The latest in a string of Louisiana-themed eateries to bring a taste of the bayou to the nation’s capital opens Friday, July 15. Like several of its predecessors, TruOrleans on H Street NE promises to uphold the culinary traditions of Cajun country. For one thing, the venue will not shy away from serving reptile. According to the opening menu, alligator meat will be among the featured appetizers, appearing in its most familiar form: deep-fried to a crisp. The au courant exotic protein in D.C. this summer emerges as “gator tenders” at TruOrleans, served with a spicy dipping sauce, for $12.

Photo by Stephen Witherden/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license