Inside Little Town Zachary, where kids can imagine in locally inspired playhouses

Pho Viet Noodle House brings Vietnamese classics and creative spins on the cuisine to Gonzales

By Benjamin Leger October 1, 2024

About 225’s food critic: Benjamin Leger previously served as managing editor for 225 and was the editor of its Taste section from 2012 to 2021, editing, writing and steering the direction of its food coverage in print and online. He is passionate about all things food and food journalism, and has written about the greater Baton Rouge area’s cuisine and culture for nearly two decades. THE BASICS: Chau Huynh opened…

Baton Rouge shop Gourmet Girls releases an exclusive line of bespoke candles

By Olivia Deffes October 15, 2024

Something smells good over at Gourmet Girls. The alluring aroma might be wafting from the shop’s new line of bespoke candles with seven multi-layered scents.  Known for its elevated treats and colorful retail items, the Lobdell Avenue kitchen and home shop recently debuted its line of seven bespoke candles. Gourmet Girls owner Katia Mangham says the bespoke candle line has been in the works for about six months. The scented…

October 2024’s calendar of can’t-miss events in the Capital Region

By Olivia Deffes September 27, 2024

Oct. 5 Grab your boots, cowboy hat and leather jacket, because the Federales Fest is coming to town. This local country music and rock ‘n’ roll fest is back for its second year with a killer lineup of local, regional and national artists at Live Oak @ Cedar Lodge. federalesfest.com Oct. 5 + 6 Grow your garden or grab a houseplant at Plantfest! hosted at The LSU Hilltop Arboretum. Browse…

Not just cats and dogs: How Companion Animal Alliance rescues livestock and rare pets

By Gracelyn Farrar October 11, 2024

Sheep, pigs and a donkey—oh my! As the open-intake shelter for East Baton Rouge Parish, Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) acts as a safe haven for more than just dogs and cats.  While other shelters in Baton Rouge may close their doors when they’ve reached capacity, CAA never shuts its doors on an animal. This open-door policy can result in some pretty interesting guests. A wide variety of animals find their…