More Stops on Day One

After leaving Parker-Binns Winery First Stop – Charlotte, North Carolina, we still had more driving to do and stops to make before calling it a day. We continued to drive for about 2 more hours before stopping in Hendersonville for dinner.

Hendersonville is in the heart of small town America, located 22 miles south of Asheville. It is a beautiful little town bustling with restaurants, street performers, fun and beautiful murals and artwork, colorful flowers and local, one-of-a-kind shops, as well as a Civil War museum. Hendersonville is on the list of the 100 Best Small Towns in America and also rated as one of the best places in the country to retire.

After taking a stroll through town, we found a cute little Cajun restaurant for dinner. We dined Cajun style at Dat’s Cajun Cafe.

The symbol of the fleur-de-lis is a legend in itself – a lasting emblem of royalty, power, honor, grandeur, faith and unity. It is written that an angel descended from heaven with the Holy Ampulla in the shape of a fleur-de-lis when King Clovis of France was proclaimed. It thus signified the French kings’ direct link to God, and has symbolized the crown of France for 1000 years. The fleur-de-lis is still used all over New Orleans today, in honor of its French connection and history.

The owners are originally from New Orleans and brought the Cajun flavors and fun of New Orleans to Hendersonville.

Larry ordered the etouffe and I ordered the shrimp Creole. Both were amazing and very filling. We also got some of the breaded shrimp and a salad that we split between us, because you know, we just didn’t have nearly enough food. NOT! We didn’t finish what we had, but it was all so good and tasty, and we just had to try as much as we could. Sad to say, we did not leave any room for dessert. Maybe next time.

The chef and one of the owners said he learned how to cook while out on the shrimp boats with the fishermen. I’d say he learned his lessons very well indeed. Everything was fantastically delicious.

Dat’s Cajun Cafe is located about a block off the main street, at 133 East 4th Avenue. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but are open Wed-Fri from 11-9, on Saturdays from 11-10 and Sundays from 11-7. You can always call them to see what’s cookin’ too at (828) 595-9811.

Next time you are in Hendersonville, definitely stop by and say “Hi Y’all”. You will feel like you are in New Orleans, right in the middle of the French Quarter and off of Bourbon Street.