Second bests – A Wee Blether

There are plenty of familiar favorites in this year’s Best of 225 winners: The Chimes, Tony’s Seafood, Fleur de Lis Pizza, Gino’s.

There are also a few newcomers who have jumped into the fray. Five Guys Burgers and Fries ended George’s dominant streak in best burgers. In the fast-growing food-truck category, Taco de Paco emerged as the winner.

But there are a few lesser-knowns worthy of a little recognition. Certain dishes, places and people not quite famous enough to achieve Best of 225 status, but noteworthy nonetheless.

Think of them as the Second Best awards …

Best Authentic Tacos: El Sol de Guerrero/La Tiendita serves zesty tacos to its loyal and growing clientele on Siegen Lane. The taco al pastor is peasant-king here, a street-food staple of savory pork simmered for hours with herbs and spices. It’s served on fresh corn or flour tortillas with a sprinkling of diced onions and cilantro; just add fresh lime and salsa. Under two bucks, it comes with complimentary warm tortilla chips and fresh homemade salsa.

Best Lawn Mower Repair Guru: Her name is Sarah Hernandez, and she’s a longtime employee of K&D Rent All and Hardware on Old Hammond Highway, a local mecca for lawnmower parts. If you’re lucky, you’ll find her behind the counter of the parts department, where she’ll patiently listen to your sob story about not being able to find that part you need anywhere in town. She’ll gander at the thing a while and emerge with just what you’re looking for. And she’ll do it as though it was no big deal. Well, Miss Sarah, to the of army Baton Rougeans who find themselves mending mowers, rare folks like you are a big deal.

Best Government Office: When you walk into the Department of Motor Vehicles’ satellite office on Perkins Road at Siegen Lane, you just might think you’ve entered another dimension.

The line is short. The staff is courteous and efficient. Even the customers seem in good spirits. This modest office will not only renew your driver’s license, license plate and registration, they’ll restore your faith in government. Actually, they won’t, but they will get you on your way quickly.

Best Kooky Po-Boy: I say kooky because, until I walked into Bergeron’s Boudin and Cajun Meats in Port Allen, I’d never heard of a smoked boudin po-boy. The crusty French bread can barely contain this thing’s smoky richness, and the whole sandwich is made even more delicious with crispy lettuce and a cool swipe of mayo. Cross the I-10 bridge west, exit right on Highway 415 and Bergeron’s is about a mile on the right.

Best Pastry You’ve Probably Never Tried: The amazing chocolate tart at Strands Café on Laurel Street downtown, a block from the river. Fresh, homemade crust is filled with chocolate ganache. It’s like a chocolate-icing pie! Are they even allowed to do that?

The modest but supremely talented artisans at Strands embellish this sweet dessert with fondant, or sometimes they use whipped cream. The catch is that they don’t always have them, and in my view, that is a crime worthy of immediate investigation by District Attorney Hillar Moore.