REGIONAL FOCUS: CAJUN/CREOLE CUISINE

Cajun/Creole cuisine originated from French-Canadian refugees that migrated to the Louisiana territory after being deported by the British (this is before we gained our independence-Happy July 4th!). Forced to eat out of necessity, they created their own dishes that took from the natural produce and spices of the land (i.e. shellfish, rice, sugar cane, cayenne pepper), could serve a large group all at once, and be easy to make. They developed the 3-pot method; use 1 pot for your main dish (something hot, spicy, and containing protein), 2nd pot is for your steamed rice (or any type of grain dish), and use the 3rd pot for your vegetable...and you're done. Throw it in the pot, and feed a family of 12.

To this day these cooking ideals stay true; use the fresh products around you, don't be fancy, and flavor comes first. Cajun/Creole food remains a unique style in the world of fine dining. This style is part of what identifies New Orleans and all of Louisiana as its own region of cuisine. Fear not, you don't have to make the trip across the country to get a taste of traditional Jambalaya, Gumbo, Po"Boy sandwiches, and Hush Puppies. Los Angeles provides multiple Bayou escapes to suit your Cajun craving needs.

The Gumbo Pot is located in the Original Farmers Market, 6333 West Third Street #312 (on Fairfax between Wilshire and Beverly), Los Angeles, California.

Situated right in the Farmer's Market at The Grove, this highly popular stand sees thousands of locals and tourists a day. Try their famous Gumbo (smoky, spicy, and a little bit sweet), then enjoy their Drunken Shrimp (poached in beer), Cajun meatloaf, 11 different types of Po'Boy sandwiches, and finish off with French roast coffee and Beignets (dusted with powdered sugar).

Gumbo Pot

The Ragin' Cajun Cafe
422 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (310) 376-7878

It's a rare place that you can find alligator and frog legs on just the appetizer menu. Here you will be in for much more! Open since 1992 and founded by Stephen Domingue (a native of Lafayette, Louisiana), with only his mama's recipes, he has made this café a true hot spot. Make sure to try the Catfish (cooked 3 ways) or the Shrimp or Crawfish Etouffe.

Harold & Bell's Restaurant
2920 W Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 735-9023‎

In 1969, husband and wife Harold and Bell wanted to open a restaurant like the one's they grew up with in New Orleans; a place to gather, socialize, and listen to music. Still going strong after all these years, Harold Jr. and his wife now own the establishment. Their signature dishes include Fried Crawfish, Chicken Creole, Catfish Poboy, and Jambalaya.

cafe boogaloo

Cafe Boogaloo
1238 Hermosa Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (310) 318-2324

This is for the nightlife crowd. It brings Mardi Gras to the South Bay. This blues bar has impressive drinks and an authentic menu, with a little flare added to it. Make sure to try the Cajun Skillet Chicken (marinated in buttermilk and garlic), Creole Jambalaya (complete with smoked chicken, Tasso ham, Andouille sausage, rice and shrimp), and the "Cornmeal Crusted" Catfish Fingers to start.

Bourbon Street Shrimp & Grille
10928 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064-2112
Phone: (310) 474-0007

This is just a cool little shack with a blues vibe and plenty of New Orleans flavor. Try the Fried Okra, the Hush Puppies are yummy, and taste the surprisingly good Cajun Burger. Their signature is the Jumbo Shrimp in a bowl of piquant broth...enjoy!

Bourbon Street Grille