Take Yourself To a Culinary Adventure By Tasting Cajun Food

For folks who don’t know what Cajun food is, it's basically the cuisine of the Cajun people. These people originated in the south of France, emigrated to Nova Scotia and founded a colony called Acadia. The British kicked them out in the 18th century, and a lot of them fled to Louisiana.

As refugees, the early iterations of Cajun cuisine was practical, and consisted largely of dishes that could be cooked in one pot and anything that proved to be edible, including alligator. Blended with herbs and spices found in the Louisiana bayous, even the weirdest animal protein was transformed into a fantastically delicious and memorable meal.

New World Flavors

Besides alligator, the transplanted Acadians learned to catch local fish such as catfish, perch and bass and to hunt for possum, wild turkey, raccoon, deer and squirrel. The Native Americans taught them how to grow such New World staples as corn, potatoes, beans and rice while African Americans introduced them to okra and sugarcane. Gumbo, of course, is impossible without okra. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2vzLnb6

Top Reasons to Dine Out at a Local Cajun Seafood Restaurant When You're Hungry

Eating out at a restaurant is one of the best excuses to get out of the house and have a bit of fun. Whether you don’t have the energy to fix up a meal or you’re simply tired of getting the same order from the local takeout place, it’s also a great way to unwind.

If you want to spice things up a bit and try out something new, you could head to one of the many Cajun seafood restaurants serving the Houston area. Besides sampling some of the most delectable dishes, there are also other perks of skipping on home meals.

Spend Time with Friends and Family
Dining out is almost always regarded as a family affair. Restaurants are more than willing to provide a laid back environment where you freely converse and bond with close friends and family. If you don’t spend enough time in the same room on a daily basis, try to make the most of it. You can sit down and avoid distractions while enjoying a meal together and getting the chance to catch up. Imposing a “no gadgets and no work talk at the table” rule can also further enrich the experience. Just take this opportunity to enjoy good food and each other’s company. After all, it might be a long while before you can get everybody together again in the same space due to work or school commitments. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2vzmVGV

Plan the Perfect Night Out at Restaurants that Offer Good Food and Live Music

Texas has many attractions and activities to offer both tourists and locals alike. You’ll never run out of things to do for an entertaining night out on the town. Picking from the many different options available is difficult at times. The sheer number of choices makes planning a daunting task.

There are, however, some easy steps to narrow down your search and make choosing your evening plans simpler than looking through endless catalogs of recommendations.

What Do You Want to Do?

First, you need to figure out what you want to do. Dinner is obviously a given because everyone needs a hearty meal to prepare for an active night. This doesn’t mean that dinner has to be a boring ordeal though. Many of the restaurants throughout Texas offer so much more than a meal. Dinner and a show pique the interests of some people. Other people look to enjoy the local musical talent. Your personal interests shape this decision, and it helps shortlist appropriate places to eat. You can also separate entertainment and dinner, although many great places provide a tasty meal and entertainment in one convenient place. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2v41DoI

There’s Enough Crawfish Around to Satisfy Your Crustacean Cravings

As more and more people in Kemah and elsewhere are drawn to the amazing taste of crawfish, you have to ask yourself if they will one day become extinct. After all, once you’ve got a taste for these bad boys, you’d want to eat them daily. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about any shortage any time soon, and here are the reasons why.

Crawfish Mature and Reproduce Quickly

The average age for a crawfish to reach sexually maturity is 3 months. Red Swamp Crayfish, are common in the Southeastern United States. A healthy female can produce as many as 600 eggs in a season and reproduce twice a year. That's a lot of baby crawfish! Texas holds great waters for the reproduction of crawfish, making it a prime spot to find restaurants that serve up these tasty crustaceans by the bucket load. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2v3uutk

Year Round Crawfish Supply Makes Crawfish Part of Every Houston Holiday Tradition

When many people think of craw fish, they picture a big get-together party on the beach as the perfect way of bringing summer to an end. While there is nothing wrong with a craw fish party, don't limit yourself to only a Labor Day event. A menu of craw fish has existed in many countries and cultures for thousands of years as a holiday tradition. By having year round crawfish in Houston available, you can plan your next holiday celebration regardless of the time of year.

Why Celebrate at the End of Summer?

