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!

D.J. Fortenberry grew up in a large close knit Catholic family, in Gonzales, Louisiana, where he was and remains surrounded by a large group of immediate family members at each and every family gathering.  It was during D.J.’s time with his family that a strong sense of family tradition became imbedded in his psyche, and through this, D.J. attributes cooking as just being “in his blood”.  While D.J. attributes his passion coming from his parents through their catering business, he also fondly recalls spending time with his grandmother, and the strong Cajun influence she gave to his life.

 Now with a family of his own, D.J. and his wife, Jessica, hope to someday pass the reigns down to their young son, Phoenix.

After his graduation from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, D.J. recollects that there just were not any career options open to his age group in this area, which was why he opted to move back home to Gonzales for approximately 8 months.  Deciding that he simply had a fondness for Monroe, D.J. decided to move back and rationalized that it was because “it’s just something about this town that draws people here”.  Being no stranger to a little hard work, D.J. started made his own way here in Monroe, but this time his journey began  by his investing his time and talent in the food service industry at such places as Chili Verde, the local Monjuni’s, Koyoto, and Lonestar, just to name a few.

While not disappointed with his journey, D.J. felt the necessity to move over and above and on July 13^th, 2013, as D.J. re-launched the Pickle Barrel!  Now, this is where I must make certain to mention the significance of this date – as D.J.’s inspiration came from that specific date coinciding with the same day that “Drew Bres signed his Contract with the New Orleans Saints” so one may rest assured  this football fan knew,  “it was an omen!”

Commanding a troop of 9 cooks in his kitchen, 12 members of his wait staff, D.J.‘s  sheer delight beams forth as he discusses freely the contributions of the prior owners that have left their impact on his now successful eatery.  D.J. goes on to elaborate that what started out as a take on a New York styled eatery, was given new vigor through former owner Brian Babb’s addition of the plethora of options in their vast beer selection (over 99 different selections on the premises), while Gene Ponti’s contributions included diverse and unique plays on various types of hamburger selections (some of which still remain on the menu today). 

Now for a little something that I’m certain most of you all may not know, in addition to fanciful menu items with a whimsical twist, this local eatery is also home to a paranormal prankster who eagerly anticipates the most in opportune times to play its jokes on D. J. and the staff!  And while D.J. may not be nearly as mischievous as the spooky specter awaiting its next feat of debacle, D.J. certainly knows how to tie in a family friendly evening proving why “Picky People Pick Pickle Barrel”!

As I winded down my interview with D.J., “Pickle”, and the rest of the staff, it certainly would not be fair if I didn’t throw in at least a minute bit about the scrumptious favorites that D.J. brought forth from his kitchen!  For starters, the selection from the appetizer menu was anything but “typical”! The “Banging Shrimp” consists of a plateful of bite sized fried shrimp, cooked perfectly until golden brown, then tossed in a sweet Thai chili sauce that beacons diners to order MORE! Moving on to more hearty dishes, D.J. allowed a sampling of “The Cowboy Burger” and “The Old #55”, which earned its name after a friendly wager between D.J. and his longtime friend, Heath Forbes.  Consisting of a hamburger patty, sliced roast beef, bacon, onions, lettuce, tomato, Zapp’s Mesquite Bar-B-Que potato chips, with a sunny side up egg resting atop a fabulously sweet bun, this colossal creation is appropriately titled after the jersey worn by Forbes himself, and  left me asking only question, “may I have a bib, please?” So whether you’re seeking to indulge in a working lunch, looking for that perfect spot for a night on the town, or just itching to meet D.J.’s head cook, “Pickle” and see what the “dill” is - head on over to the Pickle Barrel for a little pub-styled fun, but diners beware that “Too Much Grief to the Waitress” will cost you a little extra! 

Now it’s time for “Cook’s Kitchen Q & A”!  As with any foodie, it always makes me curious to find out where are our Cook’s and Restaurant Owners favorite places to dine at breakfast, lunch and dinner; where are their most favorite eateries in and outside our area; what are their most favorite things about our area; what are their passions and volunteer missions; and of course, what are their favorite JUNK FOODS!?! So, without further adieu – here they are!

• Q:           Where is D.J.’s favorite place to dine for breakfast/brunch? 

A:            He would have to answer, “Copeland’s brunch.”

• Q:           Where is D.J.’s favorite place to dine for lunch/dinner out with his family?

A:            He would have to answer, “the Pickle Barrel, of course”.

• Q:           Where is D.J.’s favorite all around eateries in the area?

A:            He would have to answer, “Restaurant Sage!”

• Q:           What does D.J. enjoy doing when he is not at the restaurant cooking?

A:            He would have to answer, “hanging out with my wife, Jessica and our newborn son, Phoenix.”

• Q:           What is D.J. favorite thing about the North Louisiana region?

A:            He would have to answer, “The PEOPLE- and the sense of community you don’t find anywhere else.”

• Q:           Does D.J. involve himself with any volunteer work of any kind?

A:            Yes, D.J. is a supporter of Toys for Tots and his goal is to make this year’s donations continue to exceed those in years past. 

• Q:           What is D.J.’s personal menu favorite on the menu at The Pickle Barrel?

A:            He would have to answer, “The Cajun Burger.”

• Q:           What is D.J.’s favorite “junk food”?

A:            He would have to answer, “DOUBLE STUFFED OREOS!”

• Q:           Does D.J. have any accolades he’d like to mention?

A:            He would have to answer, “Yes, I would like to thank everyone for making us best Best Beer Selection and for nominating us as both for the Best Bar as well as Best Lunch Spot.”

As my interview with D. J. came to a close, I asked my one final question – “is there anything else that you’d like for the readers, diners and people of this area to know about YOU, YOUR goals, and YOUR vision for The Pickle Barrel?”- which was promptly met with “I’ve been here for 30 years now, and I plan on being here for another 30.”