and not just a job after

years of observing his father, “an old-time country doc,” practice in Jeanerettefor 50 years.

The lessons he learned from Dr. N.C.Boudreaux, first as a child accompanyinghis dad on house calls, and later througha quarter century working alongside hisfather, have been put to good use in hisBoudreaux Family Medicine practice.

Boudreaux Family Medicine was cho-sen by the readers of The Daily Iberian as

■ 1ST: Boudreaux Family Medicine.

■ 2ND: Iberia Medical Center.

■ 3RD: Dr. George Cousin Family Practice.

■ HM: Dauterive Hospital.

BE S T MED I C A L S TA F F■

Boudreaux FamilyMedicine takes cuefrom his father’spractice of 50 years

Dr. Stephen Boudreaux saidthe credit goes to his ‘wonderful staff,’ which

includes front office workersand nurses.

■

SEE MMEEDDIICCAALL,, PAGE 11

BY JESSICA GOFF

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Teche Area residents have cast theirvotes on their favorite place tohelp keep their brows, toes and fin-

gertips in picture perfect condition andup with the newest trends.

Li Nail at 1102 E. Admiral Doyle wasvoted Best of the Teche by Daily Iberianreaders this year.

The Best of the Teche is an annual,unscientific survey by readers of TheDaily Iberian, in which they cast theirvotes for their favorite people, places,businesses and things in the TecheArea.

The family-owned business was started“from scratch” five years ago by WendyLam, who is originally from San Diego,her daughter Phoung Duong, 22, said.

“My mom was looking around all overand found this place in the plaza,” shesaid.

The location turned out to be an ideal

place for the salon, she said. It Now oper-ates with six employees and takes walk-ins only for pedicures, manicures and eyebrow waxing.

“We stay pretty busy,” said Duong, 22,who also works at Li Nails.

Services that are most popular withregular customers are eye brow waxingand pink and white nail tips, she said.

Frequent visits from regular customersmean plenty of gossip and other gab floatthrough the salon, Duong said with alaugh.

The Best of the Teche second-place win-ner under the “To Have Nails Done” cate-gory is Fancy Nails on South Lewis

Street.Third-place winner was Linda’s on

Center Street.

■ 1ST: Li Nails.

■ 2ND: Fancy Nails.

■ 3RD: Linda’s.


BE S T P L A C E TO G E T NA I L S DONE■


Phoung Duong adds a finishing touch to nails while working at family’s Li Nails.

Dad set example for top medical staff

“I know they will be honest about the repairs thatare needed on my vehicle and that’s important tome.”

Teche Area residents think so too, voting IberiaDiscount Tire as the “Best Place to BuyTires/Service” in The Daily Iberian’s recent Best ofthe Teche Poll for the fourth consecutive year.

The poll is an unscientific survey in which readerscast their votes for their favorite people, places, busi-nesses and things in the Teche Area.

“I think our service, honesty and integrity speaksfor itself. That always keeps people coming back. Wehave a good business through word of mouth,” saidA.J. Dore, manager and part owner.

When Dore and his brother-in-law the late Farrell A.Bonin Sr. started the business along with five otherpartners 21 years ago, they knew they had to build theirbusiness on honesty and customer satisfaction.

Operating on those two principles, Dore and currentpartners Jackie Judice, Chad Judice, Clint Judice, JoeJudice and Travis Segura still continue to receive thesupport of Teche Area residents.

“We’re thankful for all the support we’ve receivedfrom the community and appreciative of being selected

as the best place to buy tires and receive service,” saidDore.

Located at 3402 E. Old Spanish Trail, the businessoffers a full line of services including oil change, tirerotation, front end repair, shocks, alignments andnumerous other minor repair services.

“We treat our customers right,” said employee WayneHonore.

“We give every vehicle a 20-point inspection. Even if thecustomer doesn’t choose to fix their vehicle, when theyleave here, they know exactly what is wrong with it.”

When there is a downfall in the economy, Dore said thecar-service industry is usually one of the few types ofbusinesses that does not suffer.

“When things are tight, people are not looking to goout and spend money to buy a new vehicle. They want tofix it,” he said.

Dore’s daughter Shannon Segura, who has served asreceptionist and secretary for the past 16 years, said thebusiness has grown steadily over the years. Dore andhis five employees service approximately 200 vehiclesweekly.


Reaux AnimalHospital

We Sincerely Thank YouFor Voting Us #1

Dr. Andy Reaux

Dr. Harold Reaux (1921-2009)

2106 W. Old Spanish Trail

New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone: 337-364-2811

Fax: 337-367-8141

Small Animal Medicine & Surgery

Best King CakesBest Donuts

2nd PlaceBest Bakery Items


403 E. St. Peter St. - New Iberia


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

“Thank You ForChoosing Us, WeAppreciate Your

Business!”

1st Place“Thank you for this honor!It is our privilege to serve you!”

1st PlaceBest Place To Buy Outdoor Plants

HEBERT’SGarden Center

St. Augustine Sod

OPEN ALL SUMMER

364-8421

533 W. St. Peter St.

Available thissummer...

Call to placeyour order!

Follow us daily on

for currentgardening tips!

and...Visit our website to sign up for upcoming news letters!

www.hebertsgardencenter.com

Fabians For Flowers628 Center Street, New Iberia

337-369-6471

1st Place Best Place To Buy FlowersThanks for your votes and support.

Celebrating 62 years in business. 1949-2011We’re not just flowers...we’re tradition.

Pat Caffery

CafferyRealEstate.com

A Big Thank YouProud To Be Voted 1st Place

Best Real Estate Agent

MASTER MECHANICS1305 Lemaire St.

New Iberia, LA 70560337-364-6977

for voting Master Mechanics OneOf The Best Places For Car Repairs

THANK YOU!

