Culinary Trail Signature Dish: Plate Lunch

Winter weather means cravings for comfort foods, and there’s no better way to indulge than with a Louisiana plate lunch. A plate lunch, sometimes known in other parts of the country as a meat and three, features down-home, local dishes such as smothered pork chops, rice and gravy, or crawfish étouffée. Typically served cafeteria-style, plate lunch menus feature large portions and change daily, but locals know which days of the week to find their favorites.

Lafayette, in the Bayou Bounty Trail, offers many great choices for those seeking an authentic plate lunch experience. Pat’s Downtown and Dwyer’s Café are two popular spots, but you can find more at www.lafayettetravel.com/foodtour.