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intense, into the moment. I jog, and when I jog I say my prayers just in friday night lights in case I go down, at least I’ll have a shot of getting into purgatory.” Until then, he’s content patrolling The prep football odyssey of Hahnville High School football coach Nick Saltaformaggio was this 100-yard slice of heaven every Friday night. full of unexpected detours. But ultimately he arrived at his ideal Acadiana destination. High school football is important no matter where you go in Acadiana. by will kalec | photo by romero & romero In some places, it’s a civic tradition. In others, it’s a community reunion. Travel a little further, and it borders on Promise, you’ll hear purveyor of this prep of a brand as it is a season on pause for which turns out was obsession. And then, there’s Hahnville. Nick Saltaformaggio football palace wears program in local prep just a moment. He right down the road. Nestled on the eastern border of before you see him. a cap, not a crown; circles, the lifelong speaks of the past “I’m a little calmer Cajun country, Hahnville’s expansive Blessed (or burdened, holds a stopwatch, not coach puts the infant before the present, of than I used to be,” school grounds resemble a sprawl- depending on if your a scepter; and rules the journey that took says Saltaformaggio, ing college campus. Its athletic glass is half-full or half- between a couple of him to this current in his second season facilities – including a sparkling new empty) with a hardened, bleachers, not over destination, of how he coaching the Hahnville 3,500-square-foot weight-training jagged voice best suited an entire kingdom. traveled hundreds of Tigers. “But I’m still center – draw envy from college for managing a noisy Always busy running miles to the place he the same guy I always football coaches who stop by to construction site, the a team that is as much always wanted to be, was – passionate, recruit Saltaformaggio’s players. And Friday nights – game nights – are part festival, part football. Hahnville High School’s No other high school in football games draw has more players currently in the crowds of up to 10,000. NFL than Hahnville. Its six state championships (the last coming in 2003) are tied for the most won by any high school within the unofficial territory of Acadiana. “I’ve had the opportunity in the past to come in here and coach teams against Hahnville,” Saltaformaggio says. “Come to think about it, I don’t know if ‘opportunity’ is the right word, because it’s not the easiest place to play. But you look around, and you just think, ‘Wow, look at this environment. Look at this atmosphere.’ It’s like you’re lucky and unlucky at the same time – lucky to soak up the moment and unlucky to be on the visitors’ sideline. “Every Friday night, it’s 8,000; 9,000; 10,000 people in the stands,” he continues. “Everything you want is right here. You can’t find that anywhere else. So for a kid who loves football, it’s an offer you can’t refuse. It’s an unmatched scenario.” The circumstances that brought Saltaformaggio to Hahnville were just as unique. A defensive coordinator for years at Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish, Saltaformaggio took over for departed Owls head coach Eric Collins in 2004. It was his first head coaching position, one he intended to stay at for a very long time.

74 | acadiana profile october/november 2015 acadianaprofile.com | 75 cultureCULTURE DELES LA pe CUISINErsonnes

