Lake Charles Favorites

In an attempt to post in somewhat of chronological order, I wanted to first blog about some of my favorite restaurants/dessert places from my hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana. So here goes (in no particular order):

1) Darrell's - My favorite, and actually the only thing I've ever gotten here, is the Darrell's Special. It's a roast beef sandwich which tons of other stuff on it. I can't even begin to tell you what, but I can promise two things: first, it's one of the best sandwiches you'll ever have, and second, it's hands-down the messiest sandwich you'll ever have. If you're ever in the area you have to try this sandwich! I wish I could have one right now...

2) Italian Villa - May it rest in peace. This restaurant is no longer open, but I had to include it because it was my favorite growing up. I ate here for a few Proms and other occasions, and it's one of the best Italian restaurants I've ever eaten at. They even unfold your napkin and put it on your lap for you (kind of shocked me, but hey, talk about good service)! I of course always ordered the shrimp fettucine alfredo, and their garlic bread and salad were great, too. The restaurant was in an old house, and it had a candlelit romantic sort of feel. I sure wish this place was still open!

3) Country Club Donuts - My favorite donuts ever. Not even Krispy Kreme donuts beat these. And don't even go with anything special - just eat a warm, regular glazed donut and you're in heaven!

4) Landry's (Lafayette, LA) - I LOVE the stuffed shrimp here. So good! I've only gotten to eat here a few times since I'm not in Lafayette very often, but when we used to drive through (when we lived in Louisiana), this was my favorite place to stop for food.

5) Steamboat Bill's - I don't love this place as much as some people, but their shrimp pistolettes have helped them make it on my list.

6) Smoothie King - This one's for Jack, since I'm not as much a smoothie person as he is. He loves this place and always has to get a smoothie when we're visiting. I don't really taste the difference between different smoothie places, but Jack does and and this is his fav.

Well, that's all the noteworthy, Lake Charles-specific places that I can think of right now. If I come up with more later I'll update!