Out of the Way Doesn't Mean Waste of Time

By Brad Thibodaux

When you think of South Louisiana cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is seafood. Whether it's boiled, grilled, or fried we here in the Tri-Parish area love our fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters, and crawfish more than people from Wisconsin love their cheeses.

Seafood is a part of our lives. We would be less of a people without this important aspect of our culture. Yet recently we have begun to settle for fast food and chain restaurants' versions of our favorite dishes. Even buffet boiled seafood has become a "must do" on Friday nights.

So with my cultural soul dangling over the proverbial cliff, I headed off "main-street" to St. Charles Street in Houma and stopped in at Cajun Critters Seafood and More for a true Lenten Friday seafood indulgence.

For those unfamiliar with St. Charles Street, Cajun Critters Seafood and More is located directly behind Philo's - Chevron service station. But don't let the location fool you, the cooks at Cajun Critters know how to prepare your favorite authentic South Louisiana seafood dish.

From the smell of perfectly spiced boiled crawfish, crabs, and shrimp to the sight of oyster po-boys stuffed to the breaking point, I knew redemption was only a bite away.

I went to an open table, sat down and took in my surroundings; Cajun Critters made me feel like I had stumbled onto someone's outside food-fest instead of a restaurant. The walls are decorated with mounted fish, crabs, alligator heads, and multi-colored lights are strung "every-which-way" across the ceiling. The tables are not covered with a fancy cloth, but left bear for easy clean-up. A hot sauce bottle and salt & pepper shakers surrounded the napkin dispenser in the center of the tables and I immediately felt right at home.

I quickly grabbed my menu to pick out and appetizer. FRIED CAULIFLOWER?! WHAT?! Needless to say I was surprised to find this on a menu so I jumped at the chance to sample this home-style fare. I was not disappointed. The fried cauliflower was just like my grandma use to make for Sunday diner. The crust was crispy with a hint of spice and the cauliflower was tender and moist. Perfect!

With the fried cauliflower well on its way to infinity I received my entree, the Cajun Critter Platter. The Cajun Critter Platter is a plate full of fried shrimp, fish, crawfish, oysters, and calamari (squid) with enough fries to test your stomach's ability to expand. It was fantastic. Everything was perfectly cooked (including the oysters) and all had a hint of "boil seasoning" for a unique taste. It took a while but I left my plate empty and my Cajun soul repaired.

Finally seafood as it was meant to be prepared and served...with love! So with that in mind I give Cajun Critters Seafood and More a solid 4 sunbursts and will make this "hole in the wall" a must stop on Fridays this lent.

My food loving companions also suggest a bowl of seafood gumbo and crab claws for an appetizer, with the boiled crawfish or a Philly cheese steak po-boy as an entrée. But from what our fellow diners told us, anything on the menu will do.

So the next time your "Cajun Soul" loses its way, head to Cajun Critters Seafood and More, 1304 St. Charles St. in Houma, and experience a culinary awaking.