Fresh Catch

Here in South Louisiana, we are truly blessed to have access to some of the best fresh seafood found anywhere.  Whether its crawfish, crabs, shrimp, oysters, or the many fresh fish available, you're sure to find a favorite without going far.  Just as abundant as the seafood options are the restaurants that specialize in them.

By far, the primary preparation that you will most often find will be fried.  As much fried seafood as the restaurants in our area feature, they don't all prepare it the same way, so it's important to know what you like before venturing out for that seafood platter.  For example, there is a real difference in both taste and texture between frying with cornmeal versus flour.

For me, the greatest sins committed in frying seafood are overcooking, and greasiness.  The latter often occurs as a result of the former.  Luckily, there are a wide range of places in the Baton Rouge area where you don't typically have to be concerned about that.  Restaurants such as Ralph & Kacoo's, Drusilla, Parrain's, Mike Anderson's, and Brunet's have consistently delicious seafood dishes, and are experts when it comes to the fried staples we love.  In my opinion, for fried seafood, you can't beat The Chimes.  This LSU landmark has impressed me on every visit, and its new Coursey Boulevard location offers the same great quality in a much larger and easier to access facility.  Of course, there's nothing better on a hot Louisiana summer afternoon to wash down that tasty seafood than an ice cold beer, and if you can't find one you like at Chimes, then you don't like beer.  They have over 130 different brews from every corner of the planet.

If fried is not for you, then the city has a number of other restaurants that are offering tasty alternatives.  For great oysters, check out Jones Creek Oyster Bar, Phil's, Acme Oyster House, or On The Half Shell.  In addition to the classic freshly shucked delicacies, you can find different grilled variations.  One of the more recent additions to area seafood menus is the fish taco.  You can find this tasty dish at places like Fish City Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Dingo's.

So whatever your favorite seafood dish is, you are in the right place.  Check out one of these places or one of the many others in the area, and let me know your thoughts.