Burgers With Chuck: DIG Magazine’s Burger & Beer Week

by Chuck P

For most people, Christmas is the one day of the year they look forward to the most. For others it might be Halloween, Thanksgiving or their birthday, but for me it’s not just one day, it’s an entire week that eclipses any other holiday or event on the calendar. This glorious celebration is Burger & Beer Week taken directly from my dreams and brought to reality by the awesome people at DIG Magazine.

For the second year, the magazine has partnered with participating restaurants in Baton Rouge to create new and exciting burgers along with suggested beer pairings compliments of Crescent Crown Distribution. With a price point of $6 for the burgers and a variety of beer specials including The Boot from Abita Brewing and Samuel Adams Octoberfest it’s a win/win for burger and beer lovers.

DIG also donated $2 of every burger & beer photo posted to Instagram with the hashtag #eatBR to the Companion Animal Alliance.

As usual, our schedule here at Bite & Booze headquarters was just as hectic as any other week, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from getting my hands on some delicious burgers. After all, this is basically an event created for me right? Luckily, my choices this year were extremely better than last year so here’s a rundown of what made it into my belly:

City Pork Deli & Charcuterie: The Warehouse Burger

A really simple, no-frills burger that was absolutely delicious. A perfectly seasoned ground chuck patty, sweet caramelized onions, cheddar and their house-made bacon with mayo and ketchup with this burger, every bite was better than the last.

Mason’s Grill: The Fatty Melt

I texted Jay immediately when I saw the picture for this burger. A half pound patty with grilled onions between two buttery grilled cheese sandwiches. What’s not to love? If I were to add anything to this it would probably be a fried egg to add a bit of wetness to the burger. A cup of tomato soup would also be a sufficient sidekick.

Thai Kitchen: The Thai Herbal Burger

A burger from a Thai restaurant? That doesn’t serve burgers? Madness!

This was the burger I heard the most about during last year’s Burger & Beer Week. A lot of folks thought this was their favorite last year so I couldn’t live with myself if I missed it again. The herb/lemongrass seasoning used for the patty gave it a different flavor from a normal burger that I really liked. The Thai sauce was a nice touch but it could’ve used more on the burger. Overall a solid burger from one of my favorite Thai spots in town.

Your Mom’s Restaurant & Bar: Mac & Cheese Burger

How could I not try a burger with one of my favorite things in the world covering it? A juicy 8oz. patty topped with bacon and overflowing with the cheesiest of mac n’ cheeses and house-made ranch dressing is the burger I’d dream of in my youth. I can only hope they add this to their already impressive burger menu.

Burgersmith: The Hamburg

A mouth watering burger with a German twist, the already awesome Smith beef patty topped with sweet pickled cabbage, creole mustard, swiss and a fried egg between to soft pretzel buns put a twinkle in my eye. The cabbage and creole mustard combined for a unique, zingy taste with the already well seasoned patty and those pretzel buns were complete buttery goodness.

Once again, these restaurants crushed the burger game with some truly tasty and creative offerings. 

A big thanks to DIG Magazine for bringing back Burger & Beer Week to the masses. I’m already marking the days off on the calendar until the next one.

Best Bites of 2016 (Burger Edition): Chuck P's Picks

by Chuck P

Well, here we are ladies and gents. The end of 2016 (thankfully) is upon us and with its end comes reflection on past events of this crazy year. Here at Bite and Booze HQ, we’re all charged with the task of looking back on the many delicious meals we’ve had this year and compiling a list of our favorite eats.

For obvious reasons, I was given the job of choosing which of the vast amounts of burgers would make my top 5 list. To me, this is almost like selecting who my favorite child is between my son and daughter (answer: they’re both my favorites). I was determined to go through each burger or at least try to, and find the ones that really stood out. So, without further ado, here are the top 5 burgers of 2016.

#5 Calla Burger

Restaurant Calla in Lake Charles, LA

During a 3 day media trip to Lake Charles, Jay hosted a Great Raft beer dinner at Restaurant Calla. Throughout the event we heard from almost every staff member there that we had to come back for lunch the next day and try their burger. It was pretty much everyone’s favorite choice on the menu. Upon returning the next day and having their signature burger I have to agree with the staff.

A soft, toasted buttery bun with two thick, juicy house made patties covered in gooey American cheese that literally melted in your mouth. I added some bacon and a fried egg as well which perfectly complimented the already delicious sandwich. Make sure to stop by here the next time you find yourself in Lake Charles and treat yourself to this tasty burger.