a common link “NO!” he yells emphati- sweet Mardi Gras staple cally through a laugh, thus far exceeded the supply disturbing the Sunday Carriker could pump out Though a native of Washington State, Dr. Bob Carriker of UL’s History Dept. morning tranquility. “No, on his own, so he teamed has lent his culinary two cents and left a tasty mark on his adopted home. not even close! I swear, with Twins Burgers and they’re all different – the Sweets of Lafayette to way they cook the rice, increase production. by will kalec | photo by romero & romero whether they use long-grain Asked if any of his boudin or medium-grain, whether mash-ups bombed or tasted they grind the pork up terrible, Carriker pauses for or leave it in chunks, the a second before replying, amount of fat, whether “No, not really” – a confident it’s dry, wet, spicy, mild. retort from someone whose It defies logic that there left an authentic fingerprint could be this much variance on this eclectic region So come on, Bob when the core ingredients despite migrating from Carriker – critic of are simple, but that’s the Pacific Northwest. meat-stuffed casings, what makes it unique.” “I much prefer to be a creator of our latest Point taken. part of what’s going as guilty pleasure, and For more than a delicious opposed to an observer of curator of UL’s History decade, Carriker has what’s going on,” Carriker Department – admit showcased that pork- says. “That’s just always it: all these links infused passion to print been a part of who I am. are pretty much the (well, digital print, techni- Moving here, I didn’t same. If you’ve had cally) as the webmaster of want to be on the outside one you’ve had them boudinlink.com, a living, looking in. I wanted to be all. Pork. Rice. Some always-expanding bible a part of it – embrace the spices. Cook it up. of boudin. Brandishing community completely, Boudin is an extensive library of which was easy because boudin, right? reviews, Carriker’s quest the community was so for the perfect “snap” has open and accepting of us.” taken him from Carencro to The genesis of Bob’s California, from super-ritzy metamorphosis into “Dr. supermarkets to one-pump Boudin,” happened shortly gas stations on rural routes after accepting a faculty GPS struggles to find. position at UL in 1997. A bit of a spatula-wield- Accustomed to co-workers ing mad scientist, Carriker bringing doughnuts, bagels also isn’t shy to chip-in his or cupcakes into the office own contributions to the on special occasions, Cajun culinary scene. The Carriker marveled when 9-to-5 history professor a peer plopped down a created the Johnson’s steaming tray of boudin Boucaniere Parrain Special, instead. As he embraced a brown-bagger’s dream the Cajun custom with a sandwich consisting on full mouth, he kept his ears smashed boudin balls, open (while chewing) to melted cheese and barbecue those around him. Local sauce. Then, this past loyalty dominated the Carnival season, Carriker conversation. The woman unleashed his greatest from New Iberia bragged on delectable hybrid – the the boudin from the shop boudin king cake. Demand down the street while the for the boudin-infused guy from Cecilia dismissed

70 | acadiana profile april/may 2015 acadianaprofile.com | 71 by will kalec and claire salinas photos by romero & romero 48 | acadiana profile june/July 2015 acadianaprofile.com | 49 Jane Doe Place 123

There names will be somewhere Melodiebut not sure until i get all the McMathpieces to form the whole Emerge Juicery evolvelafayette.com

Ross Fontenot Not quite sure yet how i want to open the Genterie feature... maybe similar to the Supply Co. area of text... see genterie.com comment o'er yonder Tastemaker Ross sports a Life After Denim shirt, Brixton fedora hat, Forage bowtie and a Daniel Wellington Watch. He uses a safety razor made by Baxter.

At the end of all of the portraits will be all of the text. i want to have some of their goods individually shot on white so that Melodie's life i can photoshop changed for the them together better when based on amount she started to of text drink organic juice. Here, she hams it up with a Matcha green smoothie (with extra chlorophyl) and a raw chocolate chip cookie.

50 | acadiana profile june/July 2015 acadianaprofile.com | 51 Business partners and good friends Robbie and Nick created their dream business of making desserts Robbie that incorporate puns and music. Austin pops and rockets popsandrockets.com Nick Villaume pops and rockets popsandrockets.com

52 | acadiana profile june/July 2015 acadianaprofile.com | 53 Jeanne Lousao Feed n seed Derek Curry feednseedlafayette.com sneaker politics sneakerpolitics.com

A self-described sneaker nerd, Derek's business thrives due to his knowledge about shoes coupled with boundless enthusiasm.

Jeanne Lousao is the director of events and operations at a repurposed warehouse that showcases a range of interesting, artistic performances.

