A Bit of Cajun History
As told by Cheryl Fontenot, founder of The Jambalaya Shoppe
In 1755, rather than live under English rule, the Acadians of Nova Scotia were disbanded by the British and forced to leave Canada. Some Acadians ventured far south and settled in Louisiana, creating a lifestyle and culture known today simply as Cajun. They soon realized that they were blessed with South Louisiana's rich abundant wildlife. They learned to live off the land and make do with what was available. Cajun's created and perfected many wonderful delicacies from wild game found along the bayous of South Louisiana. Such creations as jambalaya, gumbo, etouffee, and sauce piquante are perfect examples of Cajun people using what they had to survive. Cajun dishes such as these were inexpensive since they could be made with things that were readily available. Cajuns found that using simple things such as a little roux, a few shallots, and some wild game, along with a little of this and a little of that, they had a low cost way of feeding a large number of people, such as friends and family. Cajuns in South Louisiana today still live and cook with the same principles and techniques passed down to them from their Acadian descendants. In South Louisiana, at just about every wedding, special event, party, or holiday, you can find some kind of traditional Cajun dish. Making do with what we have, using only the basic ingredients, staying with our traditional ways and values, and enjoying life, make up our everyday Cajun way of living. There never seems to be enough time to eat a good lunch or prepare a traditional meal for the family at the end of the day. In a fast-paced world, fast food has become a way of life. The Jambalaya Shoppe has the perfect solution to this problem. So for lunch or after work, instead of pizza or burgers, give your family something you can feel good about and you know they will enjoy. We here at the Jambalaya Shoppe proudly serve traditional Cajun dishes, using our age-old family recipes. We know that you and your family will enjoy our food, whether it be our famous jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and sausage, stews, or fettuccine. We are proud of our Cajun values and traditions and take pride in everything we do. So for your next meal, whether it be lunch, dinner, or large gathering, stop by the Jambalaya Shoppe and give us a try. To God be the glory!
