Berry bash

The strawberry has certainly earned a three-day party in its honor in Louisiana. This month marks the arrival of the annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, April 11-13. If you can’t make it out to the event this year, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Louisiana’s favorite fruit right here in the Capital City.

This isn’t your grandmother’s garden sandwich. For something savory, MJ’s Cafe serves up the French—goat cheese, arugula, pepper jelly and strawberries on a French roll. Owner Maureen Joyce designed this menu staple to showcase local flavors like Louisiana pepper jelly and fruit from nearby growers. $8.50, 672 Jefferson Hwy., mjs-cafe.com

This is one of their signature cocktails and a true crowd-pleaser. Starting with fresh, crushed strawberries, this sweet cocktail includes Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain, grenadine, basil and an organic hibiscus liqueur. It makes for a refreshing and palatable berry-based pick-me-up. $11, 7248 Perkins Rd., oliveortwistbr.com

The local gelato shop offers treats made fresh daily with ingredients culled from both Italy and Louisiana farms, like their decadent and tangy chocolate strawberry gelato. $4-6, 128 West Chimes St., baciodiromabr.com

Strawberries, white chocolate and cream cheese transform typical white cake into a snack-sized gourmet pastry that is moist, memorable and the pinnacle of hand-held sweet tooth indulgence. $3, $1.50 for petite, 5251 Nicholson Dr., frostedcupcakesbr.com