Scuttlebutt: Maxim gives nod to Juban’s gumbo … Former Louie’s girl takes over Cafe Des Amis

Jumbo gumbo: Juban’s got the Maxim nod in the magazine’s August issue. Their 2009 Maxim Food Awards named the B.R. eatery as the best place to get gumbo—not just in Louisiana, but the entire country. Their famous chicken, duck and andouille gumbo “strikes the perfect mix of steamy spice and smoky sweetness,” according to the article. Scott Callais, Juban’s general manager, isn’t going to argue. “The smoked duck and andouille really give it a unique flavor. We’re (already) known nationwide for our gumbo,” he says. Other southern Louisiana institutions merited a Maxim mention, including Hawk’s Crawfish in Rayne, and the Zydeco Breakfast at Café Des Amis. (File photo) Changing faces: Speaking of that Breaux Bridge standby, 225 Dine has learned that there’s a new hand on the helm: Replacing Alicia Moody as general manager is Baton Rouge native Erin Sharkey. Sharkey has a long history in the service industry, including seven years waitressing at Louie’s Café and two years as both waitress and management at Café Des Amis. Although she only started this week, she’s already got big plans for Café Des Amis. “I see a lot of potential to bring Baton Rouge customers out to Breaux Bridge,” she says. “It’s one of the reasons I’m excited about this job.”