New Orleans Comes to Seattle

When people find out that I was born and raised in New Orleans, they often want to know if I've had any good Cajun or Southern food in Seattle (or Los Angeles since I lived there for nine years.)  My answer is always a big, fat NO. Unless the chef is from New Orleans or spent several years working at a restaurant in the Crescent City, chances are, he or she will not know how to cook authentic Cajun cuisine.

Imagine my delight when I learned that Matt Lewis, who grew up in my fair city and owns Where Ya At Matt foodtruck, is opening a brick and mortar restaurant called Roux in Fremont.  When I'm feeling homesick or just want a bowl of red beans & rice or a shrimp po'boy, you better believe you'll find me at this spot! It will be in the old Buckaroo Tavern location just down the street from the Center of the Universe. They hope to open in August 2012.(Thanks for the tip, Huff.)

News & Events

The Seattle Food and Wine Experience will be on Sunday, Feb. 26.  It will feature wines from around the world, beer, cider and locally distilled spirits. Twenty chefs will prepare gourmet bites. A few restaurants worth mentioning are Luc, The Coterie Room, Cantinetta and Wild Ginger. Tickets are $49 in advance or $60 cash at the door.

Le Gourmand/Sambar in Ballard is closing this summer. I’ve never eaten here, but I’ve always wanted to try it, especially Sambar. A friend of mine celebrated her husband’s birthday here about a month ago and had a wonderful dinner. The only bit of good news about the restaurant closing is that it’s the owner’s decision—not the economy forcing them out.

• There are two new food trucks coming to Seattle: Happy Grillmore will serve burgers and fries in Redmond and Off the Rez will serve Native American fare  in South Lake Union, Fremont and late nights in Capitol Hill.  I’m not thrilled about the name of the truck, and I expect someone or some group to have a field day with the slang.