Getting a Taste of the Big Easy is Easier Than You Think

Getting a Taste of the Big Easy is Easier Than You Think

By Zachary Schwartz

They call New Orleans the Big Easy. That being said, it wasn’t always easy to find a taste of the Big Easy in Jacksonville, Florida.  That all changed when Copeland's of New Orleans opened in JAX.  Located at 4310 Southside Blvd. about a ½ mile south of Gate Parkway, the restaurant is a carbon copy of the original eatery that was started in Jefferson, Louisiana back in 1983. 

When you walk into the Jacksonville location, you will think you have died and gone to Bourbon Street.  That’s because the essence of Copeland’s revolves around comfort and cuisine.  Just like the sleepy Southern town that started it all, Copeland’s restaurants offer a taste of New Orleans along with a casually festive atmosphere that friends and family alike will enjoy.

Of course, their Cajun cuisine is second to none.  Everything at Copeland’s is made from scratch using only the finest of ingredients.  And what a mouth-watering menu they have.  A number of Big Easy appetizers are available to get the party started.  In Nawlins, you don’t eat Cajun Popcorn at the movies.  That’s because they are made of battered baby shrimp that are seasoned and fried to a crunch.  The starters also include Crawfish Bread and Copeland’s Crab cakes, served with Remoulade Sauce.  

Even their soups are a feast, with your choice of Corn & Crab Bisque, or Cajun Gumbo Ya Ya, the latter of which is loaded with shrimp and scallops.  

If you didn’t think that Cajun cooking, extended to pasta, then you’re in for a surprise.  Everything from Jambalaya Pasta and Crawfish Fettucine to Crab cakes with Shrimp Alfredo to Crab Stuffed Eggplant served with a side of angel hair topped with shrimp and crawfish au gratin will make your taste buds think that Mardi Gras has come early.

Then there are the classic Copeland’s entrees that include Shrimp & Catfish Creole, Blackened Redfish, Red Beans & Rice with your choice of Catfish or Andouille Sausage, or Eggplant Pirogue, just to name a few.  If you’re into low country cuisine, the restaurant also offers a BBQ Shrimp Boil that includes boiled shrimp, roasted corn, and boiled potatoes in a garlic broth that will make you say, “Bring on the Zydeco player!”

If you’re into seafood, I highly recommend the Ricochet Catfish that is topped with pecans and Creole Meuniere sauce.  The menu also offers a wide selection of steaks cooked to order, signature sandwiches (what would a trip to the Big Easy be without a PO’ boy?), and an array of cold salads and hot tasting plates for those of you who are watching their weight.

For the rest of you, don’t forget to leave room for dessert, because Copeland’s offers a number of sweet treats that you will want to savor along with a cup of New Orleans coffee.  If you haven’t tried their Bananas Foster or White Chocolate Bread Pudding, you don’t know what you’re missing.

The bottom line is if you want to save yourself an 8-hour drive West on I-10 along with a Bourbon Street hangover, roll on over to Copeland’s of New Orleans, where it’s Mardi Gras every day.