200B East Main Street (map) Round Rock, Texas 78664 512-257-1200 T,W,Th,Su            11:00am-9:00pm F-Sa                      11:00pm-10:00pm http://www.louisianalonghorncafe.com/ Foodquest: January 28, 2006 Foodies: Slowdog, Ping, Fizzwinkus, Wookems Cost: $-$$  Rating:

There is a theory that quality regional food can only be sustained if there is a sufficient number of natives from that region around the area.  The theory applies to ethnic as well as regional cuisines.  Louisiana Longhorn Cafe, located in the historical downtown of Round Rock, offers a wide variety of Cajun and Creole dishes that are unique in the Austin area.  With the city of Round Rock being populated largely by workers and families of the the technology industry, it will indeed be interesting to see how the food of Louisiana Longhorn Cafe fares.

The Louisiana Longhorn Cafe is located in the historical area of the city of Round Rock.  Filled with boutiques and speciality shops, the area is filled with a myriad of shopping and dining possibilities.  It is hard to know what to expect from the outside of the restaurant. 

Shiny is the word most of the Foodies used to describe their first impression of the Louisiana Longhorn Cafe.  A cross between a sports bar and a eatery, the restaurant is filled to the brim with neon signs and sports memorabilia.  The decor is somewhat reminiscent of a chain restaurant with the shiny tabletops and dining arrangement.  Service is friendly and neighborly. 

The appetizer consists of Frog Legs, Smoked Boudin, and Fried Gator Tail.  Beautifully presented with the three elements complementing one another, the appetizer is most decidedly the highlight of the meal.  The Frog Legs are well marinated and seasoned offering a light, but crispy crust that yields moist and flavorful meat underneath.  A tangy lemon marinade serves to accent the flavor of the frog as well as enhance its succulence.  The Boudin is well seasoned with a well balanced mixture of the rice and pork.  The first bite is definitely an eye opener as the spicy kick awakens the palate and makes it ask for more.  Like the Frog Legs, the Alligator is well marinated and has a crunchy crust and a somewhat chewy, but juicy texture.  The consistency is somewhat similar to a cross between calamari and chicken with a gamier flavor.

The Seafood Gumbo is well salted, but is light on other seasonings.  The dish is marred by an aftertaste that is indicative of scorched roux.  Unfortunately, the same element is also present in the entree sized portion of the  Crawfish Gumbo.  The off flavor is enough to overwhelm any other flavors in the Gumbo and is the dominant element in the entrees. 

Click to continue on to the Blackened Catfish Etouffe and more -