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Articles Better Living USA South
“Y’all come as you are, you’ll leave different after you eat our cooking.”
Chef Scott Landry, Lake Charles, Louisiana
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA, USA – Visitors to Southwest Louisiana should get ready to experience a culinary experience unlike any other. Of course Cajun cuisine dominates, but with a different twist than you’ll find in parts east like Lafayette or New Orleans. Yes you can find all the seafood classics that made those other destinations legendary culinary hot spots, but you’ll also find a distinctly land based, rustic twist to the cuisine of Southwest Louisiana in establishments ranging from casual dives to sophisticated haute cuisine restaurants.
This area is, after all, where the bayous meet the prairies. Likewise, meat is as well represented as seafood. In addition to the restaurant picks below, be sure to check out our article on Southwest Louisiana’s Boudin Trail for news of where to get the best Cajun Pork and Rice sausage anywhere.
Like all of our food round up articles, the restaurants are in no particular order (except for the number one spot, our favorite restaurant find in the area).
Le Truffe Sauvage
The best food we had in the Lake Charles area came from the area’s most upscale fine dining establishment (believe me, this is not always the case, even though it should be), Le Truffe Sauvage.
Algerian born and trained chef Mohamed Chettouh combines the French influences from his homeland with the local ingredients of Southwest Louisiana to create spectacular sophisticated food -- its roots firmly planted in classic European tradition yet highlighting the diverse flavors of local regional ingredients. When I visited we feasted on such creative fare as Oysters with Granny Smith and Champagne Aspic, Partridge and Black Currant Ravioli in a Truffled Oxtail Consommé, and South Texas Antelope Loin with Celery Root Gratin and a Roasted Shallot Bordelaise Sauce.
The chef’s expert hand at pairing the right combination of fresh ingredients with the perfect amount of seasoning, along with the first rate service and chic atmosphere of Le Truffe Sauvage makes for a dining experience that linger fondly in the memory long after the meal is finished.
The menu here changes constantly depending on what’s in season and what’s best at the market, but you’re in good hands no matter what’s being served. You’ll always find at least one vegan choice included, so everyone can find something they like here. If you want to splurge on food while visiting Southwest Louisiana, this is the place to do it. You won’t be disappointed.
Blue Duck Café
Diners at the Blue Duck Café shouldn’t be surprised if, after he's prepared their dinner, Chef /Owner Briant Smith strips off his chef’s jacket and straps on a guitar to join the house band in cranking out some funky Southern style rockin’ blues.
Smith prepares what he calls “Camp Cookin’ at his unassuming restaurant. As he explains, a “camp” in Louisiana parlance can mean anything from a fishing shack lacking electricity and indoor plumbing to a multi-million dollar waterfront mansion. In other words, any home the user considers their second or vacation home.
This definition translates well to Briant’s “Louisiana Real and Rustic” cuisine. Made up from local ingredients and a heavy Cajun influence, you’ll find surprising sophisticated elements interspersed with the casual down-home dishes. The creamy oyster “stew” served over puff pastry is a good example. Seasoned with in such a way to make you keep pondering the flavors while trying to discern the tantalizing mystery ingredient (in this case it was Pernod), the Blue Duck shows that simple cuisine can also be quite sophisticated. Another highlight were the red potatoes smoked with green pecan wood creating a simple side dish that this writer will never forget.
In a dinner filled with several excellent dishes, what stood out most of all was the “Redfish on the Half Shell.” The half shell in this instance refers to the fish’s sturdy scales. Chef Briant leaves them on during grilling as they help to protect the delicately flavored redfish flesh. This was easily one of the best fish dishes I have ever tasted. In fact it was so tasty that one of the members of my group happilypolished off everything on her plate -- eveincluding n the scale covered side of the filet! When the chef informed her that this wasn’t his intention, he couldn’t argue with the happy diner’s assertion that every part of the dish, including the blackened scales, was delicious.
The Blue Duck Cafe also serves daily plate lunches, sandwiches and other casual fare during the daytime.
Sylvia’s Bistro
Just a couple doors down from The Blue Duck Café you’ll find Sylvia’s Bistro. As both establishments feature live entertainment, you may even want to walk between the two depending on which band is on a break.
Sylvia’s has a full bar and plenty of room for dancing. They also serve some terrific authentic brick oven pizza. So if you happen to get tired of Cajun fare while visiting Lake Charles (hey, it could happen), Sylvia’s Bistro can provide an excellent change of pace.
Pujo St. Café
Housed in an historic structure in downtown that dates back to 1898, the Pujo Street Café’s building has gone through several incarnations and transformations through the years. It started life as Gordon’s Drugstore. The then wooden structure was covered in brick in 1902 – one of only 3 brick buildings in the lumber town of Lake Charles. It was a good thing because the brick helped it survive the tragic demise of many of its neighboring buildings during the Great Fire of 1910. After the pharmacy moved, the building housed a department store then an insurance agency before being restored and used as the chic upscale-casual restaurant and bar it is today.
