Du Jour: Gus Pagoulato, 333 Bistreaux

“The culinary landscape in Baton Rouge has changed a lot in the last four or five years,” says Chef Gus Pagoulato. “It’s become a much more exciting place.” The former chef/owner of Riverbend Bistro and former executive chef of D’Agostino’s is now at the helm of 333 Bistreaux on Third Street downtown, the spot once occupied by Avoyelles Café. Last year, Pagoulato and owner Jay Dykes transformed the eatery from Southern cooking buffet into a spruced up spot with sit-down service. The new menu is heavy on seafood, gourmet soups, including Vidalia onion, big, fresh salads and sandwiches like filet mignon po’boy and honey chicken panini. The restaurant has won over fans with Bistreaux Bread, an addictive, pull-apart loaf topped with olive oil, peppercorns and parmesan.  At dinner, Pagoulato features cedar plank salmon, steaks, New Orleans barbecue shrimp and crabcakes Monica. 333 Bistreaux also features wine tastings for $20 a person every few months. For more about Pagoulato and his Bistreaux, click here. –Maggie Heyn RichardsonTo read previous Du Jour features on local chefs and other culinary experts, click here.