castnet seafood

MD: If you’ve not had a crawfish boil by the time you leave New Orleans, you’re kosher, allergic to shellfish, or you’re not friending any natives. This little joint on Lake Pontchartrain is worth the 15-minute drive from downtown to experience the flavor and spirit of such a gathering, without knowing somebody who happens to be doing one in their backyard. Sure, there’s nothing like watching a bunch of dudes on a patio desperately trying to avoid getting scalded during the cooking process. But the pros at Castnet stir their Cadillac-sized crawfish vat with a shovel. You’re not going to see that anywhere else. It’s mainly locals here eating these spicy seasoned mudbugs along with freshly caught crabs, shrimp and oysters. And you can get a yard-long seafood po’boy, too, to fill any empty space when you’re done “suckin’ the heads.” Oh, do suck the heads. Locals appreciate the effort.