In Houma, La., a real Cajun town just 57 miles southwest of New Orleans, passing a good time is what life is all about.
Houma is located in Terrebonne Parish, in the heart of the Louisiana wet lands, (Please read below about the vanishing wetlands) home to some of the best fishing, birding and hunting in the country. The state motto for Louisiana is “Sportsman’s Paradise, and Houma may have been the inspiration for that phrase.
This is a unique slice of America and provides its visitors with a little bit of everything that makes the Cajun lifestyle so interesting and entertaining.
It’s not often that you can fly into a large metropolitan airport, rent a car and in less than a hour be smack dab in the middle of a culture that holds onto its roots so rigidly. It’s as if Cajun existence is at stake. And truth be told that is what is hap pening in southwest Louisiana where the native born Cajuns who have lived and prospered in this part of the country for centuries.
Fading quickly are the French speak ing elders who made their living off the land either as fishermen, hunter/trap pers or farmers. It’s a sign of the times but for those living in Houma, the one overriding attitude you’ll find everywhere is summed
up in the phrase — “Laissez les bon temps rouler,” which means “let the good times role.”
Life in this part of the country is meant to be enjoyed and boy do they enjoy it!
Thibadeau’s Cajun Cooking and see why people come out “happy in the face.” If it’s season, you must try the boiled crawfish, a local favorite and a wonderful mix of spice and fun. Make sure you have plenty of cold Abita beer on the side. For dessert, the beignets topped with ice cream will knock you back in your chair.
www.bntcajuncookin.com
A Bear’s Restaurant is family owned and operated and is also a local favorite. The place was packed when we were there and the menu features many authentic Cajun dishes. Be sure to try their shrimp gumbo and save room for bread pudding. Bayou Delight is the perfect name for this restaurant. Located outside of Houma on the way to the fish camps at Cocodrie, they serve fresh seafood and offer daily specials to the locals who love this place. The fried catfish was superb! Eating out is a part of any vacation and Houma has many other wonderful restaurants in addition to its Cajun heritage. 9858726306 |