The Velvet Cactus
7655 Old Hammond Hwy.
Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
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
