Where Should a LA Tech fan eat in Acadiana?

[CajunFun]

I've heard of this place. It has my vote!!

Funny, when I think of all the great restaurants we have, none of them are Cajun. It isn't that Cajun food isn't great, it's just that there's a problem with quality and consistency-- not to mention, way too much pepper. Apparently our best chefs are more interested in doing something else. But I haven't tried Bon Temps (and I believe 'bon' needs an s, 'bons').

You're not going to want to pile back into the car, but one of the few places I eat Cajun is Riverfront Inn in Abbeville. Food is good, but mainly you can sit outside by the Vermilion River.

Or drive all the way to the Regatta in Lake Arthur, view is spectacular. But it's a drive.

In Lafayette, consider Saint Street Inn, almost all local ingredients. Pricey, but first-rate.

I have a Canadian friend who eats Thai all over the country, he says Thai Cuisine is the best he's found.

Never had a bad meal at Marcello's. Not even a bad dish. Fabulous food, great wine, but it's pricey.

Mazen's is good, but pricey.

Filling Station downtown has the best burgers in the area.

We have a metric poop-ton of Middle Eastern restaurants.

It's embarrassing, but the best fish in town is not local, but a chain: Bonefish.

Lot of sushi restaurants, my favorite is probably Sakura.

Used to get great meals at Cafe Vermilionville, had one mediocre experience, haven't been back, probably need to give them another chance. This one is 'neo-Cajun' a la K-Paul Prudhomme (which is a whole 'nother cuisine), pricey. Not far from campus.

Blue Dog is also neo-Cajun. It's good, but I've had problems with consistency, and again, sometimes they're heavy on the pepper.

You missed crawfish seaon, so I won't even go there.

If you want three opinions on the best restaurant in town, ask two Cajuns.

[Turbine]

" one of the few places I eat Cajun is Riverfront Inn in Abbeville. Food is good, but mainly you can sit outside by the Vermilion River."

I live here, but Joe I need to ask, have you eaten there since the main building burnt down?

I have not so I don't know if they have the full menu going on right now.

They seem to be using the Catering building as the restaurant (till they rebuild down the road) and yes you can still sit on the river outside.

I just don't know if the atmosphere is ranked or tanked since the fire???

[ManAboutTown]

" one of the few places I eat Cajun is Riverfront Inn in Abbeville. Food is good, but mainly you can sit outside by the Vermilion River."

I live here, but Joe I need to ask, have you eaten there since the main building burnt down?

I have not so I don't know if they have the full menu going on right now.

They seem to be using the Catering building as the restaurant (till they rebuild down the road) and yes you can still sit on the river outside.

I just don't know if the atmosphere is ranked or tanked since the fire???

Speaking of.. Most underrated food in the area.. The Villager in Maurice. Seriously up there with Old Tyme for poboys..

[boxerdog]

I think Riverside Inn has the most consistently good seafood in Lafayette. It's somewhat hidden off of Hwy 90, but if you find it, it's worth it.

Would you mind giving me a few suggestions on what menu items we should try?

[anhil8tor]

Friends don't let out of town friends eat at preteens. If you want seafood hit up riverside

[ManAboutTown]

Speaking of.. Most underrated food in the area.. The Villager in Maurice. Seriously up there with Old Tyme for poboys..

Or is it The Village Cafe?

[Duggie35]

Would you mind giving me a few suggestions on what menu items we should try?

I have never had anything that I didn't enjoy, but you can't go wrong with the seafood platter (a little of everything). The Crab dinner, Crabmeat Imperial or Crabmeat Au Gratin are also great. For those that might like a salad for dinner, the "House Salad" is a meal in itself and includes Shrimp, Jumbo lump Crab meat and Crawfish. These are just a few suggestions, but there are plenty of other dishes that are all great.

Good luck.

[zephyr]

It's been a blast ribbing with you guys over the past couple of days! Honestly, I appreciate what's going on at your university. I have a genuine interest in the progress being made, and don't feel threatened by it (like some of our fans). I've stated publicly, numerous times, that I think it's in the best interest of both schools for us to be in same conference (not the Sunbelt). I watch every game I can, and always pull for y'all, unless there is an obvious conflict of interest.

As for the game, I do think LaTech stands a good chance to win. That said, I will not be shocked by being sent home with a loss. If y'all win, it will be hard-earned and deserved.

My party is probably going to each lunch at Prejeans, then we'll check into our hotel and quickly make our way to the stadium. I'd enjoy meeting any of you, and will happily exchange in trashtalk leading up to contest.

As for my banter on here, it's all in good humor--I promise. I wanted to say this because I might have a fairly busy end to the work week, and don't want to leave an inaccurate impression. When all is said and done, we'll contribute to the economy of one of the best cities in the state and have a great time doing so! See y'all Saturday!!!

I'd prefer Don's Seafood Hut on Johnston Street. It has a better atmosphere than Prejeans and the food is a bit better IMO, especially if you want some good chargrilled oysters. I'd also recommend Blue Dog Cafe and French Press although French Press is really not a seafood joint. Deanos is pizza. If that is what you are in the mood for that's fine but you won't get seafood there, at least not the type of seafood you want.

Have a safe trip to and from and lets hope the weather is better than we had yesterday and certainly better than last weekend.

[CharlieK]

Ahhhh....the visitor food thread. My favorite tradition.

[basinbear]

Well, we are tourists you know. What do you suggest? I have a couple of buddies that are hellbent on eating at Prejeans.

If you want seafood Blue Dog Café on Pinhook....great lunch and Dinner...also Dons Seafood Downtown on Lee Ave always has been a favorite of mine for Fried Seafood....especially the Oysters

[cajunfan337]

...It isn't that Cajun food isn't great, it's just that there's a problem with quality and consistency-- not to mention, way too much pepper.

See, this is the debate I have with people who aren't from the acadiana area. I HATE spicy stuff. I absolutely think it kills a dish. If you want spicy, just drink hot sauce. But those outsiders say "woah, you're cajun and you hate spicy? Isn't that sacrilege?"

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Cajun cooking has always been about using spices to enhance flavoring to a dish, not increase the heat.

[MelRock]

There is a huge difference between spicy and hot. The problem with most people is they think putting cayenne pepper or hot sauce on something makes it Cajun, wrong.