TIRE: Fourth consecutive year at the top in this survey for Iberia Discount TireFROM PAGE 8

‘I think our service, honesty and integrity speaks for itself. That alwayskeeps people coming back We have a

good business through word of mouth.’

A.J. Dore

Manager and part-owner at Iberia Discount Tire

■

‘Even if the customer doesn’t choose tofix their vehicle, when they leave here, they know exactly what is

wrong with it.’

Wayne Honore

Employee at Iberia Discount Tire

■

HAVING AGARAGE SALE?

Reach the people looking to buy. Our readers tell us they look in

The Daily Iberian firstto find garage sale ads.

Boudoin stays on top of hair cuts with educationBY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Ryan Michael Boudoin, owner ofRyan Michael Salon on Ann Streetin New Iberia, stays on the top of

his game by continuing his education, hesaid.

Voted Best Place for a Man’s Haircut inthis year’s Best of the Teche survey, anunscientific poll conducted every year byThe Daily Iberian in which readers casttheir votes for the best people, places andthings in the Teche Area, Boudoin said heknows how to give men the kinds of cutsthey want.

“Men want to be low maintenance,”Boudoin said. “They want to use a littleproduct, stick it up for a textured lookwhile coming across as professional,strong, clean and masculine.”

Ryan Michael’s also garnered a second-place in the Women’s Haircut categoryand an honorable mention for theChildren’s Haircut category.

A stylist for almost 20 years and in busi-ness for himself at Ryan Michael for 11years, Boudoin said he always knew what

he wanted to be when he grew up.“I was the kid ripping off my sister’s

Barbie doll heads trying to brush their

hair,” Boudoin said.He said about 80 percent of his business

is hair coloring and women’s haircuts.Unlike women who are more apt to go fora particular style or trend, men’s cutsvary with the weather, Boudoin said.

“It’s all based on the heat outside,” hesaid. “There are different options formen’s cuts and it often depends on aman’s style. In New Iberia, not many mengo against the grain as far as hair style


At Ryan Michael Salon Ryan Michael Boudoin, right, cuts Jack Clifton’s hair.

■ 1ST: Ryan Michael.

■ 2ND: Cliff’s.

■ 3RD: Studio 902.

■ HM: Clyde’s.


BE S T P L A C E FOR A MAN ’ S H A I R CUT■

SEE BBOOUUDDOOIINN,, PAGE 21


Mike Armentor, Janet Landry, Jenni Richard & Eric Armentor

1303 N. State St.Abbeville

893-0917

1020 E. Dale St. New Iberia, LA

364-5375www.armentorjewelers.com

From The Sales Family Of Armentor JewelersThank You For Voting Armentor Jewelers 1st Place

For Best Place To Purchase JewelryYour confidence and support are greatly appreciated. We will continueto provide our customers with excellent and personal service.

Thanks to all our visitors who voted us

#1 Tourist Attraction

We Appreciate Your Vote317 E. Main St., New Iberia ~ 337-369-6446

Shadows-On-The-Teche Museum

Celebrating50 Years

September2011

Thank You For 16 Consecutive Years

Lejeune’s Bakery1510 Main St., Jeanerette 337-276-5690

BestFrenchBread

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

ThanksIberia Parishfor your vote

ofconfidence!

We strive to bethe BEST!

www.teche.com

MEMBER FDIC

“We say YES! to Home Loans!Call the bankers that make you

feel right at home.”

Meet the Friendliest Tellers in New Iberia

3rd Place – Jefferson TerraceJulie Broussard, Lori Berard, Cindy Cheng, Sandra Kuehn, Ruth Broussard,

Stephanie Comeaux Branch Sales & Service Manager

■ 1ST: Iberia Discount Tire.

■ 2ND: Allied Discount Tire and Breakes.

■ HM: B&B Quality Tire & Service.

■ HM: Delta World Tire.

BE S T P L A C E TOBUY / S E RV I C E T I R E S■


Aaron Comeaux mounts a new tire at Iberia Discount Tires, voted Best Place to Buy/Service Tires.

Roll into Iberia Discount Tire for best buy, serviceBY KARMA CHAMPAGNE

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Friendly, honest and incomparable servic-es are the reasons Phil Lassalle keepsreturning to Iberia Discount Tire for all

his tire and service needs.“When you walk through the door, you know

you will be greeted with a friendly smile andthe service is great. They treat every customeras they are their best customer,” said Lassalle,who has been a customer of Iberia DiscountTire since it opened its doors 21 years ago.

SEE TTIIRREE,, PAGE 9

BOUDOIN: A 20-year veteran of the trade

and more often than not they want it asshort as possible because of the heat.”

Boudoin takes continuing educationcourses every year, he said, often as manyas he can get to while also working a 45-hour plus work week.

He knows how important the continu-ing education is, he said, since he spentseven years of his professional careerteaching for Redken in salons around thecountry and for another five years beforethat with another company.

“Education gives me an advantage andbeing tied in to the products through thateducation gives me a large body of knowl-

edge to work with and pass along to myclients,” Boudoin said.

And perhaps Boudoin is rubbing off onhis 6-year-old son Jacob, who said he goesstraight for the hair products when hevisits his dad’s shop.

This year’s Best of the Teche isn’t thefirst time Ryan Michael’s has beennoticed as one of the best things in theTeche Area. In 2010, the salon garnered athird place in the Children’s Haircut cate-gory and an honorable mention in theMen’s Haircut category.

FROM PAGE 20

Men’s cuts vary with theweather, according to Ryan

Michael Boudoin.■

He knows how important thecontinuing education is, hesaid, since he spent seven

years of his professional careerteaching for Redken.

