Baton Rouge’s local markets make prepping for Thanksgiving meals a breeze. Stop by these five places to find the best local and seasonal ingredients to show your friends and family how Louisiana does Thanksgiving.
1. Days Smokehouse & Specialty Meats
Don’t waste your day in the kitchen; let Days Smokehouse do the work for you! However you like your Turkey—smoked, fried, or tur-duck-en’d—Days will make your Thanksgiving meal easy and delicious. Give your guests an added taste of Cajun cooking with their speciality sides and meats like sausage or boudin.
From local finds to national favorites, Calandro’s has everything you need for the perfect Thanksgiving pairings. Peruse and choose from their wide selection of wine, beer and spirits, including local picks your visitors will love. Don’t forget to pick up the right gourmet dressings, sauces and spices to elevate your meal.
3. BLDG 5
Baton Rouge’s newest restaurant under the Perkins Road Overpass is ready to serve for the holidays. BLDG 5’s marketplace will be your new one-stop-shop for all your holiday parties. With a large selection of spices, jams and spreads to choose from, you’ll find the perfect pieces to complete a delicious meal. Customize your own gift basket to thank your Thanksgiving host, or shop for gifts like aprons, cheese boards and cook books. BLDG 5 can also provide catering for your parties at home, as well as a unique venue to host a party in their private Relic Room.
The best part of any Thanksgiving meal is dessert. Impress your guests or host with a dessert from one of Baton Rouge’s favorite restaurants – Elsie’s Plate and Pie. They aren’t called Legendary Pies for nothing! From their Pie Shop Apple Pie to their Chocolate Cream Pie, Elsie’s sweet pies are perfect for any get-together. Be sure to check them out on Instagram for weekly pie specials like Cold Brew Café AuLait or Banana Butterscotch.
For a local flair to your Thanksgiving meal, head to Red Stick Spice for gourmet spices and seasonings grown and harvested right here in Louisiana. Try the Autumn Spice Blend on your turkey or veggies, or take your dessert to the next level with the Apple Pie Spice Blend. From oils to rubs, Red Stick Spice has everything you need for a Cajun Thanksgiving. Looking for gifts for your out-of-towners? Red Stick Spice also offers cooking classes and gift boxes for an extra Louisiana flavor.
Looking for more local fall flavors? Visit visitbatonrouge.com/explore/seasons/fall/ for more!