Boudin

People, I'm new to these boards, so forgive me if anyone has already waxed poetic about the boudin at the Cajun Connection in Utica. Through several recommendations from well-intentioned friends (who think anything burned and overseasoned is "blackened"), I heard about Ron and this place way, way out.

After politely dodging said recommendations--I am from Louisiana, and thoroughly suspicious of anyone claiming to do authentic Cajun food--I caved in and stopped by. OMG. Boudin so close to what you find outside of Lafayette and at the Cochon de Lait festival, it brought tears to my eyes. I think I caught Ron a little off guard when I bear-hugged him after the meal.

The spicy version is the only way to go, but if you're new to the realm of boudin and skittish about squeezing rice-y, spicy, meaty goodness out of a sausage casing directly into your mouth, well, start with the mild. But for the love of god, don't eat it with a knife and fork. Pick that thing up, gnaw off the nubbin of casing at the end, and eat it like a true coonass. (For the record, this is not a derogatory word, but a term of endearment...)

I've been twice so far. The first time, I think I embarrassed myself and the waitress by the amount of food I gleefully packed away. I was dining solo, and I think it freaks people out to see the ladies enjoying food with so much gusto. But everything was perfect. The second time, to be fair, the crawfish etouffee was a bit dodgy (slightly cold and had a musky flavor), but everything else was righteous.

But here's the real beauty: he also sells the boudin frozen, to go.

HI,

Too bad I didn't know this yesterday. I was within spitting distance of Utica when driving back from Peoria.

Have you tried Cajun Charlies in Evanston?

Cajun Connection
RR 6
Utica, IL 61373
http://www.ronscajunconnection.com
815-667-9855