Tuesday, July 29, 2008

There are no words....

okay...so there are words, but they will not do justice to how absolutely terrific 2Paul's Radically Urban BBQ is!! I know there have been a couple of posts as to how great this place is, but I have to put my two cents in.

People....GO EAT AT 2PAULS!! Adam and I went last night after I heard Julie and Chelsea raving about it all day. I just could not wait any longer. We were not disappointed! I ate the pepper jelly ribs, rice dressing and french fries. My favorite was the rice dressing. I love rice dressing and it tasted just like my great-grandma's, which is the best ever. The ribs were falling off the bone and the pepper jelly sauce was amazing, and I'm not even all that in to pepper jelly! Adam ate the St. Louis ribs and added mild BBQ sauce to them. He cleaned his plate, which is an indication of a good meal! He absolutely loved the potato salad (that was the first thing he ate). He tried the ratitos, which were fried stuffed jalapenos. But, they were so pepper that he could only eat one bite of one, and he likes jalapenos. So, keep that in mind when ordering them!! We did not have room for dessert, but Chelsea was darling enough to bring me a piece of her Tequila lime pie which melted in my mouth and made me want to eat a whole pie!

Aside from the fabulous food, the atmosphere was perfect. It was quaint and sophisticated, yet fun. It was the perfect setting for a good meal and conversation.

The moral to this story....GO EAT AT 2PAULS!!!!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Have YOU tried 2Pauls yet?

If you haven't, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

This morning in our production meeting, Julie was telling us about her trip to 2Pauls this past weekend and by the end of the meeting, all our mouths were watering! I'm blogging to let you all know, the crew at 2Pauls do NOT disappoint!

My hubby and I went for lunch today (What can I say? I couldn't wait!)
and I had the pulled pork sandwich. It comes with your choice as to whether or not the coleslaw is on the sandwich or on the side (I chose on the side, hubby chose on the sandwich.) Either way, you won't regret it. Just make sure to smother it in any of the signature 2Pauls sauces (I chose mild bbq... delicious!) You can also order sides to your heart's content. We tried the potato salad and the onion rings and both were phenomenal! I love potato salad and this was probably the best I've ever had (don't tell Momma).

I finally got to meet the famous Ms. Marilynn whom I've traded emails and phone calls with for the last few months while getting the EatLafayette site up and running. She's just darling! So welcoming and sweet, I wanted her to sit down and have lunch with us! At her recommendation, I had to make another trip to the counter and give their tequilime pie a taste. AMAZING. Don't hesitate to order dessert!

Even the atmosphere at 2Pauls is great! The colors, art and people (not to mention the smells!) make it worth the many future trips I'll be taking there for more great BBQ! I even bought a t-shirt to help advertise because I truly believe 2Pauls has staying power. And it's not just me! From what I hear, there have been so many repeat customers since they've opened, they've jokingly toyed with the idea of honoring them with name plates for the chairs! For a new restaurant to come in and shake up Lafayette the way 2Pauls has, they must be something special!

2Pauls is a great restaurant for whenever you get a craving for exceptional BBQ. You won't be disappointed!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

The Difference Between a Chef and Restaurateur.

http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/for-the-moment-chef-inc/

I found this article on a blog through the NY Times. I think it helps us understand the high level of skill and creativity it takes to reach superstar status locally, regionally, nationally or internationally. Most restaurateurs could run just about any business.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Once you go Urban...you will go back!

We kept getting so many comments on 2 Paul's Radically Urban Barbeque, we had to go see what all the fuss was about. I walked in and saw piles of ribs on people's plate and the wonderful aroma just swept me up to the counter.

We tested 4 things. Seriously, who could do more than that in one seating (turns out we couldn't either). I got the 2 Paul's Pepper Jelly Ribs because I tried them at the Chamber kick-off event. Then and now I say - I've never had ribs so good. (I got chummy and they loaded me up with the pepper jelly sauce. Well, they really do that for everyone!)

I am a french fry connoisseur and I am the best judge of great fries. There are places I go just for the fries. Move over everyone, the Jalapeno Fries are slices of jalapeno peppers, onion crisps deep fried with curly Qs or homestyles. No one got even one fry off of my plate.

Another thing I am very discriminate about is potato salad. Creamy, eggy and mayonnaise-y with the skin on. I was toast!

We took the Ancho Encrusted, Cherry Glazed Pork Loin home because we couldn't eat anymore. Something tells me it will be gone before bedtime.

Great service. Marilyn (one of the 2 Paul's - ask her!) is pure entertainment and she'll give you a tour of the photos and art. I found my new pick up line in the ladies room!

In the Albertson's Shopping Center on Johnston Street. You can't miss it. Just look for all of the color.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Reviews of 2 EatLafayette restaurants

We like to try to give you as much information as possible about the EatLafayette restaurants. In that spirit, we have reviews of 2 of the EatLafayette restaurants. If you are not sure what to expect at either Dean-O's or Randol's, the reviews give you a pretty good idea of what you should expect from the food and the atmosphere.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lafayette/D48933.html - for Dean-O's

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lafayette/D41883.html - for Randol's

Be sure to visit the EatLafayette Web site, www.eatlafayette.com for a complete listing of restaurants and specials. It is a hassle-free way to answer the age old question, "where are we going to eat?".

