Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Get Off the Computer! Go EatLafayette!
There is less than a month left to EatLafayette - so what are you doing? Get off the computer and head on over to one of the 53 amazing restaurants participating this year!
After you have visited an EatLafayette restaurant, get back on the computer to let us know what you thought!
Post a comment on Facebook
Tweet or Retweet about it on Twitter
Add a Tip or Check In on Foursquare
Review the restaurant on Urbanspoon
We want to know where you decided to eat, who you were with, why you were there, what you ate, what you thought of the atmosphere, give recognition to your servers, and what you would recommend to other diners! The owners of the participating EatLafayette restaurants will see these comments, and continue to make their establishment, and EatLafayette, better and better!
Don't forget to enter to win the Free Caribbean Cruise, compliments of Travel Machine, every time you visit an EatLafayette restaurant. The deadline for entries is Sunday, August 15th so hurry!
After you have visited an EatLafayette restaurant, get back on the computer to let us know what you thought!
Post a comment on Facebook
Tweet or Retweet about it on Twitter
Add a Tip or Check In on Foursquare
Review the restaurant on Urbanspoon
We want to know where you decided to eat, who you were with, why you were there, what you ate, what you thought of the atmosphere, give recognition to your servers, and what you would recommend to other diners! The owners of the participating EatLafayette restaurants will see these comments, and continue to make their establishment, and EatLafayette, better and better!
Don't forget to enter to win the Free Caribbean Cruise, compliments of Travel Machine, every time you visit an EatLafayette restaurant. The deadline for entries is Sunday, August 15th so hurry!
Johnson's Boucaniere Specials - week of July 26
This week's Johnson's Boucaniere specials are as follows:Tuesday: JAMBALAYA
Wednesday: TURKEY SAUSAGE BURGERS
PULLED PORK OR BRISKET BAKED POTATOES
Thursday: JACK MILLER'S BAKED CHICKEN
Friday: BLACKENED CATFISH WRAPS
Saturday: BBQ CHICKEN OR COUNTRY STYLE RIBS
And now for the sad news. One of the Johnson's Boucaniere family, Claire, is moving back to Alabama. This is her last week at the Boucaniere and they would like to invite you to stop by and wish her well.
They would also like to invite you to a little going away party this Friday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please RSVP via e-mail (boucaniere@bellsouth.net) so they know approximately how many guests to expect.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
iMonelli's.
There are many ways that iMonelli's is so good. We have to brag about the crab salad because that's the reason we went to lunch today. It came with a cup of spinach and artichoke soup, which just had us ooohing and aaahing. I was supposed to take a picture of my crab salad, but just got lost in how good it was. By the time I remembered I was supposed to take a picture, my plate was empty. I was too embarrassed to ask for another serving.
iMonelli is known for Brian Blanchard's amazing Italian flare. Lunch or supper - it doesn't matter - it's good all of the time. There' usually two or three off menu specials that the waitstaff will offer. The wine list is ample along with the cocktail menu. And, the prices won't set your bank balance into shock.
One of the things I like that Brian does is that he keeps evolving while preserving his restaurant concept. For instance, the cooking classes that are somewhat new are a great way to join friends for a dining experience while learning how to prepare the meal you just ate.
Ciao! For now.
iMonelli is known for Brian Blanchard's amazing Italian flare. Lunch or supper - it doesn't matter - it's good all of the time. There' usually two or three off menu specials that the waitstaff will offer. The wine list is ample along with the cocktail menu. And, the prices won't set your bank balance into shock.
One of the things I like that Brian does is that he keeps evolving while preserving his restaurant concept. For instance, the cooking classes that are somewhat new are a great way to join friends for a dining experience while learning how to prepare the meal you just ate.
Ciao! For now.
S.O.S. - A Charitable Pilsner @ Burgersmith
Burgersmith will be presenting a new Abita beer - "S.O.S. A Charitable Pilsner" - at the restaurant this Saturday from 2pm - 4pm. Burgersmith will be serving free turkey and ground beef sliders and Abita reps will be on hand to help with a tasting of this beer and answer questions. It's free to the public and benefits a great cause.
For every Abita S.O.S. beer you buy, $1 will donated to Gulf Coast Restoration and the Seafood Industry.
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer."
-Abraham Lincoln
Abita S.O.S., now ice cold. Drink it & help the gulf.
Burgersmith is located in River Ranch at 1314 Camellia Blvd. or you can find them on the web at www.burgersmith.com.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Win a Free Cruise!
While you are enjoying your decadent EatLafayette dining, you may find yourself wishing that your moment of bliss can continue. Maybe a vacation? Don’t forget that EVERY TIME you visit an EatLafayette restaurant, you can register to win a Free Caribbean Cruise for Two, compliments of Travel Machine. You pick the dates! Enter as many times as you like to win a 4-day Carnival cruise. Simply fill out an entry form, available at all 53 participating restaurants, no purchase is required. The deadline for entries is Sunday August 15th, 2010 so grab a bite, grab an entry form, and enjoy EatLafayette!
For more information about the cruise giveaway, visit EatLafayette.com
Monday, July 19, 2010
We Eat and Eat and EatLafayette!
