Water Damage Restoration in Lafayette, LA
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of Louisiana in Lafayette to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Lafayette, LA is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Lafayette. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Vermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Lafayette.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Lafayette, LA
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Courtyard Retirement Assisted Living Community in Lafayette for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Lafayette, LA, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Lafayette?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Graham Brown Memorial Park in Lafayette. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Lafayette, LA, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to The Lafayette Museum in Lafayette, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Lafayette restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Lafayette, LA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Lafayette, LA
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Lafayette, LA, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Ruth's Chris Steak House in Lafayette. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Lafayette rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Lafayette, LA
'We want to show people what coffee is:' Lafayette coffee chain plans growth with new roastery
JOANNA BROWN | Staff writerhttps://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/entertainment_life/food/new-jet-coffee-stores-and-roasting-facility-in-lafayette-la/article_6f2752f6-9571-11ef-a514-97a848da3ff4.html
When Jet Coffee opened its first location in Lafayette in 2019, the accessibility, ease of service and unique flavors quickly got people's attention.For drivers in the middle of their morning commute into Lafayette from Maurice or Milton, pulling into the Jet drive-thru on Camino Real Road and ordering a signature drink like the "Cloud 9" (a white chocolate vanilla swirl coffee beverage) quickly became a matter of routine. And it was a matter of intention for Jet Coffee founder John Tommasini, who knew that every detail had ...
When Jet Coffee opened its first location in Lafayette in 2019, the accessibility, ease of service and unique flavors quickly got people's attention.
For drivers in the middle of their morning commute into Lafayette from Maurice or Milton, pulling into the Jet drive-thru on Camino Real Road and ordering a signature drink like the "Cloud 9" (a white chocolate vanilla swirl coffee beverage) quickly became a matter of routine. And it was a matter of intention for Jet Coffee founder John Tommasini, who knew that every detail had to be exactly right to achieve the homegrown brand's lofty goals.
READ MORE: Get caffeinated: Inside the rapid growth of Jet Coffee and why drive-thru coffee is so popular
That includes details like building Jet's first location at 101 Camino Real Road, Lafayette, on the "breakfast" side of Johnston Street. It meant training employees to provide an excellent customer experience, and treating his staff well so that they'd be front-line partners in his dream to expand the company across the region.
Five years later, it's looking like those plans are working out. With four locations from Lafayette to Broussard — the brand's fourth spot, in midtown Lafayette, opened on Oct. 18 — Jet Coffee has experienced steady growth. And now, with a new roasting facility and attached café housed at the Camino Real store, the company hopes to position itself for further expansion.
"We really wanted to roast more in house," said Austinn Goin, Jet Coffee's head roaster. "We've opened a couple of new stores recently, and I'm roasting a little north of 2,000 pounds of coffee a week now, and that's kind of a big operation. So we started brainstorming what's next.
"Typically, roasteries are kind of behind the scenes, in warehouse spaces, not in the public view. John had this really cool idea that a customer could walk in and see behind the scenes, and see what goes on in production from when we receive the green coffee in burlap sacks, all the way until it goes in the cup."
That concept turned into "The Hangar," built in a wide-open, airy style that evokes the company's high-flying brand. Customer seating is arranged around the roasting machines, and guests can observe Goin throughout the day roasting fresh bags of beans and testing different blends.
"The space offers us a lot of potential to really show people how coffee gets started, because it doesn't start as the brown bean," says Abby Sirois, manager at The Hangar. "We can have sit-down classes like a cupping class, to expand the palate and show people that black coffee doesn't just taste like black coffee — it can taste like blueberries, or brown sugar, or black iced tea. We can teach people how to do a hand pour over, and they can get their own little set up when they come in to make coffee at home. They don't always have to come through the drive-thru, even though we love when our customers are here."
Goin says that the art of roasting and cupping coffee is very similar to wine tastings, where you analyze the scents and flavor notes of the different coffee terroirs around the world — Brazil and Ethiopia are two major coffee-growing regions — and identify which beans and blends are best suited to different coffee experiences.
"Right now, we're working on a Christmas blend," says Goin. "We've never had our own Christmas blend, just our standard Jet blends. So we do some experimenting, and then cup the coffee, and that's how you look for defects in the coffee, as well as how to modify a roast to suit a certain flavor. Light, medium, dark — different coffees take to different roasts differently."
As Tommasini looks to continue Jet's expansion, their roasting facilities will expand as well. For now, The Hangar is providing the company with the space to both exert more control over their product, and allow customers to further invest in the brand experience.