54 | acadiana profile june/July 2015 acadianaprofile.com | 55 "Pulling Peanuts (From A Shell)" NAME CHANGE, JUICE SAME (Thai peanut)

Owner Melodie McMath rebrands her business from Evolve to Emerge Juicery, but sticks to the healthy principles that changed her life. "Just Can't "Racer" shave Mint Enough" cream, "Whiskey" (cantaloupe and Give Lafayette’s Melodie McMath a few minutes and she’ll aftershave, "Victory" mint) thoroughly explain all the ways juicing can improve the way you moisturizer, and look, feel, think and see the world. "wood" hand cream “This has been like, a 10-year evolutionary process,” McMath from Portland says. “And the first transformation happened within myself.” General Store in a A loyal juice disciple after she witnessing firsthand the ways in dopp kit from Izola which a cleanse healed some ailments and improved her overall health, McMath has served as an enthusiastic shepherd for the juice lifestyle, easing it into a market known for its rich, flavorful and Chicory and Ivory fattening cuisine. (chicory coffee and Since 2013, McMath’s Evolve Juicery has carved its niche in cream) Lafayette, serving pressed raw fruit and vegetables concoctions out of Bibi's Patisserie on Pinhook Road and at the Lafayette floor resembles your Farmers Market at the Horse Farm on weekends. After a successful grandfather’s study, Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $25,000, McMath accessorized with deer plans to open her own storefront later this year. Once it's up and heads, dark leathers and running, she intends to provide more menu options, including raw rich, stained woods. The products for sale almost foods. With a laidback, no-pressure approach, McMath built up "I Cran (So and out of the Pop Lab her once-skeptical customer base, and now she has a loyal following blend seamlessly into the on Pujo Street. motif of the building. Far Away)" of juicers. That mission – to change longstanding bad eating (cranberry, and the times we grew “People get the habits – continues, even though McMath is renaming the business From clothing to grooming up in and remain fond concept, which was products to accessories like lime, vanilla and to “Emerge Juicery” this fall. ginger) of is kind of our thing. really refreshing for us,” “I wanted people to evolve in mind, body and spirit when we sunglasses and backpacks, “Even though our Villaume says. “There is a started this, so that name fit,” McMath says. “There’s a pretty much everything product is top-of-the- place for gourmet frozen lot of magic to truly experience out in the world, in Genterie Supply Co., is For instance, if you’re line and we use great desserts in Acadiana, but we’re so foggy and full of toxins that it impossible to find anywhere else looking for something ingredients, in the end, and that’s rung loud in Acadiana. Genterie leans heavily on savory, stick a Choc you’re selling a feeling,” and true thanks to the clouds much of our view and outlook of spend time researching buying from independent manufactur- and Nick Villaume Blobster pop in your Austin continues. “And engagement of our fans. the stars and the sky and the moon. and digging into the ers, ensuring a unique product line and thought up, and a mouth (an ode to the so that’s what we’re It doesn’t matter if you’re But when you get clear in your media and music of the THREADS COUNT shopping experience for its customers. couple things become quirky B-52’s song selling – that memory of 15 years old or 50 years body, you’re able to detect the 1980s. In a way, Austin “There are stores similar to ours in crystal-clear, quickly. “Rock Lobster.” Rather eating treats off a stick old, everybody always has world around you. When you explains, the duo acts as other cities, but there’s nothing like These guys sure love something fruitier and as a kid, and reminding flavor ideas and names, reach that point, you emerge, Since it opened five years amateur archivists. it here,” Fontenot