“Jazz It Up” Opening Reception with Food Network Stars Cody and Samantha Carroll

Cajun delicacies and local seafood prepared by Chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll and other area chefs will be offered in the gardens of Shadows-on-the-Teche, a National Trust for Historic Preservation site (317 E. Main St.). In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Steamboat Pavilion (102 W. Main St).

The event is $40 per person and tickets can be purchased at BonTempsTix.com

About the Chefs:

Born and raised in the small farmer’s town of Batchelor, La., Chef Cody Carroll always made time for the kitchen. It was in his family’s hunting and fishing camps, preparing Louisiana game, waterfowl and fish that his talent and passion for cooking flourished.

At the age of 18, Cody left his family’s farm to attend Louisiana State University, where he graduated with a degree in Business. He then enrolled at the Louisiana Culinary Institute to acquire his degree in Culinary Arts. It was here that he met Samantha, his future wife and business partner.

Chef Samantha Carroll grew up in the community of Gonzales, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in South Louisiana. Her love for the culinary arts stems from waking up on weekend mornings to the distinct scent of roux being prepared in her family’s kitchen for gumbo. To this day, she swears there is no better smell.

Chefs Cody and Samantha graduated from culinary school in January 2010, and just three months later, transformed a former drive-through convenience store in New Roads into Hot Tails, a rustic, South Louisiana style restaurant. The establishment was intended to be an outlet for the crawfish being raised in their farm, but has evolved to include a full menu of their versions of Louisiana classic dishes and elevated comfort food. Their dishes have been referred to as “hardcore South Louisiana cuisine.”

Since opening the restaurant, they have traveled around the world to showcase Louisiana cooking traditions and ingredients, most notably winning the title of “King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood” in 2013.

In December 2017, Louisiana’s very own culinary couple rose to fame as Food Network stars, showcasing their farm-to-table cuisine and unique style in the kitchen as a true dynamic-duo on their own show: Cajun Aces.

About the Festival:

With a focus on Great Southern Writers, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival highlights Iberia Parish authors and others who write about the unique culture of Louisiana. Patrons will have the opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of Dave Robicheaux’s hometown as they stroll through New Iberia’s Historic District and attend one of several events celebrating our unique literary history, culture, and cuisine. Events include cooking demonstrations, a book fair, academic symposiums, receptions, music, live oak walk, children’s activities, a readers theater and more.

The festival is an event of the Iberia Preservation Alliance, formed by Iberia Cultural Resources Association, Bayou Teche Museum, Shadows-on-the-Teche and the New Iberia Main Street Program.

A detailed schedule of events can be obtained on the festival’s website and Facebook page. Tickets can also be purchased via BonTempsTix.com. Due to the current situation, the cost of some events has been reduced or eliminated entirely.

All events and details are subject to change pending new Covid-19 restrictions. Necessary precautions will be taken to safeguard attendees and volunteers in line with federal and state guidelines.

For more information, contact Shadows-on-the-Teche at (337) 369-6446 or techefest@gmail.com. Sign up for festival updates on IberiaTravel.com (select Dave Robicheaux news). For travel information, visit Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau.