When one thinks of traditional Cajun cooking, a Chinese chef does not usually come to mind. But Chef Yu Bi is from Szechuan, China and the spice levels in that province are similar to those in Cajun cooking. At Cajun Boil, Chef Bi does traditional Cajun dishes but puts an Asian spin on them.
For starters, there are a variety of chicken wing flavoring options, include sweet sriracha, lemon pepper, and honey mustard. Other first-course choices include coconut shrimp, alligator bites, crab cheese roll, seafood gumbo, fresh oysters, and peel-and-eat shrimp. If you’re not ready for a full meal you can order a shrimp or crawfish Po' Boy.
Entrée options include crab meat fried rice, Cajun fried rice with shrimp or chicken, or the Supreme with both. There is a similar deal with jambalaya which is prepared with a choice of Andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, or Supreme, containing all three. For some reason, Cajun Boil’s jambalaya is served over spaghetti, not the traditional rice. I actually preferred it that way. The portion was substantial; half was taken home and served as dinner the following day. Other pasta options are mac and cheese, served plain or with shrimp or lobster, and garlic noodles served with shrimp or chicken.
Of course, the reason you’re here is for the authentic Cajun fare and they’ve got it from a generous portion of crawfish etouffee to the seafood boils. You choose your seafood (mussels, crawfish, clams, shrimp, snow or king crab legs, and lobster tails), some side dishes, and veggies, tell them the spice level you want from zero to blow your hair back, then they cover the table with brown butcher paper and plop a washtub full of seafood and veggies in the middle of the table. After that, diners don their bibs and plastic gloves and go to town.
The two lesbians at the table next to us ordered seafood boil. They are priced about $40-$50 but, keep in mind that is for a meal that serves at least two.
If you have room for dessert there are crepe cakes, a Basque cheesecake, and beignets. There is also a tropical drink menu. To say service was lackluster would be generous, but they were friendly when they did show up.
There are numerous Cajun Boil locations in Miami as well as the one in downtown Hollywood we visited, as well as another in Plantation. The Plantation location offers an all-you-can-eat option available Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. for $34.99, see the website for rules and restrictions.
Cajun Boil
1822 S Young Circle, Hollywood, FL 33020
954-404-8821
cajunboil.com
