All of the best slogans are taken. Some foods even have slogans they don't deserve. I have been trying to think of a slogan for a new Cajun place in Orem. I'm not their spokesperson. They don't even know I was there to do a review. But I felt compelled to capture the essence of the restaurant in a catchy phrase and sing it everywhere.
The food was that good.
Are you ready for some real food? OK, that one was already taken by Hardees. And it probably wouldn't work for the Cajun Cafe since I would be grabbing people by the collar and asking them just a little too seriously, as if to wake them up to a true food experience.
No one can eat just one. Compared to the Cajun, I have to wonder how a lowly potato chip got this slogan. So unfair.
It's the real thing. Now here's a case for slogan envy. The Cajun Cafe couldn't get any more real. The man who runs the Cajun Cafe is from Louisiana. He is a down-to-earth guy, and willing to talk to every Joe and Jane missionary who spent time in the South. He knows the real thing because it's in his blood. And he's a pretty talented chef. See, it's one thing to know it, but it's quite another to unravel the alchemy.
Practically everything on his menu is made from scratch. I was most impressed by the quality of the roux. Not pasty or heavy, the perfect medium for pure flavors of stock and fire to work their Cajun magic. Experience this in the Crawfish Etoufe (rice and crawfish tails, smothered in a rich, spicy sauce), and you will be in a blissful coma. It's that good.
Or try the Jambalaya. You get rice and a mix of chicken, tasso (seasoned ham), shrimp and pork.
For soups try the Chicken Gumbo, the stock is rich and smooth. Or the Clam Chowder — housemade, of course. This version is meaty and chunky, with a rich broth that is neither starchy nor too heavy.
For those of you who tend to say, "Oh Cajun? It's not my thing." I've got a slogan for you. "Cajun, it IS your thing," or how about "It's Cajun, GET OVER IT."
Cajun is best known for the fiery levels of cayenne, but it is so much more. It is meaty stocks, rice, smoky flavors, heavenly sauces, simple ingredients. I know I can't even do it justice. It's just that I'm sure if people will go in and try their first red beans and rice, they will find themselves happily addicted. Try the Cajun Cafe's. The ham stock is rich, the kick is moderate. It's the best I've had.
Speaking of addicted — I have stopped looking for the best bread pudding in Utah. The Cajun Cafe's is the way it was meant to be. It's like cake, but steamy and buttery. It is not too dense (like some bricks I've tried lately), and it isn't dry. It's not too gooey, and the vanilla sauce on top is delicate.
Some of you read a few weeks ago that when it comes to fire I am a wimp. I am, at least on the uptake. But somehow once I get going with Cajun, I can't stop. And when it's all over, I'm craving it in my sleep. In fact, this morning I had leftovers for breakfast.
For Cajun lovers who are politely enduring my ranting, I offer my blessing that this is the genuine article and worthy of a trip outside your given county (and locals will be out of their minds not to appreciate such a treat in their town). Try the Red Hot Chicken (very hot) and a slice of pecan pie, you'll get my rant.
And get this — the most expensive item on the menu is $7.25 (the crawfish etouffeé.)
As of this weekend, the Cajun Cafe has expanded its hours to cover dinner. I've heard there are plans for a take-out case and catering. How about plans for a Salt Lake location? I have just the neighborhood in mind.
As you're driving down State Street, watch carefully, or you're bound to miss it. It's just a sliver of a thing. The dining room is small, but you can order take-out by phone or fax.
Cajun, it IS your thing. My slogan is growing on me. I also sort of like the sound of Serving blissful comas by the dozen. Although the folks at the Cajun Cafe may not consider me a marketing maverick, the attempt is a humble thanks for sharing authentic, quality Cajun with Utah.
Soups and salads $1.95-$5.75; Po-boy sandwiches $2.95-$5.50; entrees $4.95-$7.25; dessert $1.25-$1.95.
The Cajun Cafe
**** four stars (out of five)
Location: 1126 S. State Street, Orem; 801-221-9008, 801-221-1889 (fax)
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Payment: checks, major credit cards
Stephanie Tanner-Brown may be reached by e-mail at stephanie@desnews.com