Watch parties salute Bourdain with food, memories Local edition of ‘Parts Unknown” airs Sunday on CNN

Herman Fuselier | The Daily Advertiser

Like many local people, Madonna Broussard had been counting down the days to Sunday.

That’s when CNN will air a locally-produced episode of the popular show, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.”

Laura’s II, Broussard’s restaurant on University Boulevard in Lafayette, was among the local places Bourdain and crew filmed during their visit last February.

But Broussard woke up Friday morning to the news that the celebrity chef, author and TV personality had taken his own life.

“It was a sad morning for my staff because they were so excited,” said Broussard. “We just really couldn’t believe it.

“But we were all so grateful that he did come to Acadiana and highlight all of us. If it wouldn’t have been for him, my restaurant wouldn’t have made it to People magazine.”

More: Anthony Bourdain 'showed the world that what we have here is special'

Broussard is hosting one of two watch parties for Bourdain’s “Cajun Mardi Gras,” which airs at 8 p.m. Sunday on CNN.

Laura’s II, which will also celebrate Broussard’s birthday, will have light food with two of Bourdain’s well-publicized favorites – macaroni and cheese from Popeye’s and boudin from Billy’s in Opelousas.

The bar and kitchen will be open at another watch party Sunday night at Jefferson Street Pub in downtown Lafayette.

Both events have free admission and are open to the public.

Jessica Goff, organizer of the JSP event, had the idea of a watch party after hearing the news of Bourdain’s death.

“He touched so many people here,” said Goff, a producer at KLFY-TV 10. “He loved Acadiana. I think that’s the saddest part about it. People got to know him. I don’t know how well, but they knew that he loved this place.

“He was just here and people were really excited for this. It’s just strange timing to lose him. “

Interviews and scenes in “Cajun Mardi Gras” will be remembered as some of the last in Bourdain’s storied career.

Last February, Bourdain and crew visited a Mardi Gras run near Mamou and had a home-cooked meal prepared by chefs Toby Rodriguez and Jolie Meaux.

Rodriguez and Bourdain ate boudin and cracklins at Billy’s in Opelousas.

At Laura’s II, Bourdain talked zydeco and trail rides with Dave Lemelle of the Step-N-Strut trail ride, Sid Williams of El Sido’s Zydeco and Blues Club and Herman Fuselier, Daily Advertiser music and entertainment writer and host of “Zydeco Stomp” on KRVS 88.7 FM.

“Cajun Mardi Gras” will be preceded by “Remembering Anthony Bourdain,” an hour-long tribute that begins at 7 p.m. on CNN.

Want to go?

What: “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” watch parties

When: 8 p.m., Sunday

Where: Laura’s II, 1904 W. University Ave; Jefferson Street Pub, 500 Jefferson St.

Admission: Free

Information: Laura’s II, 337-593-8006; JSP, 337-232-5040