#4 The Burger

Overpass Merchant in Baton Rouge, LA

The Overpass Merchant is one of my favorite new places that has opened this year. This gastropub has a great selection of elevated bar food and a very nice rotating craft beer selection on tap. I love the fact that their burger is simply called The Burger. 

With Curbside Burger’s Nick Hufft behind the creation how can it NOT be good? The combo of ground chuck, brisket and short rib blended together gives this patty its unique taste. Adding choices of Aged Cheddar, Maytag Bleu Cheese, Applewood Bacon, Fried Egg or Onion Jam only enhances your burger experience. Hell, why not add them all?!? Pair this with one of their many IPA’s on tap and you’ve got yourself one heck of a meal.

#3 The “Irregular” Burger

Pimanyoli’s Smokehouse Cafe in Baton Rouge, LA

Okay everyone, let’s just take a second and look at the picture. I mean seriously. It’s like a damn work of art! Pimanyoli’s is tucked away on Airline Highway in between an Italian restaurant and a 24 hour gym. It’s one Baton Rouge’s best kept secrets. Their BBQ plates are to die for but let’s talk about this burger. 

On top of that delicious 8oz. ground chuck patty sits a mouth watering pile of their incredible smoked brisket. Add to that some awesome bacon, Monterey Jack, smoked mushrooms and grilled onions and it’s a burger lover’s paradise. Make your way out to Airline Highway and try this burger; your belly will thank you.

#2 The Breakfast Burger

Mason’s Grill in Baton Rouge, LA

If any of you know me, you know of my deep, undying love for the Breakfast Burger at Mason’s. House made patty, American cheese, fried egg, house made breakfast sausage patty, bacon, more American cheese, another fried egg. I mean...what else is there?! No more is needed to “add” to the flavor because it’s all there.

Honestly, you could share this with a buddy or your significant other but would you want to? I know I don’t. This burger is all mine and mine alone to enjoy and savor. As far as I’m concerned there are no other brunch options on the menu. This is it.

#1 The OG Burger

Alfie’s Pop-Up in Washington, D.C.

The BEST burger I had all year. For real. As beautiful as it looks in that photo, the picture still doesn’t do it justice. Chef Alex McCoy, who was a fellow contestant with Jay on Food Network Star, is the proud poppa to this beautiful bundle of joy.

The juiciness and flavor of that house made patty was mind blowing. Every component of the burger from the pickles and red onions to the baby arugula blended together perfectly. That sweet toasty bun was absolutely magical. I could eat this burger every day and never get tired of it. It’s that freakin’ good!


Honorable mentions:
The Venison Burger at Goûter in Baton Rouge, LA
The GC2 at Curbside Burgers in Baton Rouge, LA
The Old Fashioned Bacon Burger at Cotton’s Famous Hamburgers in Lake Charles, LA
The Chef’s Favorite at Spanishtown Market in Baton Rouge, LA

Check out Blair's Best Bites of 2016

Burgers with Chuck: Mason's Grill Breakfast Burger

by Chuck P

If you’re familiar with the brunch at Mason’s Grill then you know to prepare yourself for 3 things: delicious food, a their national award-winning Bloody Mason and bottomless mimosas. Don’t let the wait scare you off if you’ve never been, the end result is completely worth it.

Brunch in Baton Rouge is a big deal, with many local restaurants cooking up tasty dishes, but it’s the great comfort food, super friendly staff and a feeling of being at home that makes Mason’s Grill one the biggest destinations for families and friends on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There’s something for everyone on their menu but the one thing that keeps calling me back is their Breakfast Burger.

Let me break it down for you: stacked between two soft, sweet buns are a 4oz homemade breakfast sausage patty, American cheese, a fried egg, bacon, a 4oz hamburger patty, more American cheese, ANOTHER FRIED EGG and dressed with the usual toppings although I tend to do away with the “salad” so as to focus on the burger itself. 

Whoa! It is a sight to behold and is quite the challenge to finish.

This burger is gluttony at its finest. Once you squeeze it together and those egg yolks break and begin to take over every little nook and cranny it becomes a thing of beauty. The breakfast sausage is what stands out on this dish. There’s a bit of spiciness to it that blends together perfectly with the hamburger patty and those tasty eggs. It’s so good that no matter how full you feel, you find it hard to stop eating. Either way there will be a nap in your immediate future.

