Last night, one of my sons introduced me to an absolutely delightful gastronomical gem in Greater Lansing – Gumbo and Jazz in East Lansing. Hidden in a small storefront location adjacent to Bell’s Greek Pizza and Tasty Twist, I had no idea a restaurant was located there. All I can say is this place is fantastic. By the way, it has a 100% rating on urbanspoon.

Though it is small in size, with maximum seating of 20, Gumbo and Jazz serves up bountiful helpings of authentic, homemade cajun and creole cuisine prepared by the charming owner who was born and raised in Louisiana. She also happens to prepare meals for both the MSU football and basketball teams. The dinner we had last night was simply out of this world.

Dinner began with a large, tasty, and crisp mixed salad with a tangy honey-mustard dressing. It was quickly followed by the best bowl of gumbo I have ever tasted – without being soaked in a super-spicy lather, as is so often the case with chain-oriented food. We were told how “real New Orleans cuisine” is prepared without tons of hot sauce mixed in.

For the main course we were served an amazing and filling array of food items in dishes that we could then spoon out onto our plates, including:

Chicken with mashed potatoes

Jambalaya

Corn

Black Beans

Mixed vegetables

Green beans

Macaroni and cheese

Sweet carrots and apples

A sweet and tasty drink created from pineapple juice and iced tea which was nicknamed “the Tiger Woods.”

We were stuffed to the gills within minutes. The food was so good and the service so kind and personalized that I will definitely return time and time again. I highly recommend Gumbo and Jazz, it is a hidden gem among us here in Greater Lansing and serves up hearty portions of authentic New Orleans cuisine for all who come there. One note – be sure to bring cash, because they do not accept credit cards. Dinners are $15 per person.

It is so nice to enjoy so many cuisines and experience such a range of cultural delights right here in Greater Lansing – definitely one of the huge benefits of living in a college town. Many cities of a similar and larger size to Greater Lansing are not blessed with such a diverse range of cultural and culinary offerings. This in large part due to the fact that they do not have the international draw of a major university in their midst.

Cultural and culinary diversity are two important facets to successful placemaking. To this urban planner, they are two of the most critical elements (especially cultural diversity) to assure your community does not become just another bland Anywhereville dotting the map.