New Orleans Po-Boys and Gyros sits tucked into a strip mall on Coursey Boulevard just east of South Sherwood Forest Boulevard and serves up a very varied menu for such a small restaurant. We ordered at the counter, choosing our meals from a wall of tightly handwritten choices that ran across six sections of white boards. … Continue reading →

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, and a photo of the flowering tree aptly graces the front of Sakura’s menu. Turning the page, diners find an extensive list of appetizers, sushi and dinner choices, along with lunch specials. The wait staff quickly took our drink orders but gave us ample time to peruse the menu. Continue reading →

The Atcha Bakery & Cafe, an unpretentious and lovingly run Greek and Lebanese café near the LSU campus (corner of Nicholson Drive and Aster Street), had a steady stream of customers early on a recent Thursday evening. The place started out as a bakery, making Mediterranean bread and pastries when it opened … Continue reading →

Entering BB&PF is an adventure in dining. A few blocks north of the LSU entrance gates, the small café specializes in African-based dishes. The name stands for “bean burgers and plantain fries,” just a hint of what you will find on the menu. Customers are greeted by Caroline Cousins, owner, chef and one-woman wait staff. A … Continue reading →

Frankie Marcello’s is a new restaurant, but it has a local legacy. The owner’s parents ran the popular Bread Basket restaurants for about four decades. Can this establishment carve such a niche in the Baton Rouge dining scene? Only if it becomes more consistent. On our two recent visits, we found some items we really liked, and … Continue reading →

Cafe Vermilionville in Lafayette exudes a rich ambiance from the inviting big front porch of the historic two-story building to the newer dining room added to the back of the original structure. Once you are seated, the wall of differently shaped, architecturally interesting windows draws the eye to the beautifully landscaped patio area and the wonderful muted … Continue reading →

Look for the statue of a black horse rearing back on the top of the new Fernando’s in Walker. The site, formerly home to LaFleur’s Jr., has also gotten fresh coats of red and green paint, and touches of neon on its facade. Inside, diners will find an updated look, too, with walls painted cream and brown, … Continue reading →

Great expectations were in order for the opening of the new Galatoire’s Bistro on the corner of Acadian and Perkins. Does it meet up to the time-honored traditions of the New Orleans icon founded in 1905 by a family from France? In some ways yes; in others not quite. Admittedly, it’s almost impossible … Continue reading →

Zeeland Street Market on Perkins Road has all the look, feel and tastes of a comfortable, neighborhood restaurant. The owners make the most of their large space, with plenty of comfortable booths and large tables. It was a busy place on a recent weekday lunchtime, and first-timers walking in may feel a bit confused … Continue reading →

When you think of south Louisiana cuisine, you think of seafood. When driving around Baton Rouge, however, one could be forgiven for thinking he’d taken a wrong turn and ended up on the coast. Not the Gulf Coast. The Mediterranean coast. Not that this would be a bad thing. There is a reason that Greek/Lebanese/Mediterranean — … Continue reading →

We were told we’d have a 20 minute wait on a recent trip to Parrain’s Seafood restaurant, but we were seated in about five. The popular eatery was full though, and around us we could see lots of families, a big birthday party and even a wedding party still attired in their finery from the ceremony. The restaurant … Continue reading →

Anchoring one end of a strip of businesses along a busy Gonzales highway, Pelican Landing’s interior offers an inviting contemporary design with clean lines and well-placed lighting and artwork. Black tables and chairs, and also booth seating fills the airy dining room which is painted a light grey. Black- and white-framed line drawings of different species of seafood … Continue reading →

The King Bar and Bistro in Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge dishes out a relaxed atmosphere and a menu planned for people on the go. Situated at the corner of Lafayette and Convention streets, it’s just blocks from the River Center complex and the Louisiana State Capitol. Grab a seat near the expansive front window during lunchtime and … Continue reading →

There are six DeAngelo’s restaurants in the Baton Rouge area, and each one has its own particular look and atmosphere. The one in Denham Springs, located in a strip of businesses perpendicular to Range Avenue, is surprisingly spacious. Painted in warm colors and decorated with an eclectic collection of artwork, the restaurant features a number of … Continue reading →

We were all set to rate Las Palmas a solid “meh.” A couple of new menu items give us hope for something better. Every restaurant needs to shake things up and update the menu from time to time. Even the hamburger chains know this, which is why they keep introducing new sandwiches for limited times, even … Continue reading →

