A Unique, Dreamy and Picturesque Southern Travel Experience (Louisiana)

Welcome To The Dreamy Maison Madeleine

Have you ever seen pictures of a place so dreamy, beautiful, peaceful and picturesque you think to yourself, that can’t be real. It’s just not possible – there’s no way a place like that can exist in today’s world. Well, we discovered a place just like that in Lake Martin, Louisiana; a place so unbelievable we just wanted to pinch ourselves. It is simply known as Maison La Madeleine.

 

I’m going to tell you the rest of this fantastic story and how it all began so you can enjoy this incredibly unique travel destination that is rich in history, cozy vibes, southern hospitality, and food so delicious you will want to lick your plates clean after every meal.

 

This story starts back in 1860, when Jean Pierre Cenac walked to Bordeaux from the foothills of the Pyrenees and arrived in Algiers, Louisiana on Christmas Eve. He set up shop, got to work, and started making family history. Fast forward about 160 years and today Proprietress Madeleine Cenac and her husband Walt Adams own and operate one of the most incredible bed and breakfast travel destinations in the world: Maison La Madeleine. It’s located in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, adjacent to the Nature Conservancy’s 9,300-acre Cypress Island Preserve in Lake Martin, Louisiana.

 

 

Established as a Bed & Breakfast in 2005 by its owner Madeleine Cenac, it’s been a successful operation for going on 17 years. Madeleine and her family oversaw every little detail and put in years of blood, sweat and tears restoring a beautiful rustic 1840’s southern cottage. She’s extremely detail-oriented and every single item about the restoration, right down to the floor nails, was kept authentic and true to the times. As I walked around studying the details, the beauty, and soaking up the history, I was in a trance. It was so convincing that one would think they were actually back in the 1840’s, except for the modern conveniences.

 

They have also won accolades from the travel and tourism industry, magazines, programs and of course the tourists who are lucky enough to visit. They offer incredible service, history, fantastic stories, delicious meals, live music with a supper club series, incredible French Creole surroundings and accommodations fit for kings and queens.

 

I can’t begin to describe the feeling you get as you drive down the beautiful tree-lined roads on the way to the cottage. Your heart will smile because it’s absolutely breathtaking! The sights, smells, sounds, colors, and animals create a vision like you’re driving into a movie scene. When you finally arrive and step out into the beautiful world that is Masion La Madeleine, you will be in awe of the surrounding landscape and happenings.

 

 

The main house, or historic structure – a circa 1840 French Creole cottage – was moved to its location on Lake Martin in St. Martin Parish from property on the Vermillion River near Perry, Louisiana in 1997. Painstakingly restored and authentically furnished to its original grandeur, it serves as the centerpiece of the Bed & Breakfast. This is one of less than 50 such surviving 19th Century structures in the Acadiana Parishes.

 

When you enter the home, you get a warm cozy feeling that I can’t describe, except to say it’s pure bliss. From floor to ceiling and wall to wall its full of furnishings, artwork, and historical artifacts that would make any historian green with envy. My eyes and senses were on overload as I enjoyed it all – especially once I completely understood how much detail, hard work and dedication went into every aspect of this home and its surroundings.

 

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you get a key and start upstairs to your living quarters. The stairs creak and the wood pops as you make your way up the narrow staircase. As you slowly push the door open you see the beautiful hallway and rooms decorated so perfectly. It’s like you’ve entered a fairy tale. There are two bedrooms, complete with sitting areas and even a hidden sleeping nook for children to enjoy. Accompanying this is a little kitchen area and a wonderful cozy bathroom. The entire living quarters is inviting and warm, with history about the family and Maison La Madeleine.

 

 

You can stroll around and enjoy the unique, colorful, and beautiful landscape surroundings. When you’re done you can relax on the big front southern still pouch, or in the back by the river. My favorite place was the old Jesus Bar, which is behind the cottage main house. They have an incredible outdoor kitchen and seating area, but the Jesus Bar is where all the good stuff happens! You can also choose to enjoy a private cooking class from professional Cajun-Creole chefs who live close by and are some of the bests you will find. I would highly recommend a cooking class because it’s educational, fun, and packed with delicious eats.

 

” I’ve traveled a lot in my life and enjoy traveling to wonderful and beautiful destinations. Maison Madeleine is TRULY UNIQUE and should be enjoyed by anyone who loves to travel, learn about history, eat, drink, and enjoy Louisiana. If you have some extra time, take a boat ride on Lake Martin to look at gators, or stroll around the nearby Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I fell in love with everything about this wonderful bed and breakfast and of course the amazing Madeleine and Walt.”

Special Thanks to Chef Herbert and Chef Vicki two incredibly talented authentic Cajun Chefs that are simply wonderful! 

Please follow us on social media. Hope to meet you at a table soon!

