A book describing the 50-year history and culture of the venerable La Fonda Restaurant in Lafayette, La., one of the state's most popular eating establishments. The book is also an autobiography of the restaurant's founder and owner, Leebob Cox, and a showplace for the art of Luis Amendolla and Phyllis Malzyk Giardano. It carries numerous stories about La Fonda's longtime employees and customers, as well as anecdotes of the variously zany and heartwarming goings-on in this fine Tex-Mex eatery.

A 160-page hardcover book containing more than 200 Cajun and Creole recipes, plus old photos and interesting stories about the author's growing up in the Cajun country of south Louisiana. Recipes include Pain Perdu, Couche Couche, Chicken Fricass??e, Stuffed Mirliton, Shrimp Stew, Grillades, Red Beans & Rice, Shrimp Creole, Bouillabaisse, Pralines.