Postcard: Farmer Craig Black at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

For thirty-five years Craig Black has tended the thirty-eight acres of gardens, greenhouses, ponds, and oaks of Houmas House, the crown jewel of Louisiana's River Road plantation trail. Located on the Mississippi River's eastbank, midway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Houmas House and its restaurant Latil's Landing have thrived under the direction of Chef Jeremy Langlois. The chef and the farmer work together to develop dishes through experimenting with heirloom fruits, vegetables, and herbs. When I asked Craig Black to describe his life with plants, he rhapsodized on asparagus—the shoots, leaves, and soil—in such a sensuous style that I know my own next spear will be my first all over again. —Rien Fertel

Latil's Landing Restaurant at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
40136 Highway 942
Darrow, LA 70725
tel: 225/473-9380

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Postcard: Farmer Craig Black at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

By Rien Fertel


Published on November 1, 2012

For thirty-five years Craig Black has tended the thirty-eight acres of gardens, greenhouses, ponds, and oaks of Houmas House, the crown jewel of Louisiana's River Road plantation trail. Located on the Mississippi River's eastbank, midway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Houmas House and its restaurant Latil's Landing have thrived under the direction of Chef Jeremy Langlois. The chef and the farmer work together to develop dishes through experimenting with heirloom fruits, vegetables, and herbs. When I asked Craig Black to describe his life with plants, he rhapsodized on asparagus—the shoots, leaves, and soil—in such a sensuous style that I know my own next spear will be my first all over again. —Rien Fertel

Latil's Landing Restaurant at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
40136 Highway 942
Darrow, LA 70725
tel: 225/473-9380

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