The big sandwich is the namesake here but often not the chief draw. Tomatoes are not welcome here. You have to know to ask for gumbo at nearby T-Coon's. It's not on the menu board nor visible on the lunch line. But tell the server of your hankering, and she'll likely step to the stove and return with your wish.
Homemade yeast rolls with a thin crust soak up the last drops.
Lafayette's newest tribute to this magic liquid lies far from downtown. On a rural road a few minutes off the interstate, The Gumbo Shack looks like a snow cone stand with a drive-through window and a couple of picnic tables out front. This is prolific chef James Graham's latest venture, in addition to his big restaurants, Prejean's and Fish and Game Grille. Originally from Montana, he takes an unorthodox approach to gumbo. The details would offend the locals, so we'll spare them.