Former Shrimp Boat Captain Brings Real Cajun Food To West Alabama

As a former resident of New Orleans, I've had the best of authentic Cajun food.

Get our free mobile app

It's a category that is a little bit underserved in West Alabama, in my opinion.

Earlier this week, I had lunch at a new restaurant called Cajun Cafe located at 208 Main St. in Eutaw, Alabama.

The story of this new hot spot is really unique. The owner of Cajun Cafe is a former Gulf Coast shrimp boat captain.

I would say that makes her pretty knowledgeable when it comes to the freshest seafood.

Darla Downs spent years as a shrimp boat captain in the Gulf of Mexico.

She knows boats, and she DEFINITELY knows all about GREAT CAJUN FOOD.

Before I tell you about the food at Cajun Cafe, I must compliment the staff.

Darla is a true N'awlins gal and she oozes fun and her staff has adopted that same spirit.

Her leadership has made this a "must-visit" spot in Eutaw, Alabama.

I had lunch with one of our Multi-Media Marketing Consultants, John Ramey, and we were lucky enough to get samples of many menu items.

Let me start by saying, I am not really a big fan of grits. I know that's illegal in Alabama. Please don't hate me.

I'm also not a huge shrimp eater.

However, the Shrimp & Grits at Cajun Cafe were the best I have ever tasted.

The shrimp was perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked. The grits were the creamiest, tastiest grits I've ever had the pleasure of consuming.

I don't know what Darla's secret is but I know it must include a bit of real cream.

It was a buttery, smooth, delicious dish.

My friend John ordered the shrimp Po' Boy, and, well, I don't know how it was because he had downed it all in under two minutes.

I think he liked it.

He said the bread was simply amazing.

We found out the bread is true authentic bread straight from N'awlins!

The fried catfish is also a big hit for most of the folks who have tried Cajun Cafe.

As much as I loved the Shrimp & Grits, I must admit that I tasted another entree that rocked my world.

It was the freshly made Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken.

A large plate of fettuccine pasta with the richest, creamiest (and best) sauce ever.

It was simply fantastic.

There's a big difference between Cajun and creole food.

BIG.

Cajun doesn't automatically mean spicy or hot.

It does mean FLAVOR.

Lots of big and bold flavors.

Cajun Cafe is loaded with authentic Cajun dishes prepared by a gal from Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

That's about as deep into Bayou country as you can get.

Cajun Cafe is well worth the time and/or trip to Eutaw, Alabama.

It's MUCH MUCH closer than New Orleans and a whole lot safer to head to Eutaw's newest great eatery, Cajun Cafe.