Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to dine like a dinosaur, next week offers the perfect chance.
In celebration of a special traveling exhibit at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, locally owned restaurants across the area are serving up prehistoric-inspired dishes during “Eat Like a Dinosaur Week,” set for March 30 through April 4.
And while the exhibit is located in Shreveport, the experience is very much a regional one — giving Bossier families a unique, close-to-home outing that blends education, creativity and food.
Walking into participating restaurants feels a little like stepping into another era — one where menus take a playful turn and chefs embrace their inner paleontologist.
At Dripp Donuts, dinosaur-shaped donuts have already become a crowd favorite, drawing smiles from both kids and adults. Across town, Bella Fresca is offering a “Bayou Steak-osaurus Rex,” while Ki Mexico features a Brontosaurus Rib Taco that adds bold flavor to the theme.
Other local favorites are also joining in, including El Cabo Verde with its creative fossil-inspired dishes, Giuseppe’s Pasta Café serving up “Prehistoric Primordial Pasta,” Mae & Co. with playful bites like Stegosaurus Cauli-Bites, and Zuzul Coastal Cuisine offering seafood with a “Cretaceous” twist.
For those making the trip from Bossier City, the experience easily turns into a full day of family-friendly fun.
After grabbing a themed meal, visitors can head over to the museum to explore the exhibit, which runs through May 10 and features ancient marine predators that once ruled the oceans. Guests come face-to-face with life-sized fossil replicas and interactive displays designed for all ages — and admission is free.
The exhibit, created by the National Museum of Natural History and organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, marks a rare opportunity for the region.
The museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special weekend hours scheduled for select dates.
For many families, the highlight of the week may be the combination of learning and fun — where kids can explore prehistoric creatures during the day and then enjoy a dinosaur-themed treat later that evening.
Organizers say the goal is not only to showcase the exhibit but also to support local restaurants and give the community something unique to experience together.
The specialty menu items will only be available for a limited time, making the week-long promotion feel a bit like the dinosaurs themselves — here for a short time before disappearing.
For Bossier residents looking for something different to do, “Eat Like a Dinosaur” Week offers a chance to cross the river, try something new and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts educational and entertaining.