Trey & Jana ( Chow & Travel Hounds )

 

Walt, Madeleine & Trey at Jesus Bar + Herbert, Vicki, Jana & Trey Private Cajun Cooking Class + Trey Cooking + Jesus Bar From Door + Jana & Trey in Bliss.

 

Trey’s Chow Down Fresh Crawfish Étouffée and Trey’s Louisiana Bread Pudding ( Thank YOU Chef Walt and Chef Vicki ) 

Cajun-Creole Deliciousness at Cafe Sydnie Mae

Hello Chow Hounds!

100 Year Old Casket Elevator

We’re back on the road again on our MEETS, EATS and SWEETS Tour 2022. If you follow us you know we’re always on the hunt for the MOST DELICIOUS eats, savory sweet treats, and the BEST Places to MEET. We received another tip about this incredibly cozy and friendly spot in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana Cafe Sydnie Mae. They are slinging some of the BEST French Cajun-creole cuisine in state of Louisiana.

Breaux Bridge is a beautiful and cozy community nestled in the St. Martin parish of Louisiana. It’s centered around an amazing old bridge that was constructed in 1779 to assist with crossing the Bayou Têche, helping ease the passage across for families and neighbors. The rest, they say, is history. The bridge still stands today and has been renovated to its current beautiful state. I loved walking across the bridge, thinking what it must have been like in 1779.

When we heard about Cafe Sydnie Mae, we made reservations and headed out for dinner. Located at the foot of the Breaux Bridge in downtown, we loved the coziness soon as we pulled up. The cafe is located in a 100-year-old casket factory and is full of history. They offer chef-driven, fresh-prepared dishes that are loaded with flavor. The atmosphere is extremely homey, with live music and a beautiful old school Louisiana vibe.

We ordered a big variety of dishes to try and each one we enjoyed was better than the last, all loaded with flavor. My favorite was the BIG PHAT fresh GRILLED pork chop. That Pork Chop was so delicious it was Pork-O-Liciousness. It was so flavorful that I would drive 500 miles to enjoy it again. The fresh dessert was also savory, sweet deliciousness.

Cafe Sydnie Mae is worth a drive a drive from anywhere in Texas and Louisiana to enjoy some incredibly fresh Cajun-creole cooking in a beautiful old-Louisiana atmosphere, with friendly service and toe tapping music.

SIMPLY PUT: ” It’s so delicious and cozy you will never want to leave! I can’t wait to return for more deliciousness and fun. “

They’re a NEW OFFICIALLY APPROVED Trey’s Coastal Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy. Tell’em Trey sent ya to Chow Down!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

 

French Cajun-Creole Cuisine Heaven – Little Big Cup

I discovered French Cajun-Creole Cuisine Heaven – WOW!

Little Big Cup Perfection

If you also love to travel for deliciousness, then I have something special for you. If you’re searching for tasty craft cocktails and wonderful food experiences, look no further. This is the one!

Trey’s Chow Down is Road Trip’in the USA for Trey’s Coastal Chow Down deliciousness and today we’re in Arnaudville, Louisiana at The Little Big Cup for some serious comfort food and sweet treats. Located just five hours from DFW on the way to New Orleans, it’s worth a visit to chow down on some seriously creative and flavorful French Cajun-Creole cooking.

Kevin Robin and Sanjay Maharaj are the owners of The Little Big Cup. Kevin is all about food and Sanjay handles the management side. Together they strike a perfect balance and bring you The Little Big Cup.

Kevin is a native of Arnaudville but spent 20 years in New York before returning home to work at his family’s business: Russell’s Food Center, a five-generation operation that has brought the best in food to the Acadiana area. Sanjay is a native of Trinidad.

We received several tips about this place and just had to check it out. We’re glad we did, because their entire operation is incredible – from the menu to the service. Everything we tried was perfection from beginning to end.

They’ve won many awards and offer one of the BEST Po’boys in Louisiana, and that’s saying something. That Po’boy is creamy, savory deliciousness stacked and packed with fresh goodies that will have you screaming, “THANK YOU MAY I HAVE ANOTHER?” Just #Stupiddelicious We ordered a wide variety of dishes and we couldn’t find a single bad one. There was something for everyone and they were all served HF&D #HotFreshandDelicious.

We enjoyed many items, including:

Cracklin’ Dusted Fried Mac-N-Cheese Balls – OMG DELISH!

Cheesy Seafood Nachos – R.I.D.I.C.U.L.O.U.S!

Fried Crawfish Cornbread- Unbelievable!

Kevin’s Po Boy – Savory Deliciousness!

Soft Crab Stack 2.0 ABSOLUTE perfection!

SAVORY SWEET TREATS that were so delicious your tongue will slap your brains out wanting more.

📝👉 https://thelittlebigcup.com/

If you LOVE to eat and you LOVE incredible food experiences, then I would highly recommend a visit to LITTLE BIG CUP to CHOW DOWN. They are a new official APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy.  

