Brunch, History And Friendship
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Cool temperatures and pervasive sunshine welcomed a fourth annual brunch-on-the-lawn fundraiser event Sunday at the historic Michel Prudhomme home as about 80 guests sampled the late morning buffet menu prepared by award-winning chef Jason Huget.
Guests walking through the gate and up the sidewalk of the late 18th-century home owned by the Preservationists of St. Landry Inc., were greeted and then seated underneath the shade of tents, as they sampled the cuisine while sipping on cranberry and orange juice mimosas, coffee, wines, water or cold drinks.
Members of the volunteer preservationist group served as hosts and waiters for the event that lasted until early afternoon.
The visitors had opportunities to tour the home which during the past two years, has undergone extensive restorations to the roof, drainage system, stairway, attic and second floor gallery while also providing an opportunity for attendees to gaze out at the indigenous plants and trees that now form a colorful perimeter on the one-acre property.
Music from a pianist positioned on the gallery entertained the diners as they sampled eggs, grits, smothered potatoes, bacon, sausage, boudin, biscuits, fresh fruit and peach cobbler prepared by Huget and his cooking crew in the kitchen of the house.
Arborist Greg Brandel displayed samples of native Louisiana plants and explained the revised ecosystem that he and his workers have developed to create the type of vegetation that was present when the home was first built.
The major fund-raiser and others held during the year, will allow the non-profit preservationist group to continue updating the home which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
