A Cajun Escape at Bayou on Bay . Bellingham, WA

Tonight a friend and I decided to try out the new Cajun restaurant that opened up in Bellingham, Bayou on Bay. It’s a pretty interesting setup, a lot like Bay Street Coffee before it. We walk in and immediately my eyes were drawn to the flower patterned fabric on the waiting booth, and later linger to the stairs and walls of the restaurant where simple white light strands are hanging. A very romantic and inviting feel. We are escorted upstairs by the calm, cool hostess to our table (upstairs definitely recommended if you have a choice). Each table comes with our very own mosaic, multi-colored lantern, a nice touch to the uniqueness of the set up.

The Food. Let’s start with the menu. It’s strong point was its selection of traditional appetizers, main dishes, and sides. Some appetizers that stood out were fried okra, and Cajun corn fritters, along with the collard slaw, sweet potato fries and collard greens for sides. Two main dishes that eventually won the race were the jambalaya and the vegetarian gumbo. The similarities and differences between the dishes brought out flavors that we both may have not noticed if we had just stuck with our own dishes. My advice, share some plates!

The Jambalaya is cooked with rice as compared to the gumbo which is poured over it, giving the jambalaya a stronger flavor. Every bite, from the dish to the fork to my mouth, had a nice warm spice taste. Extremely enjoyable. The gumbo, on the other hand, was lacking in some strong flavors that would really carry the dish, but the hotness it left in your mouth was a nice feeling to go home with. Last but NOT AT ALL least, the amazing cornbread with pieces of actual corn! You can’t make it out of there without an order of these beauties.

If you’re looking for an endearing atmosphere, nice wait staff, and some traditional Cajun food give Bayou on Bay a try. I’d definitely like to go back and give the Blackened roasted vegetable Po Boy a try. Anything with smoked gouda usually sells it for me.