says. “Lafayette is making pops. And these tart? Try the sweet tea/ you of the music that and we love that. It which is the next step.” ago, Genterie Supply Co. “We didn’t want to let probably one of the smaller towns guys sure love puns. mango/cherry hybrid might have been playing creates a buzz factor.” All of the juice pressed has been outfitting today’s Urban Outfitters dictate to have this type of store, but my Subscribing to the pop known as “Every in the background when As far as nuts and at Emerge is organic and NOSTALGIA what '80s culture is," modern Louisiana man (and the customer has shown me that they’re notion that even the Little Tea She Does you did.” bolts are considered, free of pesticide. Bottles ON A STICK Villaume says. “When occasional woman now, too). here. I generally buy pretty limited best-tasting desserts Is Mango.” And both Pops and Rockets Pops and Rockets are made of recycled we started, I said, ‘I don’t glass materials and amounts, so my customers pretty much need a hook to stand David Lee Roth and celebrated its anniversary produces 400 to 500 All the colors care if we sell a single can be returned in knows that when they come here, What happens when out in a competitive, Sammy Hagar would in July, and seems to be desserts a week, though of the rainbow: pop. What we created Emerge’s buyback That shirt isn’t just a shirt. they’re going to leave with something ‘80s pop and glam oversaturated market agree that “Cran Halen” trending toward more production capacity will Melodie McMath here is so cool and so program. Unused It’s a lifestyle, according to they probably aren’t going to see over rock serve as the place, Austin and (cranberry and satsuma) exponential growth in certainly be ramped up uses only awesome that I’m proud portions of fruits Genterie Supply Co. owner Ross and over again when they go to dinner Villaume – a pair of is the perfect relief to the coming year. By in the coming months the highest- inspiration behind just to have done this.’ and vegetables are Fontenot. And that lifestyle comes or go to drinks. You can go to other Lake Charles natives, the summer heat. the end of the summer, to meet the demand of quality, organic a line of frozen Then, we went to the turned into compost with a philosophy attached. boutiques, but I don’t think anyone and the co-owners “We’re not Austin and Villaume wholesale orders. An ingredients with desserts? Pops and market. And in two for local farmers. Fontenot subscribes to the has the feel or mix that we do.” of Pops and Rockets re-inventing anything, should be selling pops ample portion of the an emphasis on hours we sold $700 McMath proudly belief that every great man is a great An anchor business in Lafayette’s Rockets in Lake – attach a blast from but I think we are wholesale to specialty week is spent tinkering sustainability. worth of popsicles. blooming downtown corridor, Genterie Charles. music past to every treading new ground stores in and around with new flavor combi- says, “sustainability is storyteller, and that our own stories “Now, what I said Supply Co. moved a couple blocks frozen flavor they whip for Acadiana,” Austin Lake Charles and nations – a necessity a mindset.” Because are transmitted through who and earlier was still valid, over this past December to a larger up inside their non- says. “But this isn’t Lafayette – offering considering how fluid people are particular what we surround ourselves. The but holy heck, it was facility on Jefferson Street. The new One glance at the scientific “Pop Lab.” the first frozen pop another commercial the Pops and Rockets about what they eat clothes and products at Genterie, nice to get that kind of digs feature an expanded floor space, ever-evolving menu Each dessert is named business, and it won’t piston to the treats they flavor list is month to and drink, many curious therefore, intend to be part of that response.” potential customers enter story – necessary