This week witnessed the official arrival of the fall season, and colder temperatures are on the way.
However, that doesn’t mean we won’t be able to still enjoy a good summer style barbecue, and one of the best places to enjoy that is at Andre’s BBQ and Seafood, located just east of Indianapolis in the City of Lawrence.
Several people I know have told me that once you visit Andre’s, you will find yourself going back again and again without much thought, as if you’re on auto pilot. Recently, while driving on heavily trafficked Pendleton Pike, I decided to stop by Andre’s and see what all the fuss is about.
What I noticed immediately is that three people were already waiting in line, and two more vehicles pulled in the parking lot behind mine. That is how busy it was at three in the afternoon, long after lunch and long before dinner.
Currently, Andre’s, opened by owner Andre Louissaint about two years, is located in a trailer with a couple of large grills and a catering truck nearby. Guests who want to stay and eat sit at a table by the trailer. However, no one cares, and while driving past the place I have seen people sitting in heat and cold at the table because the food is that good.
Andre’s BBQ and Seafood is best known for its ribs, pulled pork, chicken, fish and shrimp. The restaurant also specializes in American favorites as well as Cajun, Caribbean, Asian and other ethnic selections.
Louissaint prides himself on what he calls “the fainted rib,” which is so tender that it “faints” right off the bone. He likes to say that when someone truly barbecues meat, they have to “cook it low and slow,” meaning on a low temperature and for a long time. This, Louissaint maintains, is what gives his selections their unique flavor and has even his most courteous customers nearly running over each other to get a place in line.
Louissaint, a native of the Caribbean, grew up in Miami and began cooking 20 years ago. He remembers standing in for a sous chef who didn’t show up for work, and preparing an awesome meal that ignited a passion to offer cuisine that is unforgettable.
Popular items I notice people ordering from Andre’s include ribs and tips (of course), the beef brisket, pulled pork and chicken and whiting and tilapia fish. Plenty of options are available to fit a customer’s needs, including family and lunch specials, kids meals, sample platters and catering for events.
All of the favorite sides are available, such as greens, yams, mac-n-cheese and Caribbean rice, along with popular desserts like peach cobbler, sweet potato pie and cheesecake.
During my visit, I enjoyed some of Andre’s ribs, and they totally live up to the hype that has been surrounding them. Very flavorful, tasty and tender.
Also, Louissaint, particularly if he is out front working on the grill, personally greets each patron with the warmth of an old friend.
Andre’s BBQ and Seafood already has a level of notoriety that many restaurants envy, but it could very well one day join the informal list of legendary local establishments that have become known for consistently delivering quality food and good service.
