Rum Revival
March 2024
The Three A’s of Autism
April 2024
by Kerry Andersen
Global fusion cuisine is taking center stage as one of the most exciting food trends of 2024. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, chefs are embracing a melting pot of ingredients and mashing up cooking techniques and diverse ingredients from around the world to create innovative and tantalizing dishes that transcend borders. In Southwest Louisiana, restaurants are experimenting with global flavors too, adding unique twists to classic recipes, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and intriguingly new.
Desi Fusion – Indian Cuisine, Halal Food
4313 Common Street, (337) 419-1845
Sure, you can dine on traditional Indian Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, and Veggie Samosas at this unique eatery, but the real magic is found deeper in the menu where cultures collide. Instead of a familiar burger, try the Chicken Seekh or Beef Chappli Smash Burger. The proteins are infused with herbs and spices more commonly found in Pakistani or Indian food. A traditional pepperoni pizza is always delicious, but at Desi Fusion, try the Tandoori Chicken or Tandoori Shrimp Pie instead. Flavors like chili, turmeric, Dahi (yogurt), and masala come together with cheese and dough for a one-of-a-kind pizza experience.
Area 337 – Latin American
2500 Kirkman Street, (337) 488-8464
Area 337 is an authentic, family-owned restaurant that has amassed a loyal following in Lake Charles. Owner Gus Garden was born and raised in the Dominican Republic but honed his cooking skills in Puerto Rico and Miami. His kitchen staff hails from multiple cultures and the flavors show up on the menu. You’ll find traditional pork chops but served with mofongo and fried plantains, island style. Pork roast is a popular Southwest Louisiana dish, but here it’s baked 5-6 hours and served with the Latin standard rice and beans alongside sweet plantains or stuffed inside sweet bread with ham and Swiss cheese for a Cubano that tastes like it came straight from Little Havana in Miami. There’s fish but seasoned and prepared Dominican style, fried whole. Familiar fried chicken becomes even more delicious when fried without flour in Honduran spices for a delightful blend of flavor and texture. Every plate showcases a vibrant mix of Latin heritage from a variety of countries. End your meal with Café con Leche (Cuban coffee) and Vanilla Flan (custard) for a true taste of Latin culture.
Thai Lake Charles – Thai
806 East Prien Lake Road, (337) 240-8204
Billed as a Thai restaurant, it’s telling that the most ordered dishes at Thai Lake Charles represent multiple Asian cultures. There’s Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, plus Fresh Spring Rolls. You’ll also find Chinese-inspired Egg Rolls next to Thai Egg Rolls on the menu. Pad Thai is a standout dish of course, prepared with rice noodles and stir fried with eggs, bean sprouts, scallions and usually chicken or shrimp. For spicy lovers, there’s Gang Dang, a Thai curry featuring an aromatic blend of red chili peppers and lemongrass simmered with coconut milk. Start your meal with chicken wings but with a twist, seasoned with lemongrass and other Asian flavors. When ordering be sure to specify your spice level, so the food is as hot (or not) as you like it!
Orinoco – Columbian, Venezuelan, Mexican
4723 Common Street, (337) 244-7120
This family business started as a popular food truck and expanded to a brick-and-mortar restaurant just south of McNeese’s stadium. The owners (two sisters) call it Caribbean Gastronomy – a mashup of Colombian and Venezuelan flavors (Orinoco is the name of the river that runs through both countries) mixed with popular Mexican street tacos and quesadillas. The authentic Empanadas may be the star of the show though. These ‘little pockets of goodness’ are prized comfort food in Venezuela, stuffed with a variety of seasoned meats, veggies, and cheeses. Customers also rave about Cachapas, thick sweet corn tortillas stuffed with artisan cheese, and Arepas made from ground maize dough and filled to bursting with meats, cheeses, and veggies. There’s a robust menu of entrees – try the Pabellon, Bandeja paisa, or the popular Latin Burger. The establishment’s interior is an ode to Latin fusion with brightly colored walls and global art murals, but it’s the unique fusion of Latin flavors that will have you coming back for more!
Asia BBQ – BBQ, Asian, Noodle Bowls
1221 North Martin Luther King Highway, (337) 564-1878
With ‘BBQ’ in its name, it’s no surprise that top sellers at this unique eatery are more traditional grilled meats and seafood beloved by Americans. The preparation is where the fusion comes in. Seasoned beef, pork, and chicken are cooked and served on skewers just like in outdoor Asian markets around the world (try BBQ Pineapple or Fish Balls too). On the snack menu you’ll find Gyoza (Asian dumplings served steamed or fried), and Fried Calamari or Fried Shrimp Tempura. Asia Bowls come with your choice of protein served in a bowl bursting with noodles and your choice of sauce (Teriyaki, Sweet Chili and more). Customers also rave about the Mega Chicken Wings served with French fries. Lovers of Milk Tea will find a full flavor menu including Thai Tea, Mango, Taro, and more. There’s something for every tastebud at this eclectic restaurant.