■


Each year,The Daily Iberian readers select theservices, businesses and people they like best inour annual Best of the Teche publication.Although it is an unscientific survey where read-ers vote for their favorites, it is a fun survey thatmany participate in each year.This year, weinclude all the categories, even though somemight not have clear winners. Some categoriesreceived many suggested favorites, other cate-gories were so close in voting that only one voteseparated No. 1 from No. 2 spots. Here is ourcomplete list:

■ PLACE TO BUY ‘COOL’ CASUALCLOTHES

1ST: Stage.

HM: Cato’s.

HM: Walmart.

■ BEST ‘HOME-STYLE’ COOKING

1ST: Taste-N-Sea.


2ND: Victor’s.

HM: Bon Creole.

HM: Theriot’s.CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD OONN PPAAGGEE 2222

■ BEST AREA FESTIVAL

These three festivals all received votes, but therewas no clear winner.

Delcambre Shrimp Festival.

Gumbo Cookoff.

Sugar Cane Festival.

■ BEST AUTO MECHANIC

1ST: Cliff Dronet at Dronet’s Auto Repair.*

2ND: Kent at Tracey’s.*


■ BEST PLACE FOR BAKERY ITEMS

1ST: Bi-Lo.*

2ND: Meche’s.*

HM: Super 1 Foods.


■ BEST DAY CARE

1ST: Cathy’s Day Care.

2ND: ABC & 123 Pre-School.

3RD: Little People Place.

HM: Gingerbread.


NIRDSINCERELY THANKS

OUR PARK USERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

1st Place• Best Place For Picnic

• Best Place To Play Tennis• Best Place To Spend Sunday Afternoon

Top Votes For• Best Place To Exercise

• Best Place To Meet People• Best Place To Relax• Best Place To Swim

New Iberia Recreation DepartmentBringing Families Together Through Recreation

Honorable MentionTo Meet For Breakfast

#1Best Fast Food#1Best Kids’ Food

Thanks for making usyour favorite!

Locally Owned: New Iberia, St. Martinville, Abbeville, Franklin, Kaplan and Broussardii’’mm lloovviinn’’ iitt ™

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

Voted #1 in Appliance Repairs

AmanaWhirlpoolKitchenAidGeneral

ElectricFrigidareMagic ChefHotpoint

FriedrichMaytagHooverNutoneBroanEstateRoperEureka

Voted #1 Place to Buy AppliancesWe Feature:

LocallyOwned &Operated

Voted #1 Again...16 Years Running

“Thanks Everyone”

1601 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.

364-0692

Cathy’s day care centerWOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS

OUR VERY SPECIAL

THANK YOUTO EVERYONE

WHO VOTED US

#1 DayCare

CentERThank You For 33Wonderful Years

We Appreciate YourLoyal Support

CLEANING: Also looking for new plastic that is biodegradable for shop

difference.”Having been in business for the past 27

years at his two locations, one on IberiaStreet and the other on Parkview Drive,Delcambre said he made the switch to safersolvents in February.

“We bought a new dry cleaningmachine that doesn’t pollute the atmos-phere as much,” Delcambre said. “It’swonderful. It cleans better than the oldstuff and there is no smell to it. We don’twant to pollute if we don’t have to.”

Delcambre said the environment hasalways been important to him, as he spentyears on the state’s dry cleaning committeeto help the industry use safer products.

The owner added he is looking to insti-tute a new type of plastic in his shop thatwould be biodegradable, like his solvents,but he has no definitive plans yet.

“You can actually flush (the solvent)into the ground and it wouldn’t pollute,even though I don’t do that anyway,”Delcambre said.

FROM PAGE 6


At Rudy’s Reliable Cleaners, Rudy Delcambre gets ready to press a shirt.


■ BEST PLACE FOR HEAING/AC SERVICE

1ST: Fox’s.

2ND: Larry Delcambre.

3RD: Doerle’s.

■ BEST SPORTS TEAM

1ST: Saints.

■ BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN THETECHE AREA

There were two top reasons receiving votes, butneither was a clear winner:

Friendly People; the Food.

■ BEST USED CAR SALESMAN

There were five sales representatives who werethe top vote-getters, but there was no clearwinner:

Duane Dorsey at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville.

Gene Nora at Arceneaux Ford.

Gerald Sigue at Musson Patout.

Ricky Aires at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville.

Ryan Menard at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville. CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD OONN PPAAGGEE 2233

FROM PAGE 21 ■ BEST BOAT MECHANIC

1ST: Ryan Sonnier at Iberia Outboard.

HM: Carol Perez at Perez Marine Repair.

■ BEST PLACE FOR BOILED SEAFOOD

1ST: Seafood Connection.

2ND: Jane’s.

HM: The Boiling Point.

■ BEST BOUDIN

1ST: Legnon’s.

HM: Dave’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO BRING YOUR SICK ANIMAL

1ST: Reaux’s Animal Hospital.

HM: Dr. Dupuy’s.

■ BEST BUFFET

1ST: Taste-N-Sea.


3RD: Kim’s (Main).


HM: Ruby Tuesday.

■ BEST PLACE FOR BUSINESS LUNCH

1ST: Clementine.


HM: Victor’s Cafeteria.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY ‘COOL’ CHIL-DREN’S CLOTHES

1ST: Stage.

2ND: Walmart.

3RD: KMart.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY APPLIANCES

1ST: A&A Appliance.

2ND: Conn’s.

3RD: Lowe’s.

HM: Magic Video.


■ BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS

1ST: Fabian’s.

2ND: Paul’s.

3RD: Breaux’s.

HM: A Gallery of Flowers.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT

1ST: Lowe’s.


■ BEST PLACE TO BUY OUTDOORPLANTS

1ST: Hebert’s.

