Gumbo Ya Ya, Lexington, KY

For awesome jambalaya and casual Creole style, head to one of Gumbo Ya Ya's two locations

by Fiona Young-Brown | February 08, 2010

If you can't quite make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or whenever you crave a little Maque Choux, it's all good. Just drive to South Broadway or Main Street and get your fill at Gumbo Ya Ya's, home to Lexington's best Cajun and Creole food.

Owner Greg Todd trained under New Orleans native Joe Vuskovich for years, before setting up on his own in 2004. Last year, he and wife Tressa opened a second Gumbo Ya Ya's on Main Street.

So what are you going to eat at Gumbo Ya Ya's? Choosing just one thing is the hardest part. The day's menu is posted on the chalkboard behind the counter. If it's not there, it's not in the pot that day so don't ask. On any given day, your choices might include jambalaya, chicken creole, crawfish e'touffe, gumbo, red beans and rice, succotash, and more. There's also the Yatwich - the only sandwich you'll find on the menu - featuring spicy turkey in beer. Local ingredients are used so you can be sure that, whatever you order, it will be fresh. One of my favorites is the Maque Choux - cheesy creamy sauce with crawfish, red peppers and corn. Wonderful over pasta! My husband's a traditionalist - he gets the jambalaya.

But what about Fat Tuesday? Not surprisingly, it's kind of a big deal at Gumbo Ya Ya's so they make sure to party New Orleans style. It just happens to be the only day of the year Chef Gregor makes his famous Alligator Sauce Piquant and trust me—you don't want to miss it. In addition to the Gator Sauce and the menu staples, both locations give away tons of freebies all day: free slices of King Cake, Mardi Gras beads, t-shirts, meal deal coupons, beer specials...you may just have to take the afternoon off work because if you stop in for lunch, you won't want to leave!

The party really gets going that evening at the downtown location. Local New Orleans inspired band The Swells take to the stage at 7.30. They'll play until 9 when a huge projection screen will show the UK ball game against Mississippi State. (Even Fat Tuesday has to take a break for basketball!). Not to worry though because one the game is over, The Swells will take the stage again for a second set and you can party all night.

So if you don't have plans for Fat Tuesday, head down to Gumbo Ya Ya on Main Street for some good ol' southern style hospitality. Can't make it then? Stop by anytime—lunch with the kids, a quick bite after work—it's always the perfect time for some gumbo.