The crew at Calzone just love to EatLafayette! As the creative voice behind this annual campaign, we spend months thinking about food, writing about food, taking pictures of food, talking with restaurant owners…and at the end of the day, we are HUNGRY. We are so proud to support the restaurants that make EatLafayette possible, and of course we enjoy writing about our experiences at each of them. It is our dream to visit each of the 53 participating restaurants by August 15th. So far we’ve been to about half of the restaurants on the list (see below), which means we’ve got a lot more eating to do! Check out the EatLafayette Blog regularly to read about our latest dining adventures!
2Paul's Radically Urban Barbeque
Abacus
Antoni's Italian Cafe
Bonnie Bell's Bistro
Cafe Roma
Cafe Vermilionville
Charley G's Seafood Grill
Collage Cafe
Dean-O's
Don's Seafood and Steakhouse
Dozo
Hub City Diner
Joey's
Johnson's Boucaniere
Julien's Poboys
Masala Indian Kitchen
Olde Tyme Grocery
Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant
Tsunami
Zeus Cafe, Zeus on the Go
2Paul's Radically Urban Barbeque
Abacus
Antoni's Italian Cafe
Bonnie Bell's Bistro
Cafe Roma
Cafe Vermilionville
Charley G's Seafood Grill
Collage Cafe
Dean-O's
Don's Seafood and Steakhouse
Dozo
Hub City Diner
Joey's
Johnson's Boucaniere
Julien's Poboys
Masala Indian Kitchen
Olde Tyme Grocery
Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant
Tsunami
Zeus Cafe, Zeus on the Go
Dozo. Oh so fun.
We made a list of all of the EatLafayette restaurants that were open on Sunday nights and chose Dozo - Lafayette's newest restaurant. Can we tell you how much fun it was? We stopped our own conversation while the chef prepared our food because it was so entertaining...not your usual hibachi grill banter. When he started popping small bits of fried egg into patrons mouths, the place went wild. (Who was that girl next to us who never missed?)
We selected the salmon and scallops and everything that came with it. The food came non stop as did the martinis. We tried to sample the entire martini menu, but failed. The lychee, tyku cosmo, pamotini and lemon drop were unlike any we've had - it has to been they are using only fresh ingredients.
Like the martinis, the food is prepared with only fresh ingredients. There's so much of it, we had to take some home. The sauces are amazing and the flavors blended well.
We could not do dessert. Next time we'll go back for dessert and cocktails.
By the way, the bar decor is like something out of L.A. The sushi section should be open soon.
We selected the salmon and scallops and everything that came with it. The food came non stop as did the martinis. We tried to sample the entire martini menu, but failed. The lychee, tyku cosmo, pamotini and lemon drop were unlike any we've had - it has to been they are using only fresh ingredients.
Like the martinis, the food is prepared with only fresh ingredients. There's so much of it, we had to take some home. The sauces are amazing and the flavors blended well.
We could not do dessert. Next time we'll go back for dessert and cocktails.
By the way, the bar decor is like something out of L.A. The sushi section should be open soon.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Gallagher's Specials!
TODAY'S SPECIALSRed Beans and Sausage - 6.75
Hamburger Steak - 7.45
Shrimp Etouffee - 8.85
Stuffed Baked Catfish - 8.85
Smothered Chicken - 7.25
Shrimp Fettuccine - 8.85
Cabbage Rolls - 7.55
Shrimp Stew - 8.85
SIDES
Corn
Green Beans
White Beans
Blackeyes
Bread Pudding
Mixed Vegetables
Peas
Potato Salad
Green Salad
Brown Rice (with meal)
SALADS
Grilled Chicken - 7.25
Fried Chicken - 7.35
Garden - 4.60
SANDWICHES
Hamburger - 6.10
Cheeseburger - 6.35
Grilled Chicken - 6.65
Chicken Fried Steak - 6.85
Gallagher's Special - 7.15
*all sandwiches served with fries
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Between Meals: Grill Gridiron
(From The Independent Weekly)
Dozo Japanese restaurant heats up hibachi with a difference.
Hibachi is pure kitsch. Juggling, wisecracking grill chefs chink out tunes with the edges of their spatulas on the grill, flipping eggs into their toques and setting the cooking oil on fire. Suitable for a kiddie birthday party, the food is pretty standard, fried rice made right on the grill, steak and shrimp with soy or teriyaki sauce, and a bowl of coconut ice cream for dessert. It’s dinner table entertainment best appreciated with a Sapporo or two under your belt.
That was before Dozo opened its doors. Owner Alan Yen, who has been serving superb sushi and hibachi at his restaurant Shangri-La for the past 10 years, decided to re-imagine the hibachi experience. Every element, from the appetizer starter, soup, salad and especially the sauces that accompany the seafood dishes contribute to an East meets West flavor profile.
First impressions are important, and Dozo really delivers with elegant Japanese design. Flagstone floors lit in blue, undulating ceiling joists glowing red, ichiban flower arrangements, oriental balance and restraint: It’s enough to make you put an orchid in your chignon and play “Madame Butterfly” on your way to dinner.
The bar is an elegant way station between the hibachi room on one end of the restaurant, and a new sushi dining room that will open in about a month. There’s a nice variety of sake, including Zipang, a sparkling rice wine, and several Asian influenced martinis like the Tyku Ginger made with Tuku-flavored sake, as well as a lychee and pear martini.
