Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar | Baton Rouge

Judging by first glance at this French, Cajun, Southern restaurant, the interior design was old-styled in our opinion. By old-styled it had us feelin' some type of way as in it was a blast from the past with the black and white portraits hung up of people in the bayou and swamps and old-fashioned booths. However because of that it did create a nice and cozy ambiance in a way.

From the beginning it was a unique experience because of the complimentary pork rinds they offer to you. It was too salty for our taste, but this makes them stand out from other Southern/Cajun places we've been to before. Their menu was interesting to us as they had a few dishes that aren't common in restaurants around here like turtle soup and shredded rabbit. Something else we found unique was that they had a dish called "Pho" lamb meatballs. Pho is a popular Vietnamese dish and it's primarily beef or chicken and because they had pho and lamb in the same sentence; it was compelling. At this moment, I kind of wished we didn't pass up on it because of my sudden taste buds' curiosity, but perhaps next time!

So elaborating on food, we ordered the scallop dish, lamb kabobs, and white chocolate bread pudding. The chorizo butter that was served with the scallops was a little too salty for me, but the scallops balanced it out and had a promising flavor. 

I thought for sure I was not a fan of lamb, but after trying the lamb kabobs I was a believer. There wasn't that strong game taste that I always tasted in every lamb dish I had. 

The bread pudding didn't have a "white chocolate" taste in it at all like it says in the name, but I'm not complaining because it was delicious nonetheless.

Overall, we are very impressed with the food along with the service. Our server knew exactly what he was talking about and I appreciate a man who knows his stuff and has great taste! (In food I mean)

We are so very glad we tried this gem and will be back because their brunch menu looked mm mm good.

Price: $$$

Food: 9/10

Overall experience: 10/10

Seared jumbo sea scallops w/ chorizo risotto and chili butter

Marinated lamb kabob w/ broccolini

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Baton Rouge Restaurant Week | Day 3: Juban's

There are too many good things I have to say about this magnificent place. First off their food did not disappoint. They created a menu just for restaurant week which is pretty neat. The exclusive menu items we ordered that they do not regularly offer are the pork belly and bacon wrapped tenderloins. If you are familiar with heo quay, a roasted pig Vietnamese dish, the pork belly tastes just like it and it is absolutely delectable and definitely a must try! The meal from start to finish did not disappoint. Their portion size for restaurant week is fairly generous and truthfully if we tried this place on the first day we would have been severely disappointed. 

Juban's is the perfect for date night and also if you're rolling solo. Interestingly it's not uncommon to see that at Juban's, so go ahead and treat yourself to a lovely dinner for one. Everything was spot on from interior and exterior design, service, and food.

Price: $$$

Food: 8.5/10

Overall experience: 9/10

Foris Vineyards Moscato 2012: Oregon

First Course: Shrimp Cocktail

First Course: Pork Belly with a Red Pepper Glaze

Second Course: Braised Brisket

Second Course: Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloins

Third Course: New York Cheesecake

Third Course; Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce

Chelsea's Cafe | Baton Rouge

Hidden under a bridge lies a hidden southern gem known as Chelsea's Cafe. It's hard to find the parking lot, but once you figure out where it's located, it's worth it.  It is no surprise why this place is beloved by the locals with their fantastic Southern food.
Sadly, I can't say the same for the service. Usually I would not go back to a place with terrible service, but how can I stay away when the food is worth coming back for?
On a side note, Chelsea's Cafe is also well-known for their famous tomato basil soup and grilled cheese. We're not fans of them so we passed on it, but if you like grilled cheese and tomato basil soup, definitely check this place out and order what keeps the customers coming back!
Price: $$
Food: 8/10
Overall experience: 6.5/10

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

Grilled Chicken

Sucre | New Orleans

There is no better way to cool off on a 90 degree day than with a tasty, refreshing gelato sundae. Sucre is the one-stop destination in New Orleans for the best macarons, gelato, and desserts. It's without a doubt that all your sweet tooth cravings will be satisfyingly fulfilled at Sucre.

Tiramississippi 

Smores and Americana Sundae

Baton Rouge Restaurant Week | Day 2: Camelot Club

An exclusive members only restaurant opens to the public for the first time for Baton Rouge restaurant week. Located on the 21st floor of the Chase tower, Camelot Club provides a rich, panoramic view of downtown Baton Rouge.  Though the view was a plus, I have to say the interior was outdated and needless to say, did not match up to the upscale menu they offer. The service was nothing less than incredible from beginning to end. We are so glad to have had the pleasure to experience the incomparable experience that no fine dining in Baton Rouge can measure up to. 

Getting down to food, the first course set a high standard for the next two courses.  We were sadly let down by the bland pasta and the beef tenderloin was a tad dry.  The dessert was sub-par and the brownie did not taste like a brownie at all with the hard texture. The flavor was just not there.  

Price: $$$

Food: 5/10

Overall experience: 8/10

First Course: Left: Crab and Brie Soup
Right: Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Second Course: Pesto Shrimp Linguine

Second Course: Grilled beef tenderloin filet with grilled asparagus

Third Course: Brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream

Third Course: New York style cheesecake topped with mixed berries

Baton Rouge Restaurant Week | Day 1: Galatoire's Bistro

Cozy ambiance with an all around New Orleans feel.  Their outdoor patio is a fabulous setting to dine if weather permits.  We came with high expectations for the food, however we were let down with the mediocre menu they had available for restaurant week.

Price: $$$

Food: 4/10

Overall experience: 6/10

First Course: House cured duck breast

Second Course: Grilled beef tenderloin with bearnaise sauce

Third Course: Banana bread pudding