Cajun cuisine is not the first food that comes to mind when thinking of Chicago, but the rustic country Southern cooking is available in restaurants in the city and in the suburbs. Louisiana is famed for delicious cuisine, particularly Creole and Cajun. The difference between the two styles is that Creole was the food of the rich planters, with kitchens that aspired to grand cuisine, with techniques for France and Spain. The Arcadians, which later was contracted to Cajun, were the country people who served strong country food prepared from locally available ingredients. Cajun dishes used a lot of rice and beans, combined with fish, crawfish or whatever ingredients were available. Although Creole and Cajun are two different styles of cooking, they do have some similarities. Taste some of the delicious southern food at Cajun restaurants in the Chicago area. Following are some of Chicago’s top Cajun restaurants.
Heaven on Seven. Authentic Cajun cooking brings a taste of new Orleans to Chicago. The informal atmosphere is a great place to kick back, have fun and enjoy the food. Southern Classic entrees include an Etouffe of the Day, Mardi Gras Jambalaya, Southern Fried Chicken and Fried Catfish Platter. Shrimp dishes include Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Creole, Shrimp VooDoo, Shrimp Jerk, Shrimp Remoulade and more. Heaven on Seven served lunch, brunch and dinner. Drink specials daily. There are three located in Chicago.
Heaven on Seven Locations
600 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60611. 1-312-280-7774
111 N. Wabash, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602. 1-312-263-6443
224 S. Main Street, Naperville, IL 60540. 1-630-717-0777.
Redfish Seafood Grill and Bar. Redfish brings the fun and flavor of Bourbon Street to The Windy City. Get some beads at the door for a Mardi Gras celebration of food, jazz music and atmosphere. French Quarter specialties include classics like Blackened Redfish, Crawfish Etouffe and Jambalaya. American favorites are also available. Stop at the VooDoo Lounge for Hurricanes and music. 400 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60610. 1-312-467-1600.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Pappadeaux is a spacious restaurant offering an extensive menu of seafood specialties. Pappadeaux is a Louisiana style restaurant specializing in seafood. Cajun specialties include Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee, Shrimp Etouffee, Crawfish Platter and Pasta Mardi Gras. Pasta Marti Gras is a party of linguine tossed with crawfish, andouille sausage and crimini mushrooms in a marinara cream sauce topped with jumbo grilled shrimp. Gumbo include “Louisiana” Seafood Gumbo, “Louisiana” Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille Sausage & Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Bisque Cream Style and Lobster Bisque Cream Style. Pappadeaux offers fresh fish dishes prepared fried and grilled. Desserts inc include bread pudding, Key Lime Pie and Sweet Potato Pecan Pie.
Pappadeaux Locations
921 Pasquinelli Drive, Westmont, IL 60559. 1-630-455-9846.
798 W. Algonguin Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005. 1-847-228-9551.
Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop. 825 Church St., Evanston, IL 1-847-773-9030
Lagniappe. 1525 W. 97th Street, Chicago, IL. 1-773-994-6375.
Wishbone – Lakeview. 3300 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 1-773-549-4105.
Wishbone – West Loop. 1001 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL . 1-312-850-2663.
Information is subject to change. Contact the restaurants for additional information and to make reservations.
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