Please follow one of our 11 social media platforms for delicious east, tasty craft cocktails, savory sweet treats and unique travel destinations.

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

The Delicious Fresh Seafood Nachos (CHEESY)

Margaritaville Resort Fun & Loads Of Deliciousness ( Bossier City )

Howdy Travelers!

Chill At The Pool Jimmy style!

If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy around the USA.

We’ve been on the hunt for some close vacation spots that offer the BEST deliciousness, chefs, and fun. Travel experiences that are fantastic and close for Texans, Oklahomans, and Louisianans to enjoy.

Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana is right on the river. It’s close, fun, and has delicious restaurants. Big, clean, colorful rooms and a nice pool atmosphere for the family.

Paradise wouldn’t be complete without a fabulous luxury hotel. You have a license to chill in one of the 395 guest rooms and suites designed with tropical elegance and world-class first-rate amenities. The suites and Premium corner rooms even offer private balconies.

When you stay at Margaritaville, you’ll enjoy everything you expect in a luxury resort from a beautiful tropical pool and elegant spa to extraordinary entertainment and dining.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is a United States-based hospitality company that manages and franchises a casual dining American restaurant chain, a chain of stores selling Jimmy Buffett-themed merchandise, and casinos with lodging facilities.

Enjoy A Steak at Jimmy’s DELISH.

Better get ready for some fun when you step inside the MARGARITAVILLE Resort. Leave your worries at HOME!

We’ve enjoyed three Margaritaville stays in various states and loved each one of them. The staff is always nice with big smiles and open arms. They offer plenty of parking and a large variety of dining options. We’ve tried 12 of the restaurants at various locations and each one has been fantastic. 

We enjoyed our visit and our room was big and offered great views. The food was fresh and delicious at both restaurants we enjoyed, but our favorite was Riverview Restaurant & Brewhouse. It had great views overlooking the river and a big variety of fresh and delicious options. My favorites dishes were simply delicious Mac-N-Cheese, English Fish & Chips and the cheesy pasta.

Please see all restaurant options below.

Restaurants and Hours 

Banyan Tree Café: 

Monday – Tuesday: 7 a.m. – Midnight

Wednesday – Sunday: 24 hours

5 O’Clock Somewhere:

Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Riverview Restaurant & Brewhouse: 

Sunday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Jimmy’s Steak & Seafood: 

Wednesday & Thursday: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Sunday: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Bamboo Asian Café: 

Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – Midnight

Sunday & Monday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Busted Coconut: 

All Day

If you’re looking for a GREAT place close to home that’s serving delicious food, tasty drinks and cocktails and boasting big rooms with a wonderful pool area, you NEED to check this out! You will thank me later because it offers world class dinning and loads of FUN!

Hope to see you down the road or at a table soon,

Trey and Jana 

 

 

Avery Island An Unforgettable TABASCO Experience.

History & Hot Sauce Deliciousness  

Old Salt Mine Recreation.

Howdy! If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy around the USA.

We’re so grateful for the private tour, tasting and extremely friendly staff at TABASCO® and Avery Island, Louisiana. Jana and I had an unforgettable time learning the history behind the TABASCO® brands and the beautiful surroundings that Avery Island offers. We never understood the true amount of EFFORT and TIME that Edward Mcllhenny spent creating the TABASCO® brands in 1868 on Avery Island. I’m not sure the man ever slept a wink, much like my father Barney – very remarkable!

He not only created TABASCO® on the Island; he also mined salt, planted thousands of different varieties of plants and bamboo for the US government. He’s even responsible for helping save the Snowy Egrets and other species. There is so much more that he and the family did for America and the world, which you can learn about during the tour. This tour is a MUST visit if you love historical facts, beauty and of course deliciousness. The TABASCO® restaurant was wonderful too and the staff was fantastic.

TABASCO® Brand products are made by McIlhenny Company, founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. It was there that he developed the recipe for TABASCO® Original Red Pepper Sauce that’s been passed down from generation to generation. To this day, the company is still family-owned and operated on that very same island. The McIlhenny family has made TABASCO® Sauce on Avery Island, Louisiana for over 5 generations. Built on a salt dome, it’s a mysteriously beautiful place where the red peppers grow, the factory hums, and abundant wildlife can be seen in Jungle Gardens.

A Small Tastings From 1868.

The Jungle Garden Tour is a must if you LOVE wildlife, history and beautiful surroundings. You can take a guided bird tour, or a self-guided tour through Jungle Gardens and experience the beauty and tranquility of the ancient oaks and bayous. It is truly a stunning tour and inspiring to see the happenings and all the incredible wildlife come to life.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable TRAVEL experience I would HIGHLY recommend a visit to Avery Island. You can spend the day enjoying life and forgetting about your troubles.

Hope to meet you on our travels and see you at a table soon!

With LOVE Trey & Jana