Walking down her city blocks the damage to this great city is still very clear and paramount, but this didn’t stop me from taking time out of my visit to roam 22 blocks over from New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street, passing by Jackson Square and all the eclectic restaurants so many frequent to guide my compass down to Bywater, following the path lain before me to unearth one of Nola’s hidden treasures – Booty’s Street Food. 

                For this flavorful excursion, we will venture along the banks of the Ouachita River, where our culinary cravings point us to a beautiful cantina styled restaurant in Downtown Monroe.  Complete with a fabulous view from the patio, this eatery overlooks a train track trellis and the mighty Ouachita and, from that combination this new eatery is appropriately named “River & Rail Cantina”.

As an avid foodie and blogger, it was my utmost pleasure to have been able to have been given the opportunity to highlight area chefs, but I could not simply highlight North Louisiana chefs without giving you, the readers, a glimpse into some of North Louisiana's favorite eateries through their amazing kitchens, and the dedication of their staff and owners!

Owner and General Manager, D. J. Fortenberry was born and raised in Gonzales, Louisiana.  Migrating north to Monroe, D.J. attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe wherein he sought and obtained his degree in Marketing while pitching ball for our ULM Warhawks! Nowadays D.J. focus’ his time and attention more so in the kitchen, and a little less time on the on the pitcher’s mound, although he will make time to watch his favorite college team, the ULM Warhawks!

In the words of Mama Josephine Cascio, “like something out of my dreams”, the legacy continues with Joe and Renee Cascio’s gem “Cascio’s Tavern” situated in the hauntingly decadent Antique Alley of downtown West Monroe. 

Cascio’s Tavern opened on August 14, 2012, as Joe and Renee dove head first into the dream that Joe himself shared with his late father, Victor Cascio. Recalling their decision, “It was scary… and we (Renee and I) were scared to death”.  But even as a young man, Joe shared back in 1985 that he knew what the restaurant business “meant to this family” and he expressed his desires, even then,” to enhance and expand upon the good thing” the Chateau was; and, he has done so successfully with the divine artistry of of one of this areas crafted culinary genius’, Executive Chef Chris McKnight. 

Until now, I hadn’t really offered any reviews on our local ethic eateries other than through the visual aid of photographs, so I felt compelled to take a few excerpts to highlight a few for the Tara’s Taste of the Town friends and family!

For the first installment, I will start with our area Indian cuisine – Taste of India, located just off North 4^th Street, in Monroe.

With the lovely chill of fall in the air, the smell of the leaves and the thrill of football on everyone’s lips, TTOTT couldn’t find a better location to highlight for this month’s edition than that of Tailgator’s West.

With the backdrop of Rebel Stadium standing proud in the foreground, walking into this establishment has always struck me as I feel when I’m pulling up a chair at my Mamow’s dinner table on Sunday afternoons. 

The décor is inviting and friendly, warmly displaying the team support of all of the area high schools, colleges and our beloved New Orleans Saints.  The walls are adorned with fleur de lis, and proud moments in the lives of its beloved owners, Jack and Debbie Clampit, along proud attributes to Louisiana Wildlife and game in this “Sportsman’s Paradise”.

In the divine spirit of expanding my palate beyond that of traditional eateries, I found myself indulging in some of the most delightful bar-b-que located in the heart of Bastrop, Louisiana.

A short while back, I met a dear friend and charitable colleague for lunch and opted to have our luncheon meeting at Restaurant Cotton. At the onset I felt as though this would be a good visit since we were fortunate enough to have Dylan Wallace as our waiter, with Chef Jack Melson heading the kitchen for our meal and Pastry Chef Cassie Kacvinksy at the helm for our dessert. 

Service: For those who are familiar with Dylan, I need not express his thoughtfulness nor his ability to go above and beyond for those who are lucky enough to be seated at his tables; however, for those that haven’t had the pleasure (and I strongly use the word “pleasure”) it is nothing short of a treat from start to finish.

For this culinary adventure, I can honestly say that it is my utmost pleasure to do a review on a truly fantastic eatery located at 222 Blanchard Street in West Monroe, Louisiana.  This wonderful gem is situated in a prime location for businesses on and/or around the Cypress Street, Thomas Road, North 7^th Street business population, as well as for those diners who are traveling along I-20. Click here more information on Chef Eric & Co including menus.