Anyone Interested In A Cajun/Creole MeatUp In October? No BBQ Allowed!

[Panhead John]

Something I’ve been thinking about for quite a while is doing a MeatUp in Louisiana to experience some more of the outstanding food they have to offer. I was born in Louisiana and have always felt a close kinship with our neighbors to my East. I have a few friends in Lafayette, La. and have visited there many times back in the 90’s. I can say for a fact that there’s many outstanding restaurants in the area. We have some AR members living in La. also, who can probably vouch for me. In fact, Beefchop lives in Lafayette. Louisiana cuisine is generally divided into 2 groups, Cajun or Creole. The Cajun type cuisine is generally associated with the Lafayette region of the state and Creole Cuisine is more associated with New Orleans area. It’s like trying to choose between your favorite child.. If we do this and pick the Lafayette area, something that could be of interest to some is doing a swamp tour one day. The Atchafalaya Basin is nearby and several companies offer swamp tours in covered boats. I’ve been on one before and it’s pretty darn cool! All types of trees, plant life and vegetation….. Alligators aplenty..in addition to many types of birds and other wildlife.

If there’s enough interest in this, New Orleans is another city that would be great to visit. I’m not as familiar with New Orleans as I am Lafayette, but either one would be a great choice. We all know that there’s a ton of great restaurants there, several that are world famous. My gut feeling is New Orleans would be a bit more expensive. I know that LA Pork Butt is from Louisiana and can hopefully chime in with some ideas or thoughts. As much as we all love BBQ, I think this should be a NO BBQ WEEKEND. That would be like going to Franklin’s and ordering a salad. 😂

Anyway, if we do this, I could start some planning after we get back from WayneT ‘s big North Carolina Extravaganza. I know October is a long way off and I’m not looking for any commitments right now, just to see how much interest there might be. Thanks!

[CaptainMike]

ME! (I have no life..)

[Panhead John]

YOU have no life? Ha!

[Huskee]

"No BBQ Allowed"? You're just tryin' to get banned, aren't you? Sounds like a great time. I'd be all over it if I could travel that far.

[Panhead John]

Huskee Yeah, it’s a shame you live so far away, I’d love to meet you one day, either before I die or I’m banned for life..😂

[DavidNorcross]

Panhead John you may want to try and meet him VERY soon….just in case.

[Oak Smoke]

With my situation as of now I’m going to wait for a Texas meatup.

[RichieB]

Do it for Mardi Gras. I want to see you on Bourbon St. shakin' your stuff at the crowds on the street. 🤣

[Panhead John]

Not a pretty sight, trust me…..

[RichieB]

That's what tequila is for. It will numb the reality.

[Clark]

If you have it in New Orleans you would need to invite the 82nd Airborne Division and the 3rd Armored Cavalry for protection.

[Panhead John]

Clark You seem to take great joy in trying to put a damper on some of my posts. Why? This isn’t the first time.

[Clark]

Panhead John NOLA is competing with Chicago to be the murder capital of our country.
Read the papers, watch TV news, become aware of what is going on in the U.S. outside of Houston.
I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings but I thought it was a terrible idea. We're each entitled to voice our opinions on this forum.

[Clark]

Panhead John I just re-read your original post. You did ask if anyone was interested.

Please don't send me anymore profanity laced private messages tirades.

I am also withdrawing my offer to buy you lunch in Brenham next week.

[WayneT]

I garawntee I’d be there. With apologies to Cajun chef and humorist Justin Wilson.

[Smoke n Beers]

So wish I could do this. Cajun food is soooo good. Hope all that can attend have a great time. Actually, I can't imagine this could be anything less than a great time.

[Panhead John]

I’m with you Mr. Beers! It would be a great time. As much as I love BBQ, I like Cajun food even more. [it’s close though]

[58limited]

Another thing to do in the Lafayette area: The Boudin Trail.

https://www.lafayettetravel.com/discover-lafayette/boudin-trail/

[Panhead John]

Yeah David, forgot about that! I’ve been to a couple of those places. The Best Stop, which is featured in there, has excellent boudin and Andouille sausage. I’ve brought many links home with me in the cooler before. It’s 10 minutes outside Lafayette.

[RichieB]

Seriously, I would consider this. My wife and I have always wanted to visit N.O. So, if this comes about I'll discuss with her. I would not go without her as that would be a death wish waiting to happen.

Another destination to think about Manhattan. Food is good and oh we won't get bored that I promise.

[RichieB]

WayneT now that is a memory. Used to go over GWB to Cross Bronx in my VW powder blue 68' Fastback. Seeing the cars on this side with no tires, if lucky on cinder blocks.

[RichieB]

Wayne's is would take special consideration getting from point a to b, c, d and on and on. I did cabs and to get downtown the A train. I could not expect these ol' country boys going down 3 levels to get on train. I think you can still hire a horse drawn cart. But Uber and cabs can get you there. Oh, I forgot walking is an option too.

[WayneT]

RichieB We stayed at Bryant Park over Christmas one year and walked to most places in Midtown and even to Central Park. Everywhere else, we took an Uber. Next time, we’ll learn the train system.

[efincoop]

I'm keeping my eye on this one. Louisiana is a place I'd love to visit. For me the timing might be tricky around that time and at this point I'm too far out to know for sure.

[RichieB]

Steve B I grew up in Passaic N.J. I went to RCA Institute on 31st and 8th across from MSG 70' to 73'. I worked in Penn Plaza and Liberty Sq across the the W.T.C. prior to 9.11. A story I can share for another day. I commuted for years from BOS to LGA (Delta Shuttle), and lived at the Marriott Marquis or Sheraton Tower. So, yea I know the city. If you have never been there, you have missed out on an unbelievable experience. A sub note. I do not know if they are still a business but the Irish Pub on 8th and a bit North to 57th. A taste of Ireland in the city.

[Steve B]

I’ve been there. Not often and I’m sure there are parts that are really cool. But it definitely ain’t for me. I like a slower pace.

[RichieB]

Steve B I can understand and respect that. It is not a place for everybody. I always had the pipe dream to live in mid-town. I knew it was never happening. My life would not be what it is today. I'm OK with that. It is a fun city.

[DavidNorcross]

I have interest. Like you say, it is hard to commit this far out, but if we could pull it off I would love to go.

[Panhead John]

efincoop and everyone else….if we can pull this off, I’d try to be as flexible as possible with dates to accommodate the most people. Me, I can make it anytime so it wouldn’t matter on my end.

[Clawbear57]

Sounds like the place to be. Depends.

[Panhead John]

In addition to great food, here’s a little info. about one of the swamp tour companies near Lafayette. As I mentioned earlier, there’s several of these companies that operate in or near Lafayette, as well as New Orleans.

https://www.mcgeesswamptours.com/

[Donw]

And they garawntee as Justin would say that a majority of their clients actually return alive after the tour.

[Panhead John]

You’re right Don! They boast a 90% survival rate!