Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo

CLOSED
Location: SE 50th and Division, A la Carts Food Pavilion
Hours: Wed-Sat, 12-7pm

The Story:

The first time someone introduced me to Gumbo, I chuckled. I was a child and thought they were jumbling their words. No way Gumbo could be the name, but it is the name of one of the best dishes out of the south.

Pat Marken, the owner and chef of Ragin’ Cajun is from Lafayette Louisiana, right in the heart of French Cajun country. It is there she mastered the recipe for her signature dish, the Gumbo, along with some other delights  with a little help from a rich culinary culture. I have eaten in New Orleans numerous times but understand Lafayette and the surrounding area will introduce me to even more amazing dishes.

At Ragin’ Cajun, there are items on the menu that I recognized, but others I did not. The Sweet Heat Cabbage is just that -  cabbage that has been simmering overnight to give it rich full flavor. The Savory T-Belle potatoes are red potatoes boiled and mixed with sausage. The Gumbo is shredded chicken and diced sausage with garlic, bell pepper and onion and served over a bed of rice. I tried a sample and was blown away. I actually opted for the simplest dish – red beans and rice. If someone can take those two staples and create an amazing dish, they get my business. Pat did just that with whatever magic she wields inside the cart. The dish was infused with some great flavors that reminded me of wandering the streets of the French Quarter.

Red Beans and Rice from Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo

Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo is the real thing. Pat is welcoming and will tell you anything you want to know about the food or where it comes from. On Saturdays, she dishes up Chicken Lafayette, another specialty from the region. So special, it’s only offered once a week. Check them out and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo – sm, $6; lg, $7.50
• Red Beans and Rice (vegan) – sm, $5; lg, $6
• Savory T-Belle Potatoes – $6
• Sweet Heat Cabbage – $6

Hours: Wed-Sat, 12-7pm
Phone: 337.315.9266
Facebook: Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo

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