About Melinda Walker Expertise Having grown up in South Louisiana, and being of Cajun heritage, I believe I can answer just about any question regarding Cajun cooking. I have an enormous cookbook collection, most of which are in fact, Cajun cookbooks and they are at your disposal.
Experience I have the experience you gain cooking for large Cajun families, visiting in-laws from Japan and participating in numerous Gumbo, etc. cookoffs throughout the South.
Awards and Honors My recipes have appeared in the Lafayette Daily Advertiser Cookbook in Lafayette, Louisiana and my Cajun Cabbage Casserole dish took Honorable Mention in their recipe contest.
Question We're celebrating my parent's 40th wedding anniversary next weekend in their favorite city, New Orleans. Where can I take them to dinner? Good cajun food, casual ambiance and within the city limits would be great!!
Thank you for any advice!
Answer Sarah,
First of all, Happy 40th Anniversary to your Parents and welcome back to Louisiana. While Cajun cooking is more my expertise, I happened to have lived in New Orleans for a while and felt confident enough to answer your question. You asked for good Cajun food, a casual ambiance, all within the city limits. Following is a list of restaurants that are currently on the top of the "cest' ce bon" list.
Bon Ton Cafe'
401 Magazine Street
Brigsten's
723 Dante Street
K-Paul's
416 Chartres Street (pronounced shar-tra)
and of course you can't go wrong with Emeril Lagassi---
Emeril's (BAM!)
800 Tchoupitoulas Street (pronounced chop-ie-too-lus)
Now Sarah, if your looking for something a little different, you might want to try a wonderful restaurant which happens to be one of my favorites - Nola's. It is located on St. Louis Street. It is kind of dressy-casual and contemporary. They serve Creole cuisine and have absolutely breath-taking deserts.
Hope that helps you out. Have a great dinner and a terrific trip. If you have a free day and want to try authentic Cajun food, you and your family should head on down I-10 south to the "Heart of Cajun Country". Lafayette and the surrounding areas are full of the best restaurants on Earth. Take a drive - I know you'll agree.
