Krewe of Aquarius is rescheduled
February 1, 2018
Gators play games at the Tableau
February 7, 2018
Three months ago, local restaurant owner, Michael Dalmau, received a call that his restaurant, Cinclare, would be one of few chosen to represent Louisiana at Louisiana Alive, an event that kicked off Washington Mardi Gras weekend. At this prestigious gathering on January 25th in Washington D.C., Michael and his staff served 1500-2000 attendees and were a part of the best Louisiana had to offer in food, drink, entertainment, and culture. This was an extreme honor for any restaurant chosen, but especially for a small Thibodaux one that was established just under two years ago.
When Michael first heard the news that Cinclare would be featured, he felt honored. Second, he admitted that he was a bit nervous knowing he had to package all his food from here, send it overnight, and have almost 2000 mouths to feed, which he says his restaurant wouldn’t see that many people in a timespan of a couple of weeks.
“It was a lot of work obviously, both before and during, but it was a lot of fun,” he says.
Cinclare showcased one of their signature dishes, Smoked Catfish Dip with Crostini and House Pickled Jalapeños. Before the people at Louisiana Alive could taste this delicious dish, Michael and his crew had to smoke the 35 pounds of catfish here, made the dip here, vacuumed sealed all of it, packed it in dry ice, and shipped it overnight to Washington.
“It’s a little nerve-racking hoping none of the packages burst, it makes it there, and nothing happens to it contents,” Michael says, “It was an experience, but everything worked out fantastic.”
The hard work was worth it for Michael and his staff as they were able to positively represent not only their restaurant and the town of Thibodaux, but also all of Louisiana at this historic event.
“I’m very proud,” he says, “Proud for Louisiana and how it conducts itself. Everyone there was enjoying Louisiana hospitality in D.C., I’m always proud to see that.” •
