Acadia Parish Tourism Sponsors Crowley’s
CAKEBAR at Taste Louisiana in Chicago
Local entrepreneur Shanteé Gotte Manuel to showcase her King Cake Cheesecake Bites at statewide culinary
event
CROWLEY, La. — Acadia Parish Tourism is proud to sponsor Shanteé Gotte Manuel, founder of CAKEBAR
in downtown Crowley, as she represents Acadia Parish at Taste Louisiana in Chicago on Wednesday, November
4, 2026. Manuel will join a lineup of 16 Louisiana culinary professionals showcasing the state’s food traditions
and inviting visitors to experience the flavors and hospitality of Louisiana.
Manuel will introduce Chicago attendees to one of CAKEBAR’s signature creations, King Cake Cheesecake
Bites. Inspired by Louisiana’s beloved Mardi Gras tradition, the dessert offers a creative take on king cake,
combining the flavors of a Louisiana favorite with the richness of cheesecake.
Hosted at City Hall by Recess in Chicago’s West Loop, Taste Louisiana is part of a statewide tourism marketing
initiative that brings Louisiana’s culinary heritage to audiences beyond the state’s borders. The evening will
feature tastings from chefs representing destinations throughout Louisiana, along with Louisiana-inspired
beverages and live performances by Wayne Toups and David St. Romain.
For Acadia Parish Tourism, sponsoring Manuel’s participation provides an opportunity to showcase the parish’s
culinary offerings while highlighting the local entrepreneurs who contribute to its character and appeal as a
visitor destination.
“Food is such an important part of how visitors experience Acadia Parish, and we’re proud to have Shanteé
representing our community at Taste Louisiana,” said Chere Ledoux, Communications Director of Acadia
Parish Tourism. “Her creativity and success with CAKEBAR demonstrate the talent we have right here in
Crowley. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce new audiences to our local businesses and give them
another reason to visit Acadia Parish.”
Acadia Parish Tourism Executive Director Wendy Walker Harrington will also attend Taste Louisiana in
Chicago, joining Manuel in representing the parish throughout the event. Harrington will be on hand to connect
2026 Officers
Keith Henry – Chairman
Valerie Myers – Vice Chairman
Chelsey Gallow Hopkins – Secretary
Nicole DeJean-Broussard –
Treasurer
Commissioners
Suzette Leonards
Harold Fonte
Shanteé Gotte Manuel
Chellie Godeaux
Nora Benoit
Bart Wild
Marietta Leonards
Mail: P.O. Box 1342 ~ Physical: 401 Tower Road, Crowley, Louisiana 70526
Office: 337-783-2108
with attendees, promote Acadia Parish as a travel destination, and share information about the area’s culinary
traditions, attractions and visitor experiences.
Manuel is the founder of CAKEBAR, a bakery known for its creative desserts, custom cakes and King Cake
Cheesecake. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has combined her interests in baking
and fashion through CAKEBAR and MODISH, establishing herself as an entrepreneur in downtown Crowley.
Her participation also highlights the role small businesses play in shaping a destination’s identity. From
traditional Cajun cooking and locally owned restaurants to creative bakeries and contemporary culinary
experiences, Acadia Parish offers visitors opportunities to discover the flavors and traditions of Southwest
Louisiana.
As the Rice Capital of America, Crowley is rooted in an agricultural and culinary heritage that continues to
influence the area’s food culture. Through partnerships like Taste Louisiana, Acadia Parish Tourism works to
connect those traditions with new audiences and encourage travelers to experience the parish firsthand.
Taste Louisiana in Chicago will take place November 4 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at City Hall by Recess, 838 W.
Kinzie St., Chicago. Additional event information and tickets are available at www.TasteLouisiana.org.
For more information about CAKEBAR, visit www.CakebarCrowley.com.
About Acadia Parish Tourism
Acadia Parish Tourism promotes the communities, attractions, events, culinary traditions and cultural
experiences of Acadia Parish, Louisiana. Through destination marketing and partnerships with local businesses,
the organization works to attract visitors and encourage exploration of the parish’s heritage and hospitality.
Media Contact:
Chere Ledoux
Communications Director, Acadia Parish Tourism
337-783-2108 (office)
337-277-7367 (cell)
chere@acadiaparishtourism.com
