Chocolate pie has a special meaning for me. I spent my summers and holidays visiting my grandparents in Huntsville, AL and the first thing I would do was to look for the chocolate pie in the fridge. My grandmother, Mimi, makes a darn good chocolate pie. However, her sister, Aunt Sadie, makes an even better pie. I think there is an ingredient Aunt Sadie leaves out, but no matter who’s pie ends up on the table, it is still so good.
My holiday memories include chocolate pie for dessert, chocolate pie for breakfast (makes for a great shopping experience), and chocolate pie until it runs out. As the family has grown, that means less pie for everyone. I have been known to set up camp near the fridge in the kitchen, to guard the last piece of chocolate pie until my stomach is ready for another slice.
There’s one other place on this planet where I can get a really good piece of chocolate pie: Lea’s Lunchroom in the rural area of central Louisiana. Anytime a family member passes near this area, we take that 15 minute detour off the interstate and hope that Lea’s is still open for the day and that there is a whole pie left in the cooler.
When I was pregnant with my oldest, my husband worked in Woodworth, LA, two exits down from Lecompte. Don’t you know I looked forward to my days off from the fire department in Baton Rouge to see my husband, and most importantly get some pie. Yes, I gained 40 pounds with that kid.
So I was so very excited when I was invited by my home state to take a tour off the beaten path and check out some unknown areas of Louisiana. The itinerary included a visit to Lea’s Lunchroom. That in itself sealed the deal. Here’s my visit to Lea’s Lunchroom in Lecompte, LA. If you find yourself out that way, be sure to venture off the interstate to entertain your tastebuds. Plus, chocolate makes people happy!
Shannon,
I am Lea’s granddaughter, so I love what you have done here. A friend of mine ran across this site and sent me the link to check it out. I am very happy that Lea’s is part of your good memories and trips back to Louisiana. I will now send this on to my mom, the owner.
Have a great day!
Amy
Hi Amy – Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate you passing the pie and ham sandwich love over to your mom. Lea’s is a special place, and I even got comments on Twitter (I’m @Cajun_Mama) about the special memories others have had when stopping by Lea’s Lunchroom on various roadtrips. Good stuff!
-S
Shannon,
I am Lea’s daughter, and I was so pleased my daughter sent me your good words about Lea’s. The restaurant is eighty-one years old this year.
The Louisiana Legislature declared Lecompte as the Pie Capital of the state in 2007, and there is a Pie Festival the first weekend of October every year.
Thank you for your comments.
Ann
Shannon,
But I will definitely check it out. Thanks!
I am a little behind the times because I have not Twittered yet
A.
Glad to see you ladies are carrying on a wonderful tradition that means so much to Louisiana. Lea’s Lunchroom is where real people go for good food:)
Hi Shannon,
Loved reading your blog. What quirky and charming off-the-beaten-path towns in Louisiana could you recommend for us? We’ll be flying into New Orleans over Christmas/New Years. Looks like a stop at Leah’s is a must for us.
I too, remember the many stops at Lea’s to eat their famous
ham sandwiches on the way to LSU and picking up the great
pecan pies. They were delicious! Have not had an opportunity
to go by there lately, as i live in Houston now. If I do, you know
where I will stop by! keep it up, Lea’s!!!
Tom Woltz, Sr//Houston, Texas
Helen – It all depends on how long you plan to visit Louisiana. If you are flying into New Orleans and staying just a few days, it wouldn’t be practical to venture that far north. I do recommend that you make a stop at Mother’s for a debris poboy and their wonderful bread pudding. For a longer stay, Lea’s needs to be on your list!
Tom – You know Lea’s is just the reason to come back for a visit!
PIE!!! I’m there!
.-= Keith´s last blog ..Re-enactment =-.