Saturday, April 02, 2005

RESTAURANT: Don’s Seafood & Steak House, LLC

LOCATION: 1915 S. Morrison Bouldevard, Hammond, LA 70403

TELEPHONE: 985-345-8550

NOTES; Don’s in Shreveport, LA, has been one of my favorite places over the years, but I haven’t eaten there lately.

OTHER LOCATIONS: Lafayette, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Beaumont, TX; Metairie, LA

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 3/19/2005

PRICE RANGE: Several of the main dishes cost approximately $17.

FAVORITE FOOD: Landry Special: “A cup of gumbo followed by a platter of some of our specialties consisting of crawfish etouffee (A-2-FAY), our famous seafood au gratin, award winning Seafood Bienville and there is more, tender fried catfish filet, potato and a stuffed crab.”

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Crab au gratin. Fried oysters. Hot boiled crawfish.

MORE NOTES ABOUT THE FOOD ON 3/19/05: The shrimp gumbo was made with a good dark roux; the seasoning was mild with a hint of heat. There was a hint of filé; we could have used more.

The complimentary hushpuppies served as an appetizer had a particularly good, sweet flavor enhanced by green onions.

The crab au gratin had a good cheddar flavor. The vegetable medley served with it was a little limp—the zucchini, yellow squash, and cauliflower were not crisp.

The fried catfish, which was nice and crisp, was cooked in a delicate cornbread batter.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Seafood of consistent outstanding quality served efficiently.

SPECIALS: The prices on the lunch menu are considerably lower than the ones on the evening menu.

APPEARANCE: Don’s is neat and clean with interesting things to view.

SERVER: Jessica

SERVICE: Very efficient and pleasant. Very attentive.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Gift shop with Tabasco™ items, Louisiana alligator soevneinrs, Louisiana Logo items, and Boudrea an Tibodeau™ books and hats.

Frozen to-go foods.

Banquet facilities.

COMMENTS: The overall experience of eating at Don’s was very good.

RESTAURANT: China Dragon Buffet

LOCATION: Arcadia, LA,

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 3/29/05

PRICE RANGE: About $8 per person for dinner with drinks included. No need to tip.

FAVORITE FOOD: The Rangoon wontons were simply wonderful with a delicious filling. We could have eaten our weight in those.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: There were some cottage-sliced fried potatoes that were yummy.

FOODS WE LIKED LEAST: Dry cake, mislabeled food.

MORE NOTES ABOUT THE FOOD: The prevailing ingredient in most of the dishes was bland fried batter seasoned with salt and pepper. The China Dragon did not serve wasabi, sushi, hot pepper oil, Mongolian barbecue, coconut chicken....


APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVICE: We paid at the entrance. No one checked on us. It was serve-yourself drinks and eat-all-you want. The hostess was courteous and friendly.

COMMENTS: China Dragon is now located in the Purple Parrot restaurant. A few Chinese objects have been blended in with the Mexican décor. We’re glad we ate here when it was the Purple Parrot because back then it was one of the most elegantly

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

RESTAURANT: Serranos Salsa Company

LOCATION: 4436 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie, LA

NOTE: Serranos Salsa Company is also located in Baton Rouge, LA.

TELEPHONE: 504-780-2354

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: March 20, 2005

PRICE RANGE: $12-$20 per person

FAVORITE FOOD: Brazilian Mixed Grill, Serranos house sampler showcasing their beef and chicken fajitas, Cuban pork carnitas, baby back ribs, grilled quail, spicy pepper sausage, and grilled corn on the cob. Served with verde rice, your choice of refried or borracho beans, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream.

NOTE: With the Brazilian Mixed Grill, we asked for grilled vegetables and Portobello mushrooms, which they gladly served with no extra charge.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fajitas—several types.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Some of us found the Cuban Pork Carnitas, a generous serving of orange and lime marinated pork roast with garlic, spices, and grilled onions tough and dry.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Courteous service, convenient location.

APPEARANCE: Serranos is tastefully decorated with mirrors. I especially like the ladies’ restroom.

UNIQUE FEATURES: A lady makes the tortillas in the dining area. It’s fun to watch her.

COMMENTS: See and listen to the website: http://www.serranossalsacompany.com/

Sunday, March 27, 2005

RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant—Simsboro, LA

RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant; Thu/Fri—5-9, Sat—11 AM-9 PM

LOCATION: Martha St; Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-247-6007

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 3-25-05

PRICE RANGE: $4-$20

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish with corn on the cob and new potatoes; The crawfish was seasoned perfectly. At JR's Place they do not sprinkle the seasoning ON the crawfish as do most restaurants, they put it in the water in which the crawfish are boiled. This is more expensive but makes for better tasting crawfish, not just more burning lips.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Their hush puppies are seasoned and cooked perfectly. Wonderful barbecue, shrimp, and steaks; They have a wonderful, trademarked potato salad.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: JR's Place doesn't have any mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Warm family atmosphere with excellent service.

SPECIALS: Vary by the week. Call for the current ones.

APPEARANCE: Neat and clean

SERVER: Matt

SERVICE: Excellent—warm and attentive

UNIQUE FEATURES: Consistently delicious food and excellent service

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: (See their site www.JRsPlace.biz)

COMMENTS: We WILL be back!
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