The Best Stop Supermarket

When talking about the Cajun culture and particularly its cuisine Boudin and Cracklin' are sure to come up. I know in our family a trip home to Lafayette isn't complete with out stopping to pick up a few pounds of each. There is truly some remarkable family owned stores and markets in Acadiana that specialize in these items but one that stands out from the competition is non-other than "The Best Stop Supermarket"  located at 615 Louisiana 93, Scott, La just West of Lafayette. This past week my family and I stopped in for our fix and to pick up some boudin for Granny. It amazes me every time the level of friendly service and quality of products this Acadiana gem holds. You are always greeted upon entering and one of there staff members is readily available to take your order or explain the products. 

This particular trip we were on a boudin only mission but I always take the time to admire the spread. Some of my favorites are the stuffed chops, smoked boudin sausage and chicken sausage however as you can see the inventory of fresh cut meats is very impressive. Pre seasoned meats and items with there own  flare are a bit more common than just butchered meat but primal cuts are also available. Best known for the boudin and rightfully so, there mix of pork, green onions and rice is a true icon for Cajun cuisine. There is nothing like driving away from The Best Stop with a hot link of boudin in hand and a cold soda on Sunday afternoon. So next time your on I-10 stop by and give them the opportunity to show you why south Louisiana is known for its unique cuisine. 

The boudin below is about 3 pounds purchased for granny (she shared).

  

Drink Swamp Pop

Previously in South Louisiana the name "Swamp Pop" most commonly referred to a style of music but for two Lafayette entrepreneurs it has hit the shelves of local grocery stores as there creation of a Premium Sugarcane Soda. This past week the company announced there Lafayette based product would be hitting the shelves of Rouses Supermarket locations through out South Louisiana and South Mississippi as well as some additional placements throughout Lafayette. 

One of the founders of Swamp Pop Chef Collin Cormier I grew to know well while living in Lafayette as he and I were trying to get the Food truck scene off the ground there. That being said Chef Collin also owns and operates the Viva La Waffle Food Truck with partner Chef Fred Nonato and no doubt after the Waffle Trucks success will they have a hard time drawing the attention of Acadiana to a new venture. Chef Collin and Swamp Pop partner John Peterson (Owner of Genterie- Mens Clothing Boutique) have introduced the product as a Louisiana version of an Old Fashion Soda enhanced with local Louisiana ingredients like Sugarcane, Satsumas, figs, praline, etc. in a glass bottle for an Old School finishing touch. Once again I think Chef Collin has nailed a new concept creation to enhance the rich culture we live in here in South Louisiana. Unfortunately for me the Praline cream soda was sold out at Rouses but it just goes to show its initial popularity. I look forward to seeing new flavors as seasons change as well as  Chef Collin and partner John Peterson success in this new venture. They certainly will have my support in pushing this great product representing old Louisiana flavors in a New style by the next generation of Entrepreneurs.