[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12764-12765]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA, NAMED ``BEST FOR FOOD'' IN THE UNITED 
                         STATES BY RAND McNALLY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR.

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 1, 2011

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the many 
contributors who hosted the Rand McNally Best of the Road competition's 
judges in Lafayette, Louisiana. Their combined efforts led to Lafayette 
being named the first ``Best for Food'' city in the United States. This 
recognition confirms what many of us already know--there is no place 
like Lafayette, Louisiana.
  The Best of the Road competition began this year in search of the 
best city in the country in five categories: ``Most Beautiful,'' ``Most 
Patriotic,'' ``Friendliest,'' ``Most Fun,'' and ``Best for Food.'' Over 
600 towns applied for the awards, and thirty finalists were chosen. 
After visiting the finalists, the judges (consisting of 10 amateur 
travelers) selected the final 5 winners.
  Judges Bonnie and James Parr visited Lafayette to experience the 
culture and cuisine. The Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, 
LCVC, created an itinerary showcasing not only Lafayette's unique 
culinary landscape, but also her rich Cajun history. Chef Patrick Mould 
served as the culinary host, guiding them through their entire 
experience. The Parrs dined at the following restaurants: Dwyer's, Blue 
Dog Cafe, Jolie's Bistro, Johnson's Boucaniere, Don's Seafood Hut, 
French Press, Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant, Charley G's, Randol's, 
Accidental Chef Cooking, and Hub City Diner. They had lunch with City 
President Joey Durel, toured the Jean Lafitte Center and 
Vermilionville, volunteered at St. Joseph's Diner, and visited St. 
John's Cathedral.
  According to Rand McNally's website, the judges ``learned the true 
taste of Cajun food to be `flavorful, not hot or spicy' and after a 
meal, the best dessert is `Cajun dancing.'''
  Because Lafayette was chosen as a winning city, it was featured in 
USA Today on Friday, July 22, 2011. Lafayette's ``Best for Food'' title 
will be displayed in the 2013 Rand McNally Atlas.
  I am thrilled Lafayette, my hometown, has been honored in such a 
unique and fitting manner. The award is excellent publicity for our 
city and region. Once again, I congratulate City Parish President Joey 
Durel, all members of the LCVC who worked on this project, and the 
restaurants and chefs who provided such excellent food for the judges.

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