By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

GROVES — The “queen” of Larry’s sipped a Crown and Coke just a few chairs down from the Texas Country Reporter.

The dance floor filled with Cajun two-steppers while the film crew got tight shots of an accordion player.

“It’s an honor,” Larry Judice said, when he finally took a cell phone away from his ear.

Bob Phillips, host of the popular TV show “Texas Country Reporter,” joined a crew who tapped along with the music at Larry’s French Market and Cajun Cafeteria. The segment is to feature the Groves eatery and gathering point for Cajun dancing, and perhaps a bit on accordion player Ed Poullard. The proposed air time is October or November.

Larry’s, crowded enough on a regular night, was packed after word spread on the celebrity crew. Phillips was penned to his floor-side table by a parade of well wishers announcing “Love your show.” Some asked for autographs and others just waited in line to be close.

Fay Rodriguez of Groves, who calls herself “the queen of Larry’s,” eyed the crowd and the dancers from her bar stool. She said she’s usually at Larry’s every weekend.

“I come for the music and food. And Larry. He’s a fine person. And Brenda (his wife). They’re fine people,” she said. She also counted the catfish among the perks of being a regular.

Marie Roach of Beaumont perched next to her.

“I come as often as I can,” she said, shouting over the band. “It’s like a family here.

When asked if she worried that TV publicity would overcrowd her favorite haunt, she shook her head.

“It’s never too crowded,” she said, showing some Cajun hospitality.

The friends agreed the restaurant’s live music was a plus. Jude Morreau and Ben Temps Playboys did their thing for the cameras.

“Larry gets some of the best bands,” Rodriguez said.

A trio of little girls started the next dance, proving the point that Larry’s has a family atmosphere. A mother holding another girl joined in with senior pairings for the Mulberry Waltz as waitresses kept tables in cold beer and mountains of fried seafood. Red Hat ladies filled the back room.

Judice surveyed the action with a smile. The place just opened a few weeks ago after Hurricane Rita’s destruction, and customers have been expressing their thanks.

“They didn’t realize how much they missed it until it was gone. Like electricity,” Judice said.

Sidney LeBlanc of Port Acres, and his friend, Lorraine Anderson say they’re Larry’s regulars, too. They were about to scan the menu and couldn’t wait to get to the dance floor. But they waited patiently at a table right next to Phillips. They would cut the rug after they got their turn at telling him hello.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.