"All the different flavors you can get out of the bean, they all tell a story," says Goin. "We would like to host roasting classes where customers can potentially create their own blend. If your blend ends up being really good, maybe we can feature it at Jet. It's part of what makes Jet special — how we treat people, and what we try to bring to the customer."
LA’s Lafayette Square residents fear for neighborhood’s future amid controversial Metro tunneling project
Brooke Thomashttps://www.foxla.com/news/la-lafayette-square-controversial-metro-tunneling-project
Residents fear future of Lafayette SquareLafayette Square residents fear their neighborhood being destroyed due to a Metro tunneling project.The BriefLOS ANGELES - The Metro K Line expansion will add a new rail service to Los Angeles' Miracle Mile neighborhood, to ...
Residents fear future of Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square residents fear their neighborhood being destroyed due to a Metro tunneling project.
The Brief
LOS ANGELES - The Metro K Line expansion will add a new rail service to Los Angeles' Miracle Mile neighborhood, to Hollywood and West Hollywood. Now, the people who live in Lafayette Square are worried their historically Black neighborhood will be decimated for the city’s future.
"It keeps us up at night," neighbor Robi Reed said.
"Why this neighborhood? Why this black and brown neighborhood? This is a historically preserved neighborhood for a reason. There is a lot of history here," she added.
Robi Reed and her neighbor Lauran Jackson Smith have been fighting to push LA Metro to change course on the K Line Northern Extension plan. The proposed route would tunnel under their historic neighborhood.
"I immediately think eminent domain, and that may not be the case. We just don't know," Lauran Jackson Smith said.
But LA Metro’s Anthony Crump says that is not the case.
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"We understand that fear," Crump said. "We understand the concern. It's their homes that we're talking about. However, we have no intentions of purchasing any of the properties in that neighborhood, nor are we taking down or demolishing any of the properties of the neighborhood."
Crump acknowledges and told Good Day LA’s Brooke Thomas the phrase "acquisition or easements" could cause concern, however, there’s nothing to worry about.
"The acquisitions that we're talking about are underground easements. So in essence, we'll be building a tunnel underneath the neighborhood, and we need to acquire the right to go underneath that particular neighborhood. That's the only acquisition that we'll be doing in that neighborhood."
Reed and Jackson Smith are not convinced. They say they need more proof and assurance.
Acadiana Vintage Finds – Inaugural Event at Blackham Coliseum October 25 – 27, 2024
Discover Lafayettehttps://discoverlafayette.net/podcast/acadiana-vintage-finds-inaugural-event-at-blackham-coliseum-october-25-27-2024
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:49 — 42.3MB)Subscribe: ...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:49 — 42.3MB)
Jill McGehee and Amy Broussard of Acadiana Vintage Finds join Discover Lafayette to discuss their inaugural marketplace event to be held October 25 – 27, 2024 at Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette.
If you love consignment or thrift shopping, want to do your bit to purchase repurposed items to reduce waste production and conserve resources while supporting sustainable consumer habits, or just love the thrill of the hunt, Acadiana Vintage Finds’ offerings will please your tastes.
How did this event come about? About two years ago, Jill began mulling over the lack of access to a one-stop shop for unique accessories and vintage items that can be purchased by people on a budget or who want to purchase unique items that have vintage appeal.
On the same note, thrift shopping is on the rise nationally and Lafayette has some catching up to do! The thrift store industry in the U.S. generates over $17 billion in revenue annually. A few statistics: The average thrift store item is sold for about 75% less than its original retail price. 56% of thrift store consumers are under the age of 35. 80% of thrift store revenue is reinvested into the local community. It is definitely a real industry to take seriously.
With all that said, about a year ago Jill reached out to Amy, her close friend from their Comeaux High days here in Lafayette, to partner with her to pull off this event. The upside is that Acadiana Vintage Finds will offer our community plenty of shopping opportunities for the home and personal apparel, Christmas gifts, and so much more.
Acadiana Vintage Finds will feature everything from vintage fashion to antique treasures, handmade wonders, and gourmet delights. Repurposed furniture and lamps, new baby clothes, and uniqe jewelry will be found. This type of shopping is such a delightful to find unique ways to upgrade your home and fashion while keeping within a budget. Whether you’re a vintage lover, treasure hunter, or just love discovering unique items, there’s something here for everyone!
Patrons can purchase a 3-day parking pass for $13.00 or a one day pass on Sunday for $10.00 where you will find all the markdowns from merchandise for sale on the last day. Vendors will be offering clothing & accessories, furniture and home decor, photography and artwork, collectibles and memorabilia, and there will be food truck offering delicious eats! Visit here to purchase a parking pass.
