Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:07 — 63.3MB)
You will never hear a more delightful interview than this episode of Discover Lafayette with Maugie and Pat Pastor, iconic proprietors of Chez Pastor and T’Frere’s House. Maugie and Pat share a love of the restaurant business and their enthusiasm will inspire you to try out the French-inspired Cajun and Creole dishes you have never experienced. I can promise that my life has been enriched by getting to know these kind and spiritual people who both welcomed me with open arms.
Maugie Landry Pastor is a member of the iconic Landry family that opened Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse in downtown Lafayette in 1934. With Maugie at his side, Pat Pastor was the accountant and business mind behind the successful businesses they owned throughout their prolific career. While Maugie never worked in her family’s restaurant, she loved cooking and absorbed her family’s gift for pleasing patrons with a memorable meal second to none.
As you listen to this interview, you will be introduced to “old Lafayette” memories such as the Lafayette Townhouse, Maison Acadiene (the building is now occupied by Cafe Vermilionville), and memories of the early days of the Oil Center when Pat Pastor worked at the Petroleum Club, first as a bookkeeper and then promoted to serve as Manager of Food and Beverage Services, from 1956 to 1965.
Maugie and Pat Pastor had eight children: six boys and two girls. They are proud of their children, who all achieved their own greatness. Family is of utmost importance to Maugie and Pat.
The Pastors grew very close to Fred Reggie, whom they met through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital when their oldest boy, Jeb, was the 82nd patient at St. Jude’s Hospital. Jeb was given six months to live when diagnosed with leukemia as a young boy. With treatment at St. Jude’s, Jeb rallied and his leukemia went into remission. He lived a rich life until the age of 19 when he passed away from a reoccurrence of leukemia right before he was slated to start as a Freshman at USL.
Many Lafayette residents will also remember their son, Bob Pastor, with a warm heart. Bob was known for his sense of style, for making events memorable, and for his heart that always loved others who needed love. Bob passed away in 2015 and the community mourned the loss of his exuberant spirit. Bob will always be remembered for his passion for life.
You’ll have to listen to the end so you can catch a Boudreaux and Thibodeaux joke shared by Pat in his own inimitable style!
Thanks to Maugie and Pat Pastor for enriching the culture and life of Lafayette LA.