Like I said before, everything on their menu is great, but do yourself a favor and try the Breakfast Burger on your own or if you’re in a giving mood, share it with the one you love most. The doors at Mason’s Grill open at 9am every Saturday and Sunday so get there early for a table or arrive later and grab one of those spicy Bloody Masons and sit back and think about how much you’ll enjoy the food coma that’s to come.

8 Summer Sips You Can't Miss

by Sydney Blanchard & Hannah Alkadi

Summertime always brings out the drinker in me. The way I see it, if I'm expected to tolerate the heat and humidity of Louisiana summers, at least have the decency to fix me up a fancy, freezing cold cocktail.

Luckily, all my favorite bars and restaurants have taken the hint. Here are some of my favorite cocktails around town to beat the summer heat.

Rum Punch at Barcadia

Masonrita at Mason's Grill

You look like you need a little #masonrita in your life! 😉🍹#masonsgrill $6 alllllllll night looooonnnnng!

A photo posted by MasonsGrill (@masonsgrill) on Jun 21, 2014 at 2:28pm PDT

Cane Shaker at Donner Peltier Distillers

Adult Snoball at Olive or Twist

Jardin District at Radio Bar

Our spring cocktail menu has been released!! Come on by and try one of our delicious drinks like this Jardin District. The bar opens at 4pm!

A photo posted by The Radio Bar (@the_radiobar) on Mar 21, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

Moscow Mule at Beausoleil

Rose Freeze at Bistro Byronz

Southern Hemisphere at City Pork Brasserie

A Southern Hemisphere. #BRFoodies

A photo posted by Christina Stephens (@christinastephens) on Apr 16, 2016 at 11:13am PDT

Louisiana Saturday Morning: We've Got Your Brunch Plans Right Here

by Sydney Blanchard

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then brunch is the most important meal of the weekend.

I don't know if it's a generational thing or a gay thing, but my friends and I are constantly brunching, and I think I've pinpointed why.

Brunch foods can be savory or sweet, healthy or gluttonous, drinking is optional (but encouraged), and food always tastes better when you eat it after waking up late after a night out partying. 

In fact, I can't think of any reason not to love brunch.

Below you'll find some perfect Louisiana brunch options for the weekend. Where is your favorite brunch spot?

Mason's Grill Baton Rouge

Mason's is probably Baton Rouge's most beloved brunch spot, and with endless menu items (including the famous breakfast burger, pictured) and $5 bottomless mimosas, it's easy to see why. On Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons, the place is packed, so get there early to beat the crowd.

Barcadia Baton Rouge

Barcadia Baton Rouge's fried chicken and pancakes

Relatively new to the brunch scene, Barcadia near LSU has been knocking brunch out of the park with breakfast tacos and $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. While you wait for your food, hit up the retro arcade games that line the restaurant.

City Pork Deli & Charcuterie Baton Rouge

Few things are worth waking up early for, and @city_pork Kitchen & Pie breakfast is one of them! The grits bowl (with pulled pork, pickled red onions & an egg) & hash brown casserole are life-affirming. Have y'all tried this place yet? #breakfast #citypork #gritsbowl #goBR #yummy #foodpics #foodblogger

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Jan 20, 2016 at 7:42am PST

This particular photo is from City Pork Kitchen & Pie, but don't get it twisted: only City Pork Deli & Charcuterie offers a weekend brunch menu. The grits bowl is the way to go, paired with a Vietnamese iced coffee or a mimosa if you're feeling frisky.

Coffee Call Baton Rouge

Beignet? More like beign-bae! You can never go wrong with beignet fingers from #coffeecall in #gobr! #tastelouisiana #comehomela @visitbatonrouge @louisianatravel @louisianacookin @louisianaculinarytrails #nomnom #foodporn #donuts #sugar #nomnomnom #beignetmoster

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Dec 15, 2015 at 7:58am PST

If beignets and coffee don't constitute as brunch to you, you're wrong and I feel very sorry for you. I often forget Coffee Call is open in daylight hours, but it is, and I'm thinking I need to become a regular.

Table Kitchen & Bar Baton Rouge

Steak & Eggs is always a great #brunch decision! @brbrunches at @tablekitchenandbar knows what's up! #gobr #tastelouisiana #foodpics #foodporn

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Apr 17, 2016 at 12:03pm PDT

You may not even be aware Table Kitchen & Bar has a brunch, but they do, and recently Jay and Rue Rusike got to try brunch there. They've got options like tomato pie and pecan pancakes and the classic shrimp and grits, oh my!

