ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY) — Dupuy’s Seafood & Steak, a beloved establishment in Abbeville, will soon be featured on the nationally recognized America’s Best Restaurants show. The popular show, which highlights outstanding local eateries across the country, will be visiting Dupuy’s on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 2-5 p.m. The event will showcase the restaurant’s most popular dishes and include an in-depth on-camera interview with owners Jody and Tonya Hebert, who are excited to share the restaurant’s rich history and special role in the local community.
The episode, which will be aired on social media channels at a later date, is part of a roadshow that travels the country to spotlight independently owned restaurants and their unique contributions to local culture. Tonya Hebert shared that Dupuy’s was nominated for the feature by Paula Foster, a local customer who praised the restaurant for its authentic Cajun food and outstanding hospitality.
Foster’s glowing review described the restaurant as offering “the most incredible authentic Cajun seafood, steaks, and bread pudding.” She continued, “The food is simply flawless, and service and ambiance is like feeling the heartbeat of Cajun country. A true and genuine Louisiana experience that is second to none.”
A Legacy of Cajun Hospitality
Tonya Hebert expressed her excitement about the recognition and emphasized how important the Abbeville and Vermilion Parish communities have been to the restaurant’s success. The Heberts have been involved with Dupuy’s for 25 years, taking ownership of the restaurant in 1999. They shared their gratitude for the unwavering support they’ve received from the local community, which has helped the restaurant grow and thrive through both good and challenging times.
“We have a lot of local support,” Tonya said. “The community has been our biggest supporter. They’ve stood by us through a lot of hard times, and they’ve allowed us to grow. We appreciate that and we appreciate being part of Vermilion Parish.”
Dupuy’s has a rich history, dating back to 1869 when it opened as an oyster house operated by Joseph Dupuy, who sold oysters for just five cents a dozen. The Dupuy family ran the business for generations before the Heberts took over. After running the restaurant for a year and a half, they had the opportunity to purchase the building from the Dupuy family.
A Place of Community and Warmth
The Heberts pride themselves on offering authentic Cajun food and unparalleled hospitality. Tonya noted that Dupuy’s is known as “the friendliest place on earth,” where visitors feel like they are at their grandmother’s house. Their emphasis on hospitality extends beyond the restaurant’s doors, reflecting the warmth of Vermilion Parish as a whole.
“We want everyone to feel like they can sit down, have dinner, talk, visit, and never want to leave the table,” Tonya said. She added that many visitors, including campers and RVs, have loved the area so much that they’ve decided to make Abbeville their home.
Long-time Customer Praise
Long-time customer Janice Choate shared how special Dupuy’s is to her and her friends, particularly those who graduated together in the 1960s. They have made it a tradition to visit the restaurant once a month. Choate, a true Cajun, said she and her friends are big fans of the restaurant’s authentic Cajun fare, especially the fried oysters.
“I’ve known Tonya all her life and I’ve known Jody for almost all of his life,” Choate said. “Just good people, good restaurants, and good food. What else can you say?”
Signature Dishes
While Dupuy’s offers a wide range of seafood options, including fried, grilled, or pan-broiled platters, they are particularly famous for their oysters, which are served in a variety of delicious ways. The restaurant is also known for its Eggplant Abbeville Pasta, a crowd favorite that features fried eggplant medallions topped with jumbo lump crab and a cream sauce over pasta.
“We’re just blessed. Excited to be a part of it. It’s a big thing for us,” Tonya said. “It means a lot to us. We’re happy to have this opportunity and that we have people who support us.”
A Special Recognition
Being featured on America’s Best Restaurants is a huge honor for Dupuy’s, as it highlights the restaurant’s long-standing presence and impact on the local community. The Heberts are thrilled to bring attention not only to their restaurant but also to the unique Cajun culture and community spirit that defines Abbeville and Vermilion Parish.
The America’s Best Restaurants episode will air soon, and fans of Cajun cuisine and local dining are encouraged to tune in and celebrate Dupuy’s legacy of excellence in the restaurant industry.
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