Off the Menu: Cajun Fuzion
Story and photo by Jack Barten
There are few flavours easier to conjure up on demand than those found in Cajun cuisine. The iconic combination of spices has been inspiring people worldwide for generations, and now fuels tasty takeaway nights in Thunder Bay. Opened in 2021 under chef Kalada Miadonye, Cajun Fuzion is the premier local spot for those seeking the bold experience of Creole and Cajun food. Creole cuisine originated in New Orleans and takes the flavours of French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Indigenous cultures. Cajun food, on the other hand, originated with rural French settlers in Louisiana and features more rustic flavours and simpler methodology than its New Orleans cousin. These described flavours shine in the subject of this article, the seafood boil.
But what exactly is a seafood boil? Usually composed of various kinds of shellfish, sausage, and often potatoes and other vegetables, a seafood boil brings everything together in a pot and boils it to perfection. Then, it’s richly seasoned with butter and spices and shared with the ones we love. The small seafood boil pictured here consists of two snow crab clusters, corn, potatoes, sausage, mussels, Creole shrimp, and glorious house-made butter.
Creole and Cajun spices are ultra-bold without being overwhelmingly spicy. Paprika, garlic, and onion are just a few of the standout notes you’ll notice in every bite. For the ingredients, let’s start with the beautiful snow crab. Flavourful yet delicate, the crab has a natural briny taste enhanced by a dip in the spiced butter at the bottom of the dish. Next, mussels offer a great contrast to the crab, with undertones that are naturally rich and decadent. Our final seafood item is the shrimp, which serves as a crowd-pleasing canvas that absorbs all the flavours. The sausage does a wonderful job supporting the seafood, almost functioning as a palate cleanser. Sitting in the butter and spices, it’s hearty and delicious. The story is similar for the unforgettable vegetables. The potatoes provide a starchy base note, giving structure to the more subtle spices at play, while the corn complements the sweetness of the snow crab and enhances the earthy flavours of the mussels.
In summary, it’s clear that a seafood boil is a surefire way to bring people together. With its famous spices and crowd-favourite shellfish, you’ll find Cajun Fuzion’s number is one you call frequently.
Cajun Fuzion
16 Syndicate Avenue South
807-577-2223