467979 Sun Dec 09 19:41:45 -0800 2007 6 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 3193840 Hey Hounds I found a pack of "Chef Bruce Aidell's Cajun Style Andouille" at a grocery store in Ohio. Have any of you Hounds in the land of Andouille ever heard of this stuff?? If so, is it any good?? I mean, as far as andouille goes. I've had some of it and it's fantastic. Compared to the stuff I get in Huntsville, Al. it's great. But does it compare to "The good stuff"?? DT Sun Dec 09 19:41:45 -0800 2007 11291 Davwud 1 3195972 It's what is available in most markets here in California, being a more or less local product. It is not identical to most of the Louisiana versions I've tasted, being a little more moist and tender and not so strongly flavored, but if you're looking for something to spice up your beans or whatever it's pretty darned good. I do have grounds to compare it with the REAL stuff, since there are outlets for that here, too. Bruce Aidell is someone who set out to become a Sausage Wizard, and he's pretty much succeeded. I personally prefer to buy uncooked sausages when possible, as to my taste ready-to-eat ones just don't have the texture or flavor, but Bruce's varieties are about as good as precooked ones get. Mon Dec 10 13:23:09 -0800 2007 3193840 11478 Will Owen 2 3198810 Bruce Aidell sold off his share of the sausage business back in 2002. Tue Dec 11 11:49:37 -0800 2007 3195972 105166 PorkButt 1 3196567 I've had some and it's not the same as traditional andouille as made in south Louisiana. The real stuff is quite reasonably priced by mail order. I get mine (as well as tasso and head cheese) from Jacob's in LaPlace, Louisiana: http://www.cajunsausage.com/ Get a few folks together and make a big order, they will vacuum pack it for you on request and it stays well in the freezer for a long, long time. Mon Dec 10 16:30:48 -0800 2007 3193840 22801 bkhuna 2 3198818 Do they have any lkind of minimum order?? If I say andouille to people around here they'll say "And whoey??" DT Tue Dec 11 11:51:30 -0800 2007 3196567 11291 Davwud 3 3199301 I don't know. I usually order enough (with a few friends thrown in) that it's never come up. I do know they are in perpetual competition with another place in LaPlace for bragging rights as the "worlds best Andouille". The other place is called Bailey's and was featured on Alton Brown's last roadtrip series. Either way, this stuff is in a league of it's own. I highly recommend the head cheese. Tue Dec 11 14:09:39 -0800 2007 3198818 22801 bkhuna 1 3198708 Yes, it compares. I bought some recently and used it in jambalaya and red beans. It's pretty good, considering. Plus, since I no longer live in New Orleans and have re-located to Tampa, my andouille selections are few. -Kevin Tue Dec 11 11:15:48 -0800 2007 3193840 15382 UptownKevin