Let’s face it; whenever we come together down the bayou, it’s all about having a good time. There is no truer statement associated with our festival culture in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. The French Food Festival exemplifies this Cajun truism and any festival with the word “food” in the name won’t disappoint! Here is a local perspective on how to “do” the French Food Festival. Ready, let's GEAUX!
START PLANNING YOUR SECOND FOOD SELECTION WHILE IN LINE FOR THE FIRST
We live to eat! Another Cajun truth! Fifty percent (a very safe estimate) of your time will be spent eating at the French Food Festival; the other fifty will be visiting with family and friends (with food in your hand). This festival celebrates a variety of Cajun cuisine, alligator sauce piquant, shrimp boulettes, etouffee, jambalaya, grillades, crawfish pasta, gumbo, did I say shrimp boulettes! Once you have decided which tasty offering to start with, get in line. It’s perfectly normal and very wise to start planning your next selection while waiting in line for the first. It’s what locals do! If you are visiting our Cajun Bayou for the first time then don’t be shy cher’ (sha!) We “make friends” easily, love to talk and share our wonderful cuisine!
COME MAKE THE VEILLER (VAY-YAY)
Spending the evening talking with friends or making new ones for the first time, it’s the Cajun equivalent of shooting the breeze! With a comfortable chair in hand you’re going to want to claim a spot somewhere under the giant pavilion near the dance floor, but still a safe distance away for conversation. Locals, “make the veiller” to reconnect, eat and drink together and catch up. It’s a Cajun thing! We will gladly take you under our wing and before you know it you’ll be “making the veiller” too! You will also be in position to enjoy some of the best local musicians on the bayou!
PRESERVING OUR CAJUN CULTURE
We tell our story through our food and music, it’s part of our cultural heritage and legacy. The French Food Festival is a celebration of our way of life. From the Les Artistes du Bayou art contest and exhibit, to the multiple generations of families that have dedicated themselves to cook and serve the Cajun delicacies, the festival preserves our legacy. And as the locals say, “C’est Tout”: That is all…