District Donuts New Orleans

A smorgasbord of donuts at District Donuts in New Orleans

Yes, they serve up some of the most delicious donuts in the city with creative, Insta-worthy toppings. But did you know that beyond donuts District has killer brunch items? Try their griddle donut sandwiches or one of their pork belly or fried chicken sliders. Your tummy will thank you.

Lüke New Orleans

Fruit sorbet at Lüke in New Orleans

John Besh's Lüke in New Orleans, an ode to the Franco-German brasseries of old, has always treated us well. Brunch on the pain perdu or the fried chicken and tabasco honey biscuit sandwich, and you'll be a happy camper.

Johnson's Boucanière Lafayette

Still fantasizing about this lamb pastrami biscuits from @johnsonsboucaniere! Listen to @jayducote's interview with the owner at the link in our bio! #radioshow #biteandbooze #podcast #johnsonsboucanière #yummy #lambpastrami #biscuits

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Mar 4, 2016 at 9:04am PST

One of Lafayette's most beloved spots, Johnson's Boucanière is probably better known as BBQ spot, but they serve up Cajun breakfast in the mornings, including build-your-own biscuits and nénaine's special, a boudin stuffed grilled cheese on a biscuit served with in-house BBQ sauce.

Marilynn's Place Shreveport

Oh man, this bananas foster French toast is transcendental 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 A little piece of New Orleans in #Shreveport! #tastelouisiana

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Sep 27, 2015 at 8:18am PDT

North Louisianians can't get enough of Marilynn's Place, a New Orleans style eatery with an irreverent atmosphere that's rare in this part of the state. Patrons prefer the MP Sunday brunch to church, and with knock-out drink specials and lavish options like bananas foster French toast, it's easy to see why.

Jack Daniels Bar & Grill Lake Charles

Crawfish and andouille benedict from @cheflyleb #jackdaniels at @laubergelc is money. @visitlakecharles #tastelouisiana

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@jayducote) on Mar 6, 2016 at 10:19am PST

The Sunday Whiskey Brunch at L'Auberge Lake Charles' Jack Daniels Bar includes live music and a whiskey milk punch that'll knock your socks off. Chef Lyle Broussard consistently kills it with South Louisiana takes on traditional brunch items, and it's something to taste to believe. 

Open Wide! May is National Burger Month

Sorry, but there is nothing more American than a burger. Okay, not sorry.

It's a classic combination – a mound of ground beef nestled amongst crisp vegetables, slathered with creamy condiments, and sandwiched between a soft, fresh bun. The sight of a burger conjures up feelings of nostalgia and images of spacious skies, amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties above the fruited plains.

That's why each May, our nation sets aside a month to celebrate the hamburger. That's right, kids. It's NATIONAL HAMBURGER MONTH.

In honor of such a gastronomic celebration, here are a few of Baton Rouge's craziest burgers for you to get your little paws on this month:

The Hardcore Burger

Hot Tails in New Roads knows hot to do burgers

This Hot Tails burger is so hardcore it comes with a knife stabbed into the top of it. This thing is not to be messed with. While the New Roads restaurant might be better known for their take on Cajun cuisine and most notably for their boiled crawfish, the folks there can throw down on some burgers. They've got different spins on the classic such as their Oyster Rockafeller Burger or this bad boy photographed above with a heaping glob of melted cheese, crawfish tails, and a whole lot more. Add in some of their signature Spillway Sauce and a cold beer, and this burger is tough to beat.

Bite and Booze Burger

The Bite and Booze Burger from Barcadia Baton Rouge

Barcadia Baton Rouge ran this beauty as their burger of the week recently, so we're just hoping they keep it around  little longer or bring it back from time to time. The Bite and Booze Burger consists of Barcadia/Curbside's house ground patty topped with smoked cheddar, 12 hour smoked pork, and of course Jay D's Louisiana Barbecue Sauce incorporated into a slaw. They also throw some kettle chips onto the burger for good measure. Make it happen on your taste buds.

The Ridiculously Tall Burger Challenge

Jay Ducote gets a good look at the Triple Quarters Burger

This Triple Quarters Burger is totally impossible to eat without disassembling, and it's big enough to feed a small army. Seriously, this burger is nuts. Just because you can stack three burgers on top of each other doesn't necessarily mean you should. But, we're kind of glad Quarters did... And for the month of May, you can take on the Triple Quarters Burger Challenge. Eat the burger and the accompanying cheese fries and you get it for free, plus a $25 gift card, a roll of toilet paper, and your picture on the wall. Don't finish it all, and you're out $39.99.

