GO ON A CULINARY ADVENTURE IN NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA’S OLDEST CITY!
By Lisa D. Smith and Nancy J. Reid
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: From meat pies and Creole cuisine to daiquiris and craft brews, this episode focuses on where to “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” In Natchitoches, Louisiana with Arlene Gould and Kelli West of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Spreaker, PodBean, or SoundCloud.
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Founded in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and the oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this destination knows how to serve up some mighty flavorful fare, including its infamous Natchitoches Meat Pie!
|The life of the Natchitoches Meat Pie evolved from its Native American roots back in the 1700s, to the Spanish adding some spice, and then local families adapting this empanada-style recipe into their own. Designated as Louisiana’s State Meat Pie, this regional specialty is celebrated with an annual festival in September, and served at numerous restaurants and eateries, most notably Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, an authentic soulful Creole Cuisine experience not to be missed!
Drive Thru Daiquiris
With Natchitoches being such a culturally diverse community, it shines as a culinary destination with restaurants and eateries serving up delicious dishes that appeal to everyone’s palate. When it comes to authentic Louisiana and downhome Southern cooking, pay a visit to Merci Beaucoup Restaurant, Mama’s Oyster House and Papa’s Bar & Grill, Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood, Almost Home Family Restaurant, and nearby Grayson’s Barbecue. Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant serves up a delicious blend of Italian and Creole cuisine, and El Patio Mexican Grill and El Rio Cantina both cook up fabulous south-of-the-border fare. And serving freshly made-from-scratch meals, Legacy Café is part of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center’s Workforce Development Program that focuses on transforming lives and building community through food.
Now if you really want to take a unique foodie adventure, how about following the Louisiana No Man’s Land Gas Station Eats Food Trail? Yes, gas stations! The Trail includes an introductory 21 stops in the seven parishes that make up Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. Delicacies in these roadside stops include meat pies, tamales, salads, burgers, pies, cookies, boudin, smoked meats, ice cream, and much more. One of our favorite stops is the French Market Express which is conveniently located next to many of the area’s brand hotels and serves traditional Natchitoches Meat Pies, plate lunches, and their famous yam cakes.
|When it comes to libations, watch for the opening of Flying Heart Brewing which recently took over Cane River Craft Brewery. The brewery is housed in a refurbished cotton gin building that is nearly a century old. There’s also the annual fall TappedTober Craft Beer & Wine Festival that raises funds for local charities. And, Natchitoches has drive-thru daiquiri shops, the perfect frozen treat for those warm summer days!
Last but not least, stop by Cane River Candy Company for some nostalgic candy and sweet treats!
Plan your Natchitoches Culinary Adventure at www.Natchitoches.com and download the Louisiana No Man’s Land Gas Station east Food Trail at https://visitnomansland.com/
