Natchitoches (Nack'-uh-tish) has long been revered as one of the most desired family destinations in Louisiana. It's quaint setting has been a popular site for numerous movies; among the most popular, Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes. The city's narrow, tree-lined residential streets pass quaint wood-framed homes, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. You'll enjoy colorful flowers, white picket fences, and friendly, welcoming residents as you stroll through downtown neighborhoods.
But besides the Hollywood connection, the famous Christmas Lights and meat pies come to the mind of most Louisiana residents when mentioning Natchitoches.
It is believed that the Natchitoches Indians actually introduced the recipe in Louisiana in the 1700's; and it was later improved upon (spiced up) by the Spanish.
Of course the meat pie tradition goes back hundreds of years in many countries throughout the world. This savory pastry filled with beef, pork, lamb, vegetables and spices may very well have originated in the British Empire both in Europe and Australia. Latin America's answer to the meat pie is the empanada served in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador and Peru. Ingredients such as olives, fried eggs, pulled pork, fish, salami, and cheese give great versatility to this hearty dish. The shell or pastry is often fried but may be baked as well.
If you'd like to try your hand at preparing a version of the meat pie, you can find one of our recipes at:Natchitoches Meat Pie Recipe . It's really quite simple and makes a wonderful snack, or school lunch; especially in cold weather.
The State of Louisiana officially named the Natchitoches meat pie as its official state meat pie. If you're in the Natchitoches area September 12 and 13th, you might stop in at the Meat Pie Festival. There you'll have an opportunity to try many versions of the meat pie and if you taste enough them, you're sure to have sampled the official Natchitoches meat pie!
You'll find a landmark restaurant which best exemplifies what the Natchitoches meat pie represents at Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant at 622 2nd Street. Mr. Lasyone launched his restaurant business in 1967 in an old 1859 establishment and has been serving this wonderful treat to hungry diners ever since. His recipe has received rave reviews by food critics from Southern Living, The New Yorker, Glamour, and Gourmet Magazines. Be sure to stop by and check out what all the fuss is about!