Seafood is a truly luxurious cuisine. However, unlike other such luxurious foods, it is healthy and is highly recommended by nutritionists for weekly consumption. To enjoy seafood to the fullest, frequent a Cajun seafood restaurant and delight in some of the best Cajun seafood dishes. But if you do not have a lot of experience of frequently dining at a seafood restaurant then you might need a guide on how to enjoy it to the fullest.
We have put together a few tips that will help you order and eat comfortably at a seafood restaurant. You can use these as a guide to ensure that your night turns out exactly as you expect it to.
1. Opt For the Catch of the Day
Remember the fresher the seafood the better. An exceptional restaurant will always inform you about the catch of the day and will tell you where it came from. If you do not find it written in specials or your server is not able to tell you about it.
Make sure that you talk to someone before picking out your final dish. Generally, the catch of the day is the freshest item on the menu. When you educate yourself, you have a better dining experience at a seafood place.
2. Prefer Wild-Caught Fish
Some restaurants will offer you both, a farm-raised and a wild-caught option. This is especially common for fishes that are often farmed. While you will see that you have to pay less for the farm-raised option, keep in mind that it would not be as healthy nor as delicious as the wild one.
Paying a little extra for a wild fish or seafood, in general, is definitely worth it. For those individuals who are on a budget, expert’s advice that it is better that you stick to a lower-end wild fish that opt for a higher-end farm-raised version.
3. Ask Your Server for Recommendations
When you are at a Cajun seafood restaurant it is a good idea to ask your server for recommendations. Individuals who like less spice in their food can also benefit from this practice. This way you can learn about the dishes that are on the lower end of the spice scale. As most Cajun dishes are spicy, looking for moderately spiced ones can be tricky. Therefore, it is best that you ask your server for guidance. They often hold knowledge about the flavor profiles of the different dishes on the menu and can guide you based on your individual preferences. You can also ask them about the freshest meat options and the chef specials.
Take out a few minutes to talk to your server before you place an order. This way you might get suggestions that you will really enjoy and would not have all on your own. They may also tell you about the dishes that are the most popular amongst customers. If you are lost with the menu and do not know what to order, ask right away.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Try Out Something New
It is always a good idea to try out something new every time you visit a restaurant. Dining outside is all about having new experiences and upon doing that if you are not open to something new, it is a chance lost. You do not necessarily have to step out of your comfort zone. All you have to do is try something different while maintaining your comfort.
For example, you might be used to eating fried food, so for a change, you could give baked or seared dishes a try. You might have a particular meat preference, occasionally you can be open to trying out a different kind. Try and stay open-minded and willing to try out new dishes. This will add to your dining experience at a seafood restaurant.
5. Choose Aromatic and Flavor Laden Dishes
Some restaurants are all about heavy and battered fried seafood dishes. Skip those. Instead, try out dishes that enhance the seafood’s natural flavors and pair them with aromatic spices. Cajun seafood is the best example when it comes to aromatic spices.
With these dishes, you enjoy the meat as well as the fragrant spices that do not match any other cuisine. Eateries that serve seafood as their signature dish focus more on the natural flavor of the food and create dishes that are flavor laden, instead of drowning the meat in sauces and overcooking it.
6. Choose Mild-Flavored Sides
Cajun spices themselves are very powerful so you would not want a strongly flavored side dish with it. Try to keep the sides a little mild. Lighter and milder side dishes will not mask the flavor of your seafood. This will help you clear your palette and enjoy the flavor of both dishes equally. If your food comes with macaroni or garlic bread, say no to it. But if you can’t try and eat most of your seafood first before indulging in the powerful flavors of the side dish.
7. Baked or Sautéed Over Fried
Many restaurants leave it up to you to choose how you want your seafood. Whether you would like your fried, baked, seared, sautéed, grilled or poached. While fried may be the obvious choice for many, you are missing out if you have never tried baked or sautéed seafood dishes.
Baked or seared meat is much less likely to be overcooked, while also leaving a lot of room for seasonings. A way through which you can truly enjoy your seafood. However, if you do not have a free choice, you can always pick out such dishes from the menu.
8. Lookout for Potential Allergies
Lastly, be careful if you have allergies. Look out for ingredients that could potentially trigger your allergies. Some spices in the Cajun spices can also cause allergic symptoms in individuals with such a history.
Inform your server about your situation and ask them if there are any dishes that you should steer clear of. Almost all the wait staff is well-versed regarding the ingredients and allergens and would guide you efficiently.
Final Words
In conclusion, to dine at a Cajun seafood restaurant follow these tips: pick fresh fish, ask the waiter for advice, be open to new tastes, balance strong flavors with mild sides, choose healthier cooking methods, and mention any allergies. These simple steps will ensure a great experience whether you’re a seafood lover or trying it out for the first time.