New (as of this writing in 2009) chef Jim Green came from a stint at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. He uses local ingredients wherever possible and puts a sophisticated spin on his contemporary Southern cuisine.
Expect a nice selection of meat, chicken and especially seafood dishes here (sorry not much for vegetarians on the dinner menu). The shrimp bisque is especially not to be missed – flavorful and rich without overwhelming. They also offer a terrific selection of creative sandwiches and casual fare for lunchtime and full bar where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the big game.
Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen
A small dive filled to the brim with locals, especially at lunchtime, Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen is a terrific inexpensive place to stop for a traditional Southern “Plate Lunch” (entrée with two side dishes).
A featured stop on the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail (see the Related Travel articles section below for more details), Hackett's serves up some terrific sausage. In additional to traditional Cajun Pork and Rice Boudin, try some of their unique Shrimp or Crawfish Boudin or flavorful Alligator Sausage (my favorite dish at Hackett’s).
You can also pick local specialties like Cracklins, Tasso Ham, Slab Bacon, Ham Hocks or Hog Cheese. Hunters should note that Hackett’s will be happy to process your deer for you.
Seafood Palace
Another stop in the local dive category, you can get some decent seafood dishes here while keeping your food budget well in check.
The fried crab claws are terrific, as are fried catfish, shrimp and oysters. And if you haven’t had enough boudin yet, they serve it here. The fried Boudin Balls are especially good.
While I’m told the Seafood Palace is known locally for their gumbo, the seafood version I tried left me unimpressed. Maybe it’s just me, but it lacked the depth and complexity I want a good gumbo to have. They do fried seafood and boudin well here, I advise ordering that instead, or if you want to avoid fried food, try a steaming platter of Gulf Coast Blue Crabs.
La Truffe Sauvage is located at 815 Bayou Pines West in Lake Charles, LA 70601. For reservations phone 337-439-8364 or visit their website at www.latruffesauvage.com .
Find the Blue Duck Café at 345 Broad Street in Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone 337-721-1967 or visit www.BlueDuckCafe.com.
Sylvia’s Bistro is a couple of doors down at 329 Broad Street in Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone 337-433-8028 or click to www.SylviasBistro.com.
Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen can be found at 5614 Gerstner Memorial Dr. in Lake Charles, LA 70607. Phone 337-905-3013.
The Seafood Palace is located at 2218 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone them at 337-433-9293.
For information about visiting Southwest Louisiana or to find lodgings and more travel options phone the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-456-SWLA or 337-436-9588 or visit their website website at www.VisitLakeCharles.com.
Articles Better Living USA South
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Chef Scott Landry, Lake Charles, Louisiana
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA, USA – Visitors to Southwest Louisiana should get ready to experience a culinary experience unlike any other. Of course Cajun cuisine dominates, but with a different twist than you’ll find in parts east like Lafayette or New Orleans. Yes you can find all the seafood classics that made those other destinations legendary culinary hot spots, but you’ll also find a distinctly land based, rustic twist to the cuisine of Southwest Louisiana in establishments ranging from casual dives to sophisticated haute cuisine restaurants.
This area is, after all, where the bayous meet the prairies. Likewise, meat is as well represented as seafood. In addition to the restaurant picks below, be sure to check out our article on Southwest Louisiana’s Boudin Trail for news of where to get the best Cajun Pork and Rice sausage anywhere.
Like all of our food round up articles, the restaurants are in no particular order (except for the number one spot, our favorite restaurant find in the area).
Le Truffe Sauvage The best food we had in the Lake Charles area came from the area’s most upscale fine dining establishment (believe me, this is not always the case, even though it should be), Le Truffe Sauvage.
Algerian born and trained chef Mohamed Chettouh combines the French influences from his homeland with the local ingredients of Southwest Louisiana to create spectacular sophisticated food -- its roots firmly planted in classic European tradition yet highlighting the diverse flavors of local regional ingredients. When I visited we feasted on such creative fare as Oysters with Granny Smith and Champagne Aspic, Partridge and Black Currant Ravioli in a Truffled Oxtail Consommé, and South Texas Antelope Loin with Celery Root Gratin and a Roasted Shallot Bordelaise Sauce.
The chef’s expert hand at pairing the right combination of fresh ingredients with the perfect amount of seasoning, along with the first rate service and chic atmosphere of Le Truffe Sauvage makes for a dining experience that linger fondly in the memory long after the meal is finished.
The menu here changes constantly depending on what’s in season and what’s best at the market, but you’re in good hands no matter what’s being served. You’ll always find at least one vegan choice included, so everyone can find something they like here. If you want to splurge on food while visiting Southwest Louisiana, this is the place to do it. You won’t be disappointed.
Blue Duck Café Diners at the Blue Duck Café shouldn’t be surprised if, after he's prepared their dinner, Chef /Owner Briant Smith strips off his chef’s jacket and straps on a guitar to join the house band in cranking out some funky Southern style rockin’ blues.
