Not only do we have some amazing culinary creations, but Louisiana is blessed with talented chefs that are constantly putting new spins on classic dishes. This one restaurant in Alexandria has married two Louisiana staples, the crawfish and the beignet into a mouth watering treat you simply must try.
Spirits has been an Alexandria favorite since it opened in 1967.
Owners Lee and Tracey Gwinn have created something magical in CenLa, and it’s worth the drive to experience this wonderful establishment.
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It’s a casual eatery where you can enjoy delicious food with great live music in a casual, inviting atmosphere.
Indoors or outside, there's really not a bad seat in the house.
Spirits isn’t your typical restaurant. You’ll find that everything on their menu is familiar—with a twist.
Just look at that monster burger piled sky high. Yum!
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Their burgers, poboys, pastas and salads are always fresh and flavorful.
And a hearty size too. You'll be asking for a to-go box, for sure!
Be sure to order a plate of crawfish beignets for the table.
These savory treats are the perfect introduction to your meal. Crispy, flavorful, and served with a red remoulade that’s the perfect pairing to this unique appetizer.
Spirits also features free live music every Wednesday, showcasing local musicians.
On the weekends you’ll find national touring bands, so be sure to check their website to find out when new shows are added.
You can find Spirits Food & Friends at 1200 Texas Avenue, Alexandria, LA 71301.
Have you ever been? What's your favorite thing on the menu? Let us know in the comments below!
Brunch is always a good idea. Did you know that the tradition that we know today began in 1854? Back then, butchers would rise early in the morning to get their work done and would be finished by 11 a.m. Typically fueled by nothing more than some bread and coffee.
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When German immigrant Elizabeth Dutrey Begue noticed her brother and all of his butcher friends were going hungry, she decided to serve a hearty, seven-course meal for the butchers every morning in her tiny, 30-seat restaurant. The menu changed daily based on what was available at the French Market, but things like eggs and chicory-laced coffee were always staples.
The butcher’s breakfast became a popular tradition for many years with folks arriving by train and lining up outside to experience the new craze. Eventually, Tujague’s moved into the location and continued the butcher’s breakfast tradition.
Fast forward to today, and brunch is easily one of the most popular menus in New Orleans. From bottomless mimosas to eggs Benedict, just about every restaurant in the city has a weekend brunch that’s packed to the max.
Of course, there’s brunch and then there’s Jazz brunch. If you’ve never experienced a Jazz brunch, go ahead and move it to the top of your to-do list.
Commander’s Palace is one of the best places to enjoy a Jazz brunch.
The famous New Orleans restaurant has been a culinary pillar for the Crescent City since opening its doors back in 1893. The restaurant sits in the heart of the Garden District, flanked by ancient oak trees, grandiose mansions, and a historic cemetery. There is plenty of street parking at Commander’s Palace, and complimentary valet parking is also available. I’d recommend taking the St. Charles Streetcar and enjoying the scenic walk.
Jazz brunch is served at Commander’s Palace every Saturday (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.). Reservations can be made online.
Before you leave the house, please remember the dress code for Commander’s Palace (it’s highly enforced):
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Business attire
Jackets are preferred for gentlemen
Collard shirts and closed-toed shoes are required for gentlemen
Jeans are discouraged. Ripped jeans are not allowed
No shorts, flip-flops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sweatpants
Chef Meg Bickford has expertly crafted a special menu for Jazz brunch. The restaurant’s iconic dishes like turtle soup make an appearance on the special menu, but you’ll also find a wide range of delicious dishes here. Cochon de lait eggs Benedict, pecan-crusted gulf fish, and peach-glazed duck are just a few of the menu items you’ll be tempted with.
Commander’s Palace prides itself on a 100-mile radius rule—90% of the ingredients come from within 100 miles of their back door. Expect some of the freshest flavors you’ve ever tasted.
While you savor the flavors of Creole cuisine at its finest, you’ll be treated to sensational live New Orleans Jazz by the Joe Simon’s Jazz Trio. Don’t be surprised if the band comes up to your table to request a song! They might even start a Second Line in your dining room. Go ahead, join in! It’s all part of the experience.
Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace is more than a meal—it’s an experience. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace, share your experience with us in the comments.
Once you’ve experienced a Jazz brunch, keep the ball rolling with an evening Jazz cruise aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez.
Drive-thru restaurants aren't typically anyone's first choice. We swing by because it checks all the boxes: it's affordable and fast. There's one drive-thru restaurant in Lake Charles that's changing the game on what fast food means, and we love it. Today, we're taking a look at Kat Daddy's Drive-Thru Kitchen and all of the scrumptious food that awaits.
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Welcome to Kat Daddy’s, a drive-thru restaurant in Lake Charles that’s serving up delicious burgers and seafood…all from the drive-thru window!
No need to get out of your car. In fact, there is no dining room here, so you’ll have to get your grub to go!
Kat Daddy’s menu features a wide range of seafood and burgers to enjoy.
Staying true to the traditional, numbered drive-thru experience, there are nearly 20 different combo options to choose from.
This isn’t your average burger drive-thru. It's better.
It’s the perfect hybrid of Louisiana cuisine and road trip foods.
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Pictured above is the fried okra bites. These are perfect to snack on as you battle traffic, don't you think?
There are also plenty of healthy options, too.
Prefer your seafood to be grilled? No problem!
Kat Daddy’s offers a hot plate lunch five days a week which is served with two veggies and bread.
Here’s the line-up:
Monday: Fried chicken tenders
Tuesday: Fried pork chops
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Wednesday: Baked chicken quarter
Thursday: Hamburger steak
Friday: Shrimp etouffee and fried fish
Perhaps the sweetest thing on the menu is the beignet bites, which we highly recommend!
We’ll be honest, these aren’t the best snacks to eat in the car, but if you can wait just a few minutes until you get to your destination, it’ll be worth it!
It's not every day that you can pull up to a drive-thru joint and grab some gumbo and beignet bites. Swing by Kat Daddy's and give it a try! You won't regret it. Follow Kat Daddy's on Facebook so you never miss out on any daily specials.
If you've ever visited this drive-thru restaurant in Lake Charles, let us know in the comments! Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana: