The Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism recently announced its new tourism campaign, “Geaux Bold,” encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in a destination that doesn’t hold back and where the authentic spirit of the people who have set this region apart live an unapologetically bold approach to life.
Lafourche Parish, popularly referred to as “Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou,” is located less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans, but it’s light years away in terms of experiences. Life along Bayou Lafourche is simultaneously laid-back and full of excitement, and the bold personalities who live here are eager to introduce visitors to their unique world. It’s a cultural experience unlike anything else in the United States.
The original bold explorers were the Acadians who settled here about 250 years ago, forging a new life in the face of adversity. Their strength of character, refusal to relinquish their traditions, and ability to both work and celebrate hard are all woven into the region’s DNA.
For those unfamiliar with the term (read: those living outside Louisiana), “geaux” is a playful version of the word “go” … spelled with a French twist. It’s what you’ll hear fans screaming at sporting events throughout Louisiana, including the local university, Nicholls State.
“When deciding on a new marketing campaign, we wanted to focus on the experiences that truly resonated with our visitors and highlighted our Cajun culture,” says Ian Wallis, Sales & Marketing Manager at Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. “When we looked at everything one can do in Lafourche Parish, it was a no-brainer that the focus of the new campaign needed to emphasize the incredible amount of bold things our parish has to offer.”
To “Geaux Bold” means paddling through the untamed waterways of Bayou Lafourche, keeping an eye out for the birds above and the alligators lurking at the water’s edge, or sampling authentic Cajun dishes prepared by chefs whose recipes have been passed down from their maw maws and paw paws. It means heading to a festival, letting the music flow through you and learning how to dance like the Cajuns do, or casting a line into the Gulf and reeling in scale-tipping fish. It means celebrating Mardi Gras with people who were strangers this morning and who now feel like family, or strolling through historic sites to learn about the incredible assortment of people who came together in this unique destination to create a “cultural gumbo.”
The new campaign from Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou encourages travelers to come get a taste of both the literal and figuratively bold flavors of the bayou. All they need to pack is a sense of adventure … and probably their stretchy pants.
The new campaign brings with it updated designs for the tourism office’s visitor guide and newsletter, plus a new look for the coveted Cajun Bayou Food Trail T-shirt, which is awarded to visitors who pick up a Food Trail passport and get it stamped at any five of the 18 participating restaurants or six food-related special events.
For more information about planning a trip to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, start at www.lacajunbayou.com. And while you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the all-new Cajun Bayou Visitor Center, which offers an interactive introduction to Lafourche Parish and which will help you boldly plan your visit.
Photos courtesty of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Facebook Page.
“Vanilla” is often used to describe something considered basic or plain, but we’re here to announce that vanilla is never boring on our watch! For National Ice Cream Month this July, destinations are giving the classic vanilla a glow-up – think spices, swirls and surprising mix-ins that are anything but basic. Restaurants and ice cream shops are churning out creative takes on this beloved base flavor, making each vanilla variation worth melting for.
Vanilla goes full-on Southern indulgence here, because Cow Tracks Moo Pie is anything but understated. Chaney’s homemade Cow Tracks ice cream is the real star of the show, with a creamy vanilla base that’s then loaded with chunks of Snickers candy bars and a caramel swirl. As if that isn’t total perfection – brace yourself – it’s then scooped on top of a warm and gooey skillet chocolate chip cookie. What could make this concoction even sweeter? Being able to see the adorable Jersey cows that are on site, providing their fresh milk for the farm’s tasty ice cream. They’re just a moo away from the scoop shop, and visitors can meet the herd on a farm tour while seeing the cow-to-cone magic in action. Vanilla is never plain here … it’s pasture-raised perfection.
This National Ice Cream Month, take your vanilla to new heights … Smoky Mountain heights, to be exact, with the Bear Cone, a whimsical treat found at Dollywood theme park and its resorts, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. This adorable cone, inspired by the black bears of the Smoky Mountains, pairs perfectly with Dollywood’s soft-churn vanilla ice cream. With several topping options available, the Bear Cone turns classic vanilla into a mountain-sized treat worth roaring about.
Queen City Creamery is serving up a birthday party treat you don’t have to share thanks to Cake in a Cup. Layers of house-made vanilla frozen custard, rich fudge, cookie crunchies, chocolate frozen custard and a sizable swirl of icing come together in one perfectly proportioned treat. It’s a creamy, crunchy celebration of vanilla that’s all about treating yourself … no candles required.