We can thank the Finnish for making crayfish parties so popular at the end of summer. It all started in the 16th century when Finland started raising crawfish for food. The fresh river waters were perfect for these little shellfish, or jokirapu, to thrive. July 21 through the end of October was the noted crayfish, or rapukausi season. This celebration of the crayfish continues today, not only in Finland, but all around the world. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2wYAnrC

The Rich and Tangled History of Crawfish in Houston, Texas

If the first city you think of when someone mentions crawfish is New Orleans, no one will blame you. But you might be surprised to learn about Houston's intimate relationship with the delicious little crustaceans.

The Crazy Frenchman

It's a love affair dating back to the early 1960s, when A.J. Judice Jr., the Crazy Frenchman, first introduced Louisiana-raised crawfish at his store in Port Arthur. Judice understood the importance of advertising, and his flamboyant personality served him well.

In 1963, as a way to promote his business, he began the beloved tradition of crawfish racing to Texas. Few would argue that Judice was the godfather of crawfish in Texas, and he was later appointed a Texas Crawfish Racing Commissioner by the state's governor. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2wYz9wB

Cajun Cuisine Offers a Wide Variety of Hearty, Flavor-Rich Comfort Food

Some people say that when you need to feel good, you have to load up on some serious Cajun food. Cajun cuisine represents good food with a soul. It comes from rich culinary traditions rooted in a deep Cajun culture found in Mississippi and Louisiana. This cuisine is characterized by rich flavors meant to give diners a sense of comfort. A combination of spices are used for a great variety of seafood and meats, which is why Cajun food is always well seasoned.

Chefs take pride in making sure everything that they cook and present to diners is rich and flavorful. In fact, chefs typically rely on Cajun cuisine's holy trinity of celery, bell pepper, and onion, for its unique flavor profile. Regular complements to round out its palate appeal include garlic, thyme, paprika, parsley, green onion and ground sassafras leaves or filé. Together, they create some of the most popular Cajun dishes to be treasured by various kitchens and their diners throughout the country.

If you don't know your way around Cajun cooking, don't despair quite yet. After all, there are a number of restaurants across the country that readily serve delicious Cajun cuisine. In fact, when you are craving for Cajun food in Houston, following are some dishes you should not forget to order. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2pUYMII

Cajun Seafood Dishes You Should Try on Your Next Night Out

Almost everyone gets a craving for Cajun seafood every once in awhile, which is no surprise as it’s been a staple in Louisiana and Texas for many years. It’s always a good idea to try new things and mix up your diet, so next time maybe you ought to try both Creole and Cajun seafood dishes at a good restaurant for a full southern food experience.

Characteristics of Cajun Seafood

Creole cooking and Cajun food are known for their deep flavors, use of seafood and hearty ingredients. Cajun food tends to include the ‘holy trinity’ of vegetables, which are onion, celery and bell pepper. These products give Cajun food a distinctive base. You may also find tomatoes as a key ingredient in Creole cooking, though true Cajun cuisine doesn’t often use them.

The most common seafoods used in Cajun cuisine include crawfish, lobster, and shrimp. If you’re more interested in meat, then pork, chicken and beef can also be used. Traditionally, Cajun cooking uses every part of the animal to add flavor and to avoid waste, so if you want to know exactly what you’re eating, you need to ask the restaurant. Read more on this article: http://bit.ly/2p9qDb0

How Year Round Crawfish Supplies are Sustainably Caught and Farmed

When you get a craving for crawfish, you’re unlikely to want to wait for the crawfish season, but that is alright. Each year, more than 150 million pounds of crawfish are harvested, and sustainable production isn’t just limited to the crawfish season.

To keep up with year round crawfish demand, wild crawfish is caught during crawfish season and is sustainably farmed for harvesting the rest of the year. Here’s how it’s done.

Fishing During Crawfish Season

Wild crawfish season is between January and July, with the best months for fishing being March, April and May. If the weather is warmer the yield will be better, and crawfish may sometimes be harvested from December, though this varies from year to year. Read more on this article: http://bit.ly/2p9eimT 

Why is Live Music so Popular at the Best Local Restaurants?

It’s no secret that music has a huge impact on people and society in general. After all, it is one of the few things that has the ability to almost instantly uplift people’s moods. According to studies, most Americans listen to between four and five hours of music a day. Even while eating a restaurant, live music can do more than just create an atmosphere, there are a whole host of reasons why you should eat at a restaurant playing live music.

Improve Your Happiness Level

Apart from creating a great atmosphere in your restaurant of choice, live music can offer you surprising health benefits which can make your dining experience even better. Studies have found that when your mood is high, you create longer lasting memories and find it easier to recall pleasant experiences.