According to the Journal of Antiques and Collectibles, 2024 was poised to be a year where vintage and retro trends took center stage. From the resurgence of ’90s nostalgia in fashion to the revival of retrocolor palettes in interior design, this year promised a celebration of the past. Designers are reimagining classic elements with fresh, playful styles, making Acadiana Vintage Finds the perfect destination for those seeking to embrace these trends.
Banannie Bands, pictured above, will offer children’s items at Acadiana Vintage Finds.
When: October 25-27, 2024
Time: Friday & Saturday 10 AM- 4 PM; Sunday 10 AM- 3 PM
Where: Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, LA
Cajun Cuisine will be joining the event as a food truck vendor at Acadiana Vintage Finds.
For more information and to purchase a parking pass, visit https://www.acadianavintagefinds.com/.
You Need to Visit These 4 Cozy Cafes in Lafayette, Louisiana for the Perfect Coffee Experience
Joe Cunninghamhttps://kpel965.com/most-cozy-cafes-lafayette-louisiana/
LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Looking for the coziest spots in Lafayette to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea?Whether you're catching up with friends, getting some work done, or simply savoring a quiet moment, Lafayette’s locally-owned cafes offer the perfect setting. These cozy coffee shops not only serve up delicious brews and treats, but they also provide an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.Get our free mobile app...
LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Looking for the coziest spots in Lafayette to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea?
Whether you're catching up with friends, getting some work done, or simply savoring a quiet moment, Lafayette’s locally-owned cafes offer the perfect setting. These cozy coffee shops not only serve up delicious brews and treats, but they also provide an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
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From trendy, lively spaces filled with conversation to peaceful retreats ideal for solo work or relaxation, the coffee culture in Lafayette is rich with variety. The city's vibrant community spirit shines through in these establishments, where you can experience the best of local flavors alongside a welcoming environment.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, a tea lover, or just in search of a cozy spot to unwind, Lafayette’s cafes have something special to offer.
Here’s a look at four of the top cozy cafes in Lafayette that locals and visitors alike rave about. Each one has its own unique vibe, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, flavorful break in the heart of Acadiana.
The locally established Rêve Coffee Labs in River Ranch, and the flagship roastery in Downtown Lafayette, offer some fantastic coffee and a nice atmosphere. In fact, it's some of the best coffee you can find in town because of all this, according to reviews.
According to a review on TripAdvisor, Rêve is "such a quaint little coffee shop with amazing coffees, best staff ever, incredible breakfast and pastries to include homemade pop tarts and soufflés, very biker and pet friendly!!! They brew all of their own syrups in house...a must stop if in Lafayette!!!"
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There are three locations in Lafayette - Downtown, River Ranch, and UL's campus.
Another staple of Downtown Lafayette, Black Cafe is one of the most highly-reviewed cafes in the area. They offer a variety of unique foods and, after a recent remodel, a nice place to relax amid the bustle of the downtown area.
On Yelp, one fan of their scotch eggs and beignets wrote "I love this place and the people who serve there: good crowd, good coffee, and good food." On TripAdvisor, another wrote that "The staff is super friendly and seem to really love what they do."
"Seriously, intense coffee for a great price," one review notes - extremely accurately. Jet Coffee has locations in Lafayette and Broussard, and they serve a lot of coffee fans looking for something new and definitely not of the usual corporate coffee chain variety. Those who have gone can't help but praise the coffee and the service.
On Yelp, one enthusiastic fan says "this will be a regular stop when passing thru Lafayette in the future." And another says "Best coffee, best snacks, best atmosphere, and hands down best people."
This establishment in Downtown Lafayette, Carpe Diem Cafe & Wine Bar offers a variety of treats - from coffee and, yes, wine to gelatos and other sweets - that keeps fans coming back.
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"Pastries, gelato, crepes, coffee, wine, cheese... Carpe Diem has them all," one fan wrote on TripAdvisor. "And they excel at them: good-quality ingredients are combined with the utmost care put in all their confections, whether sweet or savory, spongy or fluid."
Like always, this is in no way a complete list. We fully expect readers to add their input. Check out our Facebook Page and let us know which of these cozy cafes is your favorite, and definitely let us know if there's one we missed and need to try!
Lafayette Stores Your Parents Shopped At That Are Gone Now
I have been feeling very nostalgic lately, and when I get that feeling I often will browse the photos in the different collections on the Lafayette Memories Facebook page.
