Hook, Line & Dinner Season 1 Episode 1 Bayou Country
- June 7, 2011
- 20 min
Hook, Line & Dinner season 1 episode 1 takes us on an adventure into the heart of Cajun country in Louisiana. Host Ben Sargent sets out to explore the unique blend of French, Creole and Southern culture that has defined this area for centuries.
Starting his journey in Lafayette, Ben meets up with local chef Justin Girouard who takes him on a tour of the famous Cajun food markets. Ben is fascinated by the array of ingredients on display, from boudin sausages to alligator meat and crawfish. He even tries his hand at making his own boudin, under the watchful eye of the market vendors.
With an appreciation for the local cuisine gaining momentum, Ben travels deeper into the bayou to meet up with a group of Cajun fishermen. Together they head out into the murky swamplands in search of one of the area’s most prized catches – the redfish. As they cast their lines, Ben learns about the fishing techniques unique to the area, including the use of live bait and some pretty impressive casting skills.
This is a show about fishing and food, so it’s no surprise that Ben’s next stop is a local restaurant where he gets to sample some of the fish they caught earlier that day. He’s given a masterclass in how to fillet a redfish, and he’s equally impressed with the chefs’ approach to cooking up the catch of the day. The meal is a culinary tour de force, with a variety of dishes showcasing the incredible versatility of the redfish.
The final stop on Ben’s Bayou adventure takes him to New Iberia, where he meets up with the Cajun jam band Lost Bayou Ramblers. These guys are all about keeping the traditional music and culture of the area alive and kicking. Ben joins in with the band, playing the washboard, and even gets a lesson on the Cajun two-step.
The Bayou Country episode of Hook, Line & Dinner is a tribute to the unique cultural heritage of one of America’s most fascinating regions. It’s a show about food, family, and community, with the added bonus of some incredible fishing thrown in for good measure. Ben Sargent is the perfect host, engaging and enthusiastic, with a genuine passion for the local way of life. Whether you’re a foodie, music fan, or just love a good adventure, this one is definitely worth a watch.