Want to spot the difference between Cajun food and Creole food? Raphael Jones says to check for tomatoes. “Creole dishes like Shrimp Creole will have tomato,” he said. “There are items that have the same name like Gumbo, but there’s a Creole version of gumbo and a Cajun version of gumbo. We don’t add tomatoes to our Cajun Étouffée, but our Creole Jambalaya has a tomato base.”
Of course, there are some other differences between the cuisines, Raphael continued. “Cajun dishes tend to be heavy on crawfish and pork, while Creole is a lot more broad when it comes to ingredients, especially seafood. Cajun is the country folk — Creole is the city folk!”
Raphael should know: He and his wife and business partner, Jessica, offer both tastes of New Orleans at Garden Center, a new Cajun-Creole restaurant on Monroe Center.
Raphael grew into the role of West Michigan ambassador for Louisiana cooking: Born in Grand Rapids, he spent his high school years in New Orleans when his mother decided to move closer to family. “I understand why my family here in Grand Rapids would always come to our house to eat dinner at our home!” he said. “I thought the food was normal because I’ve always had it, but when it comes to the seasonings and different flavors I now know as an adult that it wasn’t normal in a Grand Rapids home. I bring friends down to New Orleans with me, and I see their eyes open when they get to taste the food.”
Meanwhile, Jessica brings her experience as general manager of Maru Sushi & Grill to the Garden District mix. “I have great appreciation and admiration for Maru’s polished casual standard,” she said. “Finding that balance with food, ambiance and service is how we feel a restaurant in our location will thrive the most. We take the best of the traditional New Orleans recipes and do our best to plate them well.”
As for location, Jessica said the couple jumped at the chance to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Monsoon Vietnamese Cuisine. (Garden District has kept Monsoon’s layout, including the arched bar.) “Monroe Center is beautiful! Through every season, this street is very picturesque, walkable and has a rich history. The proximity to the major events in downtown Grand Rapids helps us maintain a healthy level of business also.”
So, what should a NOLA newbie order first? For someone sensitive to spice, I would recommend the red beans and rice!” Raphael said. “It’s full of flavor without the heat. The Gumbo Yaya is a great place to start if you might not be a huge seafood lover, because it still holds all the rich New Orleans flavors. My personal favorite is the étouffée… crawfish tails and tiger shrimp smothered in a rich, slightly spicy, seafood gravy.”
Other menu standouts include po’ boy sandwiches in shrimp, crawfish, catfish or hot sausage; muffuletta, a tangy, spicy cold-cut sandwich invented by a Sicilian immigrant to New Orleans; and even vegan dirty rice.
So, whether you say “tomato” or “to-MAH-to,” Garden District has something to amuse your bouche!
Facebook Comments