Most of the new hibachi dishes were conceived by Yen’s son and chef, Michael Yen. “I took a standard hibachi dish, shrimp with a butter sauce, and added an exotic flavor, passion fruit,” says Michael. “It’s different, unexpected.”
As is much of the fare.
The appetizer trio is a visually beautiful dish, with a broad variety of tastes. A soupcon
of sweet sweet sweet potato over a crunchy cucumber relish, a teriyaki-infused mini meatball, and a tiny tortilla cup filled with smoky salmon tartar, pesto sauce and a to my taste unnecessary cube of pepper jack cheese comprise the East/West theme.
Soups go beyond the traditional miso soup bowl. There’s a New World chicken and corn bisque, a French inspired rich beef onion soup, or my favorite, the Asian leaning smoky seafood noodle consomme, a light broth with a wallop of flavor.
The early courses have to compete with the flaming spectacle in front of them as the hibachi chef plays with your food. Be ready for puzzles like the egg in the shot glass and the dollar bill and quarters topping a bottle of beer, excruciatingly bad puns and accomplished displays of juggling with eggs, forks and spatulas. Flying eggs quickly scramble, mixed with grilled Chinese sausage and pineapple infused rice, combined and sauced with a house soy. The cooking demonstration evolves into the best fried rice in town.
The main course requires an intimate exchange between diner and chef. You’re not only asked how you like your steak cooked, but you get to watch the process and kvetch if you think it’s overheating from medium to well done. Dozo offers hibachi standards like steak and shrimp, but there are some novelties on the menu as well.
Michael Yen’s take on Cajun palates is the Dozo Steak Roll, four paper-thin slices of ribeye rolled around a litany of ingredients. Number one is masago (smelt roe) and lettuce. Two encircles jalapeño pepper jack cheese, three is stuffed with grilled andouille, and the fourth is filled with paté. I found the dish a bit overwhelming with its assault of flavors and the beef, by necessity, turns out well done.
Best bet is the Brandy Duck Breast, grilled medium rare, sauced with a flambé of brandy and teriyaki reduction, and garnished with slices of grilled apple. The dish shows restraint and a nice awareness of classic flavors. Or go for the mustard-glazed salmon, which comes with a sweet kiwi cream sauce, to be used with discretion, on the side.
Excellent sushi is available as well. Currently it comes zipping over from Shangri-La, 50 steps away across the parking lot, although once the sushi bar opens in Dozo, look for innovation with raw fish combinations as well. Alan Yen says when he decided to go with a high-end Japanese concept, he chose to build his new restaurant right next door because he wanted to be hands-on in both places. “It’s vital for a successful restaurant,” he says, “for the owner to be on the premises.”
| Written by Mary Tutwiler |
Dozo Japanese restaurant heats up hibachi with a difference.
 | |
| Photos by Robin May | |
| Mandarin shrimp salad in a cucumber wrap |
That was before Dozo opened its doors. Owner Alan Yen, who has been serving superb sushi and hibachi at his restaurant Shangri-La for the past 10 years, decided to re-imagine the hibachi experience. Every element, from the appetizer starter, soup, salad and especially the sauces that accompany the seafood dishes contribute to an East meets West flavor profile.
First impressions are important, and Dozo really delivers with elegant Japanese design. Flagstone floors lit in blue, undulating ceiling joists glowing red, ichiban flower arrangements, oriental balance and restraint: It’s enough to make you put an orchid in your chignon and play “Madame Butterfly” on your way to dinner.
The bar is an elegant way station between the hibachi room on one end of the restaurant, and a new sushi dining room that will open in about a month. There’s a nice variety of sake, including Zipang, a sparkling rice wine, and several Asian influenced martinis like the Tyku Ginger made with Tuku-flavored sake, as well as a lychee and pear martini.
Most of the new hibachi dishes were conceived by Yen’s son and chef, Michael Yen. “I took a standard hibachi dish, shrimp with a butter sauce, and added an exotic flavor, passion fruit,” says Michael. “It’s different, unexpected.”
As is much of the fare.
The appetizer trio is a visually beautiful dish, with a broad variety of tastes. A soupcon
 | |
| Appetizer trio |
Soups go beyond the traditional miso soup bowl. There’s a New World chicken and corn bisque, a French inspired rich beef onion soup, or my favorite, the Asian leaning smoky seafood noodle consomme, a light broth with a wallop of flavor.
The early courses have to compete with the flaming spectacle in front of them as the hibachi chef plays with your food. Be ready for puzzles like the egg in the shot glass and the dollar bill and quarters topping a bottle of beer, excruciatingly bad puns and accomplished displays of juggling with eggs, forks and spatulas. Flying eggs quickly scramble, mixed with grilled Chinese sausage and pineapple infused rice, combined and sauced with a house soy. The cooking demonstration evolves into the best fried rice in town.
The main course requires an intimate exchange between diner and chef. You’re not only asked how you like your steak cooked, but you get to watch the process and kvetch if you think it’s overheating from medium to well done. Dozo offers hibachi standards like steak and shrimp, but there are some novelties on the menu as well.
 | |
| Michael Yen plays with fire. |
Best bet is the Brandy Duck Breast, grilled medium rare, sauced with a flambé of brandy and teriyaki reduction, and garnished with slices of grilled apple. The dish shows restraint and a nice awareness of classic flavors. Or go for the mustard-glazed salmon, which comes with a sweet kiwi cream sauce, to be used with discretion, on the side.