2ND: Lowe’s.

3RD: Fabian’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY/ SERVICE TIRES

1ST: Iberia Discount Tire.

2ND: Winmill.

HM: Allied Tires.

HM: B&B Tires.

HM: Delta Tires.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR CAR REPAIRS

1ST: Tracey’s.

2ND: Dronet’s.

3RD: Musson Patout.

HM: Gordy’s Auto Repair.

HM: Master Mechanic.

(Note: 21 different places got votes)

BY JUSTIN HALL

SPECIAL TO THE DAILY IBERIAN

Providing quality drycleaning while help-ing to protect the

environment is the maingoal for Rudy’s ReliableCleaners, said owner RudyDelcambre.

“The dry cleaning indus-try has been labeled as pol-luting over the years and Ihave been very consciousabout that,” Delcambresaid.

Less than six months after

Delcambre switched over to usingmore nature-friendly products, theresidents of New Iberia named hisstore as the Best Dry CleaningService in the 2011 Best of the TecheAwards.

The Best of the Teche is an annual,unscientific survey by readers of TheDaily Iberian in which readers casttheir votes for their favorite people,places, businesses and things in theTeche Area.

“Well I think it’s a wonderfulthing,” Delcambre said. “I believethat my customers have noticed the


DOERLE’SAIR CONDITIONING & HEATINGDan Doerle, Owner

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

367-2511 • 1321 E. Main St., New Iberia

Voted One Of TheBest In Town

THANK YOU!WE SERVICE ALL

MAKES & MODELS

Thanks For Voting Us #1New Iberia’s Favorite Insurance Agent!

Jimmy Champagne(337) 365-09141550 E. Admiral DoyleNew [email protected]

Serving the community for over 25 years.

We can help you make sure your coverage is up-to-date. Call us today.

Insurance subject to availability and qualifications. Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, Illinois © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.

The Votes Are In... 1stPlaceCar Repairs

2nd PlaceBest Mechanic

goes toKent Viator

TRACY’S AUTO SPECIALIST, INC.Kent Viator – Tracy Migues, Owner

1105 Weeks Island Rd. New Iberia • 337-365-7635

Thanks



Best Boat Mechanic

Carroll Perez



Best Boat Mechanic

Carroll Perez

5611 Perez Road, Lydia 367-5102Perez Marine ServicePerez Marine Service

ABC & 123’sPre-School Day Care

Thanks for voting our school one of your favorites!We accept ages 1 year old to

12 years and after school20 years in business

Past Top Business WomenOwner: Paula Arceneaux

Open Mon–Fri 6:30 am – 5:30 pm900 Briarwood Dr (Off Lewis Street) New Iberia • 365-4046

■ 1ST: Rudy’s Reliable Cleaners.

■ 2ND: Derouen Cleaners.

BE S T DRY C L E AN ING S E RV I C E■

His top-rated dry cleaning also best for environment

At Rudy’s Reliable Cleaners, Rudy Delcambre showsthe new Union HL860 dry cleaning system.

Delcambre said the unit is environmentally safe anduses fresh solvent all of the time.


SEE CCLLEEAANNIINNGG,, PAGE 7

Rudy’s ReliableCleaners uses nature-friendlyproducts, units

■ BEST CATERING SERVICE

1ST: Peltier’s.

2ND: Art of Eating.

3RD: Cajun Tidbits.

HM: Gallery Catering.

■ BEST CHINESE FOOD

1ST: Kim’s (Main).


HM: Golden Wok.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR COFFEE

1ST: Starbucks.

2ND: Victor’s.

■ BEST PLACE FOR A COLD BEER

There were four places that were the top vote-getters, but there was no clear winner:

Chili’s.

E&E Sport’s Bar.

Jersey’s.


FROM PAGE 22


Pelican’s on the Bayou.

■ BEST COMMUNITY ‘MOVER

& SHAKER’

There were four people who got votes, but there


Corleen Rouly.

Freddie DeCourt.

Jennifer Kidd.

Jerre Borland.

■ BEST COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

There were seven people who received votes, but

there was no clear winners:

Amber Curryl.

Doc Thomas.

Kathryn Fourtnet.

Larry Hensgens.

Mary Miller.

Peggy Quinlan.

Rickey Huval.

■ BEST CRACKLINS

1ST: Legnon’s.

2ND: Dave’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR DESSERTS

1ST: Victor’s.


3RD: Super 1.

HM: Orange Leaf.

■ BEST PLACE FOR DINING ‘ATMOS-PHERE’

1ST: Little River Inn.*

2ND: Clementine’s.*

* Only one vote separated 1&2

■ BEST DONUTS

1ST: Meche’s.

■ BEST DRY CLEANING SERVICE

1ST: Rudy’s.

2ND: Derouen’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO EAT WITHOUT KIDS


2ND: Clementine’s.

3RD: Bojangles.

HM: Mr. Lester’s.

■ BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL

(Who & Why)

1ST: Louis Ackal; gets to the bottom of things,

gets the job done, not afraid of putting “punks”

in jail. Does good work on crime.

■ BEST PLACE TO EXERCISE


winner:

AnyTime Fitness.

City Park.

Dynamic Health Club.

Snap Fitness.

■ BEST PLACE FOR FAST-FOOD

1ST: McDonald’s.

2ND: Wendy’s.

3RD: Raising Cane’s.

HM: Duffy’s.

HM: Sonic Drive-In.

■ BEST PLACE TO FIND UNUSUALGIFTS

1ST: Walmart.

2ND: Delaune’s.

2ND: This & That.

3RD: Fabian’s.

HM: Gift Sensations.

■ BEST PLACE FOR APPLIANCE REPAIR

1ST: A&A Appliance.

