Southern Louisiana In Evanston
When I found out there was a New Orleans-style restaurant in Evanston I was of course skeptical of its authenticity. So often have I had “Cajun” food only to be insulted and disappointed. Being Cajun I think I have that right. You shouldn’t just pour pepper on something, burn it, and call it Cajun! If Cajun cooking were that easy my Mom would’ve been a lot nicer in the kitchen. Recently, I’ve gone to the restaurant called Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop, located at 825 Church Street in downtown Evanston, and I was amazed. I thought to myself, “Anything with the word Dixie in it had better be southern”, and calling itself that seemed pretty bold to me. To my surprise their food tasted like my Mom used to make it. The jambalaya has a different texture than I’m used to but its taste is very reminiscent of New Orleans flavor. Many dishes I’ve had there since my first visit have reminded me of food I had growing up.
I miss New Orleans. I wish I were home right now, but my career and wife in Evanston are 950 miles away from it. There aren’t many opportunities to make that long drive down there and back. Right now, the closest I can get to home is the Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop, a real Cajun touch of southern Louisiana right here in downtown Evanston. If you head over there I recommend anything with the word shrimp in it, and definitely drink the Abita Amber beer. I used to work across the street from the Abita brewery; it’s a really great beer to have on your lunch break.
Try it, you’ll love it.
Jeffrey Broussard
New Orleans Native, Chicago Newby
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