Excellent sushi is available as well. Currently it comes zipping over from Shangri-La, 50 steps away across the parking lot, although once the sushi bar opens in Dozo, look for innovation with raw fish combinations as well. Alan Yen says when he decided to go with a high-end Japanese concept, he chose to build his new restaurant right next door because he wanted to be hands-on in both places. “It’s vital for a successful restaurant,” he says, “for the owner to be on the premises.”
The Most Bizarre Menu We've Ever Seen
Today for lunch we decided that we'd have Collage Cafe, the new kid on the block, deliver to the shop. We had heard really good things and were ready to be wowed. Wowed we were. The menu, if you've never seen it, is insane. There's pizza, mediterranean, asian, panini, pasta and burgers... the list goes on and on. Check it out here. Not to mention their location downtown at 423 Jefferson Street is oh so convenient for the delivery to our office. (337.704.9000 - Call them. Trust me. If you don't want to now, you will by the end of this entry.)Deciding what to order was the hardest part. Well... my decision was easy. I'd heard about the Ville Platte Burger and from what I heard, I was hooked. Julie didn't take long either, choosing the Salade Collage with Shrimp. However, upon further scan of the menu, it was soon decided that we had to try the Eggplant Nachos as well. Jeff took a little longer before settling on the Philly Cheesesteak Panini.
Now, let me give you the breakdown of each.
My Ville Platte Burger - "topped with crawfish sauteed in Jack Miller's bbq sauce, cheddar cheese, and grilled scallions. Ask for some extra napkins with this one..." Now as I'm sure you readers know, I'm no stranger to the mysterious shirt stain from lunch, nor the Tide pen. However, I am proud to report that my white shirt is still as pristine as when I put it on this morning.
Julie's Salade Collage w/ Shrimp - "Spring Mix, fresh pears and strawberries, feta cheese, tossed in a lemon & truffle vinaigrette." While I can't speak for the salad myself, the strawberries were some of the freshest I've seen on a salad.
The Eggplant Nachos - "Hand breaded crispy eggplant chips with house made Marinara. Topped off with sauteed shrimp." We all shared theses and they were wonderful with the fresh marinara and crisp eggplant rounds.
Jeff's Philly Cheesesteak Panini - "Sauteed beef smothered with onions and green bell peppers topped with melted provolone cheese served on toasted french bread." When I asked if everyone at the table was as pleased as I was, all I got was a hearty nod from Jeff. Jeff is a man of few words.
All in all, Collage Cafe will see repeat offenders from this staff. I'm sure of it.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
PAMPLONA wins Best Paella!
PAMPLONA wins Best Paella!
Spain wins the World Cup!
And the bulls can finally stop running the San Fermin.
Last Friday, July 9, PAMPLONA Tapas Bar took First Place against four other Spanish restaurants in the paella competition at the San Fermin in Nueva Orleans Festival’s El Txupinazo Kick-Off Party, held at 6:00 PM at The Chicory (610 South Peters) in New Orleans.
Paella (pronounced pie-A-uh) is a traditional Spanish rice dish similar to jambalaya, and PAMPLONA’s version, called “Paella Valenciana” after the Valencia region of Spain where the dish originated, includes chicken, chorizo sausage, calamari, muscles, and clams, with sliced piquillo peppers, peas, carrots, saffron, and other seasonings.
In addition to free samples and full plates of award winning paella, PAMPLONA also served albondigas (Spanish pork meatballs), chorizo potatoes (spicy chorizo sausage atop duck fat fried potato medallions, topped with a smoked paprika aoli) and free samples of flan (sweet custard) for dessert. Because of the distance from Lafayette to New Orleans, PAMPLONA’s Executive Chef Craig Crosby opted to transport all the raw ingredients to New Orleans, and then rented a stove once there. All of the night’s offerings were cooked on-site to ensure the food served at the party in New Orleans was of the same fresh quality that regulars in Lafayette have come to expect from PAMPLONA.
Executive Chef Crosby and Operations Manager Brendan Akers accepted the award on behalf of the restaurant.
This was the 4th year of the San Fermin in Nueva Orleans Festival, which coincides with the original San Fermin (running of the bulls) in Pamplona, Spain. More information on the three-day New Orleans festival is available at their Web site: www.NOLABULLS.com.
Spain wins the World Cup!
And the bulls can finally stop running the San Fermin.
Last Friday, July 9, PAMPLONA Tapas Bar took First Place against four other Spanish restaurants in the paella competition at the San Fermin in Nueva Orleans Festival’s El Txupinazo Kick-Off Party, held at 6:00 PM at The Chicory (610 South Peters) in New Orleans.
Paella (pronounced pie-A-uh) is a traditional Spanish rice dish similar to jambalaya, and PAMPLONA’s version, called “Paella Valenciana” after the Valencia region of Spain where the dish originated, includes chicken, chorizo sausage, calamari, muscles, and clams, with sliced piquillo peppers, peas, carrots, saffron, and other seasonings.
