Two words most of us have heard, but what do they mean in terms of food. There are a few easy answers. Cajun is country and Creole is city. Cajun is brown and Creole is red. The people that cook these foods mostly reside in the state of Louisiana. Cajun cooking can be found in the Southwestern parts of the state, while Creole cuisine can be found in New Orleans and its surrounding areas. They are not interchangeable, just as Chinese food and Japanese food are different. Each cuisine offers its own insight into what is available to the people in certain geographical regions, and their ancestors who brought the knowledge from the old world.

• Matthew Kopfler