It is right around the corner – Mardi Gras. Also known as Fat Tuesday, individuals around Circle City will be gorging themselves on culinary delights come Tuesday, March 8. Being one of those individuals, I am wondering where to eat. When I think about Fat Tuesday, I think about noshing on Cajun/Creole food. I love the fried po’boys and jambalaya. Oh, and I adore paczki (a Polish pastry, stuffed with goodness) too. But where to find some of these treats? Just a few places to consider that specialize in Louisiana fare:
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- Mudbug’s Cajun Cafe (Carmel) – they will be celebrating all week with King Cake and buckets of beer. I’ve had the po’boys and gumbo, but there is a variety to choose from.
- Yats (4 locations in Indy, check their site for the one nearest you) – I’ve got to be honest, never been here. What is everyone’s opinion?
- Bar at the Ambassador (downtown) – I dined there a few weeks ago, and I don’t see it again in my near future. But that is just me – is there a reason why I should?
What will I be eating this year? Not sure yet. I think I am craving bouillabaisse – a French inspired seafood delight with broth that should be soaked up with some bread. And if I can get my hands on some king cake, that would be good too. The cream cheese pastry (my preference of filling) is always so buttery and divine, everything a pastry should be.
Any suggestions on the best Cajun/Creole eats in Indy? Where are you eating for the holiday?
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Have you been to Papa Roux on the eastside? They have great food and I bet they are going to be celebrating Mardi Gras. We’ve also been told to check out Zydeco’s in Mooresville but haven’t been yet!
Thanks for the suggestion Jess – haven’t been there, didn’t know about it! May need to make my way there from Carmel soon!
I find Yats to be very tasty and love supporting them (the owner is a cool cat… their employees are usually my kind of people), but I think it is important to have the right expectations – their items are all basically stews. They don’t photograph well and there’s nothing fancy about them. Simply good, comforting eats at what I think is a pretty darn good value. My favorite order— white chili (chicken), ask for sour cream/onions/cheese to be added… pay 50c for extra bread… try out some new hot sauces.
I’ll 2nd Papa Roux. Sort of a tough area that’s a bit far away from us, so we wind up at Yats more often. Papa Roux has a bit more variety— Roast Beef PoBoy is killer if they have it when you’re there.
-Tom
Thanks Tom, I’ve heard a lot of mixed emotions about Yats which is why I hesitate to try. But if there is something specific, like the white chili, that I am recommended to try I may just need to do that! And a roast beef Po’Boy sounds delish too – thanks for the recommendations (and for reading/commenting)!
I am not a cajun fan but B LOVESSSSS it and is super obsessed with Yats, and has been forever! So it gets his recommendation!
Thanks Kelly! What is B’s fave entree?
Yats is definitely a must-try. Can’t beat it for the price. Chili Cheese Etoufee is usually available and one of my favorites. The bread is worth the trip alone.
Gumbo a go go, on 86th street, is good as well.
I haven’t had Gumbo a Go Go in years – and that was after two disappointing tries. I may need to revisit I guess? And I think I have to definitely try Yats now with all these comments – surprised that I have only heard negative in the past! Thanks Gina!
Laissez les bons temps rouler! I’ll be in Louisiana starting on Saturday. No Mardi Gras activities though although I might need some crawfish!