Seafood
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Crawfish Boil
The great leveler when it comes to outdoor activities in Louisiana: The Crawfish Boil. While other places on the globe refer to the quarters of our annual trip circumnavigating the sun as summer, fall, winter, and spring; Here in Louisiana, the same monthly groups are lovingly referred to as, snowball season, football season, Mardi Gras season and lastly, crawfish season. Pretty impressive when you stop and think about it. An entire region of our country naming an entire season after a crustacean.
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Turtle Soup
Although it has variations that span the globe, (including China, Europe and even Pennsylvania) nothing has come to symbolize a fancy New Orleans appetizer more than Turtle Soup. Considered a delicacy just about anywhere it's served, Turtle Soup is a very unique dish that you will not soon forget; especially if you're lucky enough to be served this soup seated in one of Nola's grand dame restaurants.
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Seafood Stuffed Potatoes
A specialty item at a lot of neighborhood seafood joints here in Louisiana, the seafood stuffed potato alone will ensure that you will not be ordering dessert. A delicious treat, one as rich and heavy as it is yummy. I see a lot of seafood potatoes around that use crab. I like shrimp myself but if you want to add some crabmeat too, I'm sure it'll make it even more delicious.
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Gumbo
There is no better culinary metaphor to help exemplify the cultural stew that is Louisiana than gumbo. Seemingly every influence possible is represented one way or another in gumbo. African, French, and even Choctaw are just a few of the cuisines that helped gumbo become what it is today. It's easily one of the most divisive dishes in southern cuisine.
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Shrimp and Grits
Made famous by Crooks Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC; this dish is now a staple at brunch all across the south. It seems as though there are as many variations as there are places that serve this iconic dish.
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Fried Oyster Tacos
One of my favorite things about tacos is their versatility. Just about anything can be turned into a taco if you have the imagination. This recipe is a prime example.