The Breakfast Burger

Mason's Grill always has a knack for outdoing themselves. Their Breakfast Burger is no exception. This monstrosity looks like it was thought up by Dr. Frankenstein himself: a homemade sausage patty on top of a fried egg on top of bacon on top of a hamburger patty on top of another fried egg, dressed with lettuce, tomato and onions. It's a must-try because... for real... the flavors work. This is a tasty burger. See the breakfast burger, barbecue burger, and Cajun shrimp burger in this video from Bite and Booze, tommysTV, and 225 Magazine:

The Expensive Burger

A crosscut of Restaurant IPO's Wall Street Burger

This burger is not all that enormous, but its price tag is. If you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can't afford it. Restaurant IPO's Wall Street Burger is the classiest burger money can buy. The patty consists of house prime beef, and it's topped with sautéed duck confit, smoked Vidalia onion jam, merlot truffle mayonnaise, gruyere cheese, seared foie gras, sautéed wild mushrooms and a sunny side up egg. It also comes with a spit of Pinot Noir to help wash down all the richness. It's the kind of burger that sends the message, "I have more money than God." Okay, really it's only $55, and because of the truffle and foie and duck, you can understand why. The thing is, on rare occasion, it can be worth it. Just consider splitting it between a few people and getting some other tapas too while you're there.

The Royal Burger

Two Big Ben Burgers that did not get finished. Photo Courtesy of The Londoner on Facebook

Kate just gave birth to a royal baby girl, but there's no way that kid weighed as much as he Big Ben Burger at The Londoner. This monstrosity of a burger is yet another challenge that the competitive eater can tackle in Baton Rouge. Just ask you server for the Big Ben Burger challenge, make a happy plate in 45 minutes, and its yours for free. If you can't handle the whole thing or if you just want to order the burger to share it'll cost you $35.

Louisiana Culinary Trails: Capital Cravings

Rolling cameras on Iverstine Family Farms with Galen Iverstine,
Jay Ducote, Fred Mince, and Dan Jones

The Louisiana Culinary Trails crew had more of a home-field advantage for the filming of the fourth video in the series. We took a trip to Kentwood to talk to local, first generation farmer, Galen Iverstine, about the bustling Red Stick Farmer's Market. Chef Jeremy Langlois shed some light on his farm-to-table practices at Houma's House Plantation and local food enthusiast Julie Laperouse and myself give a little commentary on the current Baton Rouge food and beverage scene. The Capital Cravings video would not have been complete without a trip to Tony's Seafood and to talk to Bill Pizzolato about their incredible Gulf seafood selection and those amazing boudin balls!

Fred Mince climbing counter tops while Jordan Lewis and Dan Jones grab some shots of Chef Jeremy Langlois in the kitchen

Bite and Booze Radio Show: From Mason's Grill

This episode of the Bite and Booze Radio Show presented by Calandro's Supermarket aired Saturday, October 26th on Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge. I'm joined at Mason's Grill on Jefferson Highway by Charles Pierce of the Me and My Big Mouth Radio Show, Chef Chris Wadsworth from Triumph Kitchen, and Kristin Alfandre from Mason's. Sit back and listen as we talk about burgers, bloody masons, Triumph Kitchen, and more!




The Bite and Booze Radio Show presented by Calandro's Supermarket airs on Saturdays at 5 PM on Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge.  It is also available on iTunes.  The show's sponsors include Calandro's Supermarket, Visit Baton Rouge, Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning, Mama Della's N.Y. City Pizzeria, Louisiana Cookin' Magazine, Juban's Restaurant, the Tin Roof Brewing Company, the Louisiana Culinary Institute and Triumph Kitchen.

Mason's Grill in Baton Rouge wins Thrillist's Search for America's Best Bloody Mary!

Bacon Bloody Mason

Chris and Kristen with the judges from Chopped

Big news came out of New York this weekend. After being voted the top bloody mary in Louisiana by an online poll for Thrillist.com, Kristen Alfandre and Chris from Mason's Grill attended the live competition as part of the New York Wine and Food Festival. Sponsored by Absolut, the contest sought to name the very best intoxicating tomato based drink in the country.

Mason's trophy!

So the big news... Mason's won! That's right, the Bloody Mason, which you can find right here in Baton Rouge, has gone to New York and conquered the boozing world by winning the contest.