Science has also shown that as you listen to music, it begins to have an effect on the autonomic nervous system. Music also has an effect on the limbic system which is responsible for feelings and emotion. In a review of 23 studies, it was found that music helped reduce blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2pbYj6N

A Quick Beginner’s Guide to Eating and Enjoying Crawfish in Cajun Cuisine

Many people, especially from the South, are fond of eating crawfish, and are surprised when someone says they don’t know how to eat this tasty crustacean. Those who have no idea how to eat a crawfish will often be eager to learn. There are just a few things you’ll need to know before biting into your first crawfish.

A Brief Background on Cajun Food

Cajun food came from the Acadians, French speakers who settled in the South after being driven from their original homes in Canada in the 18th Century. Upon settling in Louisiana and the surrounding states, they adapted their style of cooking to fit with the ingredients that were easily available in the swampy environment: crawfish and seafood, rice, deep spices, vegetables, and potatoes. Many Cajun dishes you’ll eat include what’s known as the ‘holy trinity’ of vegetables. The combination of onion, bell pepper and celery create a familiar and delicious base that many dishes are built upon.

Crawfish are a freshwater crustacean that thrives in swampy settings. Even today, crawfish are farmed with rice paddies as their habitat, as well as being caught in the wild in states such as Texas and Louisiana. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2pUVllh

You'll Find These Vitamins and Minerals that You Need Most in Crawfish

Everyone knows that it’s important to eat healthy food with good nutritional content, but sometimes it can be hard to tell which ones they are. If you regularly enjoy eating crawfish, you will be pleased to know that these crustaceans provide a lot of nutrition and are a healthy option to select when you choose to go out for a meal.

The Macronutrients of Crawfish

Crawfish have very low carbohydrate content, and only trace amounts will be found in a serving. Many people find large amounts of carbohydrates cause them to bloat, so try to cut down on their intake. When you select crawfish from the menu, you won’t need to worry about the amount of carbs you’re consuming.

The major macronutrient in crawfish is protein. You’ll get around 30% of your recommended daily allowance of protein from just one serving of crawfish, which contains about 14.9 grams of protein in each portion. Protein helps your body to repair and build tissues such as muscle, and your hair and nails are mostly constructed from it, so you should always consume your recommended daily allowance. It’s important to keep your intake high as your body doesn’t store proteins, and there won’t be any to draw on if your consumption drops. Fish and meat are a high source of protein, which is why it’s such a good thing to eat crawfish when you can. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2pUSokm

Why Live Music Promotes a Better Restaurant Dining Experience for Everyone

Many people enjoy regular meals out at their favorite restaurants, and lots of people also enjoy heading out to listen to live music. How many people consciously make a decision to combine the two, though? Research shows that more people should be, as there are strong connections between listening to music and having a better dining experience.

Could music be the key to feeling healthier, happier and improving your relationship with food?
Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2l5VQ98

Why Eating Cajun Seafood can be Good For Your Health

No one likes to feel hungry, especially after having a meal at a restaurant. Many people want food they choose to fill them up, and have healthy ingredients in it too.

If you’re looking for a cuisine to tick both of these boxes, Cajun seafood is a sensible and tasty choice.
Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2lEo7XJ

The History of Cajun Food: From the Deep South to a Popular Restaurant Dish

Cajun cuisine has long been a favorite type of food, not only in the deep south, but across the US and beyond too. Many people regularly enjoy visiting a local restaurant with their family for some traditional Cajun food, as they can eat a comforting meal that tastes at least as good as home cooking.

The word ‘Cajun’ comes from the term ‘les Acadians’. The Acadians were French colonists who originally made homes in the Acadia region of Canada. Cajun food has a proud history and traditional ingredients, but what has lead it to being such a staple menu in restaurants? Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2l69ZmE

Crawfish vs. Lobster vs. Shrimp: Learn to Tell the Difference

Three of the most popular seafood in the Southern states are crawfish, shrimp, and lobster. While to some people there appears to be very little difference between the three, to those who catch them or are big foodies, there are a number of important differences. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2l6dF8b

The Many Ways Fresh Crawfish are Enjoyed in Seafood Restaurants

Almost everyone loves crawfish, but it’s not a food that’s commonly cooked in people’s homes. Although a staple of traditional deep South cuisine, crawfish has a reputation of being complicated, expensive, and messy to cook with. While that may write it off many people’s shopping lists, crawfish is becoming more and more popular in restaurant dishes. This suggests that people want to enjoy the taste without having to worry about cooking it themselves.

