Chef Lyle at Barstool in L’Auberge for preparing a tasting menu that was simply outstanding. All the restaurants we visited in Lake Charles, The James 710, Darrells, plus the Crying Eagle Taproom and Bistro provided mouthwatering Louisiana fare. Contraband Bayou is a Tom Fazio designed gem at the L’Auberge. Hurricanes have thinned out the trees considerably, since a previous visit, but the course is very challenging and a joy to play. The marsh and lowland foliage add to the beauty, plus some of the sightlines have actually improved. Any course with the Fazio name attached is always a treat! Next door lies the Country Club at the Golden Nugget which is more open than its neighbor. Its primary defense is water, pretty to look at, but a nemesis for golf balls. InMarch, the Country Club at the Golden Nugget hosted the inaugural Lake Charles Championship, a stop on the Korn Ferry Tour. It was a treat to play with the pros even though I embarrassed myself in the pro-am. Due to unusually wet conditions, we could only play nine holes at the new Mallard Golf Club. I enjoyed the back nine immensely and look forward to playing the entire course. Only six months old, the future for this new course is very bright. Mother Nature hasn’t been kind to Lake Charles recently, but the casinos, restaurants and courses are open. The friendly staff and Louisiana hospitality are off the charts. Come down to Lake Charles and be a part of its resurgence, plus have a great time doing it. As they say down there: “Laissez le bon temps rouler!” Let the Good Times Roll! For more information visit: http://www. visitlakecharles.org
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