HM: Chris Maytag.

HM: Conn’s.

■ BEST PLACE FOR SPORTING GOODS

1ST: Lipari Sporting Goods.

2ND: Walmart.

HM: Academy.


From the owners Troy and Kit Delcambre and all the staff ofLarry Delcambre Air Conditioning we would like to thank all ourvalued customers for voting us Best of the Teche once again.

We appreciate your patronage and remember to call us For AllYour Comfort Needs!

Top row: (service techs) Cody Lopez, Craig Landry, Jonathan Bouy, Andrew Harris, Shannon Dugas,Cody Morvant, Joshua Gaspard, Clint Pesson.Middle row: Troy Delcambre owner, Kit Delcambre owner, Clayton Viator install foreman, Natalie Garzadispatcher, Chelsea Louviere receptionist, Scott Delcambre parts manager, Jo Delcambre acctspayable, Ray Lustman accts receivable, John Roseberry marine foreman.Bottom row: (installation appt. & techs) Phillip Perez, Joel Morvant, Kalem Bonin, Kirt Rebert, DavidBoudreaux, Josh Boudreaux, Dorsey Barras, Hayden Louviere.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC.1303 Jane St., New Iberia, LA

St. Lic. #44169(337) 369-6880 / (337) 369-6910 / (337) 365-3350

337.367.7466833 E. Main Street • New Iberia, Louisiana

www.LittleRiverInnNewIberia.com

Thank Youfor voting Little River Inn1st Place in Five Categories!

•Best Dining Atmosphere•Best Place to Eat Without Kids•Best Gumbo•Best Wait Staff•Best Waitress: Ms. Nelda

2nd Place•Best Home-Style Cooking•Best Business Lunch•Best Desserts•Best Portions•Best Prepared Seafood

3rd Place•Best Special Occasion•Best Steak•Best Waitress: Dianne Segura

Congratulations to our Best Waitress Winners!First Place: Ms. Nelda

Third Place: Dianne Segura

1306 West Admiral Doyle Dr., New Iberia, LA • 337-364-5472

Thank You – Your VoteMeans A Lot To Us!

Visit our award-winning facility and meetthe staff that makes Belle Teche your choice.

PO-BOY: Making them from scratch using ‘good, quality seafood’ does the trick

votes to capture an honorable mention.Bon Creole owner Randy Montegut

said his secret is to use “good, qualityseafood” and “to do it all fromscratch.”

Montegut opened the restaurant in thelate 1990s, he said, after several years inthe crawfish processing business.Montegut has been familiar with thearea’s fisheries for decades havingworked as a biologist for the LSUAgCenter Sea Grant program before delv-ing into the processing business.

The restaurant started out doing platelunches and po-boys, Montegut said,quickly developing a large following ofdiners, many of whom have become regu-lar faces.

“We’ve got customers that have beenwith us forever,” Montegut said. “Wemake sure we give them good food andtheir money’s worth. We want them tofeel like they’re getting what they’re pay-ing for.”

Another of Montegut’s secrets to suc-cess has been to stick to what the restau-rant does best and what customers like.

“We keep things the same and cus-tomers seem to like it,” he said.

“Some people come to eat with us everyday.”

Bon Creole is no stranger to Best of theTeche accolades having won first place inthe Best Po-boy category, and honorablementions for its Best Gumbo and BestPortion sizes in the 2010 survey.

FROM PAGE 4


At Bon Creole, Debbie Duplantis wraps an overstuffed shrimp po-boy.

‘We keep things the same andcustomers seem to like it

Some people come to eat withus every day.’

Randy Montegut

Bon Creole owner

■


FROM PAGE 23


HM: Hibbett Sports.

■ BEST FRENCH BREAD

1ST: LeJeune’s.

HM: Bi-Lo.

HM: Simoneaud’s South.

■ BEST FRESH PRODUCE

1ST: Super 1.

2ND: Farmer’s Market.

2ND: Winn-Dixie.

3RD: Bi-Lo.

■ BEST FRIED CHICKEN

1ST: Popeye’s.

HM: Duffy’s.

HM: Raising Cane’s.

■ FRIENDLIEST BANK TELLERS

1ST: Community First - Jefferson Terrace.

2ND: Chase - North Lewis.

2ND: Iberia Bank - St. Peter.

3RD: Teche Federal - Jefferson Terrace.

■ FRIENDLIEST LAW ENFORCEMENT

OFFICER

There were six officers who got votes, but there


C. Rankin.

Greg Pete.

Guy Bonin.

Officer Gonzales.

Troy Willis.

Willie Thomas.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO DANCING


winner:

Landry’s.

Mon Ami.

Rox.

The Camp.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FISHING

1ST: Cypremort Point.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO ON A DATE

There were several top vote-getters, but no clear

winner:

Bojangles.

Cafe Jefferson.

Chili’s.

Clementine.

Little River Inn.

Mr. Lester’s.

The Camp.

The Patio.

■ BEST GOLF COURSE

Two courses got votes, but there was no clear

winner:

Squirrel Run.

Sugar Oaks.

■ BEST GROCERY CHECKOUT SERVICE

1ST: Super 1.

2ND: Bi-Lo.

3RD: Simoneaud’s East.

HM: Winn-Dixie.

■ BEST GUMBO


2ND: Dave’s.

HM: Bon Creole.

(Note: Only one vote separated 1&2)

■ BEST HAMBURGER

1ST: Stein’s.

HM: Bon Creole.

HM: Duffy’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR HANDYMANADVICE

1ST: Lowe’s.

2ND: ACE Hardware.

BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

In a place where food reigns supremeand where some of the world’s bestcuisine is displayed on any given

kitchen table daily, Bon Creole is a famil-iar name when it comes to what residentsconsider the best food the Teche Area hasto offer.

