Road trip: What to eat at Festival International

The next two weeks feature huge festivals in South Louisiana. Already under way is Festival International, Lafayette’s annual and free five-day music event. In addition to great musical performers from across the globe, Festival International also puts the spotlight on the area’s great food.

At the festival’s craft Biergarten, Viva La Waffle will be serving up its gourmet waffle sandwiches, like the Rosceaux, which features a fried chicken breast enveloped in a waffle. Also making an appearance in the Biergarten is Pelon’s Mexican Hot Dogs. The Lafayette food truck specializes in bacon-wrapped turkey hot dogs, and they are heavenly.

And yes, beer is actually served in this Biergarten, too. Louisiana beer makers such as Bayou Teche Brewing, Parish Brewing and Baton Rouge’s own Tin Roof Brewing Co. will also be bringing their varieties to the festival.

At the Pavillon de Cuisine, don’t miss out on Meltdown’s signature popsicles. The New Orleans company will have lemon rose, pineapple cilantro, salted caramel and strawberry hibiscus available.

An unsung hero of the annual celebration is Pamplona’s paella. The downtown tapas bar will be serving up bowls of the Spanish rice dish throughout the festival. It’s a quick and easy stop for those wanting to take a break from all the fun. Don’t hesitate to try to the bar’s sangria either. Read 225‘s article on festival road trips.