Smith prepares what he calls “Camp Cookin’ at his unassuming restaurant. As he explains, a “camp” in Louisiana parlance can mean anything from a fishing shack lacking electricity and indoor plumbing to a multi-million dollar waterfront mansion. In other words, any home the user considers their second or vacation home.
This definition translates well to Briant’s “Louisiana Real and Rustic” cuisine. Made up from local ingredients and a heavy Cajun influence, you’ll find surprising sophisticated elements interspersed with the casual down-home dishes. The creamy oyster “stew” served over puff pastry is a good example. Seasoned with in such a way to make you keep pondering the flavors while trying to discern the tantalizing mystery ingredient (in this case it was Pernod), the Blue Duck shows that simple cuisine can also be quite sophisticated. Another highlight were the red potatoes smoked with green pecan wood creating a simple side dish that this writer will never forget.
In a dinner filled with several excellent dishes, what stood out most of all was the “Redfish on the Half Shell.” The half shell in this instance refers to the fish’s sturdy scales. Chef Briant leaves them on during grilling as they help to protect the delicately flavored redfish flesh. This was easily one of the best fish dishes I have ever tasted. In fact it was so tasty that one of the members of my group happilypolished off everything on her plate -- eveincluding n the scale covered side of the filet! When the chef informed her that this wasn’t his intention, he couldn’t argue with the happy diner’s assertion that every part of the dish, including the blackened scales, was delicious.
The Blue Duck Cafe also serves daily plate lunches, sandwiches and other casual fare during the daytime.
Sylvia’s Bistro
Just a couple doors down from The Blue Duck Café you’ll find Sylvia’s Bistro. As both establishments feature live entertainment, you may even want to walk between the two depending on which band is on a break.
Sylvia’s has a full bar and plenty of room for dancing. They also serve some terrific authentic brick oven pizza. So if you happen to get tired of Cajun fare while visiting Lake Charles (hey, it could happen), Sylvia’s Bistro can provide an excellent change of pace.
Pujo St. Café
Housed in an historic structure in downtown that dates back to 1898, the Pujo Street Café’s building has gone through several incarnations and transformations through the years. It started life as Gordon’s Drugstore. The then wooden structure was covered in brick in 1902 – one of only 3 brick buildings in the lumber town of Lake Charles. It was a good thing because the brick helped it survive the tragic demise of many of its neighboring buildings during the Great Fire of 1910. After the pharmacy moved, the building housed a department store then an insurance agency before being restored and used as the chic upscale-casual restaurant and bar it is today.
New (as of this writing in 2009) chef Jim Green came from a stint at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. He uses local ingredients wherever possible and puts a sophisticated spin on his contemporary Southern cuisine.
Expect a nice selection of meat, chicken and especially seafood dishes here (sorry not much for vegetarians on the dinner menu). The shrimp bisque is especially not to be missed – flavorful and rich without overwhelming. They also offer a terrific selection of creative sandwiches and casual fare for lunchtime and full bar where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the big game.
Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen A small dive filled to the brim with locals, especially at lunchtime, Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen is a terrific inexpensive place to stop for a traditional Southern “Plate Lunch” (entrée with two side dishes).
A featured stop on the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail (see the Related Travel articles section below for more details), Hackett's serves up some terrific sausage. In additional to traditional Cajun Pork and Rice Boudin, try some of their unique Shrimp or Crawfish Boudin or flavorful Alligator Sausage (my favorite dish at Hackett’s).
You can also pick local specialties like Cracklins, Tasso Ham, Slab Bacon, Ham Hocks or Hog Cheese. Hunters should note that Hackett’s will be happy to process your deer for you.
Seafood Palace
Another stop in the local dive category, you can get some decent seafood dishes here while keeping your food budget well in check.
The fried crab claws are terrific, as are fried catfish, shrimp and oysters. And if you haven’t had enough boudin yet, they serve it here. The fried Boudin Balls are especially good.
While I’m told the Seafood Palace is known locally for their gumbo, the seafood version I tried left me unimpressed. Maybe it’s just me, but it lacked the depth and complexity I want a good gumbo to have. They do fried seafood and boudin well here, I advise ordering that instead, or if you want to avoid fried food, try a steaming platter of Gulf Coast Blue Crabs.Practicalities
La Truffe Sauvage is located at 815 Bayou Pines West in Lake Charles, LA 70601. For reservations phone 337-439-8364 or visit their website at www.latruffesauvage.com .
Find the Blue Duck Café at 345 Broad Street in Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone 337-721-1967 or visit www.BlueDuckCafe.com.
Sylvia’s Bistro is a couple of doors down at 329 Broad Street in Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone 337-433-8028 or click to www.SylviasBistro.com.
Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen can be found at 5614 Gerstner Memorial Dr. in Lake Charles, LA 70607. Phone 337-905-3013.
The Seafood Palace is located at 2218 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone them at 337-433-9293.
For information about visiting Southwest Louisiana or to find lodgings and more travel options phone the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-456-SWLA or 337-436-9588 or visit their website website at www.VisitLakeCharles.com.
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