Known more for Louisiana’s famed snowballs than sundaes, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is serving up a tasty surprise at Central Sno. This treat starts with creamy vanilla ice cream that’s layered with crumbled Biscoff cookies and rich cookie butter, then topped with whipped cream. In a region where shaved ice usually reigns supreme, this twist on vanilla is a dish worth celebrating.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Milkshake from The Yard
At the original Yard Milkshake Bar in Gulf Shores (the same sweet shop that scored a “Shark Tank” deal and launched a nationwide craze for wild milkshakes) this limited-time special starts with a scoop of vanilla blended with pineapple puree in a vanilla-iced jar rolled in crushed graham crackers. It’s piled high with whipped cream, more graham cracker crumbs, a pineapple puree drizzle, a scoop of Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cookie Dough and, of course, finished with a cherry on top. Born from a beachy brainstorm, The Yard is proving vanilla can go from basic to buzzworthy with the right mix of flavors and fruit.
Homemade vanilla bean ice cream takes the literal cake here at The Carriage House with a chocolate Matilda Cake inspired by the famous cake from the Matilda movie. Served with a luscious raspberry sauce, this dessert pairs a Southern classic with a touch of Hollywood magic, casting vanilla ice cream in the perfect supporting role.
Vanilla gets a bold wake-up call at Smiley’s with a house-made vanilla soft-serve custard affogato, served with a pour of velvety nitro cold brew. This cool, caffeinated combo is simple, sophisticated and sippable, proving that even the most classic flavors can be buzzworthy.
“This year, people seem to have gotten a jump on hauling out the holly and decorating everything that’s not moving,” writes my friend Mindy Bianca, owner of Mindy Bianca Public Relations. “But we suggest taking that holiday spirit on the road and having a few experiences that could result in the best gift of the season: memories made with family and friends. From reindeer prancing through Kentucky to a gingerbread display that hits it out of the park in New York, there’s no shortage of merry and bright adventures waiting in some of MBPR’s client destinations. Get ready to unwrap some one-of-a-kind happenings that will make your season extra bright this year.”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to embrace the magic than spending time with Santa’s favorite critters? This hands-on farm experience lets you get close to a team of more than eight not-so-tiny reindeer, plus you can take a ride on a festive sleigh, stroll through holiday-themed displays and ice sculptures, and spend time with the jolly guy himself. New this year, the farm just added a zipline, so if the sight of these creatures playing reindeer games inspires YOU to really know how to fly … have at it!
“Let it snow” might not be the theme of a Louisiana Christmas, but that doesn’t mean the holiday season is any less jolly here. At Houmas House Estate and Gardens, the Southern Christmas vibe is strong, with majestic oak trees draped in twinkling lights and a grand historic home decked out like something straight out of a classic holiday movie. Guests can stroll the beautifully lit gardens, have a cup of cheer and enjoy delicious culinary offerings.
Frostburg, located on the Mountain Side of Maryland, is home to the nationally recognized Storybook Holiday event, complete with the ever-popular Elf Olympics, kid’s activities, a Christmas market, shops, a featured children’s author and a parade led by none other than Jack Frost himself. Fitting for a town named “Frost”-burg, Mr. Frost closes out the day’s activities by hosting a town-wide snowball fight. The 21st annual Storybook Holiday is scheduled for Saturday, December 7. Even if you can’t make it to town on that particular day, Frostburg is one of the most charmingly decorated holiday towns on the East Coast throughout the season.
They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but what if you could enjoy all the cozy vibes without the food prep and dirty dishes, laborious set-up and take-down of decorations, and the ensuing stress? Have yourself a merrier little Christmas at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Cozy accommodations, carolers and holiday-themed packages (including one featuring a tree in your room) will make your stay as sweet as sugar plums. And just in case your holiday barometer measures in this way: This part of east Tennessee was the set for a bonafide Hallmark movie, “Christmas at Dollywood,” back in 2019.
The Otesaga Resort Hotel is the place to stay during a visit to Cooperstown, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Each year, The Otesaga’s culinary team pulls out all the stops to create an amazing gingerbread creation that’s proudly displayed throughout the holiday season. This time they’ve hit a home run by building a gingerbread replica of historic Doubleday Field. For nearly 100 years, this celebrated baseball stadium has seen everyone from Hall of Famers to lucky kids play America’s pastime here in the village. Now it’s been transformed into gingerbread and royal icing.
Photo courtesy of the Dollywood Company.
If you’re dreaming of a merry and bright holiday season, gather your loved ones, pack your favorite holiday sweaters (ugly or not) and get ready to make memories that will last way longer than the extra pounds you pick up during this festive time of year.
