Top 12 Legendary Lafayette Restaurants
Celebrating the local restaurant scene in Lafayette has been an annual affair ever since the local tourist bureau created the summer-long Eat Lafayette ad campaign. A project of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission and tourism head Ben Berthelot, it is a way to highlight the homegrown eateries that showcase local fare and to urge…
Potato and Brussels Soup
Potato soup is friendly and familiar—just like that old high-school BFF that visits once a year. The recipe has become a comfortable (and predictable) interpretation of a thick and creamy bowl of pulverized potatoes loaded up with cheese. And yes, I love it as much as you do. But with my Potato and … [Read More...]
Top 10 Favorite Sandwiches and How To Make Them
A simple sandwich just hits the spot. But one thing that’s not simple is making a choice among all my favorites. If you’ve been a part of my Acadiana Table for some time, you no doubt understand my pursuit of the perfect sandwich—so many sandwiches, so little time. So here’s a list of my Top 10 … [Read More...]
Boiled Crabs at Randol’s Dancehall
This weekend, when I saw the flashing sign announcing "BOILED CRABS" in big, bold letters outside Randol's restaurant, I knew that things were heating up in South Louisiana, and I'm not talking about the weather. Propane burners and stovetop boiling pots are firing up as crab season ushers in on the … [Read More...]
Chilled Seafood Salad with Two Dressings
Ice-cold shrimp and chilled lump crabmeat need nothing more than a tasty dressing or two to complete a casual springtime meal. And my recipe for Chilled Seafood Salad with Two Dressings keeps it simple and light—two ingredients for an easy dinner. Anytime Roxanne and I visit Biloxi, … [Read More...]
24-Carrot Puréed Gold: Carrot Ginger Soup
You might approach your first spoonful of this Carrot Ginger Soup with a bit of culinary doubt, but trust me. When the flavors explode on your tongue, you’ll be back for a second, third, fourth, well, you get the message. And you’ll be getting compliments galore from family and friends. And I … [Read More...]
Lemon Thyme Chicken Breast with Cauliflower Mash
Lighten up with my Lemon Thyme Chicken Breast with Cauliflower Mash. This boneless, skinless breast of chicken is flavor-filled, herb-infused, and laced with a delicate lemon thyme cream reduction. It’s baked, broiled, and sauced to perfection. It’s Spring in the South. And it’s time to turn … [Read More...]
Pulled Pork Tacos with Creole Crema
For Cinco de Mayo, South of the border meets South Louisiana in this Pulled Pork Tacos with Creole Crema--a taco taste sensation. I love how the citrus flavors of the orange-brined pork shoulder are elevated by the spike of jalapeños and Cajun seasoning that work so deliciously with farm-fresh … [Read More...]
Crawfish 101
Louisiana's crawfish season is in full swing, and no doubt, folks are coming to town to belly up to a table full of boiled crawfish for the first time. My daughter Lauren's friend Gunner from Los Angeles recently visited us, and he couldn't wait to taste his first boiled crawfish. I gave him a list … [Read More...]
Seafood Bisque
With its creamy depth of seafood flavor accented by white wine and the rich flavor of artichoke hearts, my Seafood Bisque is a rich and decadent Louisiana dish that is as historical as it is delicious. This Seafood Bisque is what I like to call “Haute Creole.” It’s a classic, time-honored, … [Read More...]
Cheese-Crust Shrimp and Mushroom Pizza
This carb-friendly Cheese-Crust Shrimp and Mushroom Pizza is the best thing since sliced you-know-what. The crackle of the cheddar crust is the first signal that this is no ordinary pizza dough. As the ooze of the melted mozzarella cloaks the earthy and ocean combo of Gulf shrimp and button … [Read More...]
Redfish Sauce Piquante
Diving deep into a bowl of Redfish Sauce Piquante is an exploration of the spicy side of Louisiana’s culinary culture. It is a saucy and richly flavored dish that doesn’t hold back on taste. This recipe delivers a heavy wallop of deliciousness in a Magnalite pot. My friend Lee Robicheaux grew … [Read More...]
Asparagus Soup
The delicate flavor of asparagus makes a bold statement when cooked down into a soul-satisfying bowl of Asparagus Soup. It’s a fresh taste of spring in a bowl. Asparagus is a mainstay in my kitchen, and I use it in so many creative ways. Roasted, grilled, and steamed are obvious, but when we … [Read More...]
Hot Cajun Shrimp Dip
A culinary crowd pleaser, this Hot Cajun Shrimp Dip hits you with a double-barrel shot of shrimp flavor and spicy heat along with a comforting creaminess that is hard to resist. And I will admit this is a spicy concoction, but I leave the level of intensity to your taste buds by holding back … [Read More...]
Guinness Beef and Mushroom Stew
This hearty beef stew is rich with the umami flavors of mushrooms, beef, dark roux, and Guinness. Yes, Guinness Extra Stout beer. My Guinness Beef and Mushroom Stew is a bowlful of St. Patrick’s Day happiness. I’m green with envy at communities that passionately celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. … [Read More...]
5-Bean Kale Soup
Winter isn't over yet, and the first spoonful from a steaming bowl of my 5-Bean Kale Soup is enough to warm you up. With the smokiness of ham and bacon as the backdrop for the herbs and spices, these beans are packed with soul-satisfying flavor. Winter weather in South Louisiana is synonymous … [Read More...]