Following up the last post: I revisited Black's April 15, 2006. For a start, the place was almost deserted Saturday lunch, whereas in years gone by it was bustling with a good mix of locals and tourists. I am really sad to say the downhill trend has continued. Visiting Black's was rather like seeing a good friend of many years on the skids with some undiagnosed disease or something. For a start, they have let the greenery in the windows grow out of control, obscuring the windows completely. This is obviously thought by the people in charge to be kind of neat, but I must tell them it is quite NOT neat, and creepy besides, no pun intended. The vegetation seems to suggest a restaurant once great, now overgrown like the garden of the House of Usher. Unfortunately, that metaphor is accurate, but obviously not what they want to truly encourage business. The oysters were still OK (although pre-shucked: you can tell from the speed with which they appear, and their loss of juice). I had written the previous owner about this unfortunate trend even, but it continues. Gone are the lovely (one dear lady in particular I am thinking of) veteran wait-ladies who used to patrol the premises with aplomb. Our waitress was very nice, but little things have changed. The Coke is no longer in the bottle, it is from a standard spigot. There is an unappetizing display of desserts at the front desk; and even some sort of buffet affair. Again, nothing is horrible, except the prices are high (oysters 6.25 versus used to be 4.50 4.75), the place is empty (especially of locals), and there is an air of things "not being right". We ate a dozen oysters each and sadly left, perhaps for the last time after dining here oh 50-60-70 maybe more times over the years (and we don't even live in Louisiana). It was like closing the door on an old friend. To the new people I would say, try to be more how it used to be and perhaps the trend will reverse itself, and for goodness sake get rid of the plants in the window, or at least cut them back to how they used to be. The view used to be lovely across to the catholic church. Sad about all of the above. I notice "Janice Leblanc's" post of Oct 99 "Eat where the locals eat" ~ no more the case.

We used to favor Black's but (see separate post of today's date) Shuck's is where the locals have migrated to, and there's a reason. The oysters are a buck cheaper, and fresh-shucked to order; the Coke still comes in delightful old-fashioned bottles; and the gumbo and food in general is both plentiful and utterly fresh & delicious. I am really sad about the decline at Black's. I only hope they can reinvent themselves but to me it looked doubtful without a radical change of course---back to how it used to be under the previous owner. If I recall Shucks was born when the owners lost their lease at Dupuy's which used to be a close contender with Black's for the best oysters out there right opposite each other. Shuck's (love the food but rather hate the name) has come of age. After the gloomy confines next door with overgrown vegetation and zero view, Shucks was airy and (most important) bustling with Saturday lunch crowd, mostly locals. Service could not have been better, the oysters were salty and juicy, and the gumbo was fine, as were the stuffed crabs. I will always have a very soft spot for Black's where I cut my teeth as a lover of oysters, but whereas previously Shuck's was second best for us, it has now come into focus as #1 oyster place in Abbeville, and thereby (by definition) almost anywhere. Kudos to them and also try the home-made cheese-cake. Absolutely fabulous stuff.

Prior to my last visit I have nothing but positive things to say about Black's. My best oyster experiences ever have been here when they are on top form. Their gumbo: SUPERB!!!!! But last time I visited (about 1 year ago) the owner had left. He used to be the sort of owner who silently prowled the premises making sure all ran smoothly. Without him, things had (on that one visit) gone awry. 25 minutes and not even a glass of water was brought to us. The food was still good, but one of the servers had gumbo stains all down his white overall which looked absolutely terrible. He showed no sign that he was going to change it either. YUCKO. I would be interested to hear if things have continued downhill, or righted themselves. I will be going back soon and will report.

This used be Touchet's and used to be a grand place to hang out with the very French-looking Mr Touchet always on hand supervising the action. Last time I was there this incarnation is fine too (have been to Deaneaux's many many times, never disappoints, but I have not been there in a year or 2). Their crawfish retain that slightly "soapy" overtone from Touchet's days. Sounds awful, but I assure you "soapy" is fine in this context. Crawfish can be superb, or slightly dry depending on the timing of the cooking. Bread pudding & Jack Daniels to finish off. Hard to find the first time, but just follow (the very dark) Ridge Road from LAfayette and KEEP GOING. Just as you feel you are never going to get there and are hopelessly lost, you will see a flashing stop light and Deaneaux's is there on the left.