Bites: Lunch with a fresh twist

In a city where healthy, meatless options are generally confined to the salad menu, MJ’s Café offers a fresh take on delicious, local cuisine through innovative vegetarian and seafood lunch fare.

(11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday). Centrally located in the heart of Baton Rouge’s Mid City, MJ’s spotlights its seasonal soup offerings packed with vegetables and flavorful broth on a chalkboard, which changes daily to accommodate available local ingredients. Partner a cup of tasty soup with another menu item by choosing the affordable “Choose Two” lunch special ($10), which pairs a cup of soup, small salad or fresh sandwich. One of the few seafood items, the Louisianian ($7.99), is an offering of spicy shrimp, peppery cheese, onions, peppers, tomatoes and romaine sandwiched inside a soft French roll. It’s sure to awaken your taste buds.

But you won’t be disappointed if you do opt for a salad and try the crisp, flavorful Cabbage Slaw (small: $4.99), which unites fresh-cut cabbage with delicious apples and crunchy carrots tossed in a fragrant jalapeńo vinaigrette. It’s all served in a comfortable dining area similar to sitting at an old friend’s kitchen table.

672 Jefferson Hwy. | 933-5569 | mjs-cafe.com

• Gulf crabs