Native Louisianan chef, John White, opened San Marcos’ first Cajun restaurant in the form of a food truck. “The Cajun Cruiser,” located at Mimi’s Trailer Park Eatery, brings Cajun and creole cuisines to local residents.
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and helping with the start up of two Cajun restaurants in Austin, White recognized the need for one in San Marcos. He felt he had plateaued were he was, so he decided to open the trailer.
Wasting no time, he started making a plan in December, purchased the trailer in February, and had the grand opening in March.
“The most difficult part about the process so far is working out all the kinks that I didn’t expect after opening,” said White. “There are a lot of details I had no idea about before I started this business.”
One factor he is not having trouble with: the food. Included on the menu are traditional Cajun dishes such as gumbo, red beans and rice, and of course, Po Boys. Most of the recipes he already had, and he is still working on a few more.
“I’m working on a recipe for beignets that combines my mothers recipe with my own influences, so I can make them right here on site,” said White.
Also for dessert, Cajun Cruiser offers a unique twist on banana pudding using crescents instead of day old bread. Whites personal favorite, another unique menu item, is the smoked salmon wrap.
“Now people don’t have to drive all the way to Austin to score some Cajun food,” said White. “Plus I can provide the same quality food for a lesser price since I have less overhead.”
Although he has only been in business for a few weeks, White hopes to expand one day.
“I would love to open a full, sit down style restaurant in San Marcos,” said White.
As for now, the trailer is open for business and reeling in customers. San Marcos is now offered traditional Cajun food right here locally at a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere.
San Marcos Food Trucks 