This year, the top-notch eatery garneredhonors in five different categories in TheDaily Iberian’s annual unscientific surveyof the Best of the Teche. Among its kudosfor the 2011 survey are honorable men-tions in the Homestyle Cooking, Gumboand Hamburger categories and a thirdplace for Portions.

Top honors this year go to Bon Creolefor the Best Po-Boys category. The catego-ry had no second or third place finishers

and only one other restaurant, Duffy’s,came close to Bon Creole earning enough


Cliff Dronet, Owner

Dronet’sAuto Repair

365-5184 • 801 W. Admiral Doyle, New Iberia

Basic Oil Changes To Computer Diagnostics

38 Years Keeping New Iberia Moving

Thank You#1 Auto Mechanic - Cliff Dronet

#2 Best Car Repairs

PIZZA PLACE300 Center Street, New Iberia

337-9903 or 369-9100 www.pizzaplaceonline.com

THE PIZZA PLACE GANG WANTS TOTHANK ALL WHO VOTED US #1

This year only more of the same andmaybe some surprises!

OUR GOAL IS TO SERVE THE BEST FOODTO THE BEST CUSTOMERS!

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

We appreciate youshopping with us.

Thank You!From: Store #533

620 IBERIA ST.NEW IBERIA, LA 70560

369-3521M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pmSat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thank You!1st Place

917 PARKVIEW DR.PARKVIEW PLAZA

365-0667

RELIABLE CLEANERS, L.L.C.

Jane’sSeafood & Chinese Restaurant

1201 Jane St., New Iberia365-5412

Thanks For Voting UsOne Of Your Favorites In

Best Of The Teche

■ 1ST: Bon Creole.

■ HM: Duffy’s.

BE S T PO - BOY■


At Bon Creole, Adele Montegut slices shrimp po-boys, which are No. 1 in Best of the Teche.

At Bon Creole, you cansink teeth into best po-boy

SEE PPOO--BBOOYY,, PAGE 5

Bon Creole owner RandyMontegut said his secret is touse ‘good, quality seafood’ and

‘to do it all from scratch.’■


FROM PAGE 24


HM: S&S Renovations.

■ BEST ICE CREAM

1ST: Baskin-Robbins.

HM: Sonic Drive-In.

■ BEST INSURANCE AGENT

1ST: Jimmy Champagne at AllState.

2ND: Bill Desormeaux at State Farm (Jen).

3RD: Ray Scott at State Farm.

HM: David Dorsey at Dorsey Insurance.

HM: Sheryl Reaux at Bayou Belle.

■ BEST PLACE FOR KID’S FOODS

1ST: McDonald’s.

2ND: Duffy’s.

HM: Mr. Gatti’s.

■ BEST KING CAKES

1ST: Meche’s.

HM: Fremin’s.

■ BEST LOCAL BAND

Several received votes, but there was no clear win-ner:

5th Avenue.

Andy Smith Band.

Krossfyre.

Southern Skye.

Spank the Monkey.

■ BEST LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION

1ST: Shadows-on-the-Teche.

■ BEST PLACE TO GO FOR MEAT

1ST: Bi-Lo.

2ND: Legnon’s Boucherie.

HM: Dave’s Specialty Meats.

HM: Menard Bros.

HM: Super 1 Foods.

■ BEST MEDICAL STAFF

1ST: Boudreaux Family Medicine.

2ND: Iberia Medical Staff.

3RD: Dr. George Cousin Family Practice.

HM: Dauterive Hospital.

■ BEST PLACE TO MEET FOR BREAKFAST

1ST: Victor’s Cafeteria.

HM: McDonald’s.

HM: Waffle House.

■ BEST PLACE TO MEET GUY/GIRL

Four places received votes, but there was no clearwinner:

Bojangle’s.

Chili’s.

Napoleon’s.

Tampico’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE

There were three top vote-getters:

City Park.

Duffy’s.

Walmart.

■ BEST MEXICAN FOOD

1ST: Tampico’s.

2ND: El Mexicano.

3RD: El Chile Verde.

■ BEST NEW CAR SALESMAN

1ST: Ryan Menard at Courtesy Vermilion-Abbeville.

■ BEST NIGHT SPOTThere were three places that got votes, but there

was no clear winner:Clementine’s.Jersey’s.The Camp.■ BEST PET GROOMER1ST: Tammy Talley at Tammy’s Grooming

(Reaux’s).■ BEST PHARMACY1ST: CVS (Parkview).2ND: Delaune’s.3RD: Walmart.HM: KMart.HM: L&M Pharmacy.■ BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC1ST: City Park.■ BEST PIZZA1ST: Pizza Place.2ND: Pizza Hut.HM: Domino’s.HM: Papa John’s.■ BEST PLACE FOR CHILD’S HAIRCUT1ST: Studio 902.2ND: Cliff’s.3RD: Hair U Wear.HM: Ryan Michael’s.(Note:There were 22 different places that

received votes) ■ BEST PLACE FOR MAN’S HAIRCUT1ST: Ryan Michael’s.2ND: Cliff’s.3RD: Studio 902.HM: Clyde’s.HM: Hair U Wear.(Note:There were 25 different places that

received votes)■ BEST PLACE FOR WOMAN’S HAIR-

CUT1ST: Studio 902.2ND: Ryan Michael’s.3RD: Style America.HM: Hair U Wear.■ BEST PLACE TO SHOOT POOLThree places got votes, but there was no clear

winner:Emerald’s.

Jersey’s.Slick Willies.


