If you consider a great hamburger with a side of fries the ultimate comfort food, take comfort in knowing Lafayette’s Burgersmith now has a Baton Rouge location serving up delicious dishes of both. Though not on the menu, start off with the fried green beans ($4.50). A co-worker told us to give them … Continue reading →

One of the pleasures of dining out in Baton Rouge is the city’s delightful neighborhood cafe s. Such a spot is French Market Bistro on Highland Road not far from Interstate 10. The restaurant nicely balances a sophisticated fine dining menu with a relaxed atmosphere. While the name implies New Orleans chic, we find the place reminiscent of … Continue reading →

Podnuh’s has had restaurants in Baton Rouge and elsewhere in Louisiana since 1977, so folks who like barbecue pretty much know what to expect when they dine there. Until now. The Podnuh’s Rib House & Grill that recently opened near the intersection of Perkins Road and Bluebonnet Boulevard has added more than a few words to … Continue reading →

The Florida Boulevard area, particularly in the neighborhood of Sherwood Forest, offers a host of Vietnamese restaurants for those in the mood for the flavorful and thoughtfully cooked fare. On a recent Saturday evening, we chose one that’s a relative newcomer to Baton Rouge, although it’s already established in Lafayette. Saigon Noodles has a bit … Continue reading →

What’s red orange all over and sports a yellow sombrero? That would be the smiling crawfish mascot for Taco Boudreaux’s. A likeness of the crustacean is painted on the old red Chevy truck which sits out front. The words “Go Tigers” also are painted on the truck, an indication of what we found inside … Continue reading →

Even though Orleans on the Avenue sits on Railroad Avenue in Plaquemine, and we had walked across railroad tracks to get to our destination, a train rolling down the middle of the street right in front of the restaurant caught us by surprise. It was so much fun to be in this charming spot and see the trains … Continue reading →

Sushi Masa, a Japanese fusion and steak house, introduces a new concept in Asian dining to Baton Rouge. In addition to the traditional a la carte, the restaurant offers an “All You Can Eat” option from a list of special menu items. The price is $21.95, dinner, and $13.95, lunch. It’s ideal for big eaters. There’s a catch. … Continue reading →

Japanese restaurants of various types have been around long enough that many diners are familiar. But for those who aren’t they can seem ... well, foreign. Don’t let that stop you. Kabuki Sushi and Japanese Steak House serves a lot more than sushi and steak. It offers an array of Japanese and some other Asian specialties … Continue reading →

“We still use charcoal. We still use wood. You won’t find chicken legs or burgers in our place. Why would you? You came here for a BBQ sandwich.” Included in the history information on Bushwood’s website, this lets customers know that this eatery specializes in one thing, barbecue sandwiches. But what’s a good barbecue sandwich without … Continue reading →

RotoGrill King Kebab is one of those wonderful little restaurants you wish you could pick up and set down in a high-traffic, (but, of course, high-rent) location to better show it off. Situated in one of the little shopping strips on O’Neal Lane, between Interstate 12 and Florida Boulevard, the family-owned Greek and Lebanese eatery should … Continue reading →

The soundtrack of Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant played in our heads long after we left. The great tunes from the past (Michael Jackson, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Tarrell and Van Morrison to name a few) immediately made the place seem fun and familiar. The music, along with the bamboo-covered walls hung … Continue reading →

Hotel restaurants often leave a lot to be desired. They serve as a convenience to provide sustenance to travelers away from home. Yet, it doesn’t have to be that way, and more frequently hotels have turned to providing creative menus that provide a pleasant, memorable experience for diners. Such is the case for Tallulah Restaurant and Wine Bar … Continue reading →

In these parts, it’s probably impossible to have too many restaurants that feature south Louisiana cuisine. And that’s a good thing, because there’s a new one in Ascension Parish. In the middle of a small strip mall set back from Airline Highway and tucked between Ascension Baptist Church and Supreme Chevrolet, Philay’s Catfish ’n More could easily … Continue reading →

Situated on a side street connecting two of Denham Springs’ busiest thoroughfares, Randazzo’s Italian Market focuses on family, friends and food. The eatery, in an older house in a residential/business neighborhood, says it’s bringing Italy to the bayou. Owner Antonio Randazzo, who hails from Rome, and his wife, Kyla, are adapting Randazzo’s mother’s recipes, sprinkling a touch … Continue reading →

Country music turned up high, beer signs on the wall, a stuffed armadillo ... and a really big stuffed lizard? Those were first impressions of the Texas Roadhouse on North Mall Drive off Siegen. Based in Kentucky, the chain has nonetheless pumped its restaurants’ decor and ambience full of the feel of the Lone Star State. … Continue reading →

Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Restaurant features lots of seafood dishes with a Tex-Mex spin. Seated in the narrow dining area of the restaurant looking out onto South Acadiana Thruway, the space reminded us of a diner from the ’50s, but the modern Spanish-style sculptures and flat-screen TV on the wall brought us back to the present. Our waitress … Continue reading →

Another Broken Egg Café, which has elevated the lowly egg to star status, obviously has something to cluck about. Elegant omelettes and signature Benedicts along with other creations draw crowds, especially on weekends. Starting in a Creole cottage in Mandeville and now located throughout the southern U.S., the restaurant is known for its quality ingredients and huge servings. Continue reading →

It would be easy to overlook or perhaps take for granted a restaurant that’s been operating here for 30 years. But that would be a mistake. Drusilla Seafood, centrally located in the shopping center at Drusilla Lane and Jefferson Highway, doesn’t appear to be resting on its laurels. Large and spacious rooms and … Continue reading →

A first-timer visiting Chelsea’s Café is likely to walk up to the door directly under the flashing sign and wonder if the place has closed. Upon closer inspection, it looks like the bar operation is being relocated there. The restaurant entrance is the door to the right. Those walking through the correct door are likely to … Continue reading →

Pluckers Wing Bar is all about multitasking, specifically eating and/or drinking while watching sporting events on television. It embraces the concept whole-heartedly, with more than 60 flat-screen TVs hanging throughout the sprawling establishment. Add sports posters and sports references on the menu, and it’s sports all around. The newish eatery on Bluebonnet … Continue reading →

We enjoyed our meal at Cochon Lafayette so much we decided it was the best food we ever ate at a restaurant, and it was only brunch. Trying everything on the menu would be a dream come true, except perhaps one of its selection of moonshines, though we were told the “Cat Daddy” is the bomb. Located … Continue reading →

Asian restaurants are popping up like mushrooms throughout Baton Rouge. The appeal is probably the use of fresh ingredients combined with the slightly exotic flavors. Curiosity also plays a part in attracting newcomers to Asian dining. Meals named paradise shrimp or tiger roll offer delightful possibilities. Natsu, a new restaurant in Carriage Crossing Shopping Center, gives diners … Continue reading →

Food snobs turn their noses up at chain restaurants, sneer at a menu uniformity that recognizes no regional distinctions or permits any chef’s individuality, scoff at the lack of ambience inherent in establishments with large seating capacity. I am not a food snob. Olive Garden is one reason why. I like restaurants that are tasteful without … Continue reading →

Although the interior of Grand Buffet — including etched partitions, tray ceiling over buffet tables and glass chandeliers — looks almost identical to that of at least one other area Chinese-Japanese restaurant we’ve visited, there were some surprises awaiting us. The four long steam tables held not only some of our usual favorites, but also … Continue reading →

Rama, a Thai restaurant on Perkins, just north of the overpass, is the classic “hole-in-the-wall” eatery. Painted a dusky dark green, with a simple wooden door and no windows, the restaurant offers a blank face to visitors. Inside, though, a judicious use of mirrors and handsome Asian art on the wall manage to convey … Continue reading →

Fleming’s lives up to its reputation as one of Baton Rouge’s premiere steak houses. Beef lovers will certainly appreciate the many choices of prime beef available on the menu, but the restaurant’s fame can easily be extended to other dishes as well. The restaurant’s dressy but casual atmosphere appeals to the corporate upscale crowd. The open main … Continue reading →

A little bird told us about MJ’s Café. It’s a new place for a special crowd — vegetarians and people who appreciate the delicate flavors of fresh-from-the-farm ingredients. The tiny café, tucked into a strip mall near the corner of Government Street and Jefferson Highway, is open for lunch only. Stopping by about … Continue reading →

Even though it costs only a dollar less, you may want to order the petite-size burger at Fat Cow Burgers and Salads. Their gourmet burgers are so delicious you may not be able to stop eating the regular-size sandwich even when you’re full. This sleek, small restaurant tucked in a shopping center at … Continue reading →

The name makes you think France. The menu makes you think French Quarter. Francois Cafe in Zachary is definitely south Louisiana fare, but much more New Orleans than Pierre Part. Don’t go in expecting red beans and rice, etouffee or fried oyster po-boys. Do go in expecting interesting seafood with cream sauces, steaks, and a variety of … Continue reading →