This is something for Baton Rouge to be proud of. This is cause for celebration across the state of Louisiana. We've long known the best bloody marys in the world come from Louisiana, and now we have proof. Please join me in congratulating Mason's Grill. Send them a tweet, post something on their Facebook wall, or just go have a Bloody Mason!

And for those who may have missed it, below is the 225: Into the Mix video that we made at Mason's Grill. It was mostly about burgers, but I built my own Bloody Mason while I was there too!

225: Into the Mix Episode 6: Into the ReMix

No web series is complete without a remix, and we decided to put one in for 225: Into the Mix before we're even done releasing episodes. As far as I know, this is my first time to ever be auto-tuned. I have to say that I sound pretty catchy. Take a look at our remix of 225: Into the Mix. If you look closely you can figure out one of the remaining two episodes. The other will still have to remain a mystery!

In case you missed them:
225: Into the Mix Episode 1 - Mason's Grill
225: Into the Mix Episode 2 - Magpie Cafe
225: Into the Mix Episode 3 - Juban's Creole Restaurant
225: Into the Mix Episode 4 - Pastime and Tin Roof
225: Into the Mix Episode 5 - Fresh Truck

225: Into the Mix is a project from 225 Magazine's Dine Newsletter, tommysTV, and Bite and Booze. I'd like to especially thank Manda Fine Meats and the Paretti Family of Dealerships for their sponsorship of the series that helped make everything happen.

Hosted by Jay Ducote
Produced by Jay Ducote and Tommy Talley
Director of Photography: Dan Jones
Editor: Josh Carley
Audio: Michael Lane
Graphics by Elbow|Room
Production Assistant: Dustin Davis

225: Into the Mix Episode 1 - Mason's Grill

Yesterday a brand new web series called 225: Into the Mix launched to great reviews. I say that because the reviews are truly great, not just because the video is about me going out to find the best bite and booze that Baton Rouge has to offer! Episode one takes me to Mason's Grill on Jefferson Highway to get in the kitchen with Chef Jason Darensbourg and create three of their signature burgers. I also chat with Kristin Alfandre about their famous Bloody Mason's. Watch, and enjoy. A new episode will come out each week!

225: Into the Mix is a project from 225 Magazine's Dine Newsletter, tommysTV, and Bite and Booze. I'd like to especially thank Manda Fine Meats and the Paretti Family of Dealerships for their sponsorship of the series that helped make everything happen.

Hosted by Jay Ducote
Produced by Jay Ducote and Tommy Talley
Director of Photography: Dan Jones
Editor: Josh Carley
Audio: Michael Lane
Graphics by Elbow|Room
Production Assistant: Dustin Davis

Bite and Booze's Top Ten of 2010

For the final post of 2010 I have decided to take a stroll down memory lane and relive my top 10 bites and boozes of 2010.  This list has been difficult to come up with, and it could change in time, but as of right now, here are my favorite things I ate, drank, and blogged about in 2010!

10. New Year's Day Gumbo

On January 1, 2010 I gave my first true effort to be completely in charge of cooking a gumbo from scratch.  I make it at Jay's Bay with a bunch of my buddies from high school, and everybody was happy with the results.  The gumbo had roasted duck, chicken, and sausage.  It certainly satisfied all of our stomachs while we settled in on a cold afternoon and tried to watch college football bowl games!

9. Homer Brewing Company, Homer, AK

The guy's trip to Alaska was so great that it is going to make this list twice.  Coming in at #9 is all the beer that we drank from the Homer Brewing Company.  We were fortunate enough to spend a week in a small Alaskan fishing town that had its own brewery, winery, and meadery.  Upon arrival in Homer, the owner of our rental house had multiple growlers of Homer Brewing Company beer ready for our consumption.  We went back to fill up growlers several times, we got a keg from them, and we even had the owners, Karen and Steve, over for dinner.  The Red Knot Scottish Ale seemed to be their favorite brew, but all were refreshing and tasty in my book!

A line of empty growlers from the Homer Brewing Company (they started full, of course)

8.  Cajun Shrimp Burger - Mason's Grill

Mason's Grill's Cajun shrimp burger highlighted the Town Favorites Magazine article that I wrote about burgers in Baton Rouge. This award-winning beef/crustacean/cheese combination had my mouth watering and itching to return. It starts with 8 ounces of fresh ground beef made to order into a jalapeño-stuffed patty. The burger is then flame-grilled to desired temperature while shrimp are sautéed with more jalapeños. When the shrimp are almost ready, the chef will add a cup and a half of jack cheese in with the shrimp and peppers and let it all melt together. The cheesy mixture is then scooped up and piled high on the beef patty which is resting patiently on a sweet sourdough bun that is made specially for Mason’s Grill.  Yeah, it is THAT good!