In addition to free samples and full plates of award winning paella, PAMPLONA also served albondigas (Spanish pork meatballs), chorizo potatoes (spicy chorizo sausage atop duck fat fried potato medallions, topped with a smoked paprika aoli) and free samples of flan (sweet custard) for dessert. Because of the distance from Lafayette to New Orleans, PAMPLONA’s Executive Chef Craig Crosby opted to transport all the raw ingredients to New Orleans, and then rented a stove once there. All of the night’s offerings were cooked on-site to ensure the food served at the party in New Orleans was of the same fresh quality that regulars in Lafayette have come to expect from PAMPLONA.
Executive Chef Crosby and Operations Manager Brendan Akers accepted the award on behalf of the restaurant.
This was the 4th year of the San Fermin in Nueva Orleans Festival, which coincides with the original San Fermin (running of the bulls) in Pamplona, Spain. More information on the three-day New Orleans festival is available at their Web site: www.NOLABULLS.com.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Cooking Classes at iMonelli!
There are now dates available in August for iMonelli's Tuesday cooking classes. Each class will start at 6:30 and is $50 per person. Please call the restaurant at 989-9291 for further information or to book your spot. See dates and corresponding menus below.
Tuesday, August 10
Crab and Corn Bisque
Crab Cakes
Baked Fish over Grilled Vegetables with Pesto Chardonnay Cream Sauce
Duck Breast with Pesto Grits and Red Wine Demi Glaze
Strawberry Mousse
Tuesday, August 17
Spinach and Tasso Bisque
Beef and Egg Florentine
Shrimp Crepe
Bronzed Catfish with Roasted Pepper Sauce
Caramel Bananas Foster
Wednesday, August 18
Crab and Corn Bisque
Crab Cakes
Baked Fish over Grilled Vegetables with Pesto Chardonnay Cream Sauce
Duck Breast with Pesto Grits and Red Wine Demi Glaze
Strawberry Mousse
Tuesday, August 24
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Pan Seared Sea Scallops over Cheese Grits
Beef Tenderloin
Crawfish and Tasso Penne Pasta with an Herb Cream Sauce
Zabaione (Italian Custard with Fresh Berries)
Tuesday, August 10 Crab and Corn Bisque
Crab Cakes
Baked Fish over Grilled Vegetables with Pesto Chardonnay Cream Sauce
Duck Breast with Pesto Grits and Red Wine Demi Glaze
Strawberry Mousse
Tuesday, August 17
Spinach and Tasso Bisque
Beef and Egg Florentine
Shrimp Crepe
Bronzed Catfish with Roasted Pepper Sauce
Caramel Bananas Foster
Wednesday, August 18
Crab and Corn Bisque
Crab Cakes
Baked Fish over Grilled Vegetables with Pesto Chardonnay Cream Sauce
Duck Breast with Pesto Grits and Red Wine Demi Glaze
Strawberry Mousse
Tuesday, August 24
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Pan Seared Sea Scallops over Cheese Grits
Beef Tenderloin
Crawfish and Tasso Penne Pasta with an Herb Cream Sauce
Zabaione (Italian Custard with Fresh Berries)
Monday, July 12, 2010
La Cuisine De Maman Plate Lunch Menu
Located in the heart of Vermilionville’s Festive Area is "La Cuisine De Maman Restaurant" (Mama’s Kitchen). Modeled after a plantation overseer’s house, the restaurant features two spacious dining rooms that together comfortably holds 60 people. Tasty traditional Cajun/Creole dishes are standard menu offerings. The house specialty is chicken and sausage gumbo, a thick soup flavored with Louisiana spices and served over rice! A delicious experience! Village admission is not required to eat in the restaurant. Restaurant hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2pm and Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm. Village and restaurant are closed on Mondays. Check them out for lunch!Tuesday
Cup of Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Side Salad
Chicken Etouffee/Hot White Rice
Corn Macque Choux/ Creole Green Beans
Bread Pudding or Pineapple Cake
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Wednesday
Cup of Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Side Salad
Meat loaf with gravy/Hot White Rice
Parsley Buttered Carrots/Collard Greens
Bread Pudding or Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Thursday
Cup of Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Side Salad
Beef Brisket/Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Steamed Broccoli/Field Peas
Bread Pudding or Cake with Strawberry Topping
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Friday
Cup of Seafood Gumbo
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Fried Catfish
Crawfish Etouffee/Hot White Rice
Sauteed Yellow Squash
Lima Beans with Ham
Bread Pudding or Blackberry Cobbler
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Saturday and Sunday
Cup of Chicken Sausage Gumbo
Tossed Salad
Stuffed Pork Loin/Roast Beef
Scalloped Potatoes with Tasso
White Navy Beans/Peas and Carrots
Bread Pudding or Sweet Dough Pies
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Chicken Etouffee/Hot White Rice
Corn Macque Choux/ Creole Green Beans
Bread Pudding or Pineapple Cake
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Wednesday
Cup of Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Side Salad
Meat loaf with gravy/Hot White Rice
Parsley Buttered Carrots/Collard Greens
Bread Pudding or Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Thursday
Cup of Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Side Salad
Beef Brisket/Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Steamed Broccoli/Field Peas
Bread Pudding or Cake with Strawberry Topping
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Friday
Cup of Seafood Gumbo
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Fried Catfish
Crawfish Etouffee/Hot White Rice
Sauteed Yellow Squash
Lima Beans with Ham
Bread Pudding or Blackberry Cobbler
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Saturday and Sunday
Cup of Chicken Sausage Gumbo
Tossed Salad
Stuffed Pork Loin/Roast Beef
Scalloped Potatoes with Tasso
White Navy Beans/Peas and Carrots
Bread Pudding or Sweet Dough Pies
Buttermilk Biscuit
Iced Tea
Friday, July 09, 2010
Zeus. The food of the Gods.
