The Velvet Cactus

The Velvet Cactus

7655 Old Hammond Hwy.
Baton Rouge, LA

Website 

Facebook

 

I’ve never written about food before. Well, I’ve written reviews, but never a blog experience. Here goes nothing. My bestie Raegan and I have taken to lunching every Friday now that my work schedule permits it. Today’s adventure was actually planned for another place, but we happened along this delightful establishment, The Velvet Cactus, on our way to the other place. I won’t mention the name because we still plan to go there. Upon entrance to The Velvet Cactus, the place looks cool as hell! 

The outdoor seating area is modern and fresh with polished chrome chairs and a large waterfall and lagoon with misters keeping outdoor patrons cool during these sweltering Louisiana summers. The place has not been open very long, and is quite busy for this time of day. It’s a sort of Mexican-Louisiana fusion place. Which, I will be honest, we have no shortage of around here, BUT, when a place smells THAT GOOD on the outside…you can’t help but want to try.

Waiting to be seated, I was checking out the art for sale on the walls. I honestly wanted to buy at LEAST 4 pieces. I love when restaurants display local artists, and/or good or wares for sale. It shows their dedication to the community, (something corporate restaurants lack). Their list of today’s special cocktails was displayed, on a chalkboard at the hostess stand, one being the “strawberry mint margarita”, which of course I had to try. It was such a gorgeous drink, I almost did not want to drink it. Almost...

We ordered a couple appetizers, because, what’s a new place without delicious appetizers? First up were the smoked pork tamales. As you can see, they were HUGE. Made with corn masa, 17 hour smoked, shredded pork with peppers and steamed in a corn husk. I mean, it speaks for itself really. They are in itself a meal for one person. We also sampled the shrimp cakes, which, isn’t a typical thing here as much as crab cakes.

They were BEAUTIFUL!! Gulf shrimp, roasted corn, bell peppers, chipotle aioli and pico de gallo. I mean, have you ever seen such a fresh seafood cake before? AND PICO ON IT???????????????? YES PLEASE!!!!! For our entrees, Raegan had the daily special; gyro tacos. I have never heard of a gyro taco in Louisiana before, so naturally we had to. Each entrée got two sides, so she opted for the chipotle cheese grits and the borracho beans which are cooked with Dos Equis and bacon. The portions are HUGE as you can see and neither of us could finish it all.

For my entrée, I had the pork pibil tacos, which are made with charred onions, smoked pork, peppers, cilantro and chipotle aioli. I can’t stress enough the flavor of this pork. It melted in my mouth. I also opted for the chipotle cheese grits, but I chose the creole cole slaw for my second side. I am very picky about cole slaw so I always try it at different places and I was totally impressed. It was crunchy, slightly sweet, vinegary and everything else slaw should be. We did not even have dessert because there was no way I could have enjoyed it as I should due to be stuffed to the brim. And, now that I’ve relived this experience in the writing of this blog, I feel I must go now to satiate my current appetite! Hope all of you can check out the place one day if you’re ever down in my parts! Bon apetite!

-------

Ashley