The best cajun/cerole food in LA is actually in Hermosa Beach. This is the place to go if you want real, home cooked, authentic Nawlins cuisine. A family owned spot, the chef/owner was born a raised in the Cresent City and uses family recipes for her food. The place is overloaded with Southern hospitality as the staff and owners greet customers like old friends (and some really are). The kitchen is open so you can see everything going on while they cook and if you cop a seat the counter the chef will gladly chat you up while she cooks. Atmosphere is that of a friendly neighborhood cafe on Bourbon St.

Now for the food-Excellent! Everything is made from scratch from the Gumbo to the blacking seasoning. Catfish is farm fresh, so it’s not “fishy”. Alligator on a stick is a must try-I swear that it’s delicious. Blackened Chicken breast, red beans and rice, mac and cheese, and collard greens are top notch.

The crowning jewel is their Gumbo which is, in a word, Phenomenal. Loaded with seafood, sausage, and chicken in a homemade roux that is bursting with flavor. Best Gumbo I’ve ever had and my mama is from Lousiana(even she agrees). Save room for desert cause the peach cobbler is wonderful as well as the bread pudding with caramel or whiskey sauce.

They even have a vegatarian menu and serve Po Boy sandwhichs too.

The only cons are that the place is pretty small, and parking in Hermosa can be a pain in arse and because they don’t cook your food until it’s been ordered, it may take a bit longer than normal to get it-but believe me it’s worth the wait. It is also not cheap, however they do serve lunch during week and the prices a much less than dinner.

This is one of my favorite places to eat and you are always treated like family there whether it’s your first or fiftith time. Go there. NOW. And tell Cassandra (the owner and chef) that I sent you there, she’ll take good care of you.