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ST. MARTIN PARISH
BAYOU BREWS & ITALIAN CAJUN CUISINE
St. Martin Parish is home to Bayou Teche Brewery, a microbrewery named for the nearby Bayou Teche. This family-owned brewery
incorporates local ingredients and flavors into its brews, resulting in a unique and authentic experience. Visitors can enjoy tours and
tastings, where they can learn about the brewing process and the stories behind each beer. Beyond the beer, the Cajun Saucer serves
mouthwatering pizza combinations, often featuring Cajun ingredients like Andouille sausage, alligator, crawfish, and boudin. Of
course, classic options are also available for those who prefer more traditional toppings. Here you are sure to find the perfect beer and
pizza combination.
PLATE LUNCH TRAIL
The plate lunch, a beloved staple in St. Martin Parish, became especially popular in South Louisiana in the late 19th Century as a practical
solution for farmers and laborers who relied on these hearty and affordable meals to fuel their work in the fields. These Styrofoam spreads
typically consisted of a protein, a starch (like rice or potatoes), and a side of vegetables. Restaurants and diners began offering their
versions of the plate lunch, each adding their unique twists and flavors. These meals became a cornerstone of community gatherings,
family celebrations, and everyday dining experiences. Today, the plate lunch remains a cherished tradition in St. Martin Parish and is home
to several plate lunch hotspots. Find your favorites at CajunCountry.org/blog/post/plate-lunch-trail
CRAWFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Crawfish went from being a dishonorable dish to one of the most popular foods in Louisiana, all thanks to restaurants in Breaux Bridge.
Restaurants in Breaux Bridge were the first to offer crawfish openly on their menus, and it was here that the now world-famous crawfish
etouffee was created. Breaux Bridge became so well known for its crawfish farming and cooking, that in honor of its centennial celebration
in 1959, the Louisiana Legislature officially designated Breaux Bridge as “la capitale Mondiale de l’ecrevisse” or “the crawfish capital of
the world.” Since this designation, Breaux Bridge has hosted the annual Crawfish Festival, recognized as one of the state’s finest festivals.
St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission | 888-565-5939 | CajunCountry.org
CAJUN COAST
SUGAR
St. Mary Parish is home to over 30,000 acres of sugar cane. Louisiana has long been known for its importance in the world’s sugar industry
with sugar mills throughout Louisiana producing over 2 million tons of raw sugar providing an economic value of almost $4 billion to the
state’s economy. Sugar, this sweet commodity, is the main ingredient to Louisiana’ cozy relationship with dessert. It’s the main ingredient
in bread pudding, a staple in homes and menus across Louisiana, pralines, a wonderful caramelized sweet treat with pecan, as well as
other delicious treats including Mardi Gras King Cakes and Morgan City’s famous pecan logs by the Candy Cottage. Come indulge in your
personal dessert trail on the Cajun Coast!
ATCHAFALAYA AND ALL THAT JAZZ!
St. Mary Parish is the southern-most gateway to the Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, the largest overflow swamp in the US and home to most of the
wild crawfish caught in Louisiana. More than 1,000 commercial fishermen harvest crawfish from the Atchafalaya Basin. The combined annual
yield ranges from 100 million to 120 million pounds. The total economic contribution to the Louisiana economy exceeds $300 million annually,
and more than 7,000 people depending directly or indirectly on the crawfish industry. Crawfish are seasonal from mid-January to June and are
not only served in restaurants and boiling places, but are the great excuses to gather family and friends
SHRIMPLY DELICIOUS FOOD TRAIL
Come explore the Cajun Coast’s Shrimply Delicious Food Trail. With over 30 locations to choose from, you can enjoy Louisiana’s favorite
seafood until your heart’s content. Morgan City is home to the oldest state chartered harvest festival in Louisiana, the Louisiana Shrimp
& Petroleum Festival. Over 15,000 jobs are attributed to the shrimping industry with an annual impact of over 1.3 billion per year. Shrimp
bread, shrimp dip, fried shrimp, shrimp poboy are not just Forest Gump talk – but authentic cuisine on the Cajun Coast.
Carrie Stansbury | Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau | cstansbury@cajuncoast.com | 800-256-2931 | cajuncoast.com
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