Homestyle bistreaux finds niche in Lockport
September 5, 2012Terrebonne added to disaster declaration
September 7, 2012
Schmoopy’s is about a half an hour south of Houma, but the time that elapses is in hindsight more of a precursor to satisfaction than a gas- or break-consuming bother.
The blue-sided diner stilted above Grand Caillou Road in Dulac serves home-cooked lunches, hamburgers, seafood and much more. Named after a husband and wife’s pet name for one another, Schmoopy’s is the pulse of homemade food that is authentic and alluring and a small-town beacon that should satisfy anyone willing to answer its call.
Pictures of south Louisiana’s flood woes – and one of an incredibly large snapping turtle being held by its tail – and cast nets containing plastic seafood while dangling from the ceiling frame a down-the-bayou ambiance. The sometimes-exaggerated assumption that this type of atmosphere coincides with delicious meals in this case may be understated.
Fresh green beans complemented with bacon as a side to a hamburger steak plate lunch are, alone, worth the trip. The vegetable is by far the meal’s best facet, better than the sharply seasoned entrée, the creamy potatoes, the watermelon cubes and the fried roll served like a sugarless donut. The meal is enchanting.
My guest orders a small-sized bowl of chicken gumbo and a side order of shrimp wrapped in bacon and reported glowingly on both dishes.
Loaded with meat (chicken and beef both) and seasoned perfectly, the gumbo could be put up against other gumbo that he’s ever eaten. For a Cajun who has never lived anywhere besides Louisiana, that’s saying a lot.
The shrimp wrapped in bacon was equally a delight and served as a perfect complement to the gumbo dish.
Take an extended lunch and make the trip. Should the boss take umbrage, concentrate on the memory.
A serving of hamburger steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, a roll and watermelon cubes impresses as one of Schmoopy’s daily lunch specials.
