Cafe Americain - Baton Rouge, LA - Soup du Jour

Cafe Americain

Baton Rouge, LA

Lunch

March 10, 2010

The Set-Up - With just a few minutes to spare in between a church meeting and a doctor's appointment we slipped into nearby Cafe Americain for a quick lunch. I've probably eaten at least one meal in this restaurant in every one of the 23 years I've lived in Baton Rouge.


The Meal - Cafe Americain makes some of the best soups in Baton Rouge. Among my favorites is their crab and broccoli. I ordered a bowl ($9) though I probably could have gotten by with a cup ($5). I finished the bowl. Kay ordered the soup (crab and corn) and salad. The picture looks a little gruelish, but trust me, it's delicious.

The crab and broccoli is a cream-based soup. Crab and corn, at least here today, starts with a roux. Both were delicious. Kay loves her salads, and Cafe Americain didn't disappoint.

The rest of Cafe Americain's menu features American cuisine with a Louisiana flair.

Cafe Americain also makes great desserts. We were tempted sorely by the Bailey's Irish Creme bread pudding, but our time shortage caused us to postpone it for another day, which might come soon.

Drinks - Kay had a nice glass of white wine. I had my usual iced tea. Both were just fine.

Ambience - Cafe Americain has expanded piecemeal over the years, so dining is now spread across three rooms. The atmosphere is casual without being barlike; friendly without being overly noisy. Overall, perfect for a casual lunch.

Service - No problems. Lunch was efficiently and pleasantly served, eaten and paid for well within our timetable.

The Check -Even with a glass of wine our bill with tax and tip came to just $36.00.

The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)

Food - Five for what we ate. Cafe Americain's overall menu would be closer to four.

Drinks - Four. Wine for less than $7.50 a glass would help.

Ambience - Four

Service - Five for meeting our timetable without being asked.

Price/Value - A solid four


Overall Assessment

Special Occasion

Favorite - Cafe Americain isn't enough of a favorite of ours that we make special trips, but its handy locations (one near church; one near home (though a trip for Bailey's Bread Pudding may be in the offing), tasty food (especially soups), and reasonable prices cause us to eat their fairly often.

Very Good

Good Enough

If Hungry Enough

Keep Driving and Looking


Other Info -

7521 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA
924-9841, 927-1626 (fax)

Also at 15255 George O'Neal Road

Hours:


Monday thru Thursday - 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday - 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (brunch menu and drink specials)


Cafe Americain