Zues is a family-owned business that has deep roots that envelopes and embraces the unique Mediterranean taste and culture. There are three dine-in locations and four express take out locations.
We chose the original on Pinhook Road. If you haven't been there lately, they've expanded the location have two cool corner "lounges." We met Chris Reggie who made sure we had everything we needed. If you haven't met Chris, he's an accounting major with an amazing work ethic. We started our conversation with "are you (me) Lebanese?" I said "I am northern Mediterranean Lebanese (Italian)", a common mistake made here in South Louisiana. That started the conversation about the Reggie family, a family firmly rooted in our culture. They have made substantial contributions to the quality of our lives here.
Now, the food. Hummus, tabouli,fried and kubbi,fattoush salad. We ate it all before I could take a picture. Zeus has an extensive menu, but also has a daily lunch menu with lots of options.
Our favorite part is the music that's always on day and night. Sometimes you just can't help yourself, you're eating and find yourself dancing in your chair.
Pamplona. A sophisticated culinary oasis in downtown Lafayette.
Kayla, Luke and Brendon made us feel at home for a friend's celebration supper. She got this great new job and Pamplona we wanted a festive place for the party.
Most everyone knows that Pamplona has risen through the local restaurant ranks as a cool place to be for classic cocktails, signature drinks, super wine list and a combination of ingredients you can't get anywhere else. The owners and staff have guided the eatery's image and cuisine to bring something unique to Lafayette. Judging by the daily crowds, it's working.
We started with #205 a Tempranillo that is ruby red in colour, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb. Duck fat fries followed. If you haven't had them, you have not experienced the best fries ever. Yes, they are fried in duck fat! We were good with our food - the beet salad with goat cheese and the butter mozzarella, tomato and fresh greens salad.
You never dine quickly at Pamplona. It's a place to have conversation and truly be with your company. There's eating and there's dining. This is dining.
Most everyone knows that Pamplona has risen through the local restaurant ranks as a cool place to be for classic cocktails, signature drinks, super wine list and a combination of ingredients you can't get anywhere else. The owners and staff have guided the eatery's image and cuisine to bring something unique to Lafayette. Judging by the daily crowds, it's working.
We started with #205 a Tempranillo that is ruby red in colour, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb. Duck fat fries followed. If you haven't had them, you have not experienced the best fries ever. Yes, they are fried in duck fat! We were good with our food - the beet salad with goat cheese and the butter mozzarella, tomato and fresh greens salad.
You never dine quickly at Pamplona. It's a place to have conversation and truly be with your company. There's eating and there's dining. This is dining.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Tsunami - That's Just How I Roll!
Just as I was taking off my jewelry last night and getting ready to jump into pajamas, a friend called me up to invite me to dinner at Tsunami. As appealing as those pj’s were, my number one rule is, “Girl’s gotta eat,” so I gussied myself up again and hit the town.
As we sipped on our cocktails and Eggplant & Shrimp Miso soup, we talked about how Tsunami really pioneered the sushi revolution in Lafayette. Their selection of classic rolls and creative locally-inspired rolls can’t be beat, and the diverse menu and atmosphere are inviting to sushi aficionados, like myself, or to sushi newbies. We ordered off of the Chef’s Special Menu, a Candy Cane roll and a Trans Best Bites roll, both of which were absolutely superb. Stop on by for a drink at the bar, watch the chefs make magic happen at the sushi bar, share a booth and a few rolls with friends and family in the main dining area, or request a more intimate dining experience in the upstairs dining area for date night, then spill on into the Lounge bar next door for an after-dinner glass of wine or cocktail.
Personally, if I am not eating at Tsunami at least twice a month, owner Michelle Ezell has joked that she would put a “Missing” ad with my picture on the side of a Sake bottle. Don’t worry Michelle, I’ll always be a regular at Tsunami…that’s just how I roll.
Ask for the EatLafayette special until August 15th to get 10% Off any Entrée!
As we sipped on our cocktails and Eggplant & Shrimp Miso soup, we talked about how Tsunami really pioneered the sushi revolution in Lafayette. Their selection of classic rolls and creative locally-inspired rolls can’t be beat, and the diverse menu and atmosphere are inviting to sushi aficionados, like myself, or to sushi newbies. We ordered off of the Chef’s Special Menu, a Candy Cane roll and a Trans Best Bites roll, both of which were absolutely superb. Stop on by for a drink at the bar, watch the chefs make magic happen at the sushi bar, share a booth and a few rolls with friends and family in the main dining area, or request a more intimate dining experience in the upstairs dining area for date night, then spill on into the Lounge bar next door for an after-dinner glass of wine or cocktail.