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• Kids Foods • Sandwiches• Fast Food • Fried Chicken• Hamburgers • Po-Boys

Walter & Carlo

INTEREST FREE 12 MONTHS WITH APPROVED CREDIT

1302 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. (Across from NISH)New Iberia

369-7082 • Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-4

Thanksfor voting us

one of the best!

We thinkour customersare the best!

Victor’s CafeteriaDOWNTOWN NEW IBERIA ~ 369-9924

We Always ServeCommunity Coffee

Desserts - 1st PlaceMeet For Breakfast - 1st PlacePortions - 1st PlaceHomestyle Cooking - 2nd PlaceBest Coffee - 2nd PlaceBusiness Lunch - Honorable MentionRed Beans & Rice - Honorable Mention

Thank You For Voting Us #1Free Delivery

Orders$25 & Up

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

#1BestPoboysHonorable Mention:Hamburger“Homestyle” CookingGumbo

3402 Old Spanish Trail East New Iberia, LA • 369-6174Store Hours: 7:30 AM-5 PM Mon.-Fri.; 8 AM-12 PM Sat.

Authorized Firestore Dealer

Iberia Discount Tire CenterWe Appreciate Your Vote And Your Business

Thank You ForVoting For Us #1

Best Of The Teche!

SERVICE: ‘She is one of the best servers we have. She always, always has a smile’

“I just try to do my best,” she said with a smile. “That’sall I can do.”

Her guests make her job a joy, she said. On a dailybasis, she serves a varietyof patrons from interna-tional guests and local reg-ulars.

Lori Hurst, who owns therestaurant with her hus-band Richard, said thebusiness constantly getsrequests from customersasking to be seated in hersection.

“We get calls also thetime from people saying,‘We want Nelda, we wantNelda,” Hurst said with alaugh.

“We wish we could cloneher,” Hurst said.

“She is one of the best servers we have. She always,always has a smile and she is so dedicated. She takes

pride in what she does and worries about making everysingle one her customers happy.”

“It’s a treat for us. She is just a gem. She loves whatshe does and show it,” she said. “We are glad to have

her.”Dauphine’s favorite menu item is “just simple chick-

en,” she said.But she said the restaurant’s seafood packed house

salad is “out of this world.”You can catch

Dauphine at the restau-rant during lunch hourson Monday, Tuesday andWednesday and at din-ner time on Fridays andSaturdays.

The Little River Inn ishome to another of thetop servers. Daily Iberianreaders selected DianneSegura for third place inthe Best of the TecheBest Waiter/Waitress cat-egory.

The second-place winnerfor the Teche of the TecheBest Waiter/Waitress category is Esella Lee at Landry’sSeafood at Landry’s Seafood House and Dianne Segurawho is also a server at Little River Inn.

FROM PAGE 2

JESICA GOFF / THE DAILY IBERIAN

‘I just try to do my best. That’s all I can do,” says LittleRiver Inn server Nelda Dauphine.

‘She always,always has a smile

and she is so dedicated.’

Lori Hurst

Little River Inn owner, talking

about server Nelda Dauphine

■

You can catchDauphine at therestaurant duringlunch hours onMonday, Tuesday

and Wednesday andat dinner time of

Friday and Saturday.■


FROM PAGE 25


■ BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS1ST: City Park.

■ BEST PLUMBING SERVICE1ST: Babineaux’s.

2ND: Pipe’s N Plugs.

3RD: R.T.’s.

HM: Beano’s.

HM: Malcom Derouen’s.

■ BEST PO-BOYS1ST: Bon Creole.

HM: Duffy’s.

■ BEST PORTIONS1ST: Victor’s.


3RD: Bon Creole.

■ BEST PLACE FOR PREPAREDSEAFOOD

1ST: Anna Seafood.


3RD: Seafood Connection.


■ BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT1ST: Pat Caffery at Caffery Real Estate.

2nd: Karl Rouly at Van Eaton & Romero.3RD: Irene Wassel at Caffery Real Estate.HM: Patricia Grisaffe at Van Eaton & Romero.■ BEST RED BEANS & RICE1ST: Popeye’s.HM: Little River Inn.HM: Victor’s Cafeteria.■ BEST PLACE TO GO TO RELAXThere were three top vote-getters:Bojangle’s.City Park.Spa Almaz.■ BEST RETIREMENT FACILITY1ST: Garden View.2ND: Belle Teche.3RD: Azalea Estates.(Note: Only one vote separated 1&2)■ BEST SALAD BAR1ST: Ruby Tuesday.■ BEST SANDWICHES1ST: Subway.2ND: Quizno’s.3RD: Duffy’s.

■ BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

1ST: Mike’s Seafood.

1ST: Super 1 Foods.

2ND: Anna Seafood.

3RD: Hung’s.

■ BEST SNOWBALLS

1ST: Snowball Factory.

HM: Babe’s.

■ BEST PLACE FOR SPECIAL OCCASION

1ST: Clementine.


■ BEST SPECIALTY MEATS

1ST: Legnon’s Boucherie.

2ND: Dave’s Specialty Meats.

HM: Bi-Lo.

HM: Joyce’s.

HM: Super 1 Foods.

■ BEST PLACE TO SPEND SUNDAYAFTERNOON

1ST: City Park.

■ BEST STEAK1ST: Mr. Lester’s.2ND: Little River Inn.HM: Chili’s.HM: Landry’s.HM: Ruby Tuesday.■ BEST SUMMER SPORTS ACTIVITYThere were six sports receiving votes, but no

clear winner:Baseball.Basketball.Gardening.Softball.Swimming.T-Ball.■ BEST PLACE TO SWIMThere were two top vote-getters:Baron’s Health and Court Club.City Park.■ BEST TEACHER (NOW & PAST)Several teachers received votes, but there was no

clear winner:

Doc Voorhies.

Donna Hopson.

