Bayou To Go // Eats to Bring Home
by Trevor Johnson, features editor In South Louisiana, if we put on a blindfold, spin around three times, and throw a rock, we’ll probably break the window of a great restaurant with decades of rich history. However, vandalism is generally frowned upon, so normally it’s best to just eat at those restaurants instead. But what should someone do if they only plan to visit the Bayou Region on vacation, or they’re only in town to attend a family reunion at Cousin Boudreaux’s house? Luckily, there are many dishes and desserts made in Louisiana that can be taken home for whenever there’s a hankering for that one-of-a-kind taste of the bayou. Louisiana’s deep and diverse history may play a part in that one-of-a-kind taste for which Cajun food is so popular. “Food is such an integral part of our tradition,” says Chef Marcelle Bienvenu, a culinary historian, journalist, and instructor at Nicholls State University. “What I think happened is that the best parts of German food, Italian food, African-American, the British, the Spanish— the best part of what they had ended up in our pot. Aren’t we lucky?” King cake, which is said to have a French origin, has become synonymous with Mardi Gras, but there are ways to obtain the frosting-topped treat year round. Cannata’s Family Market has served the South Louisiana area and abroad with their king cakes for almost 90 years. There are three locations in Louisiana— one in Morgan City, and two in Houma. However, anyone from around the country can order Cannata’s king cakes, whether or not it’s Mardi Gras season. “In many ways, King Cakes have become the unofficial mascot of Mardi Gras,” says Joni Blakeman, the sister of Vince Cannata, the owner of Cannata’s Family Market. “When people can’t attend the festivities, king cakes at least give them a little piece of the party.” Liza Verda manages In the Mix, a bakery that she runs from her home in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, where she bakes cakes, king cakes, and cookies to order. Since In the Mix is a personal endeavor, as opposed to a corporation like Cannata’s, Verda is able to directly interact with the community. “I think king cakes remind people of spending time with family and friends, the people you care about most, and just having a good time,” Verda says. “Like the saying goes, laissez les bon temps rouler— or let the good times roll!” Tasty, portable Cajun eats come in many forms. King cake is arguably the most recognizable and iconic Cajun dessert, but there are other deliverable Cajun dishes and snacks deserving of attention— Zapp’s, the original “spicy cajun crawtator” chips, which come in easily packaged bags; Abita beer, which is brewed in its namesake Abita Springs, Louisiana; or Tabasco, the world famous hot sauce that calls Louisiana its home— that all play an important role in shaping the perception of Louisiana food at home and abroad. So, if someone should ever find themselves in the heart of Cajun country, whether it be for a week or just a few hours, they shouldn’t forget to take home a taste of the bayou.
Bar Hopping // Drink Like a Local
Preserving Cajun Music // A Society
by Madison Boudoin, staff writer In the small town of Thibodaux, the Cajun Music Preservation Society is striving to keep authentic Cajun music alive throughout the bayou region of Louisiana. The society is preserving not only the music, but the rich Cajun culture as well. This non-profit organization sends a group of musicians to perform at a variety of events along the bayou, and hosts a Cajun Jam twice a month. The Cajun Jam takes place at Gina’s at the Legion – a restaurant located in downtown Thibodaux. The jam completely ecompasses the true spirit of the Cajun culture – from the lively music, to the delicious food on the menu. Top that off with a family-friendly environment, and the result is an experience like no other. Locals gather from all over the bayou to watch the performance. There are usually around 80 people that go out to the event for some fun. The jam is nothing less than a night filled with entertainment and good times. “I come to the Cajun Jam for the food and music, but nothing beats the people that are here,” says Mark Portier, a Gray native who loves attending this event with his wife, Yvonne. The couple of 54 years finds joy in dancing the night away with their friends to the sound of traditional Cajun instruments. “The atmosphere is just wonderful. Everyone is so friendly and this is why we come here,” says Yvonne Portier. The jam provides a very welcoming atmosphere – one that is a major part of the Cajun culture and can be found all over the bayou region. The Cajun Jam has the right blend of music, food, and people, which give tourists a small insight to life on the bayou. It is a life that can only be experienced by livin’ like a local. To live like a local, means to eat like a local. At the Cajun Jam, tourists get the chance to do just that. Gina’s at the Legion offers authentic Cajun food that can only be found in southern Louisiana. Authentic Cajun food pairs well with an authentic Cajun performance. According to Quenton Fontenot, co-founder of the society, you will never see the same performance twice. This is because all of the musicians are volunteers which leads to a different set of performers for every show. “I think the always changing mix of musicians at our jams is pretty cool,” says Fontenot. This means that each show provides the audience with a unique experience. The musicians have a strong passion for Cajun music that shines through each and every show. “This is my favorite thing to do, and performing is so much fun,” says David Nieland, a volunteer musician. Nieland plays the guitar, and performs at the Cajun Jam regularly to share his passion for Cajun music with others. Nieland says that it is great to share this music with the locals, but it “means even more” to share it with tourists who may be experiencing the Cajun culture for the first time. “While I am playing my guitar, I like to look around and watch everyone dance,” says Nieland. He says it is wonderful to see new people, especially tourists, learning the Cajun dances from the locals. The Cajun Jam provides visitors with the opportunity to become fully immersed into the Cajun culture. The musicians of the Cajun Music Preservation Society are working hard to make Cajun music more available to people in Southeast Louisiana by hosting the Cajun Jam and taking part in as many local events as possible. Learn more and stay up to date on all events by visiting welovecajunmusic.org.