An evening spent at Grapevine Café & Gallery wasn’t just a gastronomical feast, but also a visual and auditory treat as well.
Located in Donaldsonville’s historic downtown, the quaint structure features exposed red brick against pale green walls, exposed beams, mosaic tile flooring, ceiling fans and recessed, subdued lighting. The Grapevine’s south Louisiana fare was complemented that night by original artwork on … Continue reading →

The Texas-based Fuzzy’s Taco Shop business has been around for about eight years and has corporate and franchised locations in seven states, according to its website. The location here — big and airy, with primary-color walls and outdoor seating — on the corner of West Lee Drive and Burbank, has localized its decor, … Continue reading →

From the Santa Fe chicken egg rolls to the hot sizzling apple pie, every dish at Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant was a huge plate of delicious comfort food from the first bite to the last. We started our meal with the egg rolls ($8.79), a plate of golden-baked savory pastries with a creamy filling of melted pepper … Continue reading →

Thai Chili Asian Grill takes you by surprise. Tucked into a strip of shops by Walmart on Coursey Boulevard, near Hickory Ridge, the small eatery presents an amazing variety of Asian dishes from Thailand, China and Vietnam. It’s a pleasant change from the usual fast-food express that turns out only one style of food with little change in … Continue reading →

A good rule of thumb for dining out: If a restaurant has a particular kind of food in its name, that’s probably what you should order. That was our experience with Halftime Wingery. The Prairieville eatery has salads, burgers, sandwiches and other items, but wings are its clear priority. It offers them boneless, breaded and “naked” with … Continue reading →

El agave, or “the agave” in English, is a succulent plant found in Mexico. The owners of El Agave restaurant have planted their eatery along one of Hammond’s busiest streets, and, from the looks of the crowd, the authentic south-of-the-border menu and the quite modest prices, they’ve sown the seeds for success. The building on … Continue reading →

Maybe we just lucked out or maybe there are always pleasant surprises at the new Crouching Dragon restaurant in Denham Springs, but on our first visit we enjoyed a couple of off-the-menu treats, before our meal even began. First off, we reaped the benefits of a recent trip to Louisiana by a relative of the owners, who … Continue reading →

LeBeau’s Cajun Café & Catering in Gonzales features a family-friendly atmosphere, and their great service really makes you feel welcome and at home. Many of the diners seemed to know one another, and we enjoyed watching them stop by each other’s tables to say hello and chat and even take a turn around the small dance … Continue reading →

Zoës Kitchen offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu, with a few American and southern favorites thrown in. So if hummus and pitas aren’t your thing there’s still plenty to choose from at lunch or dinner. The new eatery in Perkins Rowe is bright and airy, with walls boldly painted in stripes of green, orange, red and brown. Floor-to-ceiling windows … Continue reading →

Maybe the endless commercials enticed Baton Rouge area appetites or maybe the adventure of trying something new urged them on, but whatever the reason the lot was packed early at Red Lobster on the weeknight evening we chose to give it a try. After waiting 25 minutes outside because the small inside waiting area was full, we … Continue reading →

For a quick meal to satisfy your mood for “Italian,” the Original Italian Pie on Perkins Road offers a wide variety of meals at affordable prices. Situated in the small Perkins Crossing center, the restaurant is conveniently in south Baton Rouge near the still-expanding medical complex region. It’s especially handy if your working hours don’t fit anyone’s … Continue reading →

One thing about Pinetta’s European Restaurant: It will never be mistaken for a chain restaurant. That can be taken as a compliment or criticism. It is meant to be both. Generally speaking, a hole-in-the-wall place that provides a romantic mood and an original, eclectic menu is seldom found under a familiar sign at the bottom of an … Continue reading →

One might be inclined to say “oh, just another pizza place” when passing by Isabella’s. But going inside will surely change one’s mind, as Isabella’s takes pizza dining to another level in dﾎcor and menu. Rust- and cream-colored walls accented with wainscoting feature elegant framed art. Black ceiling fans turn on a black ceiling dotted with recessed … Continue reading →

Enter the far left door on the front of Boutin’s Restaurant, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a country store, complete with a hot-plate lunch counter. And, in truth, that’s what the charming setup is, more or less. In the last few months, Boutin’s, known locally for its Cajun cuisine and music, and Poche’s, a … Continue reading →

Bite into a sushi roll made with fresh ingredients and enjoy the salty taste of the sea clinging to the tip of your tongue. You’re just beginning to enjoy a meal at Kaminari, the Japanese buffet-style restaurant near LSU. The eatery, located inside the new College Row Northgate, more than satisfies hungry diners seeking reasonably priced Japanese … Continue reading →