BEYOND THE BAYOU

A COLORFUL FAÇADE surrounded by a white picket fence welcomes diners to Mosquito Supper Club in New Orleans, where 2015 Chef to Watch Melissa Martin has created an intimate dining experience to tell the stories of the fishermen and farmers who are the backbone of south Louisiana cuisine. Melissa celebrates the bounty of Louisiana seafood and ingredients with dishes like Shrimp Okra Gumbo, Crawfish Boulettes, and this Oyster Spaghetti, which is based on a version she ate growing up on the bayou in Terrebonne Parish. Melissa recreated this childhood favorite with fresh spaghetti, and we caught up with her to talk about cooking with oysters and how you can successfully make your own pasta at home.