We drove out to Maurepas expecting our meal alongside the Diversion Canal would include some delicious seafood dishes and Kevin’s Cajun Seafood restaurant delivered. The cheerful golden-yellow walls adorned with contemporary prints are welcoming and there are lots of windows for diners in the booths and tables of this casual establishment to view the water which must have … Continue reading →

Downtown Hammond offers several dining choices, and new on the scene is The Steakhouse. Located in one of the area’s historic and quaint buildings, it has previously been home to other restaurants. Take a table near the front windows and look out across the street to another landmark, SLU’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. The marquee tells … Continue reading →

Oriental buffet restaurants are popular for their affordable prices and wide variety of selections. Teppanyaki Hibachi Grill in Siegen Lane Marketplace goes beyond the basic buffet criteria by offering dishes with fresh ingredients, an attractive buffet layout and exceptionally friendly service. Two replicas of the clay Chinese Warriors unearthed at Xian, China, guard the entry. The dining … Continue reading →

Locally owned Mama Della’s N.Y. City Pizzeria on Jefferson is the real thing. The chef and owner Barry Kalt of New York has brought a little bit of the Big Apple here, with his place offering pizza, calzones and hero sandwiches. We chose two of the specialty pies and two of the hot hero sandwiches. All … Continue reading →

Since it opened in 1988, Sammy’s Grill has grown from a spot on Highland Road into a little empire of eateries, all of which follow the same formula that made the original so popular. Its foray into Ascension Parish looks to be well-received, too. The new Prairieville location has a large seating area, and needs every square … Continue reading →

Mugshots Grill & Bar is a big, comfortable place, with loads of TVs on the walls, a large bar area and a private room for parties. Things are on a big scale, including the hamburgers, so bring an appetite. The menu is mostly devoted to burgers, although sandwiches, salads and pastas are offered, and has a … Continue reading →

As we enjoyed a late lunch at Brady’s Restaurant last Saturday afternoon, I realized Brady’s and I have sort of come full circle. I’ve been going there since it opened in 1980 when I was a teen and working part-time at the daily newspaper down the street. Now, I sat across from my two teenage daughters, munching on … Continue reading →

Chipotle Mexican Grill sits just outside the north gates of LSU positioned perfectly to give students a healthy, delicious and filling meal for under $10. Everyone else should like it as well. With a menu basically featuring four items with choices of fillings, you move from entering to eating in just a short time — which … Continue reading →

Small eateries often serve very satisfying meals for people on the go. The Cove Hawaiian Grill more than meets that criteria. Tucked into a strip of shops at Bluebonnet Center, the café is similar to those found along beach roads in Hawaii. The somewhat limited menu is a blend of quickly cooked Asian dishes and familiar popular American … Continue reading →

If one doesn’t care for garlic and/or olive oil, chances are Greek and Lebanese food won’t be their thing. Fortunately, we like both, and found that LaShish knows how to use these two essentials with some restraint. We found the small restaurant quiet, and thus relaxing, on a recent Sunday evening. Cozy as well, the eatery features … Continue reading →

There are all kinds of restaurant categories. Portico doesn’t seem to fit neatly in any of them. So, we’ll have to invent a new one: Industrial-chic Applebee’s. The menu, after all, looks like it could be taken from any number of chain neighborhood-style restaurants — plenty of fun food like appetizers, pizzas, soups and sandwiches, a good … Continue reading →

At some point, the Supreme Hibachi Buffet on Coursey near Sherwood will cease to be referred to as being in the “old Ryan’s” restaurant building. But, in the meantime, it’s a helpful landmark reference. What will help Supreme Hibachi become a landmark on its own is the way it’s put its own stamp on the place, from … Continue reading →

Tucked in a corner of the giant new L’Auberge Casino and Hotel, 18 Steak has a casino vibe (the hostesses wear skin tight, very low cut dresses) with fine steakhouse service and fare that’s right on the money; which you’ll need a lot of because like any great steakhouse, it’s expensive. We made reservations at 18 Steak … Continue reading →

Bacchus Bistro & Bar tempts patrons to stretch a simple lunch or dinner into several hours of friendly conversation. Walking into the bistro is like opening a small gift package and finding a genuine prize inside. The bistro, obviously a sophisticated, adult spot, is designed with beautiful polished dark woods, an elaborate, well-stocked bar, and sparkling chandeliers stylized … Continue reading →

