Louisianans are all about tradition, locality and good food. And when it comes to that, Chef Don Bergeron doesn’t disappoint. Born and raised on Bayou Lafourche, he knows a thing or two about good home cooking. His full-service company offers everything from on-the-go catering to fully staffed and waited events. Pre-made or customizable menus include Louisiana classics like red beans and rice with smoked sausage and shrimp étouffée, as well as elegant hors d’oeuvres such as spinach-stuffed mushrooms and glazed pork tenderloin. chefdonb.com
Kean’s Fine Dry Cleaning has been removing wine stains from satin dresses since 1900. John Selby and Frank H. Kean founded the company, then called Southern Steam Laundry, in the Capital City more than 100 years ago. Today, Kean’s has 14 locations in the Baton Rouge area. The Southern staple takes care of its customers by providing more than just general dry cleaning—Kean’s offers unique services like feather-pillow refurbishing, alterations and repairs and wedding gown restoration. keans.com
Birthday? Covered. Prom? Covered. Forgotten anniversary? Definitely covered. Using flowers grown only in the outskirts of Baton Rouge, this local florist creates bouquets, corsages,boutonnieres and special-occasion arrangements that keep Red Stick residents coming back for more. billyheromans.com
Processed is out; organic is in. Following modern health food trends, Whole Foods Market is the go-to grocery store for many Baton Rougeans. From fresh, organic produce to top-of-the-line meats to paleo snacks, Whole Foods has everything for the healthy foodie. Just never shop on an empty stomach—among the deli, bakery and gelato bar, there are too many goodies to resist. wholefoodsmarket.com
Food isn’t the only thing going au naturel. Aveda’s plant-derived beauty products are making appearances in salons all over the state. Paris Parker Salon & Spa embodies the trend. Following its “Be your best self, live your best life” mantra, Paris Parker salons bring surface and inner beauty together by encouraging clients to find self-fulfillment through minimalist hair, skin and body products and a tranquil atmosphere. Multiple locations. parisparker.com
Runners Up: (12.4%) Rigsby Frederick Salon Gallery
(8.9%) On the Boulevard Salon & Spa
(7.7%) Avallon Salon & Day Spa
(6.7%) SOHO Boutique Salon
BEST HOTEL FOR OUT OF TOWNERS
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center (23.6%)
Photo by Allie Appel
Once the hub of the Capital City, downtown Baton Rouge is making a comeback with recent business development. So it’s not shocking that the iconic Lafayette Street hotel stole this category. Right on the river, the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center is within walking distance of several historical attractions and social venues. Visitors will enjoy being a few minutes away from the State Capitol, the Shaw Center for the Arts, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and the Baton Rouge River Center. hilton.com
Runners Up: (22.5%) Renaissance Hotel (22.1%) L’Auberge Casino & Hotel (14.4%) Hotel Indigo (6.2%) The Cook Hotel & Conference Center at LSU
BEST LOCAL MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Carriages Fine Clothier (25.5%)
Photo by Bianca Zaragoza
In a city where well-dressed can mean well-liked, Carriages Fine Clothier makes its mark. The shop carries upscale brands like Southern Marsh, Peter Millar and Vineyard Vines. Stop by the Old Hammond Highway location to find that perfect purple game-day shirt you’ve been looking for, a matching American flag coozie for your drink and croakies for your sunglasses. Carriages also sells high-end dress clothes, outerwear, swimwear and office attire. The icing on the cake: It offers free alterations and gift wrap, too. carriagesbr.com
Shop till you drop no more: Frock Candy is a one-stop shop for women’s fashion necessities. This is where you’ll find the perfect date-night dress or snazzy job interview outfit, plus all the accessories—including that Louisiana-shaped necklace you’ve always wanted. frockcandy.com
Runners Up: (16.1%) Bella Bella (12.4%) Merci Beaucoup (9.2%) NK Boutique (6.9%) Chatta Box Boutique
BEST MANI-PEDI
Bumble Lane (33.3%)
Photo by Kristina Britt
The secret is out, ladies. Men have figured out the power of a good mani-pedi. Bumble Lane’s men’s manicures and pedicures relieve tension while smoothing rough hands and feet. And for the girls, the spa’s mani-pedis are pure bliss, starting with therapeutic massages, moisturizing masks and hot towels. A bright coat of red, pink, blue or green polish seals the deal. Put your best foot forward—just in time for flip-flop season. bumblelane.com
Runners Up: (16.5%) Paris Parker Aveda Salon & Spa
(11.1%) Exotic Nails
(8.1%) Lucky Nails
(7.2%) Nail Finiti
BEST MARKET FOR MEAT
Maxwell’s Market(24.7%)
Photo by Kristina Britt
Maxwell’s feels like a New York-style deli with its Boar’s Head sandwich selection and array of salads. But the meat selection is what draws most customers into its three Baton Rouge locations on Corporate Boulevard, Perkins Road and Highland Road. The variety of meats is extensive, and it’s all cut-to-order and fresh. The house-made Italian sausage sizzles perfectly on an outdoor grill, and many of the chicken and meat selections are offered pre-marinated. maxwells-market.com
Petz Plaza is to dogs and cats what a five-star spa is to humans. Some of the high-end plaza’s groomers have even won national grooming competitions. The upscale grooming services offered at the two Baton Rouge locations on Perkins Road and Jefferson Highway reflect groomers’ knowledge and attention to detail. Each haircut at Petz Plaza includes a bath, ear cleaning and nail trimming. Petz Plaza handles all size dogs and tames even the fluffiest manes. And if your dog is a diva? The shop sells bows, too. petzplaza.com
Runners Up: (24%) PetSmart (15%) The Royal Treatment
BEST MARKET FOR SEAFOOD
Tony’s Seafood Market & Deli(62.3%)
Do not be alarmed by the sheriff’s deputies directing traffic in the parking lot. Tony’s is a north Baton Rouge landmark, and more often than not, it is jam packed with locals buying fresh seafood. And fresh means still swimming—crawfish, shrimp and fish that you can pluck from large tanks. tonyseafood.com
Runners Up: (8%) Whole Foods Market
(5.7%) Tommy’s Fish House
(5.5%) Heads & Tails Seafood
(5.4%) LA Boilers
BEST SPA
Bumble Lane(46%)
Photo by Kristina Britt
Put on your fluffy robe and relax. This popular spa in Towne Center offers a relaxing atmosphere with soothing music, soft lighting and a lengthy menu of spa services for men and women, including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures and waxing services. Prices range from $16 for a lip, chin or sideburn waxing to $555 for a six-and-a-half-hour total-package spa experience. bumblelane.com
Runners Up: (14.5%) Paris Parker Aveda Salon & Spa (9.6%) Woman’s Center for Wellness (8.1%) The Woodhouse Day Spa (7.2%) Le Roche Bleu Day Spa
BEST STORE TO BUY FURNITURE
Olinde’s Furniture (19.9%)
This family-owned Airline Highway-based furniture store has been in Louisiana for more than a century, and it’s easy to see why. It offers beaucoup, name-brand furniture. The prices are competitive, and the store is easy to navigate. Styles range from vintage and contemporary to traditional and casual. Olinde’s color palette is as varied as the store’s design style, including soft muted colors for sofas or beds and bright and bold accent pieces. Multiple locations. olindes.com
Runners Up: (17.9%) Christian Street Furniture
(10%) Town & Country Furniture
(8%) Ashley Furniture
(7.6%) Stoma’s Furniture & Interiors
