From the outside, Battle’s Kitchen looks different than one may expect. It comprises a pick-up window, with some public seating in the form of picnic tables arranged outside. There isn’t even a sign, although Ernest Battle, the founder and owner of Battle’s Kitchen, plans to get one soon. Despite the apparent lack of advertising, this place is booming.
“Word of mouth is the best thing…we get a lot of people from Canada, and that aspect makes me happy,” says Battle. They also get customers coming north from the Seattle area.
One of the main reasons people love Battle’s Kitchen is the authenticity. Battle has found that authentic Cajun food is hard to come by, and he’s happy that he’s able to provide that for the community.
Photograph by Ernest Battle
“First of all, I’m from New Orleans…I want to be different from what everyone else is doing…we have fresh alligator from Louisiana, fresh crawfish and other things that people have never experienced,” says Battle. “People think Cajun food and most people think spicy, hot, and it’s not. You should be able to enjoy your food…when you talk Cajun food, you’re talking flavor.”
Family is very important to Battle. He learned to cook from his dad and his employees are solely family members.
Photograph by Ernest Battle
“That’s my dream, to be able to leave it to my daughter or other family members,” Battle says.
Battle’s Kitchen doesn’t just cook delicious food for walk-ups: they also offer catering. If you’re in the market for wonderful Cajun food for an event, you know where to go!
4920 Rural Ave., Ferndale, 360.927.5066, Facebook @Battle’s Kitchen
