Take a Bite Out of Louisiana Festivals: A Culinary Guide to Fun
When you’re standing in a food line at a fair or festival, what are you expecting to buy? Typically, what comes to mind are corn dogs, funnel cakes, maybe even the occasional deep fried snack cake. In Houma, Louisiana, festival food brings Bayou Country flair!
Let’s start at Voice of the Wetlands Festival (October 7-9, 2016). Here you are going to have the opportunity to listen to award winning blues, Cajun and zydeco bands, including festival organizer Tab Benoit, while enjoying the peaceful setting of moss-draped cypress trees. This free festival has a duel purpose: to celebrate the beauty of our local culture and to raise awareness of coastal land loss. Step into the food tent and you will immediately know your are in for an experience. The smell of sauteed onions, peppers and celery will whisk you into a Cajun’s kitchen. Take a look at the menu to find favorites such as shrimp etouffée and alligator sauce piquante. For those looking for a truly authentic bite to write home about, try out the fried alligator!
Rougarou Fest (October 22-23) is a celebration of Louisiana’s quirky side. The Rougarou is an ancient French legend, similar to a werewolf, that was brought to Louisiana by early settlers. The story has been has been passed down from generation to generation and the festival brings together great activities, such as costume contests, music and a parade, to embrace this tradition. The recipes used for the food of Rougarou Fest have been passed down just as the legend of the beast has. Here, you will get to sink your teeth into delicious beignets, blackberry dumplings, seafood gumbo and Pop Rouge Ice Cream – a frozen treat made with cream and a traditional strawberry soda.
Can we talk about Bayou Beer Fest?! Hundreds of craft beers to choose from, home brews, Cajun music and a historic home – what more can you ask for in a Fun day? Although beer is the draw, there’s great food as well. For example, Cannata’s famous Armadillo Eggs are truly a culinary innovation. Bacon-wrapped and slow smoked tender morsels of chicken, stuffed with Homemade Green Onion Sausage. Drooling yet? This year’s festival (November 12) will be sponsored by one of the newest reasons to visit Houma, Spigots Brew Pub. We’re quite excited as Spigots is set to open soon and will be offering a great menu along side fantastic beer brewed right here in Houma, Louisiana’s Bayou Country.And keep in mind, this is just a taste. Check out the corn soup at Southdown Marketplace or the delicious jambalaya at Chauvin Culture and Heritage Festival! So, I’ve made a list of a few of my favorite things. What’s your favorite festival food?
For more on the exciting happenings in Houma, check out our calendar at www.houmatravel.com/events.
