Coastal Louisiana Treats Fill Stockings … and Stomachs

     Louisiana Coast, November 2015 – The Louisiana Coast is world-renowned for its culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood to traditional Cajun and Creole dishes to colorful and sweet king cakes. In fact, in many ways, Louisiana's food scene shapes the larger story of this region's fascinating history and culture. For those looking to thrill the foodie on their shopping list this holiday season, some of the state's most iconic brands offer interesting – and tasty – gift ideas.

     For generations, the name “Tabasco” has been synonymous with the words “pepper sauce,” and its Avery Island headquarters in Iberia Parish is the place for fans of this iconic brand to visit the factory, learn about growing and harvesting peppers, and stock up on favorite items. For those who can't make it to the home of America's favorite condiment in person, the Tabasco Country Store's online gift shop offers a wide range of food and gift products sure to spice up gift giving this holiday season. Stock on up the limited edition Family Reserve Pepper Sauce, created exclusively for the McIlhenny family (founders of the brand) and only available here, or shop for Tabasco-flavored condiments like Bloody Mary mix, sriracha sauce, olive oil, spicy salt and even dill pickles. Tabasco branded apparel, gift baskets, and fun kitchen items round out the mix.

     In the neighboring town of New Iberia, the Conrad Rice Mill is the oldest operating rice mill in the United States. The 1912 mill is open for tours and home to the Konriko Company Store, where visitors can sample and buy (gluten-free) rice products, plus purchase other local delicacies and regional crafts. The company's online store offers a variety of products that, along with nearly two dozen recipes, help make it easy to whip up an authentic Louisiana holiday meal. Shop for the local favorite Wild Pecan Rice, Konriko Creole Seasoning or the Fab 15 Gift Basket featuring—you guessed it—15 of Conrad Rice Mills' most beloved products.

     Mardi Gras may still be a few months out, but its ubiquitous king cakes are a welcome addition to any holiday table. The Randazzo family has been making king cakes in Jefferson, St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes for decades— in fact, Manny Randazzo, the second generation of his family to master the art of baking king cakes, earned the title of “King Cake King” in 2012. Nonna Randazzo's King Cakes will ship their sugary confections—complete with the all-important plastic baby—anywhere in the country via their online order forms. Traditional king cakes are cinnamon flavored; colored with Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold; and festively decorated with candy nonpariels. Filled king cakes are stuffed with apple, cream cheese, cream cheese/pecan praline, pecan praline or strawberry cream.

     It's not surprising to learn that a region so immersed in food culture would produce a widely renowned and respected chef like John Besh. A James Beard Award winner and cookbook author, Besh grew up in St. Tammany Parish, where he owns and operates La Provence restaurant. Featuring dishes like quail gumbo, crab bisque and cornmeal-fried soft shell crab, the menu mixes traditional French cuisine with locally available seafood, produce and meats. Besh owns several restaurants in New Orleans as well, including August, Borgne, and Besh Steak. Food lovers and home chefs alike will treasure any of Besh's cookbooks, including his newest, “Besh Big Easy: 101 Home Cooked New Orleans Recipes,” which highlights his favorite Louisiana dishes.

     Collectively known as the Louisiana Tourism Coastal Coalition (LTCC), the coastal parishes of Louisiana promote natural, recreational and cultural experiences to residents of and visitors to these parishes. The LTCC is also an advocate for the sustainable development of coastal communities and protection of the area's fragile wetlands.

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Gillies and Zaiser
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LTCC-6-November 2015