WORLD FAMOUS CAJUN EXTRAVAGANZA AND GUMBO COOK-OFF

February 18, 2012 – February 18, 2012

Times: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Lake Charles Civic Center
Address: 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: 337-475-7393
Admission: $5. Children 5 & Under are free

The Louisiana Travelin’ Man has been chosen to be one of the judges for one of the most popular cook-offs in Louisiana, The World Famous Cajun Extravaganza Gumbo Cook-Off contest.

This event is open to the public and they come out in droves to participate in all the festivities and to sample approximately 30 Louisiana Gumbos to see whose is the best. The cook-off doors open at 8AM and live music starts at 10AM, with the judging to begin about 12N. Doors close at 2PM. Come join the Louisiana Travelin’ Man for a day of great fun, food and music.

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles has a very Cajun flair, so if you haven’t experienced it, now is the time. Here are the Mardi Gras events for Saturday, February 18, 2012 you may want to include in your planning:

Krewe of Omega Parade
Saturday, February 18, 2 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles.

*Zydeco Dance
Saturday, February 18, 3—5 p.m.
Live bands playing Mambo and Zydeco.

*Krewe of Barkus Parade
Saturday, February 18, 3 p.m.
Fantastically disguised canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of “Mystical Dog.” Entry fee applies.

Krewe of Cosmos Presentation
Saturday, February 18, 6:30 p.m.
The Krewe of Cosmos presents their royal court in style at the Sulphur High School Auditorium with skits, songs and more.

*Krewe of Illusions
Saturday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the 23rd annual presentation of the Krewe of Illusions. Tickets are $30 orchestra, formal attire required. $18 balcony reserved seating and $15 standard balcony seating, casual attire.

*Denotes events taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

For a complete list of Mardi Gras events, go to http://www.swlamardigras.com/events/index.cfm

I will give you complete details with photos following the Gumbo Cook-Off.

There are several places to get great Louisiana food in Shreveport and downtown is no exception. On one of my recent visits, I went to Abby Singer’s Bistro.

The restaurant is located upstairs in the Robinson Film Center building in downtown Shreveport. The Film Center shows award winning first run films as well as classics like High Society and Barbarella to name a few.

This contemporary looking restaurant, with a balcony over Texas Avenue, is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or to unwind after a days work.


They have a different type of Louisiana gumbo each day priced at $4.00 for a cup and $6.50 for a bowl. For this type of restaurant the price is great.  How do they choose what the Louisiana gumbo for the day is? It’s whatever the chef gets in. The day I was there they had a chicken, andouille, okra and shrimp gumbo. Sounds like a mouthful.  The gumbo has a dark roux and unfortunately too much okra for my taste. I prefer a no okra gumbo.  The rice was cold and had very little taste. There was very little stuff (chicken, Andouille) and I searched and searched but couldn’t find any shrimp, but for $4 what do you expect?
 
The andouille gave the gumbo a little bit of spice but there was very little after burn. Even as I reached the bottom of the bowl, there wasn’t the spiciness that I hoped for.

By the way, I also had their Royale with cheese which was excellent. A large, tasty, flame grilled burger, served with excellent sweet potato fries lightly coated with a cinnamon sugar. All this for $10 ($8 at lunch). Now that’s something I’ll go back for.

For some great Louisiana Food, Great Louisiana Music, and Great Louisiana Festivals, spend a few days in Shreveport-Bossier.

Croux says “I give it a 2 Spoon Rating”
Taste: Good
Texture: Good
Spicyness: Good
Temperature (serving temperature): Good
Enough stuff: Good
Presentation: Good
Price: Excellent

Abby Singer’s Bistro
617 Texas St.
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-459-4125
Hours: Tue-Thu 11 AM – 2:30PM and 5PM – 9PM; Fri-Sat 11 AM – 2:30PM and 5PM – 11PM. Closed Sun-Mon
http://www.robinsonfilmcenter.org/abby-singers-bistro




  Louisiana Travelin' Man

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