I’ve been on the MS Coast for three years and I just tried this staple for the first time
I suppose if you’re ever greeted by an alligator at the door, the food is bound to be good.
Such is the case at Cafe New Orleans in D’Iberville. Once past the smiling reptile, the interior transports you to a floating home along the bayou. Fish nets divide the wood-fashioned dining room. A mural of towering cypress trees rising over a cozy swamp house curves along the far wall. An evening scene in the same bayou stretches down another.
The opposite section features a string-light awning and a bar on the opposing end.
I walked in seven minutes past opening hour and nearly every chair was already occupied. Cafe New Orleans has long been a local landmark in D’Iberville. It’s even the favorite spot of DHS football coach Josh Ladner.
It was time to find out why.
With apologies to the gator greeter, I started my day with the Louisiana fried alligator bites served with Cajun ranch. They were fantastic. The breading was well-seasoned and fell right off the meat. The Cajun ranch supplied a complimentary low heat to the dish.
I got a side of hushpuppies, too. They were served with a cheese sauce, which was unique. But, you know what? It worked.
Then the main course arrived. A square red plate holding my catfish Chelsea and a side of famous potatoes. This choice was easy. When visiting a new restaurant, I like to test the kitchen with range.
Crusted catfish topped with crawfish étouffe and joined with apple-diced, Cajun-coated potatoes was the perfect way to do just that.
The first bite was exactly what I was looking for. A bread roll dipped into the étouffe provided a wave of warmth in the cool dining room booth. The catfish was seasoned wonderfully and never got soggy under the Creole soup. The potatoes did an excellent job of making sure I didn’t leave with even the slightest semblance of hunger.
The menu is full of other Cajun and Creole delights like Audrey’s Cajun pasta, Krewe of Ema, various po’boys and seafoods including shrimp, oysters and catfish.
I’ve been on the Mississippi Coast for nearly three years and I’m almost ashamed it took this long to come out this popular establishment. I’m sorry, Cafe New Orleans. I’m also sorry for using your parking lot to cover Warriors football games even though you told me not to.
But I will be using the parking lot again, but next time to visit the smiling gator on the front porch.
Cafe New Orleans
Address: 11014 Lamey Bridge Road
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except on Sunday, when it closes at 3.