A night out at Antoni's

Our art director and his family went eat at Antoni's Italian Cafe this week and had nothing but positive reviews! He ate a pepperoni calzone (yes, we want you to note the word play here) while his fiancee ate the eggplant parmesan. They both thoroughly enjoyed their meals, which were very filling and fulfilling. The service and atmosphere of the restaurant were also very pleasing.

Don't forget to visit the Web site www.eatlafayette.com, for a complete listing of restaurants and specials.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Bella Figura - So Good Ahhhh!

You just have to go to Bella Figura and have one of the EatLafayette specials. It's sooo good and soooo much of it.

How is it possible to make cannelloni and almond encrusted tilapia taste so flavorful? We all started with the caprese salad and ended with the chocolate dessert (you can have bread pudding if you want).

Every time we go to Bella Figura, Jack Ainsworth is always there. That's just another sign why this restaurant continues to have great food and service.

And, if that wasn't enough, they were filming a movie right outside of our window seat. So, does that make this dinner and a movie?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

My new favorite place

OMGoodness...I went to Joey's Specialty Foods and Catering for lunch today. It was my first trip there for lunch. I had looked at the menu online,www.cajun-joeys.com, before I went so that I would not be overwhelmed and hold up the line. I had decided on the House Special sandwich, which was roast beef, turkey, choice of cheese, Joey's special sauce, lettuce and pickles on my choice of bread (I chose wheat). I also elected to get the bow-tie pasta salad which had bow-tie pasta, capers, sun dried tomatoes and some sort of dressing (I am not a chef and don't know individual tastes well).

I was unbelievably impressed with my meal. The sandwich was superb. The meat was warm but not hot and the sauce was delicious. I love pasta, especially pasta salads, and this one did not let me down. It was fabulous! And the best part was that there was so much food that I was able to take half of my sandwich with me to enjoy later this afternoon.

I must also add that the atmosphere and service were excellent, perfect for a relaxing lunch.

I would recommend Joey's to anyone, anytime!

Please visit the EatLafayette Web site, www.eatlafayette.com, for a restaurant listing and specials.

Until next time...

Monday, July 14, 2008

Blue Dog Fills The Plate

First, we had a very special guest at lunch with us today - Debbie Ray - with KTDY. While we were catching up, we were pleasantly surprised by a visit with Steve Santillio, the guy who makes the Blue Dog happen. If you ever get a chance, ask him how this Lafayette lawyer ended up in the restaurant business.

Now, on to the food. I don't think Blue Dog chefs know that smaller plates exist. You should see the size of EatLafayette special portions. And just when you think they can't top the entree size, out comes the bread pudding.

Sunday brunch is still on at Blue Dog, so when that answers the question of where to go for brunch. But, go anytime and the food is as overwhelming as all of the Rodrique art. The Blue Dog shows up in blue napkins, blue straws and the subtle things that tell you they really care about getting it right. And, they do!

It's Halftime

Hey everyone. We are ALREADY halfway through this year's EatLafayette campaign. Can you believe it?! Time flies when you are eating good!

I just wanted to get on here and remind and encourage everyone to keep eating Lafayette, supporting our locally owned restaurants. Just stop by, grab a seat and ask about the EatLafayette specials!

Also, don't forget you get to register to win a cruise everytime you eat at one of the participating restaurants. How can you pass that up?

Be sure to visit the Web site, www.eatlafayette.com for restaurants and specials information.

Let's make this the most successful EatLafayette campaign yet! Get out there and EatLafayette!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Just in from Gs.

We just got this news flash in from Charley Gs. Keep checking back here because we're loading up more information from the EatLafayette restaurants.

Charley G's summer menu has begun...
Listed below are our new summer menu items created by Chef Holly and her staff. Visit www.charleygs.com for our complete menu. We look forward to serving you soon! Thanks, Charlie

Salmon Tartare sesame crisps, caviar, cilantro oil Caprese Salad homegrown tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic reduction, organic salt Roasted Corn Crab Bisque Tuna Melt provolone cheese, micro greens, pickled onions, avocado vinaigrette, french fries or onion rings Pan Roasted Salmon wood grilled prosciutto wrapped asparagus, maltese sauce Blood Orange Chipotle Glazed Chicken roasted sweet potatoes, grilled broccillini Wood Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna mango roasted scallion salsa, cumin-lime crème fraiche, crispy yucca Veal Saltimbocca jumbo lump crabmeat, prosciutto, basil, gnocchi, brown butter walnut pesto Crispy Duck grilled Ruston peach glaze, roasted corn pudding, creole green beans Blood Orange Chipotle Glazed Chicken roasted sweet potatoes, grilled broccillini Allen Bros. 16 oz Bone-In Rib Eye gruyere caramelized onion gratin, broccillini, smoked sea salt

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Gs It's Good!

What started out as a birthday get together for drinks and appetizers, ended up as a night at out for dinner. Once you settle into to Charley Gs, there's some magic there that creates the "dinner table" experience. Imagine super-fine food, perfect service, Charlie Goodson checking in on you and you can see how everyone at the table drops their guard and the fun begins.

I must confess that I've been going to Charley Gs since it opened in 1985 and I can never get enough of it. It remains one of my all-time favorite restaurants anywhere. Enough said, just go to Charley Gs if you haven't been or haven't been lately.