Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
In this lively episode of Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine, Michelle travels to St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, to experience the deep-rooted Creole and Cajun traditions that make this region so vibrant. From playing Zydeco music and making gumbo to exploring historic sites and savoring local craft beer, she immerses herself in the culture, history, and flavors that define Louisiana’s heart and soul. Michelle Valentine plays the rubboard with a Zydeco band; learns how to make and properly eat gumbo; explores Creole heritage and folklore; visits a historic shrine where a miracle occurred; helps bake a pecan praline pie; tours a brewery using local honey and vegetables; and enjoys fresh pizza paired with craft beer, immersing herself in the rich culture and flavors of the region.
Episode Highlights
Key of Z Rubboards
Michelle Valentine kicks off her journey at Key of Z Rubboards, where Don “Tee Don” Landry teaches her how to play the rubboard, an essential instrument in Louisiana’s Creole music scene. She joins Grammy-winner Joseph “Chubby” Carrier, guitarist Wayne Burns, and bass player Larry Jolivette in a lively jam session, experiencing firsthand the infectious rhythms that bring the community together.
Key of Z Rubboards
385 Sandpiper Place, Sunset, Louisiana 70584
(337) 654-0858
Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant
Next, Michelle Valentine satisfies her appetite at the Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant, where Chef Jason Huguet introduces her to authentic Cajun cuisine. She learns how to make a traditional gumbo, discovering the essential ingredients and techniques that create its signature depth of flavor. As the rich aromas fill the air, Michelle Valentine is eager to take her first bite. Most importantly, she’s taught the right way to eat gumbo—ensuring she embraces the true St. Landry Parish experience.
Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant
525 North Main Street, Washington, Louisiana 70589
(337) 826-7227
Creole Heritage Folklife Center
To explore the area’s rich heritage, Michelle Valentine visits the Creole Heritage Folklife Center, where Rebecca D. Henry shares stories about Creole history and culture. Through artifacts and storytelling, she gains a deeper understanding of the Creole people’s lasting influence on Louisiana’s traditions. Michelle Valentine is captivated by the handcrafted exhibits that showcase Creole music, food, and the resilience of the people who built this unique cultural identity.
Creole Heritage Folklife Center
1113 West Vine Street, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570
(337) 945-5064
Le Petit Musee at the Academy of the Sacred Heart
Continuing her historical journey, Michelle Valentine visits Le Petit Musee and the Shrine of St. John Berchmans, where Caroline Richard recounts the miraculous event that took place at this sacred site. She then steps onto the historic grounds of the Academy of the Sacred Heart and Berchmans Academy, where she learns about the legacy of faith, education, and resilience that has shaped generations of students.
Le Petit Musee and the Shrine of St. John Berchmans
1821 Academy Rd, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 70541
(337) 662-5275
The Kitchen Shop
Switching from history to hands-on fun, Michelle Valentine rolls up her sleeves at The Kitchen Shop, where baker Nancy Brewer guides her through the art of making a pecan praline pie. She learns the history behind this beloved St. Landry Parish dessert—brought to Louisiana generations ago by great-great-grandmothers from France. Finally, she gets to enjoy a sweet slice of this time-honored treat.
The Kitchen Shop
296 East Martin Luther King Drive, Grand Coteau, Louisiana 70541
(337) 662-3500
Bayou Teche Brewing
Michelle Valentine’s journey concludes at Bayou Teche Brewing, where brewer Karlos Knott introduces her to craft beer infused with locally grown ingredients, including honey and vegetables. As she sips on these one-of-a-kind brews, she enjoys freshly made pizza and learns how the brewery stays connected to St. Landry Parish’s agricultural heritage.
Bayou Teche Brewing
1002 Nothlane, Arnaudville, Louisiana 70512
(337) 754-5122
Accommodations Provided By
Blog Articles
About St. Landry Parish
Episode Credits
Host / Producer / Writer
Michelle Valentine
Director / 1st Camera / Audio / Editor / Writer
Lawrence Bakerman
2nd Camera
Brent Solomon
Gaffer
Trevor Chapman
Production Coordinator
Baja Noel
Production Assistant
Shea Duplechain
Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist
Meredith Greene
Special Thanks
St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission
Key of Z Rubboards
Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant
Creole Heritage Folklife Center
Le Petit Musee at the Academy of the Sacred Heart
The Kitchen Shop
Bayou Teche Brewing
Hampton Inn Opelousas
For WTTW Chicago:
Head of Programming: Lisa Tipton
Director of National Syndication: Christina Pagones
Publicist: Julia Maish
Engineer in Charge: Mark Anderson
A PRESENTATION OF WTTW
Distributed by
National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA)
© 2023 MICHELLE VALENTINE MEDIA, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
