Ragin Cajun: My Slice of Louisiana in Texas

This is not the first time I have written about Ragin Cajun, and I dare say it won’t be the last.  If you live in Houston, Texas hopefully you are familiar with this restaurant and have eaten there.  If you haven’t, then I hope after reading this you will give it a try.

I am from Louisiana, but technically, I am not a Cajun.  I grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, which is located in the northwestern corner of the state, while Cajuns are considered to be more in the southern areas of Louisiana.  Northern and southern Louisiana could not be more different, but as a whole, Louisiana has its own culture that is just punctuated a little differently depending on which part of the state you are in.  That being said, I find a little taste of that Louisiana culture that I know and love so much every time I go to Ragin Cajun.

From the moment I walk in the door, which is about once a week, I am immediately transported back home.  Everything about it screams Louisiana.  The walls are plastered with all things Louisiana.  There is lots of great LSU sports memorabilia, including football helmets, yearbooks, pictures and posters.  Of course, this time of year is all about football.  I can watch the LSU games at home on the comfort of my own sofa, but I usually prefer to watch them at Ragin Cajun with the other Tiger fanatics!

I go for the food, the atmosphere, the camaraderie of the many other Houston transplants from Louisiana who are regular patrons, and for the excellent service.  I especially want to give a quick shout-out to Eddie and Shannon.  They rock the place!  It’s like my Cheers!  You know, the place where everybody knows your name.

A couple of weeks ago, we were there for Monday Night Football to eat and watch the Saints game.  (WHO DAT!)  Towards the end of the evening, I noticed that some of the football helmets had been taken down and were in the process of being cleaned off by a couple of the guys who work in the restaurant.  When I saw the LSU helmet sitting there, I said to my husband, “I’ll be right back.”  He knows me, so he pretty much knew what was coming next.  Naturally I asked to borrow the LSU helmet so that I could take a photo (ham that I am).

The moment I pulled the snug helmet over my ears, I knew I was in trouble.  I think that the helmet may have been a child’s helmet, because it was so snug.  So my husband took the photo, and I began to try and slip the helmet back off.  Nope, it wasn’t going to slip back over my ears quite so easily.  As I looked through the bars of the face mask at my laughing husband, I began to panic a little.  The opening in front of my face seemed like it was getting smaller and smaller.  I tried again to lift the helmet, but felt the tug of my hoop earrings.  So, I knew I had to slip my hands in and remove the earrings before I could try and get the helmet off.  At this point, I was thinking that they were going to have to get the jaws of life to get me out.  Somehow I managed to slip my fingers underneath and get my earrings out.  Then with one quick and forceful pull, I managed to get the helmet off.  Whew, that was a close one!  Would I do it again?  Absolutely!

OK, so back to Ragin Cajun.  It is my little slice of Louisiana in Texas.  When you go, I recommend everything.  Some of my favorites are:  Boiled Blue Crabs (when they are in season), Crawfish, Hot Boudin, Oyster Po Boy, Raw Oysters, Gumbo, Shrimp Acadiana, and honey cornbread.  No matter what you order, you have to get the cornbread!  I always go to the original location (on Richmond) and sit in the bar.

Next time you go, please look for me…I will probably be there!  If you are planning on going for the first time, please tell them Michelle Sandlin sent you.  Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

3 Comments

  1. MICHELLE!!! SO SORRY I’m just now getting a chance to completely read your blog!!! Thanks for the shout out!! Y’all are awesome and I’m so grateful to have you all as regulars! I really enjoyed the visit with y’all in the LA Bar a couple of weeks ago! I MISSSSSS you both!! I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with lots of food and great memories! Hope to see y’all soon!!! LOVE YAAAAA!!!!!

    Shan

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