Bayou Jack’s – Great Cajun food in McKinney Texas

Larry Likes Food

A Monthly Review of Restaurants, Pubs, and Other Eateries

By Larry Brantley

Let’s get one thing straight, right at the beginning. I like food. If pressed, I might admit to being a “foodie,” but more and more these days, that moniker is taking on elements of snobbishness, superiority and elitism that make me uncomfortable. I blame cable television. I also blame any person with the bass-ackwards notion that really good food has to be really expensive, and must be presented as artwork in a very pricey location. That kind of experience has its place, but rarely for me. Partly because I don’t own a tie and coat, and mostly because I look in my wallet and see two dollars, an expired coupon for cheese, and a couple of dust bunnies.

My friend Keisha York asked me if I’d be willing to write a monthly column for her newsletter / blog / whatever-else-she’s-using-to-communicate-with-people, and since I both write and eat (sometimes, daily), I said, “Yes.” Then, when she offered to pay for these excursions, I said. “Hell, yes.” So, I shall endeavor to experience and report each month on a local eatery, being as open-minded as I can, and calling it like I see it. With all that said, here’s the first review:

Bayou Jack’s Cajun Grill
218 E Louisiana Street #300
McKinney TX, 75069
(972) 388-7665
www.bayoujackscajungrill.com

I like me some Cajun and Creole food, y’all. I’ve been waiting for Bayou Jack’s to open ever since I saw their banner go up next door to Mellow Mushroom. I’d never been to their original location in Roanoke, but had heard good things from friends over that way. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll tell you that I dined there on a Wednesday night, when the place was barely half-full, and so the wait staff was exceptionally attentive.

The interior of the place is sparse and roomy; bare brick walls, concrete floor, chalkboards with hand-written adverts for specials, or some of Bayou Jack’s best-sellers. And you had better enjoy some zydeco, because that’s what’s playing in the place. I heard some American standards intermixed (Fats Domino, George Thorogood, and Huey “Piano” Smith), but mostly it’s the washboard-scratching, accordion-slapping, fiddle-burning music that is original to Louisiana. And I like it.

Know what else I like? Beer, and Dirty Balls. (Yeah. Some of you just went THERE, didn’t you?) This is what I’m talking about:

Dirty Balls are Jack’s riff on traditional boudin balls, with chunks of cubed Cajun sausage, celery, rice and spices rolled into balls, dredged in flour or meal, and fried. They’re served on a bed of tomato and pepper sauce (with a little more boudin for good measure), and topped with queso. Yes, I said queso. Don’t judge me. It was awesome. Add to that the Abita Andygator beer I was drinking, and I could have stopped right there and called it a good evening. But I was on assignment, so to speak. So – to the entrée!

Crawfish Etouffee, baby. With etouffee, it’s all about the roux, that lovely brown gravy that underscores many Cajun and Creole dishes. In French, “etouffee” literally means “smothered,” and that’s a good thing. My crawfish were plentiful and tasty, the roux was deep, nutty and a little spicy (I added a couple shots of Cajun Chef Hot Sauce to my meal – which is NOT an insult to the chef. They put that stuff on the tables), and I had plenty of rice, and even a couple pieces of toasted baguette for sopping. And believe me, you will want to sop. I finished off my second Andygator beer, and felt just fine, dawlin’.

If you go online to check them out (http://www.bayoujackscajungrill.com), be aware that they haven’t updated their menu, nor do they list prices. Don’t let that scare you off. The menu is reasonable, the atmosphere is family-friendly (this is McKinney, after all), and I finally have a place to go for Fat Tuesday this year.

Bon temps rouler, y’all.

Larry Brantley is a professional actor, writer, and comic. He lives in McKinney. And he doesn’t actually speak French.

ATTENTION ALL FOODIES!!!

Just another reason McKinney, TX is a GREAT place to live!!!

Downtown McKinney has joined the rankings of Bishops Art District, Knox Henderson and Uptown as one of the BEST Foodie neighborhoods according to the Dallas Morning News.  I was a little surprised Sauce, Spoons and Cafe Malaga were not mentioned in the below write up.  They certainly make he list of local favorites!

“Other than Rick’s Chophouse, there’s not much in the way of high-end dining. But if you like to cook, it’s hard to beat downtown McKinney for shopping. One of the area’s best farmers markets sets up Saturday mornings at Chestnut Square. Locally raised grass-fed beef and lamb, pasture-raised chicken and pork and more are for sale at Local Yocal (which supplies many of Dallas’ top restaurants). At Patina Green Home and Market, you’ll find gourmet goodies, sandwiches and gotta-have-it tabletop items. Want a great burger and fine Texas microbrew? Head to Square Burger. Amazingly, all that is right on the square. Nearby, Cadillac Pizza Pub makes a fine pie, and Hutchins BBQ just earned a coveted spot on Texas Monthly’s list of 50 best barbecue joints.”

Read entire article at http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/best-neighborhoods/20130601-best-foodie-friendly-neighborhoods-quality-abounds-from-bishop-arts-district-to-mckinney.ece

Pizzeria Testa: Amazing Pizza Right in Frisco Square

I have to confess I have never been to Italy BUT my Husband has… For his birthday he wanted the family to go and try out Pizzeria Testa, in Frisco, because he had heard it was good. THAT was an understatement!!! It was delicious.  He has traveled to Italy and  after his first bite said, “Finally! This is what Pizza taste like in Italy!” All 5 of us agreed the Pizza was AMAZING.

Pizzeria Testa is located in Frisco Square, walking distance from the movie theater and library.  Notice the great Patio off the front and then another off the back.  The Back patio opens to a field area where the kiddos can play so you can actually enjoy a relaxing evening out with the kids and not have to rush out before they get unruly because they are board. (not that mine EVER do that:))

Great back patio area

We actually sat at the Pizza Bar where my 8, 12 and 13 yr old all watched intently as the staff made pizzas and other goodies.  My 8 yr old asked the poor guy a 1000 question and he happily answered them all.

He watched the whole time we were there…

I wish I could share pictures of our yummy pizza but it was gobbled up before I got a chance to take one.  Go try for yourself it is Delicious!  Just another reason Collin County is a GREAT place to live.