Foodies of Lafayette 2024 Culinary Excellence Award–Antoni's Italian Cafe
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Foodies of Lafayette continues to thrive as a warm, positive space celebrating the restaurants that enrich our community. Since its founding, our group has championed local culinary passion—today stronger than ever.
Each year, our Culinary Excellence Award honors a Lafayette gem for outstanding quality, hospitality, and community spirit. In 2023, Fuji Sushi set the bar high. Now, it’s our pleasure to announce the 2024 winner—an institution beloved for its heart, its homey charm, and its timeless Italian fare.
Drumroll, please...
The 2024 Foodies of Lafayette Culinary Excellence Award Winner is...
Antoni’s Italian Café 🎉🎉🎉
Nestled in Lafayette’s Oil Center since 1996, Antoni’s Italian Café was founded by Bruce and Lynda Cart. In 2013, Holly and Eli Cure—each with roots in hospitality—stepped up to carry the legacy forward, purchasing Antoni’s and reinvigorating the spot while preserving its authentic family vibe [oai_citation:0‡Discover Lafayette](https://discoverlafayette.net/podcast/eli-and-holly-cure-antonis-italian-cafe?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:1‡Antonis Italian Cafe](https://www.antonisitaliancafe.com/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Holly, a Lafayette native, and Eli, who began in restaurants at a young age, met while working at Blue Dog Café. Their dedication to service and food brought them home to Antoni’s, where they have remained hands-on ever since [oai_citation:2‡Discover Lafayette](https://discoverlafayette.net/podcast/eli-and-holly-cure-antonis-italian-cafe?utm_source=chatgpt.com). They’ve honored the original recipes—like the basil chicken salad and house-made pizzas—while adding their own creative flair, making menu favorites like the cheese-dunked bread, indulgent calzones, and innovative pastas beloved by diners [oai_citation:3‡FOL](https://foodiesoflafayette.com/blogs/news/holly-and-eli-cure-antonis-italian-cafe?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:4‡Discover Lafayette](https://discoverlafayette.net/podcast/eli-and-holly-cure-antonis-italian-cafe?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
What stands out at Antoni’s is more than the food—it’s the warm, family-style hospitality. Holly and Eli treat guests like friends, maintaining consistency even through staffing challenges and pandemic upheaval. Their team’s stability speaks volumes: Michael has run the pizza station since 2018; David, Brandi, Danielle, Cameron, Jared, and Louis round out the loyal crew who bring the magic to every meal [oai_citation:5‡FOL](https://foodiesoflafayette.com/blogs/news/holly-and-eli-cure-antonis-italian-cafe?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
The Carts may have started the journey, but it’s Holly and Eli’s passion—paired with careful stewardship—that has kept Antoni’s thriving. Their personal work ethic, hands-on management style, and love for their community have made Antoni’s not just a restaurant, but a Lafayette treasure [oai_citation:6‡FOL](https://foodiesoflafayette.com/blogs/news/holly-and-eli-cure-antonis-italian-cafe?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:7‡Discover Lafayette](https://discoverlafayette.net/podcast/eli-and-holly-cure-antonis-italian-cafe?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Please join us in celebrating Antoni’s Italian Café for winning the 2024 Culinary Excellence Award. We can’t wait to raise a glass in your honor at our fall celebration—stay tuned for details! In the meantime, go visit Antoni’s, savor the food, and experience the warmth for yourself. ❤️🍝🍷
