Voodoo Bayou Brings A Style of New Orleans to Palm Seaside

Courtesy of Voodoo Bayou

We find it irresistible after we uncover a hidden gem in our eating excursions and that’s simply what occurred after we had been first launched to Voodoo Bayou.

Whilst you may not anticipate finding a New Orleans-inspired restaurant in Palm Seaside Gardens, this one presents a style as genuine because it will get. From chicken-fried gator tail, and buttermilk biscuits to shrimp and grits, and po’ boy handhelds, the menu right here focuses on southern Cajun cooking.

Whereas I could also be doing a disservice to these within the know, this surprising discover is properly price in search of out. A two-story bar space boasts a medieval/Gothic-inspired design with its cathedral-style, stained glass home windows whereas the open kitchen close by presents a show of showstopping culinary expertise at work.

Will Biggins

Helmed on the kitchen by Govt Sous Chef Jim Furci, Voodoo Bayou is tucked inside the life-style buying middle of Downtown Palm Seaside Gardens situated on the well-known PGA Hall.

Furci grew up in New York and spent greater than 20 years working within the data expertise business earlier than making the transfer to Florida and switching up careers. The avid lifelong cook dinner obtained his preliminary begin working with native meals occasions just like the South Seaside Wine and Meals Competition whereas additionally honing his expertise as a non-public chef. Now, the skilled chef may be seen in every single place from The Meals Community & Cooking Channel’s “Meals Quest” with Robin Leach to “Blue Collar Backers” on the Discovery Channel.

Will Biggins

We just lately visited Voodoo Bayou for lunch and had been glad we did. Pleasant bartenders greet company like lifelong pals, and introduce them to the artistic cocktail menu that provides drinks with enjoyable names like Type in Havana or Lucky Son. There’s a good collection of beer obtainable on faucet as properly.

Our server instructed us the day’s specialties included crab carbonara, which sounded fascinating.

We obtained began with a sampling of barbecue shrimp (at her suggestion). Jumbo shrimp arrived swimming in an addicting NOLA BBQ sauce. Fortunately, a grilled baguette was available for additional dipping.

Will Biggins

Their signature hickory-smoked hen wings also needs to not be missed. Eight taste crammed wings are smoked and grilled, and complemented by sides of selfmade Bayou blue cheese and buffalo sauce. For us, one other standout appetizer was the life-changing, fried inexperienced tomato BLT, brilliantly topped with smoked pork stomach, pimento cheese, and tomato jam complemented with frisée.

In the case of entrees, you received’t need to miss their signature Jambalaya. Served in an enameled forged iron pot, the presentation alone is worthy of point out, however the heaping mixture of shrimp, Andouille sausage, hen, Carolina white rice, peppers, tomatoes, and crispy okra has made us a lifelong fan.

Will Biggins

The creamy Cajun carbonara was a scrumptious mix of rigatoni, smoked pork stomach, Grana Padano cheese, peas and cured egg yolk. You’ll want to add a protein (grilled hen, shrimp or steak) to take the dish to a different degree.

Whereas we didn’t save room for dessert, we had been enticed to attempt the creamy Bourbon Milk Punch as an after-dinner drink – the proper ending to an unforgettable eating expertise.

Maintain an eye fixed out for extra places opening quickly in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Voodoo Bayou is situated at 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue in Palm Seaside Gardens.