Sandwiched between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain is LaPlace, an easygoing bedroom community 25 miles west of New Orleans. Rich with both Cajun and Creole culture, LaPlace is proud to call itself the Andouille Sausage Capital of the World. That smoky pork delicacy is a quintessential ingredient in the gumbo and jambalaya locals adore. But when visiting LaPlace, don’t forget about the seafood. Seek out one of the many laid-back fried seafood shacks and order a basket of catfish and hushpuppies. Want something more upscale? LaPlace also has restaurants offering fresh oysters on the half shell, decadent oyster and artichoke soup, or spicy blackened speckled trout. If ethnic is more your speed, there are Chinese and Mexican options here as well.