Ellie Arceneaux.

Jennifer Mestayer Kidd.

Kalain Harris.

Kristi Freeman.

Liz Granger.

Stephanie Jefferson.

■ BEST TEEN ‘HANG-OUT’There were two top vote-getters:

Orange Leaf.

The Grand Theatre.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY ELECTRONICS1ST: Walmart.

HM: Magic Video.

HM: Ricky Smith Audio.

■ BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1ST: Amentor’s Jewelers.

2ND: Allian’s Jewelry.

HM: Texada’s Jewelry and Gifts.

■ BEST PLACE TO FIND A BARGAIN1ST: Walmart.

■ BEST PLACE TO FIND FURNITURE

1ST: Home Furniture.

2ND: Foti’s.

HM: Bargain Furniture.

■ BEST PLACE TO HAVE NAILS DONE

1ST: Li Nail’s.

2ND: Fancy Nails.

3RD: Linda’s.

HM: Hair U Wear.

■ BEST PLACE TO RENT VIDEOS

1ST: Red Box.

2ND: Block Buster.

3RD: Magic Video.

■ BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR PERSONWHO HAS EVERYTHING

1ST: Walmart.

■ BEST TRAVEL AGENT

1ST: Mindy Early at Let’s Travel.

HM: Beth Comeaux at Let’s Travel.

HM: Sheila Molbert at Let’s Travel.

■ BEST TV PROGRAM/PERSONALITY

Three received votes, but there was no clear win-ner:

Dave Baker/ KATC.

Gary Arnold/ KLEY.

Tom Voiche/ KATC.

■ PLACE WITH BEST WAIT STAFF


2ND: Landry’s.

3RD: Duffy’s.

■ BEST WAITER/WAITRESS

1ST: Nelda Dauphine at Little River Inn.

2ND: Esella Lee at Landry’s.

3RD: Dianne Segura at Little River Inn.

HM: Myrna Roco at Seafood Connection.

HM: Santi at Tampico’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO WASH YOUR CAR

1ST: Wizard Wash.

2ND: Get Wet.

3RD: Todd’s.

■ BEST PLACE TO WATCH SPORTS

1ST: Chilis.

2ND: Pelican’s on the Bayou.

■ BEST PLACE TO GET WINES/LIQUOR

1ST: Bi-Lo.

HM: Little River Inn.

BY JESSICA GOFF

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Nelda Dauphine has been putting smiles on the faces ofher guests for more than a decade while serving upgumbos, crab cakes, sirloins and ettoufee.

The St. Martinville native is server at Little River Inn at 833 E.Main St. and has beenawarded this year’s Best ofTeche under the BestWaiter/Waitress category.

The Best of the Teche isan annual, unscientific sur-vey by readers of The DailyIberian in which readerscast their votes for theirfavorite people, places, busi-nesses and things in theTeche Area.

This is not the first timeshe has been a Best of The Teche recipient, she said. However,the humble woman said she just can’t place why she keepsreceiving the award.


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

1st PlaceBest Boudin16 Consecutive Years

For Voting Garden View #1 Best Retirement Facility

1000 Darby Lane • New Iberia, LA337-364-2266 • www.gardenview.org

Best server ........................TThhiiss ppaaggeeBest po-boy ................................PPaaggee 44Best dry cleaning ......................PPaaggee 66Best place to buy/service tires ........................PPaaggee 88Best medical staff ..................PPaaggee 1100Best specialty meats ..............PPaaggee 1122Best place to buy jewelry ....PPaaggee 1133Best place to meet for breakafst............................PPaaggee 1144Best new car salesman ..........PPaaggee 1177Best pharmacy ........................PPaaggee 1188Best place to get get nails done ..........................PPaaggee 1199Best place for a man’s haircut ..........................PPaaggee 2200

——All the Best ..................PPaaggeess 2211--2277

I NDEX■

■ 1ST: Nelda Dauphine at Little River Inn.

■ 2ND: Esella Lee at Landry’s Cajun, Seafood & Steakhouse.

■ 3RD: Dianne Segura at Little River Inn.

■ HM: Myrna Roco at Seafood Connection.

■ HM: Santi at Tampico Restaurant.

BE S T S E RV ER■

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . .Will Chapman

Managing Editor . . . . . . .Jeff Zeringue

Advertising Manager . . . . . .Alan Rini

Production Manager . . .Jerry Sexton

Business Manager . . .Amanda Seneca

Circulation Manager . . . .“J.P.” Poirier

Dauphine: Service with a smile

SEE SSEERRVVIICCEE,, PAGE 3

‘I just try to do mybest. That’s all I can

do.’

Nelda Dauphine

Little River Inn server

■


Nelda Dauphine has the knack for bringing restaurant-goers theirorder with a smile and professionalism at Little River Inn.


FROM PAGE 26

BE S T O F THE T E CHE THURSDAY, JULY 28,201128 THE DAILY IBERIAN

Thanksto all our many customers and friends for voting for Bi-Lo in Best of the Teche 2011

207 North Lewis • 365-1176 • 365-9886www.bilo-supermarket.com

Locally Owned & Operated • Store Hours: Mon.-Sun. 7:00-8:00

1st PlaceBest Place To Buy Meat

Best Place To Buy Wine & Liquor

Best Place To Buy Bakery Items

2nd PlaceBest Grocery Check-Out Service

3rd PlaceBest Place To Buy Produce

Honorable MentionBest Place To Buy French Bread

Best Place To Buy Specialty Meats

SUPERMARKETSUPERMARKET

2011 Best of Teche

Documents

best waiterwaitress1st

best teacher

meatbest place

best travel agent1st

best wait staff1st

years best ofteche

french breadbest place

wine liquorbest place