Montco's Best Creole & Cajun

New Orleans Flavors in Montgomery County

Multiculturalism in Montgomery County yields culinary expertise in a number of ethnic traditions, including the French-meets-Louisiana flavors Creole and Cajun. Mardis Gras (February 9) provides the perfect reason to give these Montco favorites a try.

CHAP'S TAPROOM

Eagleville-- Among the excellent entrees at Chap's Taproom is the kicked-up Cajun chicken sandwich, a grilled chicken breast dusted with Cajun seasoning and smothered in sauteed onions, peppers and cheddar cheese on a kaiser roll.

ZACHARY'S BBQ SOUTHERN COMFORT & CATERING

Norristown-- With "Southern Comfort" in the name, you know Zachary's BBQ is going to have plenty of New Orleans favorites. There's the fried oyster po' boy sandwich (with cornmeal and spice-dusted oysters), the southern fried catfish, and of course, the Voodoo shrimp.

CHAMPPS KITCHEN AND BAR

King of Prussia-- For a sports bar, Champps takes its food seriously. Along with flavors from Italy, Mexico and the Mediterranean, Champps adds a little New Orleans with the Creole jambalaya: chicken, andouille sausage and shrimp made Bayou-style with red peppers, green onions and Jasmine rice.

GRAND LUX CAFE

King of Prussia-- A Mardi Gras meal at the Grand Lux can begin with the Cajun shrimp and chicken jambalaya, which is sautéed with peppers, onions and tasso in a delicious spicy sauce. But it's the ending that is truly out of this world: beignets that arrive still warm, dusted with sugar and…

THE BUTCHER AND BARKEEP

Harleysville-- Go for the gumbo. If it were any more authentically New Orleans, each bowl would have a string of beads beside it.

The Gypsy Saloon

Conshohocken, PA-- up an eclectic menu that has an Italian flair; featuring a full-serve bar and menu that's perfect for private events as well as happy-hour parties.

FRENCH QUARTER BISTRO

Royersford, PA

The flavors of New Orleans are peppered throughout the menu at the French Quarter Bistro. The can't-miss recommendations include crawfish bisque, crab-andouille gumbo, Louisiana fried chicken and fried catfish that is served with mashed potato and Maque choux.

VINTAGE BAR AND GRILL

Abington, PA

Zesty seasoning + fish + some culinary expertise = a flavorful serving of Cajun fish tacos at the Vintage Bar and Grill. The sides are a little more American - chips and slaw - but to their credit, they're homemade onsite.

MILLER'S ALE HOUSE

Willow Grove, PA

Bourbon Street comes to Willow Grove, where Miller's serves up steaming bowls of some of the best jambalaya around. The recipe simmers together shrimp, sausage, chicken, green peppers, onions, scallions and tomatoes, Cajun seasonings and rice into a mouthwatering stew.

SOUTHERN CROSS KITCHEN

Conshohocken, PA

The menu at Southern Cross promises - and delivers - on a number of Creole classics, including jambalaya (in both chicken and seafood varieties), Cajun chicken breast (served with andouille sausage cream sauce) and shrimp and grits (accompanied by goat cheese grits).

BLUE DOG PUB

Lansdale, PA

Although not specifically designated as a New Orleans specialty, the oyster stew at the Blue Dog has just enough zing to qualify. The broth is a thin roux, and the oysters are plump and fresh. Better still, the servings come in a soft bread bowl whose outside is lightly toasted for a surprising crunch.

HENRY'S CAFE AND FINE GROCERIES

Pottstown, PA

Chef Frank Raski will frequently theme his presentations, introducing diners to dishes they may not ordinarily encounter. That was certainly the case on a recent New Orleans night, when the six-course adventure included alligator. The décor is funky but inviting - as if you're eating in the dining room of a close friend.