The Cajun shrimp burger at Mason's Grill

7.  Bushwacker - Tacky Jack's, Orange Beach, AL

On a post oil spill trip to coastal Alabama, I discovered the famous Bushwacker beverage, and I found none I liked better than the concoction at Tacky Jack's. Their version of the creative cocktail mixes white rum, coconut rum, coffee liqueur, and a little 151 proof rum over vanilla ice cream. It is interesting, unique, delicious, refreshing, and dammit, I just flat out liked it!

Tacky Jack's famous Bushwacker

6. The Buffet of Buffets, Las Vegas, NV

Over labor day weekend I experienced the truest form of gluttony known to man... The Buffet... of... BUFFETS!  Yes, not only did this involve eating at an all you can eat buffet, but it actually included unlimited entry for 24 hours into any of the seven casino resort mega buffets on the list.  Indeed, this truly was a buffet of buffets, and we did our best to eat our money's worth.  We ended up only making it to three of the seven eateries, but that was plenty.  Caesar's Palace, the Rio, and Planet Hollywood were all infiltrated by my crew from Houston.  The damage was done both at the buffets, and back at our hotel rooms.  Lots of things made an impression... braised beef, prime rib, fried shrimp, wood-fired pizzas, crab legs... but the most impressive thing overall might have been the dessert bars! 

A full plate of dessert from the Lago Buffet in Caesar's Palace

5.  Lemon Fluff and Mint Julep Snowballs

The Fall of 2010 was dominated by two story lines for Bite and Booze.  The first story line features lots of flavors in different combinations.  In what was essentially the Bite and Booze introduction to film, I teamed up with Ninja Snowballs and Contrast Films/TommysTV to do a Submit a Flavor Contest.  We started with 16 flavors and reduced the field down to 4 doing a taste test.  We then let the Ninja Snowballs eaters decide from there.  The final video matched up the Lemon Fluff vs. the Mint Julep in an epic showdown that only this film could do justice:

4.  Hammond Smokin' Blues and BBQ Challenge

In March of 2010 I entered my first ever official barbeque competition, the Smokin' Blues and BBQ Challenge in Hammond, Louisiana.  I was joined by expert chef Eusebio Gongora and outdoor cook extraordinaire Travis Ducote.  We represented Team Bite and Booze well, turning in meat in all four categories on time and in edible fashion.  Not bad for our first rodeo!  In the end, we placed 39th out of the 50 teams, which we were actually quite proud of considering that every other team had done multiple contests before.  The real highlight for us, as agreed upon by the judges, was our chicken.  We turned in the most delicious barbeque chicken thighs that I've ever had a hand in cooking.  They ended up earning 24th place in the chicken category.  While that might not sound great, we were ecstatic to have our dish in the top half of the competition!  

3.  Parish Brewing Company, Lafayette, LA

Of all the beer I've had in 2010, it is still the Louisiana craft beer that is most near and dear to my heart.  Andrew Godley of the upstart Parish Brewing Company got my 2010 started right with tours and tastings of his delicious brews.  Andrew's passion and enthusiasm about his beer is evident in his approach to brewing and the final product that he kegs and sends out to bars in the Lafayette area.  I hope one day soon he is able to expand his operation so that he can distribute to Baton Rouge, but until then, who wants to take a road trip?!

Parish Beer's Pumpkin Porter

2.  Kodiak Arrest Challenge, Anchorage, AK

Perhaps I spoke too soon about gluttony when mentioning topic #6.  That, indeed, was not the most gluttonous event of 2010.  Instead we'll have to go back to Alaska where I entered, completed, and suffered from the Kodiak Arrest Challenge. The Kodiak Arrest Challenge is a feasting competition of Alaskan proportions. It starts with 3 lbs of Alaskan King Crab legs. Listed on the menu at $34.99 per pound, the Challenge is almost worth its price right there. After the crab, the platter is loaded with a foot-and-a-half-long link of reindeer sausage, seven salmon or crab cakes, mashed potatoes or fried rice, and mixed vegetables. At the end there is also a berry crisp dessert served with ice cream. All together, the food weighs six pounds and must be consumed in 90 minutes or less.  Yeah, I did that.  I became the fifth person to ever complete the challenge and, as far as I know, my name and picture should be hanging on the wall!

