It's that time of year when locally-owned restaurants in Acadiana open their doors and encourage the community to support our indigenous food culture. Lafayette is bursting at the seams with dining establishments that "make our culture so appetizing." And according to the EatLafayette organizers, this year is the biggest one yet. Over 80 restaurants have signed up to participate ranging in cuisines from Asian to home-cooking and Mediterranean to barbeque. There's something for every palate!
When I experiment in the kitchen my inspiration comes from all sorts of places, but I especially love seeing our local talent work wonders in their professional kitchens. There are so many exciting restaurants participating, so many that I have to work out a strategy if I'm going to possibly hit them all! In week one, I managed to have Zeus, Burgersmith, Cafe' Habana City and Jolie's Louisiana Bistro.
As a special treat, Chef Gregory Doucet invited me to try some new dishes from Jolie's spring menu. Let's just say that his future in this industry - and throughout the EatLafayette campaign - will definitely be bright with these new additions. Head on over for their redfish dish, which also features Louisiana shrimp and crabmeat. Or how about bone marrow and oxtail jam? Yes, toast has never tasted so good!
So if you're hankering for new experiences give Jolie's new menu a try. Or stop at any number of the fine establishments listed here: www.eatlafayette.com for an experience uniquely Lafayette.
Let's eat!