James Bond and Cajun cooking!

Wednesday, 14 November.  Left our Quintana Beach campground around 10am. Today's destination was Lake Charles, Louisiana.  The drive up Texas 288 from Freeport to Houston’s Loop 610 was quick and painless, as was the drive around the east side of Texas’ largest city.  As my cousin, Doug, had promised there was a very high bridge to cross over a shipping lane but fortunately no high winds to worry about.  We hit I-10 East pretty much on schedule and headed east into Louisiana and Cajun Country.  Found our campground – Twelve Oaks RV Park – just north of I-10 on LA Hiway 171 and we settled and set up by 2pm.  Nice campground, on the smallish side, but well kept with generous and clean restrooms.  Our very friendly hosts echoed Doug’s recommendation for us to be sure and eat at Steamboat Bill’s.  So, the next day we headed out to see a movie, the new James Bond thriller, Skyfall – turned out to be a very good movie.  Typical James Bond stuff, but full of twists and turns, intrigue, and double-cross.  I think Daniel Craig does an excellent job as Bond, although Sean Connery is still my favorite.  Anyway, after the movie we headed out to Steamboat Bill’s for some good Cajun cooking.  In addition to the strong recommendation from my cousin, Doug and his wife, Beke, and then our campground hosts, we also received encouragement to dine at SB’s from a young lady behind the refreshment counter at the movie theater.  And to top it off, even the pharmacist at the local Rite Aid where I picked up a prescription gave us a huge thumbs-up.  Do you see a trend here?  Well, let me tell you, this place serves outstanding food.  We both ordered a bowl of their chicken and sausage gumbo (see photo below); Lynette had the regular size, while I opted for a large bowl.  Absolutely delicious, with just a little Cajun kick – plus, we both ended up taking leftovers home with us for dinner tomorrow.  I also ordered a fried catfish appetizer and it was equally delicious!  The rolls that came with the gumbo were to die for.  Really good, and as we found out later from Beke, SB fries their rolls in peanut oil.  No wonder they tasted so great!  All in all, SB’s is a great place to dine if you’re ever passing through this part of the country.  There are actually two locations: one on 1-10 just after you cross the VERY high bridge that spans the actual Lake Charles, and another off Loop 210 around the south side of the city.  Believe me, you won’t be sorry you stopped at SB’s!

Steamboat Bill's chicken and sausage gumbo - delicious!