The Cajun Coast is a sampler of everything Louisiana offers, in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that's the heart of Cajun hospitality. Only 90 minutes or less from New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Lafayette. Stay a weekend or spend a week - you'll find this is a great location to call home while you explore South Louisiana. 

In addition to rich history and unique culture, the Cajun Coast is adorned with the natural beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, the largest overflow swamp in the United States. Moss-draped cypress trees, majestic oaks, numerous acres of bottomland hardwoods, over 170,000 acres of designated wildlife management areas and an abundance of bird and animal life provide easily accessible outdoor adventures along our secluded waterways.

If you love canoeing or kayaking, the trails are your ticket to unlocking the natural beauty of the Cajun Coast. A great opportunity to immerse yourself in what National Geographic called this "hauntingly beautiful land" for a unique taste of Louisiana adventure along the paddling trails of the Cajun Coast.

See paddling trails here and Paddling events

For more paddling trails see;

The Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail can be accessed through Lafayette Consolidated Government’s website at http://apps.lafayettela.gov/paddletrail. Users can locate and identify recreation areas, boat and canoe launches, businesses and other amenities from the northernmost access point on the Bayou Vermilion District’s North Landing all the way to public boat launch in the Intracoastal Canal. The paddle trail map also identifies areas where paddlers and boaters should use caution, such as areas with frequent barge traffic.

I know that some of you enjoy—as I do—a great cigar. My favorite times for this particular indulgence are after a great meal, sometimes after the big game or while tailgating, and quite often on the golf course. It is a pleasure you can enjoy with buddies, or  alone with a glass of your favorite red wine or maybe a brandy.

We have some great activities coming up here in New Orleans over the next few weeks; holiday meals, the Sugar Bowl game, and New Years Eve. There are sure to be many visitors, and I thought it would be a great idea to suggest where you can purchase a quality cigar from a good selection. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comment section below.

-Jim

The shops I frequent I have marked with an asterisk** - most are close to downtown.

As an avid foodie and blogger, it was my utmost pleasure to have been able to have been given the opportunity to highlight area chefs, but I could not simply highlight North Louisiana chefs without giving you, the readers, a glimpse into some of North Louisiana's favorite eateries through their amazing kitchens, and the dedication of their staff and owners!

Owner and General Manager, D. J. Fortenberry was born and raised in Gonzales, Louisiana.  Migrating north to Monroe, D.J. attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe wherein he sought and obtained his degree in Marketing while pitching ball for our ULM Warhawks! Nowadays D.J. focus’ his time and attention more so in the kitchen, and a little less time on the on the pitcher’s mound, although he will make time to watch his favorite college team, the ULM Warhawks!

In the words of Mama Josephine Cascio, “like something out of my dreams”, the legacy continues with Joe and Renee Cascio’s gem “Cascio’s Tavern” situated in the hauntingly decadent Antique Alley of downtown West Monroe. 

Cascio’s Tavern opened on August 14, 2012, as Joe and Renee dove head first into the dream that Joe himself shared with his late father, Victor Cascio. Recalling their decision, “It was scary… and we (Renee and I) were scared to death”.  But even as a young man, Joe shared back in 1985 that he knew what the restaurant business “meant to this family” and he expressed his desires, even then,” to enhance and expand upon the good thing” the Chateau was; and, he has done so successfully with the divine artistry of of one of this areas crafted culinary genius’, Executive Chef Chris McKnight. 

The Whole Foods Market Arabella Station, Broad St. and Veterans stores have partnered with Louisiana Oilworks, a family owned and operated waste vegetable oil collection business located in Kenner, to recycle cooking oil used for frying turkeys during the Thanksgiving holiday. The cooking oil drive will produce eco-friendly biodiesel fuel, help reduce emissions, and keep oil and grease out of the drains.

WHAT:           Turkey Frying Oil Drop-Off 

WHEN:           Friday, Nov. 28 through Friday, Dec. 5     

WHERE:         

• Whole Foods Market Arabella Station - 5600 Magazine St., (504) 899-91198 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Whole Foods Market Broad St. – 300 N. Broad St., (504) 434-3364 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Whole Foods Market Veterans - 3420 Veterans Blvd., (504) 888-8225 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Until now, I hadn’t really offered any reviews on our local ethic eateries other than through the visual aid of photographs, so I felt compelled to take a few excerpts to highlight a few for the Tara’s Taste of the Town friends and family!

For the first installment, I will start with our area Indian cuisine – Taste of India, located just off North 4^th Street, in Monroe.

Arugala, Turnips, Collards, Kale and Romain Lettuce.

With the lovely chill of fall in the air, the smell of the leaves and the thrill of football on everyone’s lips, TTOTT couldn’t find a better location to highlight for this month’s edition than that of Tailgator’s West.

With the backdrop of Rebel Stadium standing proud in the foreground, walking into this establishment has always struck me as I feel when I’m pulling up a chair at my Mamow’s dinner table on Sunday afternoons. 

The décor is inviting and friendly, warmly displaying the team support of all of the area high schools, colleges and our beloved New Orleans Saints.  The walls are adorned with fleur de lis, and proud moments in the lives of its beloved owners, Jack and Debbie Clampit, along proud attributes to Louisiana Wildlife and game in this “Sportsman’s Paradise”.

In the divine spirit of expanding my palate beyond that of traditional eateries, I found myself indulging in some of the most delightful bar-b-que located in the heart of Bastrop, Louisiana.