The Grub: BR’s Food Boom

It happens maybe twice a month. A friend of mine who just moved to the city texts me, asking for a restaurant recommendation.

Never did I think I would be in the position to write about what I eat, because, honestly I’m not picky. I come from a background where lettuce on sandwiches is considered fine dining.

I also never thought I’d have so many suggestions of great local restaurants.

Used to be that I could name five Baton Rouge restaurants that tourists and new residents had to visit. It ain’t that simple these days.

In the past two years, the Capital City food scene has gone from bar food and a few high-end places to a red-carpet-long list of local restaurants you must try.

The question isn’t “Where should I eat?” Now, it’s “What are you in the mood for?”

Do you want ribs that fall off the bone and a great cocktail? You’re going to Beausoleil.

Do you want to treat that girl or guy to a romantic Italian dinner? You’re going to Nino’s.

Do you want to try a variety of oysters? You’re going to Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar.

Gone are the days when the announcement of a new Cheddar’s location is considered newsworthy. Gone is the time when outsiders might actually advise that your best bet is to drive to New Orleans or Lafayette to get “real food.”

No, Baton Rouge is positioning itself to become quite the rival to its I-10 neighbors. Naysayers will say Baton Rouge isn’t quite on the level of those cities. However, the future’s buzzing potential isn’t something to ignore.

Just look at the past year’s local restaurant openings, which include Freshjunkie, Fresh Kitchen, The Grill, Zoroona Mediterranean Grill and City Pork Brasserie & Bar. These are all good choices that are reliable and consistent.

In 2015, that activity won’t stop; it’ll increase. The city will see the return of Nick Hufft and Curbside Burgers within Barcadia, Twine Meat Market and the expansion of Bin 77, just to name a few.

In 2015, the question will become “How can we maintain this burgeoning scene?” The biggest way is to keep thinking local.

I know, I know—think local, be local, that’s good and all. But Matt, c’mon! Who are you, the lieutenant governor?

Great joke, inner consciousness. But seriously, when you are thinking about dinner or drinks, I would bet 99.9% of the time there’s a local, Baton Rouge option that easily fits the bill. Call it the “no chain resolution.”

You need groceries? Stop and think about Indie Plate or Country Table before plowing aggressively into people at Wal-Mart.

You want a drink? The Cove, Corporate Brew & Draft, Lock & Key Whiskey Bar and Tin Roof’s new taproom are great choices.

Replace the Domino’s and McDonald’s with Mama Della’s and Kolache Kitchen. Replace nostalgic and easy with new and enjoyable. That’s what will put the city on the map and keep it there when we discuss food in Baton Rouge.

Matthew Sigur covers food for 225 Dine. Sign up for our weekly 225 Dine newsletter at the bottom of our homepage.