NEW IBERIA, La. --- The Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (April 1-3, 2022) is proud to announce three culinary offerings sure to delight your taste buds.

When: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Shadows-on-the-Teche (317 E. Main St., New Iberia)

Cost: $50

Details: Cajun cocktail/dinner party featuring music by Bunk Johnson Brazz Band. Cajun delicacies prepared by Food Network “Cajun Aces” Chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll. Local seafood and other tasty south Louisiana dishes will be offered in the gardens of Shadows, a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. In the event of inclement weather the event will be held at the Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.). Sponsored by Iberia Preservation Alliance and Shadows-on-the-Teche.

When: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Where: Bouligny Plaza (102 W. Main St., New Iberia)

Cost: $25

Details: Come out for an incredible opportunity to watch Food Network “Cajun Aces” Chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll prepare seafood, followed by a tasting.

When: 6 - 9 p.m.

Where: Bouligny Plaza/Steamboat Warehouse Pavilion (102 W. Main St., New Iberia)

Cost: $50

Details: Attend a true Cajun Fais Do Do. Dance lessons begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and music at 7 p.m. Participants will enjoy Cajun fare and live music by Terry Huval and the Jambalaya Cajun Band. In the event of inclement weather, the party will be held at the Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.) Sponsored by the New Iberia Main Street Program.

Born and raised in the small farmer’s town of Batchelor, La., Chef Cody Carroll always made time for the kitchen. It was in his family’s hunting and fishing camps, preparing Louisiana game, waterfowl and fish that his talent and passion for cooking flourished.

At the age of 18, Cody left his family’s farm to attend Louisiana State University, where he graduated with a degree in Business. He then enrolled at the Louisiana Culinary Institute to acquire his degree in Culinary Arts. It was here that he met Samantha, his future wife and business partner.

Chef Samantha Carroll grew up in the community of Gonzales, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in South Louisiana. Her love for the culinary arts stems from waking up on weekend mornings to the distinct scent of roux being prepared in her family’s kitchen for gumbo. To this day, she swears there is no better smell.

Chefs Cody and Samantha graduated from culinary school in January 2010, and just three months later, transformed a former drive-through convenience store in New Roads into Hot Tails, a rustic, South Louisiana style restaurant. The establishment was intended to be an outlet for the crawfish being raised in their farm, but has evolved to include a full menu of their versions of Louisiana classic dishes and elevated comfort food. Their dishes have been referred to as “hardcore South Louisiana cuisine.”

Since opening the restaurant, they’ve traveled around the world to showcase Louisiana cooking traditions and ingredients, most notably winning the title of “King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood” in 2013.

In December 2017, Louisiana’s very own culinary couple rose to fame as Food Network stars, showcasing their farm-to-table cuisine and unique style in the kitchen as a true dynamic duo on their own show: Cajun Aces.

With a focus on Great Southern Writers, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival highlights Iberia Parish authors and others who write about the unique culture of Louisiana. Events include cooking demonstrations, workshops on writing, book fair, academic symposiums, receptions, poetry, music, live oak walk, movie screenings, children's activities, readers theater and more. Participants can learn Cajun dancing or how to play bouree, and tour the areas described in the Dave Robicheaux novels.

The festival is presented by the New Iberia Main Street Program and the Iberia Preservation Alliance (a coalition of Iberia Cultural Resources Association, Bayou Teche Museum and Shadows-on-the-Teche).

To purchase individual tickets or all inclusive passes, visit BonTempsTix.com.

For festival information, e-mail techefest@gmail.com or call (337) 519-9233.

Visit BooksAlongTheTecheLiteraryFestival.com or their Facebook, and sign up for festival updates on IberiaTravel.com (select Dave Robicheaux news). For travel information, visit IberiaTravel.com.

###

For more information on parish events and tourism assets, call the bureau at 337-365-1540 or visit IberiaTravel.com