Tis' the season for sundresses and broad-brimmed hats, foot stomping and girl twirling, it's Festival time! Festival International is upon us and the only thing with more variety and charm than the music is the food. Sure, other festivals have lots of munchies to choose from, but food enthusiasts know that there's no spread quite like FIL's.
Browsing the list of food vendors had my mouth watering: crawfish pistolettes, gator bites, spinach pie, chargrilled oysters, blackened tuna wrap and Cuban sandwiches? In one place? Yes, ladies and gents some our favorite local joints will be on-hand with their go-to dishes, but you can also expect some surprises and traditional carnival-esque food to make an appearance too.
If like to plan your festival experience ahead of time, head on over to www.festivalinternational.com and check out the complete listing of food vendors under the "Music, Food, Arts & Crafts" tab. And to make things even easier, the genius staff of FIL organized the vendors by stage, so you coordinate mealtime accordingly.
Here are a listing of the vendors that will be on site. And I've made a few special notes for you first-timers.
Alligator Shakes
Antlers
Blue Dog Cafe'
*Bon Creole Seafoods Inc. - Their crawfish & spinach boat is so popular that the team at BBR Creative even created a "Boat Captain" profile pic icon in celebration of the upcoming festivities (head over to www.bbrfest.com to get yours).
Clambeaugh's
Crepes a la Cart
Dairy King
Deano's
Dix
Ice Shack
Fezzo's
Fil Asian Kitchen
Freetown Fries
Jefferson Street Pub - these guys will fit nicely in the Biergarten (beer garden). Try their shepard's pie for something unexpected, and oh so comforting.
Kona Ice of Acadiana
*Knights of Columbus - the KC's will be near the children's stage, perfect spot for popcorn, burgers & dogs for the whole family!
Lagneaux's
LA strEAT
Meltdown
Norberts Restaurant
Pelon's Mexican Hot Dogs
*Poor Boy's Riverside Inn - Have out of town guests in town? Two words: gator balls.
Poseidon's
Poupart's
Snow-T-Go
*Teak's - pulled pork nachos, no explanation needed!
Viva La Waffle -
Zea Rotisserie & Grill
Zeus Cafe'
And if you can't get enough with Festival International, there's another special treat right around the corner. INNOV8, a festival of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that flanks Festival International will offer a special event to tempt your taste buds. Join this community celebration for INNOV8 the Plate on April 28th from 6-9 pm at Jefferson Street Pub.
This "eat and greet" will feature a quick round table with food producers, manufacturers, restaurateurs and chefs. The night will end with samples of their most innovative dishes.
Find our more at www.innov8lafayette.com