Dorignac's Food Center facts for kids
Dorignac's Food Center is a well-known grocery store located in Metairie, Louisiana. It sits on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, not far from the vibrant city of New Orleans. This store is famous for offering many unique and delicious food items that are special to the Louisiana region.
Contents
History of Dorignac's
How Dorignac's Began
The story of Dorignac's Food Center started in 1947. That year, Joseph Dorignac, Jr. opened his very first grocery store. It was located on Jackson Avenue in an area of New Orleans called the Lower Garden District.
Moving to a New Location
After several years, in 1963, the store moved to a new and bigger spot. This new location was on Veterans Highway (now Veterans Memorial Boulevard) and Focis Street. This area is close to the border of Orleans Parish, which is where New Orleans is located.
Family Ownership Today
After Joseph Dorignac, Jr. passed away, his son, Joseph Dorignac III, took over the family business. Today, Dorignac's Food Center is still owned and run by the Dorignac family. This means it has been a family business for many decades, serving the community.
Special Foods and Services
Taste of Louisiana: Creole and Cajun Foods
Dorignac's is a fantastic place to find many traditional Creole cuisine and Cajun food items. These are two famous types of cooking from Louisiana. You can find unique ingredients and ready-to-eat dishes here. Some of the special items include:
- Creole cream cheese
- Crawfish pie
- Frog legs
- Hearty gumbo
- Fresh catfish
- Olive salad, which is used to make the famous muffuletta sandwich
Fresh Goods and Baked Treats
Beyond the regional specialties, Dorignac's also offers a wide variety of everyday groceries. Shoppers can find fresh produce, different kinds of meats, and delicious baked goods. The store also prepares party platters for special events and even bakes beautiful wedding cakes.
Local Favorites and Unique Products
The store also stocks many local favorites that are popular in Louisiana. These include:
- Cajun Crawtator potato chips from Zapp's
- Yogurt from Bittersweet Plantation Dairy
- Hot pickled okra
- Louisiana pecans
- Camellia brand red beans
- Union coffee and chicory, a popular coffee blend
- Artichoke stalks, often used to make a special dish for Saint Joseph's Day
Around Thanksgiving, a unique item called turducken is sold. This is a turkey stuffed with a duck, which is then stuffed with a chicken!
The Bakery and King Cakes
Dorignac's has a large bakery right at the front of the store. This bakery is well-known for its delicious treats. They are especially famous for their King cakes, which are a special dessert eaten during the Mardi Gras season. The store also has a Kosher bakery section. Their Kosher King cakes sometimes feature a small baby Moses figure inside, instead of the traditional plastic baby.