A Foodie’s Paradise is in Ascension Parish
From world-renowned jambalaya to a host of long-standing eateries and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Louisiana’s Ascension Parish promises foodies a dazzling and delicious tour.
Begin your foodie excursion in Gonzales, which was proclaimed the Jambalaya Capital of the World in 1968. For nearly 60 years, the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival has brought the community together to celebrate the art of jambalaya cooking with a full weekend of live music on multiple stages, local vendors, carnival rides, and scrumptious fare. Gonzales is also home to Mike Anderson’s Seafood restaurant, a local favorite named after all-American Louisiana State University linebacker and businessman, Mike Anderson. This is the premier spot where food lovers and football fans come together to relish a festive and rallying atmosphere like no other. Be sure to book a reservation at Sno’s Seafood & Steak House as well. Opened by the Sheets family in 1971, this homegrown gem offers delectable regional dishes from soft shell crab and charbroiled oysters to fried alligator. No trip to Ascension Parish is complete without a visit to both of these beloved venues.
Houmas House Estate and Gardens truly provides a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. In fact, they don’t call this grand estate “the crown jewel of Louisiana’s river road” for nothing. Its three restaurants, Latil’s Landing, The Carriage House, and Dixie Café, each provide guests with a culinary experience of a lifetime all on their own. Dixie Café has a full breakfast and lunch buffet of all Louisiana staple dishes. The Carriage House restaurant is casual dining in the elegant surroundings of the 1830s and Latil’s Landing restaurant allows guests to dine in the original 1770s French House while enjoying a custom 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
If you prefer a more leisurely-paced culinary experience, pull up a seat at the Grapevine Café and Gallery, located in Historic Downtown Donaldsonville. Dine in the casual atmosphere of a restored 1920s building that showcases artwork from area artists. The distinctive menu blends Cajun, Creole, and African traditions. Across the street, stop in to pick up some homemade toffee and other sweet treats at Cane Sugar Toffee Company, just look for the red tractor outside! In case you didn’t get enough sweets, head into the Cajun Village, a collection of restored 1800s Acadian-style buildings now housing specialty shops, like The Coffee House. It’s the perfect spot to delight in an order of beignets while sipping a freshly brewed or frozen café au lait! You learn how to make your own pot of Jambalaya with our friends at Pirogue Adventures, also located at The Cajun Village.
Are you hungry yet? Turn your foodie dreams into a fantastic and tasty reality by planning your trip to Ascension Parish-Louisiana’s Sweet Spot today!