“Did you know magazines can win James Beard Awards?” That is a text I sent last year to our former Acadiana Lifestyle Editor Anne Songy. We had just published our November 2022 issue, and I thought it was one of our best yet. It was beautiful, compelling and decidedly delicious. Very high on ourselves, we chatted about what a great entry it would have made, and then did nothing about it. That isn’t to say the 2022 Food Issue didn’t receive acclaim. It won General Excellence in the 2022 Louisiana Press Association’s Better Newspaper Competition.

Needless to say, I felt like this issue had a lot to live up to. I mean, I thought the last one deserved a James Beard Award for crying out loud. Lucky for me, Acadiana always comes correct when it’s time to showcase our culinary landscape. This issue is saturated with the vibrancy of our food scene. It’s a showcase of chefs and cooks, innovators and artists, plates, palate pleasers and perfect pairings.

I hope these pages inspire you to experience the culture of cuisine around you in all of its glory.