The most wonderful time of the year means it’s time to host visiting family and friends. In between all the cleaning and meal planning, you’ll need to make plans for entertaining, too. These residents are well-acquainted with all Baton Rouge has to offer. They share their personal favorite spots to bring out-of-towners.
SAM CORSO Stained glass artist
Living in Baton Rouge for 47 years and creating art installations, Sam Corso has gotten to know the city’s most impressive designs. Beyond the traditional marvels of the Old State Capitol and new State Capitol buildings, these are his recommendations for a day of Baton Rouge architecture and landscaping sightseeing.
Spanish Town
Corso likes to show off the pizazz of the historic Spanish Town neighborhood, with its eclectic energy and vibrant houses. When done exploring, he’ll head a few streets over for lunch at Cocha, a farm-to-table restaurant serving sandwiches, salads and tacos. He calls the restaurant “a funky place” that captures the spirit of the area.
Main Library at Goodwood
This sleek, state-of-the-art library has fountains, high ceilings and a rooftop succulent garden. For Corso, it’s perfect for an outing that’s equal parts educational and visually appealing.
Claiborne Building
“If [friends] are coming to see me, I assume they’re coming to see my work,” he says. He’ll take them to see several spots, including the 16-foot-tall stained glass window he did in 2003 for this state government office.
JOSHUA HENDERSON Musician known as _thesmoothcat
After spitting bars on stage, this local rapper needs a bite to eat. Here’s where he’d take guests for a taste of the Capital City.
Almaza Cafe
“I go there maybe once every two weeks,” Henderson says of this Mediterranean joint. With a laugh, he adds, “Maybe more often that, but I’m trying to cut it down.” His recommendation: any of the gyros, for sure.
Delpit’s Chicken Shack
This history-rich fried-chicken restaurant first opened its doors in 1935. Henderson recommends going there on a Tuesday. “They’ve got some ridiculous sale where you can get like, a two-piece meal for around two bucks,” he says.
Red Zeppelin Pizza
This restaurant on Perkins Road is where Henderson likes to bring families. He calls the Bayou-Que pizza “fire.” And with bacon, chicken and barbecue sauce, we totally understand why.
REP. PATRICIA SMITH State representative
Smith voices the concerns of Baton Rougeans at the Capitol. Always dressed in a shawl, the 72-year-old’s attire is as colorful as her speeches. The longtime resident recommends venturing to these educational places with breathtaking views.
State Capitol
Even after years of contentious legislative sessions, Smith still marvels at the grandeur of the Capitol building. She especially admires the balcony at the top, which offers a bird’s eye view of the city. She is amazed at how many residents have lived here for years and never been. “It’s a beautiful view,” she says.
The Water Institute of the Gulf
The Water Campus opened about a year ago near downtown, with several facilities to connect researchers studying river systems and coastal erosion. Smith likes to take visitors on its public group tours. Afterward, guests can behold the mighty Mississippi River from the Water Institute of the Gulf’s pier in all of its glory.
DAWSON ELLIS Co-owner, Mimosa Handcrafted
He’s the man behind the popular Mimosa jewelry line, and he has the @manmosahandcrafted Instagram handle to prove it. Ellis has lived in Baton Rouge his whole life, and along with his wife, Madeline, has been making moves in Mid City. So, of course, he suggests taking visiting friends to explore all the exciting changes in the area.
White Star Market
Since its opening over the summer, the city has been abuzz over this food hall. Its variety makes it ideal for trying to accommodate multiple palates. “There’s something for everybody there,” he says.
Mid City Makers Market
Ellis helped start this monthly market showcasing local artisans, so we knew he’d have to throw this one into the mix. He usually tells friends and family planning to come to the city to come in on the weekend of the market so they can get the maximum Mid City experience.
The Little Village Restaurant
Ellis likes this downtown restaurant for its Village Bread appetizer, and usually pairs it with the dinner special of the day. Once guests’ bellies are full, he likes walking a few blocks over to take a stroll along the Mississippi River.\
This article was originally published in the December 2018 issue of 225 Magazine.
SAM CORSO
JOSHUA HENDERSON
REP. PATRICIA SMITH
DAWSON ELLIS
