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RIDING THE GULF WATERS, SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
BRINGS TRAILS OF FRESH SEAFOOD & BOUDIN sENSATION

LAKE CHARLES/SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

UPSCALE & DOWNHOME DINING: A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL TASTE OF LAKE CHARLES TO MATCH EVERY PRICE POINT
From our bayous to the soul, right in a piping-hot bowl, you’ll get a traditional taste of Louisiana’s staples, including jambalaya, gum-
bo, crawfish, muffulettas, étouffée, po’boys, red beans and rice, bread pudding, and more. No matter your price point, Lake Charles
has excelled in the culinary status quo for upscale and downhome dining. If you prefer a low-lit, upscale, private dining experience with
exclusive wine lists and cocktail programs, make dinner reservations at one of our casino resorts, like Golden Nugget or L’Auberge. You
can dine poolside, beachside, or at your bedside in a ritzy and high-class atmosphere. More casino resort dining options are available
at Delta Downs and Horseshoe. For an affordable night out with friends or family, explore the mid-priced restaurants around the Lake
Area that serve fresh ingredients with artistry in mind. Locals and visitors love Restaurant Calla, Crying Eagle Brewing Company, The
Bekery, and Luna Bar &Grill because of the relaxing atmosphere and good food. It’s normal to trade frills for a flavorful down-home
meal in Lake Charles. The city specializes in casual food, including plate lunches and grab-n-go bites. Snag a bag of cracklins at Fa-
mous Foods, a Creole plate lunch from Leonard’s Food Quarters, all things Louisiana at Steamboat Bill’s Seafood, a legendary po’boy
from Darrell’s, and some of the best fried chicken in the South at Mama Reta’s Kitchen. There’s a surplus of quality food, delicious drinks,
and Cajun and Creole cuisine to match every price point in Louisiana’s Playground.

ENVIE EATS: THE DESIRE TO EAT A LOT!
“Louisiana’s Playground” is a podcast about all there is to experience in Lake Charles. Join hosts Brady Renard and Jillian Corder as they
share fresh perspectives from locals, businesses, and area experts about the best-kept secrets of Southwest Louisiana. This podcast will give
you all the tools you need to build your personal Lake Charles itinerary. Each episode begins with the Envie Eats segment, where the hosts
take a deep dive into a featured restaurant’s history, food and drink, and overall experience. With over forty episodes, the duo has covered
local favorites such as Seafood Palace and The Villa Harlequin and new dining options like The Terrace. For in-depth culinary conversa-
tions with local experts, tune into Episode 5 with Chef Scott Landry, Episode 12 with Samantha Carroll, and Episode 20 with Chef Amanda
Cusey. Listen here or anywhere you get your podcasts: visitlakecharles.org/podcast

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF THE BOUDIN TRAIL
Craving a unique taste of Louisiana? Southwest Louisiana has its own culinary crown jewel: boudin. This savory sausage, a link of pork, liv-
er, rice, and seasonings, is a local favorite enjoyed any time of day. Don’t be fooled by its humble ingredients – boudin comes in a surprising
variety, from the classic to adventurous options like crawfish, shrimp, or even alligator. It’s not just sold by the link, either. Many eateries offer
fried boudin balls stuffed with cheese, boudin egg rolls, and other unique dishes.

Launched in 2009, the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail includes over 30 mom-and-pop shops and grocery stores, each offering their own
take on this beloved sausage. It’s more than just a food tour; it’s a chance to meet friendly locals, discover hidden gems, and experience true
Southern hospitality.

TEN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA FOOD EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2025
1. Chuck Eats Restaurant Week
2. Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off
3. Rum Revival
4. Cajun Music and Food Festival
5. Holly Beach Crab Festival
6. Louisiana Food & Wine Festival
7. Crying Eagle Octoberfest
8. Rouge et Blanc Wine Festival For a full list of festivals, fairs, and events
9. Smoke & Barrel: A Celebration of Bourbon, BBQ, and Whiskey in Southwest Louisiana, go to
10. Starks Mayhaw Festival
VisitLakeCharles.org/events.

Kathryn Shea Duncan | Visit Lake Charles | kduncan@visitlakecharles.org | 337-436-9588 | VisitLakeCharles.org
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