(Newswire.net — April 24, 2014) Shreveport, LA — People come to Shreveport, La. from all over just to enjoy gambling on the riverbanks of the Red River. There are six riverboat casinos with attached hotels. When people think of Shreveport, they think about gambling, but casinos are not all that draws people to Shreveport. Shreveport’s restaurants are second to none and if you’re a foodie heading in the direction of Shreveport, you have cause to rejoice — many of them! Not only is the area famed for its friendliness, warmth and true Southern hospitality, but in Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side, you will eat and eat well. It’s guaranteed.
In addition to the exquisitely prepared Louisiana Cajun and Creole fare, you’ll also find tender, melt in your mouth steaks, Strawn’s famous icebox pies, Shrimpbusters and succulent seafood at Herby K’s, and more. One of the reasons the food in Shreveport restaurants is so extraordinary is due to the area’s access to fresh ingredients. Louisiana is famed for her seafood – shrimp, crabs, fish (trout, red snapper, black drum, catfish, bass, perch, grouper, flounder, etc.) and oysters are standard fare seafood. However in Shreveport, you’ll also find crawdads (crawfish), turtles, alligator and frog legs. Add to that fresh local vegetables year round, as well as fresh spices, and you’re well on your way to an understanding of what makes the local restaurants in Shreveport a culinary treasure.
However seafood is not the only cuisine Shreveport restaurants do well. Down home Southern style cooking, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and, of course, Louisiana’s own Cajun and Creole creations are all well represented. There are a number of buffet restaurants in Shreveport, La. for those who like to sample different dishes.Be sure to dine at the riverfront restaurants at theOutlets at the LouisianaBoardwalk after you’ve worked up an appetite from shopping.
So whether you came to Shreveport to play in the casinos, to chill in the world-class accommodations or to watch the ponies run while you place bets at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, be sure to take the time to check out some of these highly recommended fine dining establishments. Note: don’t let a humble exterior fool you … each one of these establishments boasts food fit for royalty!
Strawns’ Eat Shop — There isn’t a better place in Shreveport for breakfast or for ice box pie. Breakfasts here are exactly what a traditional breakfast is supposed to be amazing biscuits, eggs, omelets, pancakes, and grits. Their pies are absolutely superb, no matter which one you choose -fresh strawberry, coconut, chocolate, banana creamor peach. You’ll never taste better pie in or outside of Shreveport.
Earnest’s Orleans Restaurant — Earnest’s Orleans Restaurant is a longstanding Shreveport tradition. Expect fantastic ambiance, extraordinary service and food that will make you swoon. Whether you order prime rib, marinated crab claws, Trout Almondine or Veal Marsala, every mouthful will be prepared to perfection. Don’t pass up the dessert -the Bananas Foster and Strawberry Flambe are guaranteed not to disappoint!
Crawdaddy’s Kitchen — With a name like this, how can you not want to go inside and order a meal? Crawdaddy’s Kitchen has been serving up delicious meals of piping hot Cajun food to natives and visitors alike for more than 15 years. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, they offer specialties such as Crawfish Supreme and Crawfish Etouffee, crab cakes, smothered catfish, shrimp (boiled and fried), along with kid-friendly selections such as butterfly shrimp. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. They are family-owned, friendly and welcoming.
Herby K’s — This humble restaurant has been a local landmark for three-quarters of a century and is a favorite eating place with the locals. You haven’t lived until you’ve had one of Herby K’s Shrimp Buster po-boys! Other great menu selectionsinclude fantastic crab cakes, homemade onion rings and gumbo as good as it gets. Inexpensive prices, ice cold beer and seating indoors and out make this an experience not to be missed. The walls are filled with memorabilia.
Lilah’s Deli & Bakery — It’s always good to end on a sweet note and everything about this independently owned deli/bakery is sweet, from the couple who runs it to their absolutely amazing King Cakes. King Cake is a cake based on a European tradition symbolizing the “three wise men” that came bearing gifts for the Christ child. It is a yeast based cake whose icing is covered with colored sugars. Lilah’s sells deli style sandwiches, cakes, cupcakes and King Cake that is second to none!
Kim’s Seafood and Po’boy — Kim’s menu includes like 150 dishes. Restaurant owner Duc Duong pours love into each and every po-boy that comes out of his kitchen. He adds a Cajun twist to Asian cuisine to create dishes like the crawfish eggroll. He prides himself on selling only fresh Louisiana seafood.
Few Southern cities have a food scene as exceptional and as diverse as does Shreveport, La. Even if food is not what originally drew you to the city, don’t be surprised if you end up never wanting to leave as a result of having sampled just a few of the area’s spectacular culinary delights!