Seven Forgotten Facts About Lafayette
The area now known as downtown Lafayette was first settled 200 years ago. While the street grid of that original settlement is the same as it was then, the rest of the city has grown and changed exponentially. Let's take a look at some of those changes by taking a look at some of the forgotten facts in Lafayette history.
Get to know this Lafayette 'Chef to Watch' and her passion for health-minded dining
JOANNA BROWN | Staff writerhttps://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/entertainment_life/food/healthy-lunch-breakfast-at-five-mile-eatery-in-lafayette-la/article_4fb1d6fa-7d0f-11ef-8441-1bf7aa58d984.html
Chef Kelsey Leger's path to learning more about how food, nutrition and wellness are interconnected started at a burger restaurant.Her first kitchen job was at Burgersmith in Lafayette, running food and eating plenty of burgers and fries. Eventually, Leger started noticing that her physical and mental health was being affected, and she suspected that diet played a role."I was getting really depressed," says the chef and co-owner at Five Mile Eatery in Lafayette's Oil Center. "I had a lot of acne and was overweigh...
Chef Kelsey Leger's path to learning more about how food, nutrition and wellness are interconnected started at a burger restaurant.
Her first kitchen job was at Burgersmith in Lafayette, running food and eating plenty of burgers and fries. Eventually, Leger started noticing that her physical and mental health was being affected, and she suspected that diet played a role.
"I was getting really depressed," says the chef and co-owner at Five Mile Eatery in Lafayette's Oil Center. "I had a lot of acne and was overweight. And my friends had moved to New York, and I was like, 'I'm going to come meet you.' I just didn't feel like myself and needed a change."
That move led Leger to Pure Food and Wine, a celebrated raw vegan restaurant in Manhattan that was the subject of the Netflix documentary "Bad Vegan." Eventually the restaurant became notorious for a different reason after the owner, Sarma Melngailis, was convicted for fraud. But for Leger, the experience led to an epiphany about how she wanted to work and eat.
She says, "Sometimes, I get confused as to why people open restaurants. For me, food is medicine. It's not that I'm doing it perfectly, but I want to do it really well."
After moving back to Lafayette, Leger worked at a local farm, then at a succession of restaurants that emphasized working with quality ingredients at volume; like the now-closed Saint Street Inn, French Press and Scratch Farm Kitchen.
She opened Five Mile Eatery in 2022 with her fiancée and business partner, Sarah Trotter. They created a menu focused on whole ingredients and hearty food, like the premium angus beef burger on a house-made sweet potato bun, dressed with local produce, with spicy ketchup, basil mayo and whole grain mustard.
"I want to make burgers," says Leger. "But a really delicious, healthy one."
She says that the Co-op Burger is one of their most popular items, along with the focaccia breakfast sandwich and the recently-introduced Bayou Banh Mi sandwich of pork, fermented carrots, cucumbers, gochujang mayo, cilantro and jalapeño on a baguette.
Leger and Trotter recently made the move to go seed oil-free due to the link between seed oils (like canola, sunflower and sesame oil) and inflammation. Five Mile Eatery is also an alcohol-free establishment.
"My relationship with alcohol was really unfulfilling," she says.
At some point, Leger said that she realized she wasn't getting anything positive from it. She would be hungover or feel like she needed alcohol to have fun or to have a conversation. Plus, she wants family members and customers who are in recovery to feel good at the restaurant.
"There's just a lot of things that go into that choice," she said. "Now, if I'm going to drink something, I want it to be healthy. I want it to do something for my gut. I want it to be stimulating for my body, my nervous system. So I usually try to drink our green juice, or ginger juice or water."
For her efforts towards advancing healthy, satisfying lunch and breakfast options in Lafayette (none of the menu items at Five Mile are short on flavor), last month Leger was named a 2024 Chef to Watch by Louisiana Cookin' magazine. This honor recognizes up-and-coming chefs who offer something new for their communities, while remaining grounded in Louisiana's rich culinary tradition. On Oct. 10, Leger will participate in a Chefs to Watch dinner event in Covington where she will create a Five Mile Eatery-approved dish: tofu courtboullion, paired with a mocktail.
Leger and Trotter are excited for the future, and say that they are in the middle of planning an expansion and rebrand for the small restaurant. With change a constant in the industry, one thing they don't plan to change is the eatery's focus on foods that support and fuel the body.
Leger says, "My relationship with food became about my healing, and everything got better after that — my relationships, my relationship with myself, my clarity of mind. I don't feel like you can necessarily do that when you're eating bad food. And a lot of people come here because they're like, 'Yeah, I want to eat healthy today.'"