Page 7 - tastelastoryideas2025FLIPBOOK

CENTRAL LOUISIANA: FLAVORS FROM THE CROSSROADS

ALEXANDRIA PINEVILLE

TASTE CENTRAL LOUISIANA: FROM CLASSIC COMFORT TO CRAFT COCKTAILS
In the Heart of Louisiana, every meal tells a story. Enjoy craft cocktails and local favorites at Spirits Food & Friends, or dine under the chandeliers of
the historic Diamond Grill, a former 1930s jewelry store turned fine-dining gem. Savor delicious lunch specials at Word of Mouth Café, lakeside
crawfish at Tunk’s Cypress Inn, and crispy boudin balls from Quebedeaux’s. Try Bellino’s Restaurant for the special Bellino’s Mardi Gras Bread
or Bellino’s Italian Salad, then head to Lou & Laura’s for burgers, po’boys, and broasted chicken. Finish late-night at The Mirror Room, where
handcrafted cocktails and a refreshing experience make for the perfect end to any culinary adventure. Alexandria/Pineville offers an authentic
taste of Southern hospitality and flavor.

POLISHED TO PERFECTION: DINING INSIDE ALEXANDRIA’S HISTORIC GEM
Step into elegance at The Diamond Grill, where history sparkles just as much as the chandeliers. Housed in a fully restored 1930s-era jew-
elry store in downtown Alexandria, this iconic restaurant blends fine dining with a timeless atmosphere. From the moment you walk into the
twenty-two-foot ceilings to your table beneath the original chandeliers, every detail tells a story of craftsmanship and care. The menu features
Southern-inspired steaks, seafood, and signature dishes—like the Stuffed Salmon or The Diamond Grill Crab Cake—elevated with nostalgia.
Once a symbol of luxury retail, The Diamond Grill now shines as one of Central Louisiana’s most memorable dining experiences, beloved by
locals and a must-stop for culinary travelers. Come for the ambiance, stay for the flavor, and leave with a story to tell.

FLAVORS ON WHEELS: THE FRONT YARD FOOD TRUCK EXPERIENCE IN PINEVILLE
The Front Yard Food Trucks are a vibrant community gathering spot where food lovers can enjoy a rotating lineup of local trucks serving savory
dishes, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages. More than just a place to eat, it’s a hub for connection and celebration—hosting themed events
and popular gatherings that bring together food trucks, local artisans, and live entertainment for all ages. Whether you’re craving casual
bites or a fun night out with friends and family, the Front Yard Food Trucks offer a dynamic taste of Central Louisiana’s culinary creativity and
community spirit.

Plan your trip at Alexandria/Pineville.

AVOYELLES PARISH

FESTIVALS TO FEAST: COCHON DE LAIT FESTIVAL AND LOUISIANA CORN FESTIVAL
There’s no better place to experience, and taste, an authentic cochon de lait than the Cochon de Lait Capital of the World. What began in
1960 as a Centennial Celebration for the town of Mansura, the Cochon de Lait Festival has since evolved over the years into one of the premier
cultural events in Louisiana, garnering worldwide attention. Held annually on the second weekend of May, this community event celebrates
the centuries-old culinary tradition of roasting pigs over an open fire.

Aw shucks! We’re crazy about corn in Bunkie. Held every year on the second full weekend in June, the Louisiana Corn Festival celebrates the
agricultural economy in Avoyelles Parish and all things corn. Show off your skills in the corn shucking, corn eating and corn cooking competi-
tions or enjoy local music and crafts.

MADE IN AVOYELLES
Visit Avoyelles natives producing some of the state’s most beloved food items.
Bernard’s Seafood Company in Cottonport has provided Avoyelles Parish with crawfish and seafood since 1983. From harvest to shipping,
their recent expansion has made them completely self-sufficient, with all operations now conducted in a new, state-of-the-art facility. They now
ship crawfish all over the U.S. Take a tour of the plant and sample the products when you visit this locally owned, family business.

What began in the kitchen of a local farmer in 2011 with a bumper crop of homegrown tomatoes has since expanded into an industrial oper-
ation. Today, 2 Sisters’ Salsa can be found on store shelves in 10,000 locations across more than 40 states. See how it’s made and sample a
variety of Louisiana-inspired salsas in Plaucheville, Louisiana.

If you’re a fan of the world-famous crawfish bread at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, add Avoyelles to your travel list! Crawfish
bread is made in Marksville, Louisiana, and is a product of Panaroma Foods, Inc. When you visit Panaroma, try the famous fan favorite along
with other staples like shrimp bread, sausage bread, and fresh cinnamon rolls big enough to share-or not.
Plan your trip at Travel Avoyelles.
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