Personally, if I am not eating at Tsunami at least twice a month, owner Michelle Ezell has joked that she would put a “Missing” ad with my picture on the side of a Sake bottle. Don’t worry Michelle, I’ll always be a regular at Tsunami…that’s just how I roll.
Ask for the EatLafayette special until August 15th to get 10% Off any Entrée!
It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's Joey's EatLafayette Special!
Allow me to demonstrate – Turkey, Duck and Chicken thinly sliced with mozzarella & hot pepper cheese, lettuce and tomato on a jalapeno sourdough bun with Sweet Potato Fries. Yeah. See? Told you.
Even the price sounds delicious - at $7.98 this sandwich is clearly a steal.
So you order, grab a block with a number carved into it, pick a table and sit. The server comes and sets this amazing monstrosity in front of you. You stare for a minute. Then you take a bite.
It's like nothing you've ever tasted. The duck, chicken and turkey meld together into this flavorful super meat and the cheese that's generously melted ontop of it is the cape on the superhero. Lauren and I (Are you seeing a trend here folks? We'll both be big as the house come August 15th.) modified the sandwich a bit and added avocado. If you're an avocado lover, it's a must. However, I truly believe the sandwich would have fared well on it's own. The sweetness of the sourdough and the flavor of the jalapeno are what gives this behemoth the power to leap tall buildings in a single bound. (I bought a 6-pack of them - for around $5 - for the sandwiches that I'll make for my hubby at home that won't even measure up to this one.) And don't even get me started on the kryptonite that is the sweet potato fry.This is one EatLafayette Special that you simply CANNOT miss.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
2Paul's Revisited - 2Thumbs Up!
Last night I took the hubby to 2Paul's Radically Urban BBQ. We're already huge fans and we're not there enough, so when we got the chance to stop in and review for EatLafayette again this year, it was a no-brainer. First off, I've blogged for EatLafayette about the 2Pauls experience before (that entry can be found here) and since then, Ms. Marilyn and Mr. Gary (the owners), my hubby and I have developed a friendship. (That may or may not be due to the fact that I'm constantly singing their praises because I honestly believe they can do no wrong when in the kitchen.) Anywho, last night I decided to forego my usual – the wonderful Pulled Pork Sandwich (Asian Slaw on top) drowned in 2Paul's own mild bbq sauce with Pretty Ruby's Rice Dressing – for something different for the sake of giving you all a well-rounded review.
After much deliberation, I ordered the #2 Meal - The 2 Meat Dinner. It comes with your choice of 2 meats, 2 sides and bread. Can't lose with this one, folks. I carefully selected the chicken and the brisket as my 2 meats and decided to consume all the starches in the kitchen by ordering the potato salad and the homemade potato chips. To drink, I asked for a Radical Rita, 2Paul's take on the margarita with tequila, triple sec and blue caracao. The hubby? The All You Can Eat Ribs for $10.99. Ladies, if the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, bring him to 2Paul's on a Tuesday night between 5pm and 8pm.
Satisfied with our choices, we grabbed a table and settled in for the shortest wait of our lives. The service at 2Paul's is one of the best parts of the restaurant. Fast and friendly, you never have to wait for the servers (they might have ESPN). The brisket was tender and the chicken was juicy and when doused in the mild barbecue sauce, they were heaven. The homemade potato chips were crispy with just the right amount of spice and before I could finish the potato salad, I was attempting to convince Mr. Gary they should name it after me (Mae-Mae's Potato Salad... it's got a ring to it, right?). The Radical Rita was something else entirely. I'm somewhat of a margarita connoisseur, not to toot my own horn or anything, and usually it's either too strong, too weak or too downright fruity. This margarita was perfection.
Chris ended the night with only 11 ribs in his belly and when I asked him why that was all he ate he responded, "Honey, I'm a retired champion" with a mischievous grin. Gotta love him. FYI - The new record at 2Paul's is 36 ribs eaten in one sitting. The guy who set this record beat Chris' record of 30. After sitting and enjoying the atmosphere with our stuffed bellies we were informed that one of Mr. Gary's friends was busing in 26 of his closest friends from Baton Rouge just for the All You Can Eat occasion. That was our cue to leave... clearly they would need the table space.
Still need a reason to give 2Paul's a try? The EatLafayette Special is buy one rack of ribs get second rack half off any day of the week!
Check out the full menu at www.2paulsbbq.com.
After much deliberation, I ordered the #2 Meal - The 2 Meat Dinner. It comes with your choice of 2 meats, 2 sides and bread. Can't lose with this one, folks. I carefully selected the chicken and the brisket as my 2 meats and decided to consume all the starches in the kitchen by ordering the potato salad and the homemade potato chips. To drink, I asked for a Radical Rita, 2Paul's take on the margarita with tequila, triple sec and blue caracao. The hubby? The All You Can Eat Ribs for $10.99. Ladies, if the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, bring him to 2Paul's on a Tuesday night between 5pm and 8pm. Satisfied with our choices, we grabbed a table and settled in for the shortest wait of our lives. The service at 2Paul's is one of the best parts of the restaurant. Fast and friendly, you never have to wait for the servers (they might have ESPN). The brisket was tender and the chicken was juicy and when doused in the mild barbecue sauce, they were heaven. The homemade potato chips were crispy with just the right amount of spice and before I could finish the potato salad, I was attempting to convince Mr. Gary they should name it after me (Mae-Mae's Potato Salad... it's got a ring to it, right?). The Radical Rita was something else entirely. I'm somewhat of a margarita connoisseur, not to toot my own horn or anything, and usually it's either too strong, too weak or too downright fruity. This margarita was perfection.