Crawfish is a versatile seafood, and it’s seen in the cuisines of many different cultures. Here are the most common, and most delicious, places you’ll find crawfish in modern restaurants. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2l5YTOv

How Do Restaurants Deliver on a Year Round Crawfish Promise?

Many people love visiting local restaurants with their family to share a platter of crawfish. There’s something about it that’s social, fun, and delicious. However, you may know that crawfish aren’t always easily available.

So how do restaurants deliver on a year round crawfish promise, and keep them fresh until they get to your table? Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2lEjDQv

Understanding the Rich History of Your Favorite Cajun Seafood Dishes

Food is history tasted. After all, the food you eat is an invention of your forebears, and reflects the culture and mindset of their time. And when it comes to history-rich food, there is no other cuisine quite like Cajun cooking, which mixes French styles with American ingredients, especially seafood. Below is a quick overview of the culturally significant dishes that have made this culinary tradition one of the most important ones in the country. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2kN0QSI

Delicious Cajun Food: A Cuisine with a Flavor as Rich as Its History

There's food and then there's comfort food—the type of cooking that feels like a warm hug for your soul. And when it comes to comfort food, there's no cuisine more popular than Cajun cooking. And as you'll see, this tradition has a very interesting—and delicious—story to tell.

A Deep History

Cajun cuisine started when the English exiled the French citizens who were living in Nova Scotia at the time. These displaced people eventually found their way and settled into Louisiana. They relied on seafood, game, fish, and vegetables as ingredients, and cooked them in a culinary tradition rooted in Southern France. Since they lived in impoverished conditions at the time, they cooked hearty meals in a single pot—an easy and efficient way of feeding many people at the same time. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2kNgbTw

Year Round Crawfish in Houston: Tips on Enjoying this Tasty Crustacean

Houston has a tasty little secret: crawfish! While this crustacean is closely associated with Louisiana, Houston residents have also developed a strong affection for this freshwater delicacy. For those experiencing their first crawfish meal, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.

Where to Find Crawfish

The first order of business is to determine where to find crawfish in Texas. For the uninitiated, Louisiana is the nation’s top producer of crawfish and crawfish season runs only from January to July. That being said, this doesn’t mean that you have to travel through states just to satisfy your crawfish craving as there are great restaurants in town that offer this delicacy. What’s more, some of them even offer year round crawfish to Houston residents. In other words, it’s easier than ever to enjoy this tasty morsel. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2kN9f90

Interesting Facts About Crawfish that Diners Need to Know

When it comes to food, Texas is the undisputed king of barbecues. However, there is one delicacy here that true-blue locals just can’t get enough of: crawfish. If this your first time in Texas (or if you’re not very privy to the food scene), here are a few interesting facts about this much-beloved crustacean.

It Has a Swanky Cousin

When asked what famous crustacean the crawfish is related to, a lot of people answer "shrimp." While this isn't necessarily incorrect, crawfish is actually more closely related to the lobster, perhaps the most coveted crustacean in the sea. If you look at their biological taxonomy, crawfish and lobster only diverge when you get to the family of species: Nephropoidea (lobsters) and Astacoidea (crawfish). Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2kMY3sI

Great Live Music, Food, Guests: An Easy Guide to Throwing Parties

The party thrower’s dilemma? How to enjoy your own party when you’re the chef, host, and event organizer all rolled into one. Fortunately, people can be great party hosts with the help of these lifehacks:

Hold it at a Party or Events Venue

Everyone loves parties, but preparing for it can be hectic. You have to fire up the stove to cook dishes and you have to tidy your place up. And no one has time for that. Hence, just book a venue at a local restaurant that you and your friends already love. Some venues in Kemah, TX even have live music, so you won’t even have to worry about how to keep your guests entertained. Leave the from-scratch party planning to the Martha Stewarts of the world — time is precious and you can’t be bothered to figure out which fork goes where. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2iA7M5V

Why Eating Crawfish Can Actually Be Good for Your Health

As conventional wisdom goes: “If it’s too good, it’s probably not good for you.” But it this always true? As it turns out, crawfish, a tasty local favorite, has plenty of healthful benefits to offer:

Light on Calories

Especially after the holidays, a lot of people will be watching their calorie intake. It’s a good thing, then, that crawfish is a low-calorie alternative to other proteins. In fact, a serving of boiled crawfish has half the calories of skinless chicken breast, which is a staple protein source for many dieters. As such, chowing down on a crawfish platter allows you to enjoy a scrumptious meal without worrying too much about calories. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2iAcUqN