Prepare your taste buds for the spicy, savory goodness of Louisiana as crawfish season gets underway this month.

There are a number of places in Shreveport-Bossier to enjoy the juicy lobster-like crustaceans boiled to perfection with red potatoes and seasoned corn cobs for an authentic Cajun cuisine.

In Shreveport, Crawdaddy's Kitchen takes pride in serving authentic Cajun dishes in a festive, casual atmosphere and to the tune of Zydeco and Cajun music.

Just outside of Bossier City, Crawfish Palace in Haughton allows you an up-close view of the crawfish boil experience. Once you've seen how it's done, take a seat at one of the restaurants indoor picnic-style tables along with family and friends and feast on crawfish, gumbo and other delicious delicacies!

Need help learning the best technique when it comes to eating crawfish? Don't worry - we've got you covered.

Grab the crawfish head with one hand and grab the tail with the other. Gently squeeze the tail end of the body, near the area where it connects with the head. Hold the head steady and gently, while twisting the tail. When the meaty end has separated from the head, peel away the top, partially exposed part of the tail, bring the tail meat to your mouth and sink your teeth in.

If you want a genuine Cajun experience, suck the head of the crawfish to indulge in the full-flavor of spicy juices.

You've read about it - now come discover it for yourself!

Find more about dining in Shreveport-Bossier here.


That's Entertainment
Loretta Lynn to Perform at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel

You won't want to miss country music legend Loretta Lynn live at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Bossier City on Saturday, March 7.

The "Coal Miner's Daughter" - a tag that refers to a hit single, an album, a best-selling autobiography, an Oscar-winning film and to Lynn herself - has journeyed from the poverty of the Kentucky hills, to Nashville superstardom, and to her current status as an honest-to-goodness American icon. For more than four decades, Lynn's music has confronted many of the major social issues of her time. Her life story is a rags-to-riches tale that's familiar to, not only country, but pop and rock fans alike.

Lynn will take to the Riverdome stage at 8 p.m. - doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $45 and $55. Seating is reserved and patrons must be age 21 or older to attend.

For tickets or more information, visit www.riverdome.com, call (888)512-SHOW (7469) or visit the Horseshoe Gift Horse® Gift Shop.

Find more information about all of Shreveport-Bossier casinos here.


Shop - Dine - Laugh: It's a Date at the Louisiana Boardwalk!

Whether you're going at Valentine's Day alone or with a special someone, the Louisiana Boardwalk has the right mix of restaurants, entertainment and shopping to keep you smiling for the entire weekend.

Ease into your afternoon with great deals as you shop at any of the dozens of outlet stores that help to make up the one-of-a-kind lifestyle center. Once you've worked up an appetite, break for dinner at one of the riverfront dining options available at the Boardwalk.

Wind down your evening with a few drinks and fun at The Encore Club or a great show at The Funny Bone - Shreveport-Bossier's premiere venue for comedic entertainment.

The Funny Bone will host a number of great shows this month and beyond.

Valentine's Day weekend catch comedienne Bret Butler, widely known for her sharp-witted stand-up comedy and sitcom "Grace Under Fire" (ABC, 1993-1998).

On March 13, let Cedric the Entertainer make you laugh 'till you cry as he takes to the stage.

After touring comedy clubs around the country, Cedric the Entertainer scored his first regular television spot as host of the BET comedy series "Comic View", followed by a role on "The Steve Harvey Show," which ran for six seasons. In 1997, Cedric and Steve Harvey joined forces with comedic legend Bernie Mac and funnyman D.L. Hughley for the largely successful Kings of Comedy stand-up tour.

Since then, Cedric has stared in several films including Barbershop, Barbershop 2, Johnson Family Vacation, The Honeymooners and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (filmed in Shreveport).

Patrons to either show must be age 21 or older. For tickets or more information, visit www.FunnyBoneLouisiana.com.

For more happenings at the Louisiana Boardwalk, visit www.LouisianaBoardwalk.com.


Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Let the good times roll as you celebrate Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier. There are lots of events happening in the twin cities throughout January and February. From festive krewe parades to grand balls, there's nothing like reveling in Shreveport-Bossier's community spirit throughout the Mardi Gras season!

Our popular events include the Krewe of Centaur Parade on Feb. 14, the Krewe of Gemini Parade on Feb. 21, the Krewe of Highland Parade on Feb. 22, the Krewe of Aesclepius Fat Tuesday Children's Parade at the Louisiana Boardwalk on Feb. 24 and many more!

And don't forget your four-legged family members. There's plenty of fun for them at the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade at RiverView Park, Feb. 15, in downtown Shreveport.

In Shreveport-Bossier, the celebration won't end until Fat Tuesday winds down. You can join local krewes on the Texas Street Bridge for the annual bridge closing ceremony. The Krewe of Aesclepius leads the annual Toast to the End of Mardi Gras on Feb. 24, joined by the kings, queens and captains of all the local krewes. Priests also distribute Lenten Ashes at midnight.

Don't delay - book your hotel room today! For more information about Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier and for a list of local parades, visit www.ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com.


2009 Bassmaster Classic Reels Top Anglers to Shreveport-Bossier

Come cheer on your favorite angler at the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 20-22, along the mighty Red River in Shreveport-Bossier.

Billed as the Super Bowl of bass fishing, this spectacular three-day tournament will be one of the largest events ever held in the region. Visitors are encouraged to get in on the action. Hitch up your boat trailer and get an up-close view from the Red River of your favorite angler or watch from the banks at the Red River South Marina - the official launch site for the tournament.

The CenturyTel Center in Bossier City will host the tournament weigh-ins and also will be the official ESPN broadcast site. The 2009 Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo, featuring more than 150 vendors, will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center in downtown Shreveport. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information about the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, contact the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau at 888-45 VISIT (84748) or visit www.shreveport-bossier.org and click on the Bassmaster icon.

Yamaha Marine Group will be pulling into Shreveport and setting up shop at the Bass Outdoor Expo in the Shreveport Convention Center, Feb. 20-22. While there, the Yamaha team will have a variety of boats on display, and the Yamaha pro anglers will be on hand to sign autographs and hand out cool Yamaha gear.

And in case you can't get enough, Yamaha will also be at Reeves Marine, next to the CenturyTel Center, on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the Yamaha/Skeeter Fan Fest. There will be games and activities for the entire family, including tons of give-a-ways and plenty of food and drinks. Bring your boat by Reeves Marine and get a FREE 10 point check.

Guess the weight of the monster bass in the hog tank for a chance to win a number of prizes, including a Yamaha-powered Skeeter boat, a Yamaha Rhino, a Yamaha Scooter and other cash and prizes.

Most importantly, come by Friday night between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to see your Classic anglers' interview with Bass Zone. After the interviews, the anglers will answer your questions, give tips and sign autographs.

For a list of Yamaha activities during the 2009 Bassmaster Classic or more information stop by Reeves Marine or the Yamaha booth. See you at the weigh-in!