elements in penning which has allowed for the gradual friends and business after an 1980s band or be the last, so paying sell at the Cash and month. But beyond that, Emerge with hints of trepida- life’s chapters for the man who carries inclusion of a few female-oriented partners Robbie Austin an old song. homage to the music Carry Farmers Market Austin and Villaume By William Kalec tion. McMath suggests newbies himself with a little more pride, a products in addition to Genterie’s dangle their toes in the water little more care and a little more traditional masculine staples. rather than cannonball in the pool, confidence than the rest of us. “I have faith in this (downtown starting with a gradual implementation “Our store is everything man,” area),” Fontenot says. “I love this area. of juice into their diet. Fontenot says. “And when we looked And love this part of town. Yeah, River Ranch and some of the other retail HAPPY SOLES Curry explains his drive to open his first location Curry explains, “No one knew the product, but I “It’s all about figuring out where you are on around the market, there wasn’t a back in 2006 in Lafayette, as being fueled by him used to talk to people and have a story for everything. your evolutionary journey,” McMath says. “If someone place for this, but there was a need areas are nice. There’s nothing wrong Sneaker Politics’ Derek Curry turns a with them. But between the history being a “huge shoe nerd.” I wanted more of that fun vibe. People come to our comes to me, and they’re (eating) Sonic and McDonald’s for a place like this. There are brands footwear "obsession" into a thriving business. After returning to Lafayette from a three-year stint store and hang out for an hour sometimes, and they’ll every day, I will actually suggest not to cut out the burger and fries, and products here that you won’t find and the aesthetics of downtown, it has a lot to offer. And it just fits us, in the military and getting serious about his finance stay in there just talking to us.” but instead of the normal drink, take a juice with you. That’s where we in most stores. It’s a store designed degree, Curry started working at Sidelines while After graduation, Curry was offered the opportunity start. So it’s not overwhelming. It’s not a mountain to climb all at once. for someone with particular taste.” and what we’re trying to convey. “For what I was doing, it just Derek Curry has had NFL Players, rappers and attending school. to attend Rice University for his MBA, but turned it And once you embrace that, you’re on your way. Ever since Fontenot opened shop in people from around the world sport the shoes he sells During his time there, the shoe aficionado mourned down to open his first store. “Living a healthy lifestyle is just a way of showing love – showing 2011, Genterie Supply Co., has catered seemed so much more organic to open up in an old building downtown rather and helps design at his company, Sneaker Politics. when customers’ inquiries about shoe features were met He says, “I did the numbers and figured out if I love for yourself,” McMath continues. “It’s a way to open up and to the needs and wants of complex, The easygoing yet enthusiastic personality of with blank expressions. could sell two pairs of shoes per day I could break work to our full potential, and from there, you reach your full layered individuals – men who are than a development. It wouldn’t have the same charm if it wasn’t downtown.” the 32-year-old native New Iberian makes being In his mind the shoe shopping experience should even, and I was like, ‘Man I could do that for sure.’ potential spiritually.” equal parts rugged and refined. The nationally recognized and highly sought after seem be a more personalized one. I thought it was worth the risk. The first three years interior décor reflects that. The retail By William Kalec By William Kalec like a breeze. were tough, but everything after that started to click.”

