Prudhomme Home Comes Alive
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The historic Michel Prudhomme Home was lathered in lights and laughter Monday night as a small group of selected donors enjoyed wine and a seated, gourmet candlelight meal served on the second story gallery by a noted Acadiana chef.
It was the first showcase event held at the 230-year-old Opelousas home since the Preservationists Inc. finalized a number of major exterior renovations that began nearly three years ago.
The outdoor gallery setting accessed through the upstairs parlor area of the home, was the focal point of the night as the guests were presented with a four-course meal prepared by Steamboat Warehouse owner and chef Jason Huguet, who was accompanied by members of his cooking team.
Following a brief downstairs front porch social that included an array of beverages, the guests were provided with outside and interior tours of the home, whose history is embedded with stories that predate post-Revolutionary America.
Once settled with their drinks at the upstairs tables, the diners, with Preservationist members serving as waiters, began their culinary experiences using glass and silverware as steaming bowls of New Orleans-inspired turtle soup au sherry were placed before them.
That appetizer was followed by a Rohan duck breast covered in blackberry gastrique drizzle.
Later during pasta ribbons accompanied by Maine lobster fettuccine dipped in olive oil were delivered up the newly-repaired and painted steps that lead to what once was the main antebellum living area of the home.
A house-made chantilly cream strawberry compote was delivered as dessert.
Huget said most of the meal was prepared earlier in the day at the Steamboat, while the kitchen area of the house was used for the final preparation of the duck, soup and pasta.
Preservationists Inc. president James Douget told those in attendance that the lengthy effort required to make the necessary repairs was accomplished through donations and hosting sponsored social gatherings similar to the one Monday night.
Since the onset of the massive restoration, the home has experienced roof repairs completed with period appropriate tiles, exterior painting matched the original color of the house, reconstruction of the gallery beam supports and deck flooring as well as the original storm shutters.
Preservationist Inc. members also launched a lawn beautification effort that included removing much of the underbrush and then creating new gardens with plants indigenous to Louisiana.
The final hosted event for 2025 is scheduled Dec. 7 when the organization celebrates 50 years of efforts designed to preserve the home which was scheduled for demolition in 1975.