October is National Seafood Month and in celebration of what’s best about Lousiana and Coastal Alabama seafood cookery get to know the chefs who continually are making outstanding contributions to the local seafood industry, put their skills and knowledge to test in culinary competitions, and walked away with a real crown. These chefs, respected leaders within their communities, are passionate about the bounties of the local waters and its impact on their region’s culture. Who are these royals? Mindy Bianca and her staff at Mindy Bianca Public Relations did the hard work of rounding up their “e-fish-cient” list. And I’m reporting on what they discovered here.
Though she grew up in the southwest United States, Chef Amanda trained and worked extensively in Europe during her culinary journey. She received her Cordon Bleu training in Surrey, England, and worked in restaurants across England and Ireland – perhaps most notably serving as head chef for a Michelin Star chef’s pop-up restaurant in Dublin – before setting down roots in Lake Charles. Her international experience shines through at The Terrace, where Italian influence meets Louisiana flavors. In June 2022, she helped break glass ceilings as she was named the Queen of Louisiana Seafood – only the second ever in the 15-year history of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Her winning dish? Pan-seared red drum over tomato polenta with a crawfish cream sauce.
Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Oysters – in any style!
Though he’s famous for his delicious Lane Cake, the state dessert of Alabama, Chef Jim is also known for being a voice for sustainable and local food education. When he served as Executive Chef for the State of Alabama, he focused on sourcing local Alabama ingredients and supporting farmers and fishermen.
In 2011, Chef Jim was dubbed King of American Seafood and traveled the country introducing people to the world of sustainable seafood. He has continued his advocacy efforts as he’s moved forward in his career … and that included representing the U.S. Seafood Industry in this year’s National Geographic Traveller Food Festival in London and appearances in multiple seasons of “Top Chef.” Now he’s the executive chef at Hummingbird Way, sharing his love for local seafood with every diner who walks through his doors. Prior to 2023, he was the only Alabama chef who had ever taken home the crown of King of American Seafood, which leads us to our next chef.
Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Tiradito (Peruvian take on sashimi with citrus sauce)
Home to the National Shrimp Festival, Experience the Oyster seafood festival, and other notable seafood events, the twin beach cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, are certainly the place to be if you want to find some of the best seafood along the Gulf Coast. With more than 20 years working in the seafood industry, Alabama native Chef Brody has definitely made his culinary mark.
He continues to impress diners across the five restaurants and banquet facilities he oversees at the Perdido Beach Resort. He embraces the culinary ways of the Gulf Coast, putting the freshest and best locally sourced ingredients on every plate. Besides the numerous Chef and Restauranteur of the Year awards he has earned throughout his career, Chef Brody is now the newest “royal” in the roundup.
In August, he was crowned King of American Seafood in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, bringing the title back home to Alabama for the first time since 2011, when Chef Jim Smith (above) earned the honor. With saltwater catfish, mole crabs and Gulf shrimp in his winning dish, how could he not wow the judges?
Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Seafood Stuffed Flounder
Besides the crown he received for becoming the Great American Seafood King in 2019, Chef Nathan wears many hats, including professor, private catering business owner and volunteer firefighter … which means he knows how to (safely) turn up the heat in the kitchen! Though he moved to Europe to cook in France and Italy after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, Louisiana remained in his heart. Chef Nathan returned to work at restaurants throughout the American South and settled back in Thibodaux, Louisiana, a few years ago, ready to embrace the Cajun lifestyle once more. When you’re surrounded by the pantry of fresh ingredients that the bayous of Louisiana provide, it only makes sense to cook what you know.
Chef Nathan’s winning cook-off dish was a crawfish and goat cheese king cake, complete with Cajun caviar.
Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and Pan-Fried Speckled Trout with Capers and Lemon
Chefs Keith and Nealy, a husband-and-wife team, were forced out of New Orleans in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, and came to settle in the nearby Northshore. Though they’d both held prestigious restaurant chef positions, they had always dreamed of owning their own restaurant. Thus, LOLA was born. Housed in a historic train depot with the restaurant kitchen tucked away in a caboose, this unique dining establishment keeps it local with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and seafood suppliers.
In 2012, the pair was proclaimed King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood. A year later, Chef Nealy placed second in the popular cooking show “Chopped.” The couple has continued to represent St. Tammany Parish and Louisiana seafood in both their culinary travel and work at LOLA.
