LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Let's get one thing straight: I would never dissuade anyone from indulging in a beignet, or maybe two, first thing in the morning.
These sugary, powered, soft donuts -- which are a specialty down on the Bayou -- are simply too appetizing to walk by when you see a tray full of them. Rather, I would merely suggest it be a piece (or two) of a balanced, nutritious breakfast, including a banana or a piece of toast to help ensure the sugar spike doesn't hit you by the third hole.
It's pretty tough to not dive head first into the culinary scene when spending a long weekend in Lake Charles, in western Louisiana, which makes appetizing the adjective of the day when describing a trip down here. It seems the Cajun locals never caught something in the water they couldn't fit into a deep fryer. Should you catch something yourself out on the waters, such as a prized redfish, you can find a local seafood joint like the local institution Seafood Palace to bake it up for you.
The many water hazards around Lake Charles are staked with redfish.
Lake Charles has become a convenient playground of fishing and gaming, in particular, for the nearby Houston market. The main stay-and-play option is the L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, a 1,000-room casino and resort set along Contraband Bayou.
L'Auberge (which has a sister property in Baton Rouge) does far more than satisfy a basic gaming itch of residents whose state doesn't allow it. Guest rooms and common areas are stylish and modern, and Spa du Lac (set to be upgraded soon) oozes opulence. Outside, the outdoor pool area is a lush oasis with a lazy river, fire pits and adult's only pool. The summer months bring a nightly concert series to go with a common four-straight months of full occupancy.
For gaming, the casino floor, home to 1,600 slots and 70 table games, sits on a barge in the center of the hotel, but you'd never know you were on water as state laws mandate. It's a full-on, Vegas-style gaming experience including a live poker room, roulette and craps and an assortment of card games to go with complimentary drinks for players and a separate VIP lounge.
The signature restaurant at L'Auberge is Ember, which specializes in steaks (including a mighty "Tomohawk" cut, a 40 oz. ribeye for $99 that is cut table side and could probably be shared by a table of four). Or go more casual at Jack Daniel's Whiskey Grill, which turns into a lively bar late-night.
0 comments:
Post a Comment