The Wandering Disciple

Tucked away in Pinellas Park, Cajun Cafe on the Bayou is one of those rare places where you don’t just eat—you experience a culture. From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense that you’ve stepped out of Florida and into the heart of Louisiana, where food is rich, stories are shared, and every plate carries a little soul. This isn’t a watered-down version of Cajun cuisine. The menu leans heavily into authentic Louisiana flavors—gumbo with a deep, dark roux, red beans and rice that feel like they’ve been simmering all day, and crawfish étouffée that’s buttery, comforting, and layered with just the right amount of spice . It’s the kind of cooking that reflects tradition, not trends. If there’s one dish that captures the spirit of this place, it’s the lagniappe. In true Cajun fashion, “lagniappe” means “a little something extra”—but here, it’s anything but small. Picture this: a generous portion of crawfish étouffée poured over crispy fried catfish, all resting on a bed of rice. It’s ...

Looking up at the business end of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, also known as the Viper, sitting on display at Freedom Lakes Park. The F-16 was originally powered by a Pratt & Whitney turbofan engine to give the fighter its thrust and power. Over the years it has received upgrades to the Pratt & Whitney and some receiving GE engines to upgrade the powerplant of the aircraft. This aircraft is on display to pay tribute to the fighting wing at MacDill Air Force Base in nearby Tampa. (Photo: November 23, 2012)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon sits on display at Freedom Lakes Park in Pinellas Park.  The F-16 was in operation for ten years including two stints with the 56th Tactical Training Wing at MacDill Air Force Base.  The aircraft was retired from the Air Force in 1991 and was dedicated to Freedom Lakes Park in 1998.