“He who tastes of Mississippi water, he'll be back. He who tastes of Mardi Gras, he will also return. It's the maddest, fastest, giddiest, most absurd, most magnificent thing in New Orleans. Yes, you'll be back.”
- Harnett T. Kane
You've returned from New Orleans. Your suitcase is flooded with strings of rum punch-soaked beads. The soiled evening-wear wadded beneath your souvenirs is branded with curious yet identifiable stains - Rorschach-shaped dribblings of cafe au lait and smeared clods of powdered sugar, recklessly acquired during heavenly 2am breakfasts by the river. Your bags emit the pungent scents of flat beer, muddy water, and mule-drawn carriages...odors of a city that is like no other.
Fat Tuesday marked the last day of the month-long celebration in New Orleans. If you're looking to squeeze in a little bit more Louisiana flavor, these Los Angeles-area restaurants may stir some muddled memories of the Big Easy.
![La Louisanne Restaurant"La La," as the locals call it has been serving Louisiana food for decades. Crawfish etoufee, shrimp creole, oysters Bienville, jambalaya, gumbos, stuffed crabs. Live music nightly. Service can be inconsistent and décor is a bit dated, but they still capture a very loyal (albeit an older) clientele. On weekends it has an 'inner city roadhouse' feel to it – Imagine a 'Dexter Lake Club' (from Animal House) featuring Otis Day & the Knights ...on Slauson Avenue. Open every night.5812 Overhill Drive, Los Angeles323-293-5073](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/cd/ae/1360799334_7237_lala.jpg?itok=ccBYZIFp "La Louisanne Restaurant"La La," as the locals call it has been serving Louisiana food for decades. Crawfish etoufee, shrimp creole, oysters Bienville, jambalaya, gumbos, stuffed crabs. Live music nightly. Service can be inconsistent and décor is a bit dated, but they still capture a very loyal (albeit an older) clientele. On weekends it has an 'inner city roadhouse' feel to it – Imagine a 'Dexter Lake Club' (from Animal House) featuring Otis Day & the Knights ...on Slauson Avenue. Open every night.5812 Overhill Drive, Los Angeles323-293-5073")
