The Traveler

Media Credit: Robert Garner The interior of Lyn D's Cajun Gypsy Café displays its authentic Cajun Louisiana essence. The restaurant provides a casual atmosphere with an order-at-the-counter style service.

Maybe it was last week's good gumbo that made me want more Cajun food. Part of me thought that if I ate some Cajun food before the LSU game, we would pull through. That, clearly, did not work out like I intended.

Or maybe I wanted Cajun because, if you remember, I have yet to write about a good Cajun restaurant. (Keyword in that sentence: good. Sorry, Café Rue Orleans.)

So, I did some digging and came up with Lyn D's Cajun Gypsy Café, which is a hidden gem when it comes to Fayetteville dining.

You heard it here first.

Well, maybe you didn't, because someone else has been doing some talking. This is made evident by the "Thanks for the last 10 years" banner in the dining room.

The authentic Cajun food, made by real Cajun Louisianans, does enough talking by itself.

As we pulled into the peculiar parking lot on West Poplar, we almost decided to drive away. However, my Cajun craving overcame the slight sketchiness of the building, and in we went. The inside tells a completely different story. It boasts of the owners' true Cajun heritage in an extravagant fashion that only Cajuns can provide. The environment is laidback, and the staff provides a truly home-like feel.

The sweet tea is good, so that was an automatic good start for Lyn D. Sweet tea, in all its healthiness - for the soul, of course - is freshly brewed and comes with free refills.

One thing you absolutely must try: the alligator bites.

A friend of mine had the foresight to order those from the menu board on the side, and, boy, were they delicious. I've eaten gator before, but never like this. The chunks were so tender and delicious, and the batter and sauce had the perfect Cajun seasoning. It will truly melt in your mouth. Just thinking about them now makes me want to go order some more and devour each and every one.

For my entrée, I ordered the shrimp and crawfish étouffée, served with a garlic pistolette and a scrumptious lemon cake for dessert. For those of you wondering, a pistolette is, as closely as I can define, a sort of roll that is generally stuffed with some sort of seafood.

The etouffee was amazing. It was smothered in shrimp and crawfish, so my fellow seafood fiends will be pleased.

And, oh, the sauce! It had the perfect Cajun seasoning that gave it just enough spice to make you need a little sip of tea. It was beautifully creamy and covered the tender rice well.

I'll go out on a branch here and say that it was the best etouffee I've ever had. And it was definitely the most authentic.

My good company ordered and enjoyed the Jambalaya, Cajun Chicken Salad, and the Chicken and Sausage Filé Gumbo with Rice.

I tried the jambalaya, and will probably get it as a side next time alongside my etouffee, which says a lot.

They also offer numerous soups and sandwiches (Po' Boys and pistolette sandwiches).

So let's do a little comparison between the Cajun Gypsy and the better-known Café Rue Orleans.

Outside atmosphere advantage: probably Café Rue Orleans, though it is surrounded by the epitome of a shady roach motel.

Inside atmosphere advantage: depends on the situation. For a more formal soirée, definitely Café Rue Orleans. Lyn D's is much more laid back and fun.

Price advantage: Lyn D's, hands down. My meal here was half the price.

Food advantage: again, Lyn D's. Without planning it, I had the etouffee at both restaurants and it is simply no contest.

For me, those last two categories say it all.

I know that I probably say this a bit too often, but I actually mean it this time. This is one of my new favorite restaurants. Cajun food is simply one of my favorites, and this is the best in town.

From the great atmosphere to the beautiful Cajun food, Lyn D's Cajun Gypsy Café is worth the money and the lengthy name.

Give it a try; I'm sure you'll like it.

Now it's your turn. I want to hear where you want me to eat.

Send me your recommendations at rtgarner@uark.edu.

As always, happy eating, folks.

Robert Garner is a staff columnist for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every Friday.

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