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LAKE CHARLES/SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
Jambalaya, gumbo, spicy crawfish, boudin and bread pudding, these are just a few things you can sample of Southwest Louisiana’s famous
Cajun French and Creole cuisine. Cajuns and Creoles in Southwest Louisiana like to tap their toes to good music while dining. Don’t miss out
on delicious seafood and fine dining seasoned to perfection. There are also many culinary events throughout the year that feature savory local
dishes.
SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA BOUDIN TRAIL
In Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, chefs and cooks alike enjoy utilizing what nature provides from the woods, prairies, lakes, bayous or the
Gulf of Mexico. Cajun and Creole cuisines are prevalent, and boudin is a staple snack for most residents. The Southwest Louisiana Boudin
Trail has over 30 stops featuring Southwest Louisiana’s favorite finger food. It’s a flavorful hybrid of pork, rice, liver, onions, and spices that are
stuffed in a hog casing. Some boudin makers even use crawfish, shrimp, or alligator, on occasion – especially during Lent. Every boudin master
has a secret recipe that’s been handed down from generation to generation. The trail takes you off the beaten path to mom and pop shops,
grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants.
CAJUN FUSION COOKING
Jambalaya, gumbo, flavorful Louisiana boiled seafood, boudin and bread pudding, these are just a few things you can sample in Southwest
Louisiana. Or, spice up your visit with a jazz brunch from Chef Dave Evans at Luna Bar & Grill, and don’t miss out on delicious seafood and fine
dining seasoned to perfection at restaurants throughout Southwest Louisiana. Chefs in Lake Charles highlight our delicious Cajun food and
culture in both traditional and creative dishes. You will find a variety of food experiences in Southwest Louisiana from the most sophisticated
to rustic, and no matter what is on the menu, there will be a touch of Cajun influence. The area’s 4 gaming resort properties each have flavors
to savor as well: Golden Nugget, L’Auberge Casino Resort, the Isle of Capri, and Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel.
BREWS AND SPIRITS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
Crying Eagle Brewing Co., found along the Louisiana Brewery Trail, features tours and tastings as well as a beer garden to enjoy beautiful
Southwest Louisiana outdoors, live music and food truck events! Or, taste Bayou® Rum, craft distilled from locally grown fresh Louisiana
sugarcane. Their signature recipe uses 100% single estate molasses produced by the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the United
States. It’s craft spirit making at its best. The beautiful facility offers free distillery tours, a rum tasting bar, and a gift shop. Yellowfin Vodka is the
newest craft spirits distillery to open in Southwest Louisiana. Made exclusively from premium Louisiana cane sugar, Yellowfin Vodka, is proudly
fermented, distilled, filtered and bottled in-house at the Yellowfin Distillery in Sulphur, LA. And, for an aromatic cup of coffee, Acadian Coffee
Roasters in Lake Charles, provides delectable selections of their “brews!”
GET YOUR SWEET TOOTH FIX
Sometimes you just need to indulge yourself and not worry about counting calories. When you’re in the Lake Charles area, you can bet that
there are tons of sweet treats to try. No matter what your favorite dessert is, you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy. If you’re in the
mood for fresh baguettes, scones, biscuits, muffins, gelato, or coffee; the Bekery bakes goodies fresh every morning, and you may enjoy your
treat outside on their covered patio. Inside the Golden Nugget lies The Chocolate Box, where you can fix your sweet tooth with gourmet
chocolates, handmade confections, novelty candy, and Blue Bell Ice Cream until the wee hours of the morning. Lulu’s Specialty Snocones and
More will blow you away with their wacky and unique snocone creations, topped high with your choice of candy, treats, and decorations!
Kathryn Shea Duncan | Visit lake Charles | kduncan@visitlakecharles.org | 337-436-9588 | VisitLakeCharles.org
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