Chris ended the night with only 11 ribs in his belly and when I asked him why that was all he ate he responded, "Honey, I'm a retired champion" with a mischievous grin. Gotta love him. FYI - The new record at 2Paul's is 36 ribs eaten in one sitting. The guy who set this record beat Chris' record of 30. After sitting and enjoying the atmosphere with our stuffed bellies we were informed that one of Mr. Gary's friends was busing in 26 of his closest friends from Baton Rouge just for the All You Can Eat occasion. That was our cue to leave... clearly they would need the table space.Still need a reason to give 2Paul's a try? The EatLafayette Special is buy one rack of ribs get second rack half off any day of the week!
Check out the full menu at www.2paulsbbq.com.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
How to EatLafayette
It's easy to EatLafayette!
Below is a simple "How to" guide so that you don't miss an opportunity to enjoy the diverse cultural flavors of Lafayette.
Step 1: Choose a restaurant from the list below, or here
Step 2: Visit www.eatlafayette.com to see if that restaurant is offering a special for the day.
Step 3: Go to your chosen restaurant and tell your host/hostess, waiter/waitress, fellow diners, EVERYONE that you are there because of EatLafayette!
Step 4: Ask for the EatLafayette Special when you order.
Step 5: The best part...Indulge in the rich local flavors! EAT EAT EAT!
Step 6: Fill out an entry form to win a FREE Caribbean Cruise for two, compliments of Travel Machine.
Step 7: Post about your EatLafayette dining experience on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Urbanspoon or Foursquare.
Step 8: REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT!
EatLafayette ends on August 15, 2010, but please make sure to
support our local restaurants all year long! Happy eating!
1. 2Paul’s Radically Urban Barbeque
2. Abacus
3. A La Carte
4. A Spot for Tea
5. Agave Cantina
6. Antoni’s Italian Café
7. Bailey’s Seafood & Grill
8. Bella Figura
9. BJ’s Pizza and Deli
10. Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant
11. Blue Dog Café
12. Bonnie Bell’s Bistro
13. Boulevard Grille
14. Burgersmith
15. Café Des Amis
16. Café Habana City
17. Café Roma
18. Café Vermilionville
19. Charley G’s Seafood Grill
20. Collage Café
21. Country Cuisine
22. Crawfish Town
23. Dean-O’s
24. Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse
25. Dozo
26. Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill
27. Fezzo’s Seafood, Steakhouse and Oyster Bar
28. Gallagher’s
29. Hub City Diner
30. iMonelli
31. Joey’s
32. Johnson’s Boucaniere
33. Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro
34. Judice Inn
35. Julien’s Poboys
36. La Cuisine de Maman in Vermilionville
37. Lagneaux’s Restaurant
38. Lil Daddy’s Bar-B-Q
39. Masala Indian Kitchen
40. McGee’s Landing
41. Nimbeaux’s Restaurant
42. Olde Tyme Grocery
43. Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant
44. Pete’s Family Sports Grill
45. Picante
46. Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn
47. Prejean’s Restaurant
48. Randol’s Restaurant
49. Sage Italian
50. Southside Bakery
51. Tsunami
52. Village Cafe
53. Zeus
Friday, July 02, 2010
Eating, The Great American Pastime
If you don't have plans for this 4th of July weekend, or even if you do but are looking for some good eating, check out one of the 53 EatLafayette restaurants! Many of the participating restaurants will be open on the 4th so be sure to stop by and celebrate. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
"Straight With Ya Face" at Abacus
We're well into the EatLafayette spirit, even though we're only a week into the campaign! Lauren and I decided to hit up the newest restaurant to the campaign, Abacus, for lunch today. Located on the busy roadway that is Pinhook during lunch hour, Abacus has a great atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy their lunch. We were seated at a table near the buffet, which today offered Meatball and Potato Stew that smelled absolutely wonderful.
However, in true EatLafayette style, we by passed on the buffet (by the hardest) and instead opted for the hamburger with the 10% EatLafayette discount. We were not disappointed! This burger is substantial. We mean huge. The patty is almost 2in thick and the bread is crispy and toasted and you can opt to slather it with their tasty remoulade sauce or the standard ketchup and mustard. The fries are delicious and if you want my advice (which you're gonna get either way :) save some of the remoulade sauce for dipping. However, the crowning achievement of lunch at Abacus (in our humble opinion) is the bread pudding that they make fresh every single morning. It was presented to us with almost those exact words by our server Dené. She also explained that we shouldn't attack the deliciousness with utensils, oh no. She didn't even recommend using our fingers as a last ditch effort. Her advice - "Straight with ya face." I promise you, Lafayette, she's not crazy. She is, however, the best bread pudding saleswoman I've ever met. So thanks Dené and thanks Abacus for a wonderful lunch experience.
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