Fine Cajun Cuisine

Bayou Community Foundation offering grant to non-profits
February 19, 2015
First of 2 free flood risk discussion dinners tonight
February 24, 2015
Bayou Community Foundation offering grant to non-profits
February 19, 2015
First of 2 free flood risk discussion dinners tonight
February 24, 2015

Before the screen door entrance to the mom-and-pop establishment closed, my guest and I had a view straight into the kitchen, over which a lettered menu hangs. A few tables are stationed in the lobby area, with an open path to the cash register where we placed our order with a friendly server.


The menu consisted mostly of sandwiches and platters, typical offerings from a Cajun-styled establishment. There was no dessert listed, but daily lunch specials do come with a sweet side.

The big draw this Friday night was Couche Couche, a Cajun band that plays at Jolly Inn.

At our waitress’ suggestion, I decided to give the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo ($9.99) a try, while my guest ordered the Seafood Platter ($16.95).


Once the order was called into the kitchen, we walked through the doorway and entered the Jolly Inn’s dining room, which clearly doubles as a dance floor.

We sat at the end of a set table of tables stacked to resemble a cafeteria. The tables were covered with a green-and white-checkered tablecloth, adding to the homey feel.

During our brief wait, we took a gander at relic pictures telling the history of Houma and its people. Opposite the dining area is a stage where music is obviously on the menu for other occasions.


The room quickly filled to standing-room-only as 8 p.m. neared. The audience, a cross-section of ages, included out-of-towners, the young set and more experienced dancers.

It should be mentioned that the restaurant, which offers two plate lunches each day, conducts a lot of its business with carry-out customers.

The food was delivered without a delay.


Jolly Inn is unmistakably casual, right down to its plate settings, which were Styrofoam plates.

The hearty gumbo arrived warm, accompanied by a side of delicious potato salad and a slice of French bread. The heaping amount of chicken and sausage made the gumbo a smart choice on this chilly Friday night.

The seafood platter included a mix of fried fish – shrimp, oysters and… The seafood was served over a bed of French fries and included a side salad, dipping remoulade and slice of French bread.


The shrimp were fried lightly, but were delicious, having a good flavor. The most important char acteristic of any seafood dish to

SEE GURU, PAGE A16

my life-long Cajun guest is whether the dish is served fresh. And to her trained eyes, the shrimp appeared to be Louisiana fresh.


Despite a packed house, our server checked in periodically She was hospitable, but not overbearing, opting to do her job diligently while also giving us freedom to enjoy the food without constant bother.

The friendliness of the servers stuck with us. Between delivering dishes and refilling beverage orders, the staff urged folks to take to the dance floor and even don washboards and triangles with the band. Simple gestures that aren’t done in enough establishments.

A rarity in buildings nowadays is the hardwood floor. Coming and going, our feet made a patter atop the gloss-free boards.


The boards, like the antique advertisements hanging on the walls, are symbolic of the establishment’s atmosphere, a celebration of past times.

IF YOU GO

JOLLY INN


WHERE: 1507 Barrow St., Houma

COST: $$

CONTACT:(985) 872-6114


Houma s Jolly Inn has pleased the tongues of local eaters for several years. After a recent trip from the Gumbo Guru, the local eatery’s array of Cajun dishes earned high marks.

COURTESYFine Cajun CuisineFine Cajun Cuisine