Cajun Kate's in Boothwyn, PA: A Rare Farmer's Market Find
If you're looking for an authentic New Orleans-inspired lunch, take a pretty weekend drive to the rural countryside of Boothwyne, PA and try Cajun Kate's. On my first trip to the area, I found this small lunch spot standing among the crowded, multifarious goods of Booth's Corner Farmer's Market. In fact, I almost walked by it, until I spied the unusually crowded lunch counter and a sign featuring a funny red crawfish waving a claw and calling me backwards. Despite its unassuming appearance, one glance at the menu made it clear that Cajun Kate's was special. True to its rave reviews in the Inquirer and Philadelphia Magazine, the food proved to be an unusually warm culinary breeze of Southern spices and NOLA flavors amongst the chilly air, late harvest vegetables and cold meats and cheeses of the other food stands.
The first item on Cajun Kate's menu hooked me in like a fat catfish: “Gumbo of the Day.” Fresh gumbo specially made daily? Good start. As my eyes widened over the descriptions of Jambalaya and Tomato Garlic Parm Soup, the guy at the counter asked for my order. I hesitated, realizing I needed a few more minutes in order to absorb the quick dashes of the chef between the fridge and steaming stovetop, and the golden catfish strips served with a green garnish to a woman aside of me. Unable to contain my inner excitement upon reading the next menu item, I whispered to my wife about getting the Crispy Cajun Mac n Cheese w/ crab and artichoke and she nodded an unquestioning affirmative. “Okay,” I said watching more satisfied looking people coming and going with bags full of take out, “I'm ready to order.”
The gumbo that day contained sausage and shrimp in a delicious brown stew with rice. The Cajun flavors in this dish were just right, and my father-in-law on the next stool confirmed that the spices were a perfect match to the Mississippi gumbo he used to love back when he was stationed in the South during his Navy days. The gumbo leaned heavily in favor of the meaty ingredients, and the smooth rich texture of the broth evidenced a perfectly prepared roux; however I would've like to have a few more vegetables, especially noting the lack of okra in the mix.
Catching our “Mmmms” between slurping spoonfuls, the energetic chef Don Applebaum turned on his effusive, welcoming charm. When he heard we were first time customers, Chef Don began telling us the story of how he and his wife Kate began their business as he brought out free sample after free sample. “You won't know what you like 'til you try it,” he said matter-of-factly.
Some of the highlights were the hardy Red Beans and Rice with bits of smoked sausage, a spiced up Jambalaya with the distinct kick of red pepper, and the Tomato Soup complimented with delicious garlic croutons and fresh basil pesto. Then came the precursor to the richest, most unique item we ordered. We were presented with a light, sweet and tangy glaze sauce that was to accompany our Cajun Mac 'n Cheese. Opting for the Creole tomato glaze on top, the mac n cheese looked like two pieces of chocolate cake with shiny icing. The two wedges of Cajun spiced comfort food came with a dark, crispy, deep fried shell, simply served in a cafeteria style basket with a bright green scallion garnish. To put it shortly, everyone had to have more than a bite, and the dish quickly vanished under our heaping greedy forks.
Fully stuffed, but unable to walk away from Cajun Kate's without getting just one more taste for later, we ordered a pint of the tomato soup to go which served as a great late night snack and quick lunch the next day. Chef Don rang us up for about $7 or $8 a person, a nice deal considering the gourmet quality flavor packed into each dish. He even threw in a bag of pralines (pecans covered in thick brown sugar based coating), which my mother-in-law, Alabama born and bred, thoroughly enjoyed.
If you like a friendly chef and hearty Southern fare with generous spices, Cajun Kate's is a must try. I give it five stars and I'd be shocked if anyone can find a better Louisiana inspired menu this side of the Mason-Dixon line. That being said, the natural question to follow is, “how did two Philadelphia area chefs manage to become masters of the Creole kitchen?” To find out, check out their website for the story of this culinary couple's unlikely journey from Philly's The Restaurant School to the best restaurant's of N'Awlins and back to Delco.
Cajun, Cajun Kates, Creole, Gumbo, Mac n cheese, New Orleans, Southern, jambalya, soup 
Reader Comments (3)
Nice to see you stop by my old digs. I love Booth's Corner and visit it frequently to stock up when I'm in the area to visit my mom. Cajun Kate's is absolutely fantastic; the last time I was there I had the Gumbo and Jenn had one of the Po 'Boys. I appreciated your take on it.
Your writing is as savory as the food. I hope you stick with the food reviews. I love Cajun food. Catfish in the south is as good as their country fried steak and sausage and biscuits, and the red beans and rice...well I don't know where boothwyn is, but I'll map quest it. I can't wait till my kids try this and New Orleans food without the humidity is always welcome. It looks like my Eagles cuisine just got a little more interesting.
Thanks.
I too love Cajun food. Since you obviously enjoyed this outing, I recommend Nora Lee's on Chester Pike. It's a shorter ride and is also a BYOB. The food is amazing!