Meet the Chef:

From the Bayou to Billings - Louisiana Specialty foods at Cajun Phatty's

February 2025 | article & photos by Jamie Blotske

From the Bayou’s of New Iberia, Louisiana, home of the famous Tabasco brand, Ashley Robichaux knows a thing or two about Cajun culture, particularly when cooking up Louisiana-style specialty foods. What started as a tent in 2012 has become a well-known name among foodies in the Billings community. Cajun Phatty’s has evolved many times since its early days under that tent, moving into the mall, The Loft, becoming a food truck, and its current location on King Avenue.

It all began 14 years ago when Ashley and family moved to Billings. Bringing her passion for food, family, tradition, and culture with her, Cajun Phatty’s has made its way into the hearts and bellies of many. “I love my culture and want everyone else to love it, too,” Ashley said when asked about her loyal customers. “Since I am in control and our customers allow me to experiment with recipes, I get to cook however I choose. In fact, I will do a series of cooking around the globe. Each month, I will choose a country, and on Thursdays, as a special, I will cook from that region,” she continued. Her cooking style goes beyond the Bayou. “I am Cajun. We like spices, not just cayenne! Our food is rich in flavors and who doesn’t like butter?”

“I HAVE AN INCREDIBLE TEAM THAT IS LIKE-MINDED. I HIRE BECAUSE OF THEIR HEARTS. YOU CAN TRAIN ANYONE, BUT IF YOU HAVE A GOOD HEART, THAT IS A WINNING COMBINATION. I OFTEN

SAY WE ARE A LOVING

COMMUNITY BUSINESS FIRST. WE JUST SO HAPPEN TO KNOW HOW TO COOK.”

-Ashley Robichaux

Speaking of flavor and butter, let’s talk about Cajun Phatty’s seafood bisque! Nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of hot soup, chili, or bisque on a cold winter’s day. With February often being one of the coldest months of the year for us here in Montana, now is the time to stop by and try one of Ashley’s favorite dishes. “We are known for gumbo and bisque’s,” Ashley stated. “Our seafood bisque is thick, creamy, and has shrimp, crawfish, and lobster in it. It’s decadent,” she added. It's a recipe that will surely warm you up in a “soup for the soul” kind of way.

Other popular dishes include fried alligator, Jambalaya, and fried bread pudding. Shrimp and grits and Bayou bang shrimp follow closely behind. “We are unique to the area. We have been trendsetters and like to push the envelope,” Ashley said. She even mentioned that they occasionally bring up whole gators and smoke them, along with live crawfish. It is a unique experience for those of us who are Montana-born and raised on steak and potatoes!

When asked why someone new should try Cajun Phatty’s, Ashley quickly responded, “We make you feel like you just walked into grandma’s house for Sunday dinner. There truly is something for everyone on the menu. We are a scratch kitchen, and I have been known to create something on the spot for even the most finicky guests. Most importantly, we love our community, and we show that you instantly become family after your first visit. You’ll quickly learn that we can really cook great food.” While those reasons alone make Cajun Phatty’s a stand-out, a large part of who Ashley and her crew are comes from their generosity. When she started this company, she wanted to use it to bless as many people as possible, which she has done and continues to do.

“This is the first time since starting this company that I am able to step away and know that everything is handled as I would handle it, and that’s because of my team.” Ashley quickly credited her hard-working crew, the heart and soul of Cajun Phatty’s. “Missy (general manager), Ronnie, Heather, and Therese lead the ship, and they are just incredible people.”

Stop by today and say hello, whether you’re a new friend or old. Ashely and her team would love to make you feel at home with a comforting bowl of seafood bisque or any of their menu delights. Cajun Phatty’s is simply one of a kind. Make February the month to expand your taste buds and try something different!

Originally printed in the February 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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Jamie Blotske

Jamie Blotske and husband, Chet, have three small children and happily call Billings their home. She is extremely passionate about the great outdoors. She is a graduate of MSU-Billings with a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. Her family is currently in pursuit of hiking in all 50 states, and you can follow along on the family blog (thebackpackingblotskes.com) or Instagram (@thebackpackingblotskes). 

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