Grand Opening: 

                                                                      

 

Casper’s serves generous portions of slow-cooked barbecue ribs, Southern fried catfish, pulled pork sandwiches and deep-fried alligator in both lunch- and supper-sized portions.  The restaurant has 15 tables for sit-down dining, and also offers take-out service.

 

“People get a kick out of trying fried alligator for the first time,” explained Townsend, “and we often sell out of it.  Our gator comes only from approved farms in Florida, where they are raised under controlled conditions.  We never cook wild gator, or crocodile meat, which is strictly illegal.”

 

Casper’s A Taste of the South represents a 40-year dream for Casper Townsend, a native of Naples, Florida, and former lumber broker.  His passion, however, was always large-scale barbecuing and fish fries for charity fundraisers.  “Cooking is my life,” said Townsend.  “It’s taken me decades to get these recipes just right, for truly authentic Southern cuisine.  When people say my ribs are the best they’ve ever tasted – which they do all the time – it practically brings tears to my eyes.”

 

Some of the biggest names in Washington are clients of Casper’s catering service, including Boeing, Comcast and Home Depot.  His mobile kitchen, which inspired the a Taste Of The South has drawn enthusiastic crowds at the Evergreen State Fair, a Taste of Edmonds, Marysville Strawberry Festival, Lake Stevens Aqua Fest, King County Fair, just to name a few.

 

 “One taste is all we need before a person is hooked,” said Townsend.  As a testimony to the quality of his food, several international restaurant chains and retailers have tried to buy his recipes – without success.

 

Casper’s A Taste Of The South  is located at 15030 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA, (206) 268-0202.  Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday,  Friday  and Saturday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm

Closed on Sunday.