Lil' Red's Cajun Kitchen

The Story Behind Big Red's Original Boudain & Lil' Red's Cajun Kitchen

James "Big Red" Pomier was born in Kaplan, Louisiana, and spent 52 years in Port Arthur, Texas. A meat cutter his entire adult life, he served generations of loyal customers and friends at local markets throughout the Port Arthur-Groves area, including The Atlantic Food Store in Groves and Nick's Grocery in Port Arthur. Big Red was incredibly proud of his Cajun heritage—you could often find him listening to Cajun music while he worked. Over the years, he developed several of his own Cajun recipes, including stuffed pork chops, Italian sausage and fresh Cajun pork sausage. But his most famous recipe was his Cajun boudain. Big Red made it daily, averaging more than 2,000 pounds a week, and before long his customers and friends had given him the title "Boudain King." His reputation—and his boudain—traveled from coast to coast and even as far as Hawaii. His recipe remained a closely guarded secret. As his former employer once told the Port Arthur News, "Big Red's recipe has not been revealed and is being used only by him." At Big Red's request, it remained that way, known only by his immediate family. Big Red became a legend in the Golden Triangle and will forever be lovingly remembered by many as the original "Boudain King" of Texas. After PawPaw passed, the tradition continued within our family. Many of you may remember my Dad and Red's son-in-law, Fred Dyson, along with my mother and Red's daughter, Pat, who made Big Red's boudain in Southeast Texas for many years. Fred eventually had to stop due to health concerns, and for several years, the boudain so many knew and loved was no longer being made. And that's where Lil' Red comes in. I'm Shelly, Big Red's granddaughter, and I've lovingly been nicknamed "Lil' Red"—partly because of my red hair, but even more fittingly because of my love for our Cajun roots and the immeasurable joy I find in making my PawPaw's boudain. From that nickname, Lil' Red's Cajun Kitchen, LLC was born. My husband Jerry, our daughter and I are beginning by bringing Big Red's Original Boudain back to the families who remember it—and introducing it to a whole new generation. I have PawPaw's recipes, and we're also working toward bringing back more of his favorites, including Big Red's Italian sausage and Cajun sausage. We do not have a storefront here in Fort Worth, but we do take orders for local pickup and we are working toward being able to accept online orders! Shipping will soon be available as well. Because refrigerated shipping can be quite costly, please allow us to provide a shipping quote before you order. More than anything, we're honored to continue a Cajun family tradition that began generations ago. We think PawPaw would be mighty proud to know that once again, families are gathering around the table and enjoying Big Red's Original Boudain—the BEST boudain around! Lovingly,
Lil' Red & Family