By Michael Stoll
mike.stoll@austindailyherald.com

 

Reel Cajun Seafood Restaurant and Bar opened for its first day of business on Wednesday.
Owners Tony and Stephanie Nguyen cut the ceremonial blue ribbon in the presence of family, employees and members of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, announcing the official opening of the long anticipated restaurant.
The Nguyens, who describe the menu as “Cajun with an Asian twist,” are no strangers to the restaurant industry. They started five years ago when they took over the old Arthur’s Restaurant at the Baymont Inn.
“We ended up cooking what I know best: crawfish,” Tony said. “From there we just grew and grew and since then, it’s been no looking back.”
“We love crawfish,” added Stephanie.
Originally from Port Arthur, the Nguyens were living in Houston when Tony perfected his crawfish seasoning.
“We ate crawfish everyday,” Tony said. “We’d just cook it until we found the way we liked it. It was everyday cooking, sometimes twice a day, before we found the recipe we wanted to cook.”
The Nguyens owned Good Times, which flooded during Tropical Storm Harvey. While the storm did not damage Reel Cajun, it delayed the opening by two months.
Upon entering the restaurant, visitors are greeted by an image of the building taken during the storm, with the words “Texas strong” written above it.
“It was like a boat ramp,” Stephanie said, pointing to the picture. “There was a boat and a helicopter. I thought the picture would be perfect with the saying ‘Texas strong’ above it because we are Texas strong.”
Immediately in front is a spacious dining area. Adorning the dining room are custom made decorations, some near the tables, others hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. To the left is the bar, above which are several television sets. In the rear and right side of the dining room are booths capable of seating anywhere from six to 10 people.
On the right is a banquet room, which can be reserved for birthday parties or used to seat groups of ten or more. Down a hallway of walls made from torched lacquered wood, which includes bathrooms for the “King Fish” and “Lady Fish,” is another banquet room that can be used for parties and company events. Stephanie said they are already booking events for the rooms.
Outside is a 3,000 square-foot smoking patio. The bar opens up to the outside and includes several television sets. Stephanie said they are currently awaiting the arrival of pool tables and games.
But what about the food?
“We are mainly seafood and have a variety of seafood,” Tony said. “But we also have steaks and burgers and chicken sandwiches for non-seafood eaters.”
Reel Cajun will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A bar menu will be available after the kitchen closes. Hours will extend to 2 a.m. once the owners have a liquor license.
Reel Cajun is located at 7500 Twin City Highway. To view the menu or make a reservation, visit https://www.yelp.com/biz/reel-cajun-restaurant-and-bar-port-arthur.

 

What’s best?
Trying to figure out what to try at a new restaurant can be a daunting task. If you’re new to Reel Cajun, here are some dishes recommended by Tony and Stephanie Nguyen.
– Ceviche: Ahi tuna, red onion, tomato, jalapenos and cilantro served with shrimp chips
– Cajun Egg Rolls: Stuffed with boudain and pepper jack and served with Creole mustard
– Chicken and Sausage Gumbo: Andouille sausage, chicken and vegetable in a rich, dark roux
– Seafood Gumbo: Shrimp, crab and crawfish tails simmered in a rich seafood stock and dark roux
– Boudain Burger: Fried boudain patty served with Creole mustard, remoulade, lettuce and tomato
– Hoisin Glazed Seared Salmon: Eight ounce grilled salmon served with one side and white rice
– Boiled Crawfish: Original, Spicy, Dynamite, or Cajun Shake served with corn and potatoes