In Bizarre Foods Louisiana, part of the Delicious Destinations series featuring Andrew Zimmern, the host and his crew visited numerous restaurants in the city, showcasing a variety of unique and delicious dishes. Here is a convenient list of all the addresses and dishes highlighted in this exciting exploration of Louisiana’s food scene.
ANDREW ZIMMERN LOUISIANA DISH – Boiled Crawfish
WHAT IS IT?
Boiled crawfish are small, live crawfish boiled and immersed in a bath of Cajun spices. After boiling, the tails are separated, bagged, and sold to other restaurants and groceries. Larger crawfish are boiled in an industrial-sized version of a backyard crawfish boil and then soaked in spices. Corn and potatoes are also boiled in the same water as the crawfish, and at Crawfish Town, orders come in servings of 2, 4, or 18 pounds. However, only about 10% of the crawfish is edible meat located in the tail.
WHERE IS IT?
CT-USA Restaurant & Market
2815 Grand Point Hwy, Henderson, LA 70517, United States
Louisiana, United States
NOTES – DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA
The crawfish season in South Louisiana runs from early March to mid-June, during which the crustaceans are abundant and inexpensive. This is a time when friends and family come together for large crawfish boils.
DISH – Gumbo
WHAT IS IT?
Gumbo is a thick stew consisting of various meats and vegetables. It is typically made with rue, a mixture of flour and vegetable oil that adds flavor as it darkens. The holy trinity of chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery are also added. Prejean’s popular gumbo is made with chicken and sausage, with highly seasoned pork and beef sausage sautéed with vegetables and chicken stock. Prejean’s mix of peppery cajun seasoning is added before the rue. Chicken thighs are added last and the dish is ready in 30 minutes. Gumbo is typically served with rice and potato salad. Locals expect certain ingredients in gumbo, whether it’s made with chicken sausage, duck, or shrimp and seafood.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW ORLEANS: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON THE LAYOVER
WHERE IS IT?
Prejean’s Restaurant Carencro
3480 NE Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70507, United States
Louisiana, United States
NOTES – DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA
One-pot cooking is a hallmark of Cajun cuisine, allowing families to stretch and share whatever ingredients they have. This is especially true for one of the region’s most iconic dishes, gumbo.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW ORLEANS : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON NO RESERVATIONS
ANDREW ZIMMERN LOUISIANA DISH – Boudin
WHAT IS IT?
Boudin is a sausage made of pork, rice, vegetables, and spices encased in natural casing. Originally, it was made with leftover scraps and organ meat, but now it is made with top quality pork and traditional Cajun spices, with one pork liver per batch. The pork and vegetable mixture is boiled, ground, mixed with rice, peppers, onions, and green onions, and then encased in pork intestines for a traditional, strong casing. Once chilled, it is served warm and without toppings, often with a side of cracklings.
WHERE IS IT?
Don’s Specialty Meats
4120 NE Evangeline Thruway, Carencro, LA 70520, United States
Louisiana, United States
NOTES – DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA
Don’s Specialty and Meats is a well-known establishment for boudin, a Cajun staple. Located near Scott, Louisiana, it is visible from the interstate and often attracts tour buses, truckers, and other travelers, earning the nickname “Boudin Capital of the World” by the state’s legislation.
ANDREW ZIMMERN LOUISIANA DISH – Oreille De Cochon
WHAT IS IT?
This establishment offers Oreille de Cochon, a Cajun dish that combines boudin and beignets. The chef grills the boudin patty, stuffs it into a yeasted dough, fries it for about 5 minutes, and serves it topped with powdered sugar.
WHERE IS IT?
Café Des Amis
140 E Bridge St, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, United States
Louisiana, United States
NOTES – DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA
This dish is called “Oreille de cochon” or pig’s ear, named for its shape and filling of boudin. It’s a single beignet with powdered sugar, filled with boudin to balance the spiciness and savory flavors. The combination of boudin and beignet creates a delightful taste experience.
DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA DISH – Stuffed Turkey Wings
WHAT IS IT?
These stuffed turkey wings are seasoned with spicy cajun flavors and are a classic example of cajun ingenuity that transforms a typically undesirable meat cut into a culinary treasure. The wings are slit open and filled with a mix of garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and a secret family ingredient. The outside is generously coated in garlic and cayenne pepper before being arranged in a pan to cook evenly. A mixture of water and oil is added along with more spicy seasoning. The wings are cooked for 3.5 hours, uncovered at the end to get crispy, golden skin. Served alongside baked beans and candied ham, and a double serving of dirty rice, these stuffed turkey wings make a delicious meal.
WHERE IS IT?
Laura’s Two
1904 W University Ave, Lafayette, LA 70506, United States
Louisiana, United States
NOTES – BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA
When visitors inquire about the best place to try genuine cajun cuisine in cajun country, the most common answer is at someone’s home. For those who eat out, plate lunch is the closest they can get to a home-cooked meal.
BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA DISH – Fried Frogs Legs
WHAT IS IT?
Cajun-style fried frog legs are seasoned with signature cajun spices, transforming their mild and clean-tasting meat. Despite being virtually fat-free, the chefs marinade them for six hours with a heavy dose of cayenne and other spices. To add crunch, they coat the legs with a beer batter spiked with seasoning before frying them in hot peanut oil until brown and crispy. Although they are a great introduction to wild foods, experienced frog enthusiasts know that they offer a unique and savory flavor beyond that of chicken.
WHERE IS IT?
Chef Roy’s Frog City Cafe
1131 Church Point Hwy, Rayne, LA 70578, United States
Louisiana, United States
NOTES – BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS LOUISIANA
In the 1800s, this area of Louisiana exported bullfrogs to high-end restaurants across the country due to their abundance. Although no longer exported, there are still plenty of bullfrogs for the locals. Chef Roy’s Cafe, located just outside of town, takes pride in serving this regional delicacy.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN CAJUN MARDI GRAS: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON PARTS UNKNOWN