You can’t say that Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine doesn’t warn you. No, there are no signs on the walls alerting diners that much of Indian food is robustly seasoned. It would be a waste of ink. If the aroma of spice — perhaps curry or chili, but we’re not sure — that greets you at the door … Continue reading →

Sometimes a meal is of such good quality that the appetite just gets sharper at the end of it. In other words, having gone into the Five Guys burger place feeling only mildly hungry, I found myself wishing for a second kosher style hot dog ($3.59) after my first one. My guests and I weren’t sure … Continue reading →

It doesn’t take long to figure out that at Firehouse BBQ, it’s all about the food. If you’re looking for white tablecloths, ambience, soft music, pick another place. That said, we liked most of what we sampled at an early Saturday dinner. Firehouse is a no-frills kind of place. Orders are placed at the counter and handled … Continue reading →

We noticed the Albasha Greek and Lebanese Restaurant in Gonzales did a lot of takeout business the Saturday evening we were there. But, really, the place is one where it’s nice to sit and savor a meal for awhile. It’s comfortable and spacious, with touches of color in a restful, mostly beige interior; there’s a bar … Continue reading →

When a restaurant has “steak and “seafood” as parts of its name, one can usually count on the kitchen being better at one than the other. Happily, we liked both at Lagniappe. The inviting eatery has one large and one smaller dining area, and a long bar. The small dining area where we were seated featured a … Continue reading →

Few things originating from Auburn, Ala., receive a warm welcome in Tigerland, but Momma Goldberg’s Deli, a new restaurant just outside the north gates of LSU off of Highland, may prove the exception to that rule. We stopped by the new eatery for an early supper and were warmly welcomed. The soft lime green … Continue reading →

Stopping by LPK Bar & Grill for a quick Italian meal, we ended by lingering over dinner as we discussed the pros and cons of marinara sauce. The updated version of Louisiana Pizza Kitchen on Corporate Boulevard welcomes patrons with an amusing décor including a large wall mural with imaginative images of St. Mark’s Square in … Continue reading →

La Mexicana, with a grocery store in the front and a restaurant in the back, serves the Latino community at its location in the Siegen Village shopping center (the one that houses a big Party City store). With no-frills, but efficient, service, the restaurant offers authentic Mexican fare, in generous portions, at a good price. … Continue reading →

One of the newer establishments serving dinner downtown (as well as breakfast and lunch) is Zolia Bistro Enoteca, an Italian bistro and wine bar on the ground floor of II City Plaza. Looking out on the lovely walled walkway of the high-rise building, Zolia’s contemporary décor with warm-colored walls, soft music, appealing art and lots of … 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 →

Exploring the food of other countries can be intimidating, but the reward is multifold. In the case of dining at The Himalayas Restaurant, customers can enjoy not only wonderful taste sensations, but also learn a little about a totally different culture. Open the café’s front door, and walk from a strip shopping center into the serene … Continue reading →

The hibachi experience is different each time, thanks not just to the food, but also to those with whom you’re sharing a table. Small groups tend to be seated together around one large hibachi table in order to fill most or all of the seats before the hibachi cook arrives to start the meal, which is part entertainment, … Continue reading →

Jack in the Box restaurants are introducing a permanent 10 percent discount to military personnel with a 20 percent discount on July 4th, according to a press release from the company. The restaurant chain will extend a 20 percent discount to military personnel at restaurants in the Upstate South Carolina, Baton Rouge and surrounding … Continue reading →

Sitting in the sunny, comfortable, new Reginelli’s restaurant on Jefferson near Government, it took a minute to understand why the setting seemed familiar. Then we realized the spot, in the Goodwood Shopping Center, was the former site of the much beloved Compact Disc Store that closed in 2011. The new restaurant has a relaxed, friendly … Continue reading →

The first time we ate at Zapata’s Mexican Grill was for a late lunch after a busy Saturday morning of shopping. The large restaurant in the shopping center next to the Lowe’s off of Siegen was surprisingly full with several large groups, but we were seated promptly in the back section near the bar area where the walls … Continue reading →

Dream Berrie Café sports a puzzling, if not comical, name and offers an unusual combination of foods, Vietnamese cuisine and frozen yogurt. The café, situated in a strip center on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard, is a convenient, casual place for a family meal, a dessert break or both. The café’s interior is bright and cheerful, decorated in … Continue reading →