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The first time I visited Baton Rouge, my parents were determined to expose me to true Louisiana culture. And what better way than through food? But as a vegetarian, my experiences at various seafood restaurants usually didn’t stray far from the side-order menu—a cup of broccoli, hush puppies, and the occasional side salad. I became worried that I was missing out on a lot by not tasting every andouille, crawfish, and alligator concoction possible. But at the Red Stick Farmers’ Market, I found out that there’s a lot more to Louisiana cuisine than meets the mouth.

From broccoli cornbread to (in all sincerity) the best pecan pie I’ve ever had, last Saturday I discovered that the community behind Louisiana food makes it taste even better. I think I could have had my own Food Network Special for the place. Soft banjo riffs and a sprightly Christmas trumpet created a soundtrack to the action. A bustling crowd moved in no certain traffic pattern as locals perused a row of tents to find the perfect Bell pepper, the heartiest live crab, the best pint of strawberries…

Wait…strawberries?

I was surprised to see an array of fresh, deep red strawberries spread out on long tables. I could not have imagined the possibility of eating fresh strawberries in December, but I guess anything is possible down south. Turns out the berries are brought all the way from Canada to finish growing outdoors in Louisiana during the late fall. Judging from the occasional confused, “Strawberries in December?” or astounded “Mom! You have to try these!” I think that both the summer-turned-winter novelty and the delicious final product is what make it such a success.

The best part of the market was that everyone was willing to stop and share stories, chat about the crowd or the weather or the never-ending possibilities of holiday cooking. My favorite holiday treat is pecan pie, and so I was drawn to a tent showcasing 29 types of pecans. From the long and skinny Mahan to the pie-worthy Desirable, who knew there’s such a pecan assortment growing on Louisiana tress?

After ogling at what looked like the most amazing pecan pie I’d ever seen, an older man with a deep Louisianan drawl said, “Here ya go darlin’ how about havin’ ya’ a taste?” and handed me a fork with a gooey bite. Heaven. Absolute heaven. “I’ll take a slice, please! I want my Mom to taste this,” I decided before even swallowing.

But the friendly man replied, “Well ya’ see, if I’d really impressed her, she woulda’ bought a whole pie to share with her mama!” If only I would have had more than $5.

Later on that night (well, OK, at three in the morning) I sampled the pancakes at Louie’s near LSU. Talk about satisfying post-bar munchies! The classic greasy spoon atmosphere—loud, buzzing and full of laughter—includes something extra at Louie’s. Perhaps it’s the way forks tend to meander from plate to plate, sampling everything at the table from the famous vegetable omelets to the cheesy potatoes. Once again, it’s the sense of community that makes the place quintessential Baton Rouge.

I think that’s what I like the most about Louisiana so far—the way community blends into, or perhaps defines, the culture.

And with a desire to share so everyone can get a taste, what’s not to like?

So what should I try next? Email me at Kelsey@225BatonRouge.com. Send me on an adventure—I dare you!