Chef Nathan Richard’s Crawfish and Oyster Boudin
Makes 6 links
1 pound crawfish tail meat
1 pound oysters
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup green onion, green and white finely chopped
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup poblano peppers, finely chopped
1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
3 tablespoons green onion, tops only sliced
8 ounces prepared hog casings
In a large bowl, combine crawfish, oysters, salt and peppers. Set aside. In large skillet over medium heat, add canola oil, and cook onions, peppers, celery, garlic and tomato paste until softened, about 5 minutes. Add crawfish/oyster mixture, and cook 15 minutes more. Remove from heat, and fold in rice, parsley and green onion tops.
Stuff casings while filling is still hot, twisting into 4-inch links. In large pan, add crawfish boudin links, and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat, keeping just below a simmer; cook until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain. In a large skillet, cook boudin links over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides
For extra kick, season the bread crumbs, with salt, pepper or cayenne, if you like.
Food and wine enthusiasts will gather in host destination Lake Charles, Louisiana, for the highly anticipated Louisiana Food and Wine Festival next month. Taking place September 14 to 17, this inaugural four-day event will showcase the best of Louisiana’s culinary offerings and local flavors. Set against one of the most picturesque areas in the region that’s nicknamed “Louisiana’s Playground,” the festival will take place at the downtown lakefront area.
The festival will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Southern chefs, including James Beard-nominated celebrity chef and restaurant owner Tiffany Derry, a Texas native who’s made appearances on shows such as “MasterChef,” “Top Chef” and “The Great American Recipe.” There will also be winemakers, food experts, artisans and more, and attendees can partake in master classes, indulge in a wide array of delectable dishes, and sample beverages from the region. Additionally, there will be live music and a marketplace where visitors can purchase local products and crafts, further immersing themselves in Louisiana’s cultural heritage.
This six-course dinner will feature some of the state’s most celebrated chefs, including local legend Chef Amanda Cusey, named Louisiana Seafood Queen last year.
These intimate and interactive experiences will offer tasting bites paired with a signature beverage. Classes vary from Creole cooking to mixology to touring Bayou Rum Distillery and more.
Pitmasters, grill masters, BBQ masters … you name it, they’ll be at Fire on the Lake and serving Louisiana’s best roasted, smoked and grilled dishes. Attendees will receive a souvenir glass and unlimited food and drink tastings for this event.
Demonstrations, live music, Best Taste Awards, artisan booths, and hundreds of food and beverage tastings will come together for the largest event of the festival. Tickets are all-inclusive for tastings, and guests will receive a souvenir glass.
The all-inclusive tickets for brunch allow for unlimited beverage tastings and lavish food stations. Sushi, Louisiana seafood, salad, made-to-order omelet and carving stations, even a Bloody Mary bar will provide attendees with a drool-worthy end to the festival.
In addition to the lakefront happenings, festival-goers are sure to enjoy exploring the lively atmosphere of Lake Charles, an area known for its expansive outdoor offerings, thriving music and arts scene, and gaming resorts. From enjoying live music performances to shelling or birding along the Creole Nature Trail (and definitely spotting a gator or two!), there are plenty of activities to complement the culinary delights. Lake Charles has put together a suggested itinerary for the weekend, which can be viewed HERE.
The Louisiana Food and Wine Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who’s passionate about food and libations. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply eager to explore the vibrant food culture of Louisiana, this festival promises an unforgettable experience in an unforgettable destination. For more information and to stay updated on the festival’s schedule and culinary lineup, or to purchase tickets, visit https://louisianafoodandwinefestival.com/. To further explore everything there is to do in Lake Charles, head to https://www.visitlakecharles.org/.
Can’t make it to the festival this year? Not to worry! Lake Charles will be hosting the Food and Wine Festival annually, and the destination looks forward to growing the event and welcoming guests for years to come. Plan ahead for 2024 and beyond!
We may be in the midst of prime summertime, and there’s still fall and the whole holiday season ahead, but we’re getting ready and counting the days to one of the most exciting cultural events in the country. Yes, you guessed it. Mardi Gras, the iconic Carnival celebration, is just six months away and thus it’s not too early to mark your calendars and make your plans for this incredible, weeks-long event filled with music, parades, costumes and the true spirit of the South.
In 2023, Mardi Gras lands on February 13.
We wanted to get the word out before your inboxes are completely full of haunts, harvests and holidays … because we feel compelled to remind you that all the fun of Mardi Gras extends well beyond New Orleans. We represent six destinations along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Louisiana, all of which have a story-worthy (and family-friendly!) Mardi Gras celebration just waiting to be shared with you. (Please note that these websites will be updated with details in the coming months, so keep referring back to them as you work on stories.)
Alabama
Mobile, Alabama(the true home of America’s first Mardi Gras!)
