OMG How I Love Cajun Food!

March 1, 2024

Cajun cuisine (sometimes referred to as “Cajun-style” cuisine) is renowned for its spicy flavours and it has a rich history. A blend of Acadian, West Indian, and French cooking traditions, it traces its roots to Louisiana. This tasty, colourful cuisine is the inspiration behind our recently redesigned menu and here are some of the reasons why…

Where Did Cajun Cuisine Originate?

Au 18^e In the mid-18th century, when Acadians living in Canada's Maritime provinces refused to swear allegiance to the British Crown, they were forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge elsewhere. This was known as the Deportation of the Acadians.

Some ended up as far afield as Louisiana. These people brought with them the traditions of Cajun cuisine—a rural, rudimentary style of cooking that used local, seasonal ingredients.

Back then, the new arrivals cooked what was on hand: local meat, lots of freshly caught seafood and fish, and seasonal vegetables. All in one dish.

With the arrival of immigrants from Africa and the West Indies and encounters with native people, exotic ingredients started to appear in Cajun recipes: black pepper, cayenne, rice, and new vegetables like sweet peppers.

Even today, Cajun cuisine —characterized by simple, hot, nutritious dishes—is still based on those early foundations.

Key Ingredients

Most Cajun dishes have a base of onions, celery, and green peppers… sometimes referred to the “Holy Trinity” of ingredients! The dishes are highly seasoned and often contain popular Cajun spices —a "picante" blend of paprika, black and white pepper, cayenne and onion and garlic powder.

Seafood is king! Many dishes feature shrimp, crayfish, scallops, lobster and sometimes, all of the above! The most popular vegetables include okra, grilled corn on the cob, hot peppers (like jalapeno), peppers (green and red) and zucchini. To those are added homemade smoked sausages, smoked pork, black beans, kidney beans or fried fish. This fiery mix is cooked up in a single pot, releasing mouth-watering aromas around your home—the perfect meal to enjoy in good company.

And of course, don’t forget to add a few drops of the famous tangy sauce native to Louisiana, namely Tabasco!

About Our Menu

Now that we’ve been in for over 10 years, we wanted to celebrate by adding some Cajun zest to the dishes that our customers already enjoy!

You’ll now find hints of Cajun ingredients in our corn ribs, shrimp tacos or smoked sausage poutine. And don’t forget to check out our new jambalaya.

This is the most typical Cajun dish on our refreshed menu—a hearty helping of rice with seafood (shrimp, scallops, clams, crayfish), corn, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, shrimp bisque, lime juice and cilantro. Your taste buds will transport you to New Orleans!

As a choice of beverage to accompany the jambalaya, we suggest you opt for an Old Fashioned cocktail (whiskey, bitters, sugar). It’s a close “cousin” of Sazerac,the legendary New Orleans’ cocktail originally made with a rinse of absinthe, a few drops of bitters, whiskey, and a squeeze of lemon.

Perhaps you’re a wine drinker? If so, choose a supple, fruity red. The subtle aromas will complement the mouth-watering flavours of our delicious, spicy jambalaya.

If you haven't sampled our new menu yet, don’t delay! Come and see us soon…

1175 King St. West
Sherbrooke (QUEBEC)
J1H 1S6