Experience the culture, music and food of Lake Charles, La.

Residents and tourist alike say that you’ll find some of the best food on earth and I must agree. It’s described as a “melting pot” or “the real gumbo of Louisiana.” It’s a place where Acadians, Americans, Cajun/Creole, and Indians have come together to make their home. They have all greatly influenced the cuisine and the outcome is completely spectacular.

Residents and tourists both say that you’ll find some of the best food this side of paradise and they are right. On a recent trip, I was treated to some of the best food on earth; I’m convinced of that.

I started the trip with dinner at Mazen’s, where I enjoyed Mediterranean dining in a casual but elegant atmosphere. They have an extensive list of appetizers, including Oysters Rockefeller, grilled quail, smoked salmon, crab cakes, kibbie and humus, just to name a few. Next, I feasted on fresh fish and a juicy steak prepared to perfection. Whatever you do, save room for the soufflé at the end. It’s delicious!

For a special occasion or if you really want to treat yourself, Snake River Grill is sure to hit the spot. The renowned restaurant from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has brought its award winning dining experience to L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, where they feature local and regional flavors.

Whether you start with Branding Iron Sweet Onion Rings, Peking Duck-Scallion Crepes or Lamb Chop Lollipops, Louisiana Crab Cake or Baked Oysters—you’ll not be disappointed. Then you’ll have your choice of tuna, trout, striped bass, a variety of steakhouse cuts and more to choose from as a main entree. I tried a mouth-watering steak topped with Louisiana Lump Crab Meat and it was fabulous. I finished the meal with a homemade ice cream sundae and I ate every last bite!!

I had another spectacular dining experience at La Truffle Sauvage. I started the evening with Louisiana Lump Crab, followed by Colorado Lamb Loin and roasted Alaskan Halibut and finished the night with upside down chocolate soufflé. Wow!! It was an exquisite meal topped only by the ambience. I can assure you a visit to La Truffle Sauvage will be a night that you will remember.

From chicken and sausage to seafood, if you want to indulge yourself with a sampling of some of the best gumbo southwest Louisiana has to offer, Seafood Palace is your place. Another local favorite is Steamboat Bills and both restaurants offer good ole’ Louisiana cooking. If you want fresh shrimp, blue crabs, and crawfish etouffee, they can’t be beat. Both offer good food in a casual setting.

I was in Louisiana, so I had to find a King Cake. I found the perfect spot: Delicious Donuts. Whether you want a King Cake filled with strawberries and cream cheese, a banana fosters King Cake or a Pecan Praline King Cake---they’ve got them and just about every other flavor in between. It’s the best King Cake I’ve ever tasted. They ship King Cakes too. To place an order, call 337-479-2986, and they’ll ship it straight to your door. They’re available year round, so you can celebrate Mardi Gras anytime!!

If you’re looking for a good place for breakfast, go where the locals eat. I found two such places. The first is Chez Cafe. They offer a full breakfast menu, but I’ve got to recommend the cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate, which comes heaping with whipped topping. Another is Southern Spice where you can get just about anything you want. Both are relatively inexpensive and a great place to start your day.

It sounds like all I did was eat on my trip, but I promise there are activities galore. I was treated to the magic of Mardi Gras at the Mardi Gras Museum. It boasts the largest display of costumes in the world. We learned the history of Mardi Gras, king cakes and costume design and got to climb aboard a parade float. There is a rich history that goes along with celebration and the museum is a must see.

Next, we stopped at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum where we saw the exhibit “Java! The History of Coffee Roasters in Louisiana.” While at the exhibit, I was treated to pork topped with a delicious barbeque rub made from coffee, a wonderful milk punch made with coffee ice cream, and last, but certainly not least, a delicious cup of Community Coffee. The company was established in 1919 in Baton Rouge and the company is still thriving today. You can pick up a cup almost anywhere in town, and at the local Albertson’s Grocery Stores where you can pick up a cup in the bakery or take a few bags home to enjoy. I learned much about the process of getting the coffee from a plant to our dining room table. I also learned that Louisiana’s love their coffee and are very proud of it.

Lake Charles is also the home of the French Market Foods, food manufacturer of Tony Chachere’s. If you’ve not heard that name before—you’re sure to see it at the local grocery store. Here they manufacture their famous boudin, sausage, stuffed chickens and more.

WHERE TO STAY

Step out of the bayou and into the Caribbean at the Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel. It’s the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate after a long day of food and fun. The guest rooms are all outfitted with all the amenities you want most. Another option is to relax in your own mobile accommodations at the RV Park. The hotel offers casual, elegant, sit-down or take-out restaurants right on the property. This is the perfect place for your home away from home.

So as you begin to make your plans for 2009, plan to visit Lake Charles, Louisiana. I can tell you, you will not leave disappointed. A return visit is on my list for 2009. For more information, contact the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.VisitLakeCharles.org or call 800-456-SWLA.