56 | acadiana profile june/July 2015 acadianaprofile.com | 57 TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT of 2014 it began to operate on a consis- tent Thursday to Sunday schedule. Feed N Seed, the people’s venue Lousao explains how far the venue has come in that short amount of time. “I’m pretty proud of what we’ve been What used to be a feed store in the early able to accomplish in pretty much less 1900s has been converted to an arts than a year. Everything we’ve done has venue that hosts everything from local been through social media and word and international bands to dance lessons of mouth. It’s kind of been like a little and variety shows. hidden gem in Lafayette that not many Feed N Seed was birthed out of people know about yet.” owner Richard Young’s desire to have a For Lousao working at the repur- space for all ages to perform their art. posed warehouse is part of her passion Young explains, “I am an extremely for preserving the Acadian culture. open individual when it comes to “I’ve always had this strong ideas. We pretty much entertain the connection to the French culture. It’s bulk of what comes our way as long part of my heritage, I’m French. I’m not as it doesn’t get us in trouble. We’re Acadian, but we definitely adopted that always looking for people who want a culture whenever our family moved here stage to perform on.” back in the early 1800s, so it’s always Young’s vision came from his exten- been a big passion of mine. My No. 1 sive exposure to the arts and his desire role model is probably my grandfather, to bring that to the Lafayette area. he’s passed away now, but he was a “I’ve always considered myself a doctor of agriculture at LSU and he was dynamic person for my interest in very passionate about Louisiana and the arts. One night my girlfriend preserving the state and our culture.” and I could be in Houston seeing a When it comes to role models, rock concert and the next minute we Young feels he pretty much had to could be in New Orleans watching a figure it out on his own. Sneaker Politics burlesque show. I like for our clients to “I didn’t have a lot of role models counts rappers and come to the venue and not know what for some reason. I didn’t really have NFL players among to expect. I want them to think, ‘What wealthy parents, and I kind of had to its clientele. crazy thing is going on at The Feed N do it on my own. My key to success is Seed tonight?’ In Manhattan you can go something my brother used to always tell me, ‘Perspiration over inspiration.’ Although the store has had their brand sported by NFL players from one block to the next and get any I’ve always been real scrappy. From a at press conferences and Lil Boosie frequents the Lafayette store, form of entertainment you can dream young age I learned to work as hard as I recognition for the brand didn’t come right away. of. I want Feed N Seed to be a venue for could until I got it. I have competitors “The first thing that put us on the national map was when Lil everybody and a venue for the people.” who are smarter and wealthier than me, Wayne had an artist that left his label and went out on his own. We The acquisition of a liquor license but I beat them time and time again started doing T-shirts for him. His name is Curren$y and he still raps bumped the venue’s entrance age to 18, ch because I outwork them.” n today. He had a huge following, and some of those shirts did real but all ages can still perform at the venue. u The inspiring messages on the l r well. That was like our first big break.” Jeanne Lousao, director of events or e chalkboard bathroom walls, the red f n Curry doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge the stellar team behind and operations for the Feed N Seed, n in plush couches and the decorative shut- e d him that has helped make the brand a success. “Sam was my first explained that although The Feed N p d ters gathered from throughout Acadiana O n employee who came to work with me because he would come sit Seed serves alcohol, the focus is more a all make The Feed N Seed feel like a for four hours on the couch just talking to me and I was like, ‘You on the performances. sweet escape from reality, where things might as well start working here.’ We’re known around the nation “I don’t want to run a place where are simple, but mostly sweet. for our photography, and Dustin does everything in-house. Also, I’m encouraging people to come drink Those interested in performing at we designed a shoe and Lee actually came up with the idea and their hearts out. I really want to run The Feed N Seed can direct messages then we worked together to come up with exactly how it worked.” a place where people can come enjoy their Facebook page (search for Feed N The shoe designed by Lee Trahan was the first one released by something unique as well as give people Seed Lafayette) to pitch ideas. Sneaker Politics in collaboration with a major brand. an opportunity to perform.” The shoe was based on the Rougarou, a Cajun folklore of a The Feed N Seed has been open By Claire Salinas , and the 500 pairs of $180 limited edition shoes sold out on and off since around 2010, and within minutes of being posted online. gone through some ownership A STUNNING For Curry, much of the joy that comes from designing and changes, but in October COLLECTION OF selling shoes, stems from being able to tell the story behind them. 50 TRADITIONAL “In my opinion the most successful shoe designer that Nike had (AND SOME is this guy Tinker Hatfield; he was an architect beforehand. He’s the NON-TRADITIONAL) one who made Air Max and he got all those ideas from buildings. If LOUISIANA you know the thought process that goes behind the shoes sitting on RECIPES. AN the shelves it’s kind of cool to me. Some people grab our shoe and say they would never wear it, but they just thought the story was ABSOLUTE MUST cool. It’s more of a collector’s thing than them putting it on their HAVE FOR YOUR feet. They’re premium material and they’re a little different from the KITCHEN, OR THE shoes that sit on the shelves at Foot Locker.” PERFECT GIFT Later this year the brand will be releasing a New Balance FOR A LOUISIANA inspired by True Detective, which was filmed in Louisiana, and two FOOD LOVER. Sauconies based on the Battle of New Orleans, to commemorate Feed N Seed BLU BASIL WINE & GRILL this year’s bicentennial. There are also plans in the works to open serves alcohol, up another location in New Orleans later this year. 3374561120 but the real focus Curry says, “It’s more of a family and its fun now. It’s not just is on its artistic 5451 JOHNSTON STREET looking out for myself, anymore, it’s making sure they’re fine, too. performances. So we’re all growing together.” $16.95 LAFAYETTE by Claire Salinas TO ORDER VISIT LOUISIANACOOKBOOK.COM www.blubasilwineandgrill.com

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