From a world-renowned jambalaya showdown to a host of long-standing, family-owned eateries, Louisiana’s Ascension Parish promises foodies a dazzling and delicious tour. Experience classic Bayou State flavor and fervor at establishments like Grapevine Café and Gallery, Mike Anderson’s Seafood, or Sno’s Seafood & Steakhouse and enjoy time-honored recipes seasoned by history and welcoming locals.
Begin your foodie excursion in Gonzales, which was proclaimed the Jambalaya Capital of the World in 1968. You could plan a whole weekend around the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival and World Champion Jambalaya Cooking Contest, May 26–28. For more than 50 years, this annual affair has brought the community together to celebrate the art of jambalaya cooking with a full weekend of live music on multiple stages, eclectic vendors, carnival rides, and scrumptious fare. More than 60 contestants step into the arena to prove their mastery of traditional, flavor-packed jambalaya. If you ask us, when it comes to attending an event to find the “best in show” of jambalaya, it’s safe to say we all win!
Gonzales is also home to Mike Anderson’s Seafood restaurant, a local favorite named after all-American Louisiana State University linebacker and businessman, Mike Anderson. This is the premier spot where food lovers and football fans come together to relish a festive and rallying atmosphere like no other. Be sure to book a reservation at Sno’s Seafood & Steak House as well. Opened by the Sheets family in 1971, this homegrown gem offers delectable regional dishes from soft shell crab and charbroiled oysters to fried alligator and Cajun duck. No trip to Ascension Parish is complete without a visit to both of these beloved venues.
If you prefer a more leisurely paced culinary experience, pull up a seat at the Grapevine Café and Gallery, located in Historic Downtown Donaldsonville. Dine in the casual atmosphere of a restored 1920s building that showcases artwork from area artists. The distinctive menu blends Cajun, Creole, and African traditions. Or head into the Cajun Village, a collection of restored 1800s Acadian-style buildings now housing specialty shops, like The Coffee House. It’s the perfect spot to delight in an order of beignets while sipping a freshly brewed café au lait for breakfast, or enjoy gumbo and red beans and rice at a lunch.
Turn your foodie dreams into a fantastic and tasty reality by planning your trip to Ascension Parish trip today.