The Kodiak Arrest Challenge... eat all six pounds, and become legendary

Jay finishes off the last bites of the Kodiak Arrest Challenge at the 90 minute mark

1.  Blackberry Bourbon Bone-in Boston Butt

The Fall of 2010 was truly highlighted by the performance of my Blackberry Bourbon Bone-in Boston Butt in the Tony Chachere's Tailgating Cook-off.  Representing LSU, my recipe took the top spot in the initial round of online votes against competitors from the other 11 schools in the SEC.  Then, after a live cook-off at LSU, the pork shoulder defeated Ole Miss and Mississippi State in the finals.  Though by the end of the year I was tired of cooking it, the recipe was pretty darn good.  It basically consists of a bone-in pork shoulder that is injected with mixture of blackberry jam, bourbon, honey, and black pepper, then rubbed on the outside with Tony Chachere's and brown sugar before being smoked over Louisiana pecan wood.  Delicious!

The now-famous and award-winning Blackberry Bourbon Bone-in Boston Butt

So there you have it.  My Top Ten of 2010 list.  Stay tuned to see the January article in Town Favorites Magazine where I list out the 11 things I'm most looking forward to eating and drinking in 2011!  That should be a good list as well!  Thanks for reading and for helping make 2010 such a success!

The Baton Rouge BuRger Scene

This article has been published in Town Favorites Magazine. You can visit the Town Favorites website at http://www.townfavorites.com/, follow them on Twitter @TownFavorites, and find their magazines at over 150 restaurants and businesses around Baton Rouge! Pick up a copy today!

The Baton Rouge BuRger Scene

by Jay D. Ducote

It’s not very difficult to find a great burger in Baton Rouge if you know where to look. While George’s and Brewbacher’s are staples of the Baton Rouge burger market, there are plenty of alternatives that keep the mouths of Red Stick carnivores salivating. With April being here, Lent being over, and Spring in full swing, when could there ever be a better time to dine on deliciously grilled beef?

I recently went on a mission to find the best burgers in Baton Rouge. My first stop brought me to Mason’s Grill on Jefferson at Tiger Bend. In 2009, Food Network Magazine named the top burger in all 50 states and the Cajun Shrimp Burger at Mason’s took home the prize from Louisiana. I knew I had to give this burger a try if I really wanted to experience Baton Rouge burgers, so I walked in to Mason’s where owner Mike Alfandre greeted me. Mike and his wife Shirley opened up The Daily Grind in 1998 but quickly outgrew the cozy location. The couple changed the name to Mason’s Grill and moved to their new location about six years ago, and the rest is history.

The Cajun Shrimp Burger at Mason's Grill was named the best burger in Louisiana by the Food Network Magazine!

The Cajun Shrimp Burger itself is 8 ounces of fresh ground beef made to order into a jalapeño-stuffed patty. The burger is then flame-grilled to desired temperature while shrimp are sautéed with more jalapeños. When the shrimp are almost ready, the chef will add a cup and a half of jack cheese in with the crustaceans and peppers and let it all melt together. The cheesy mixture is then scooped up and piled high on the beef patty which is resting patiently on a sweet sourdough bun that is made specially for Mason’s Grill. This burger is absolutely incredible as the spices and flavors all mix together in one sensational bite after another. Mike told me that on a typical day he will go through about 50 Cajun Shrimp Burgers and well over 100 pounds of beef. If that doesn’t tell you how good they are, then I’m not sure what will!

Another classic stop on a Baton Rouge burger tour is Dearman’s on Jefferson at Corporate. Dearman’s is a classic burger and shake joint in mold of the old tradition. They claim to be “the original” place to get burgers, fries, and shakes in BR, and the place lives up to its hype. While the claim that they have the “best burger in Baton Rouge for over fifty years” doesn’t quite meet expectations, the overall vibe of the diner and quality of the burgers is worth noting. Dearman’s cooks up batches of fresh beef patties, grilling them all on a flattop. The burger is ready quickly after you order it, comes out dressed how you like it, and is certainly juicy and messy. I had mine with American cheese, grilled onions, and some other toppings, and at the least I will say that it was a pretty decent burger that is certainly a huge step up from fast food or frozen patties.

Fresh Beef Patties on the Grill at Dearman's

My eyes and stomach focused on downtown for my next stop on the BuRger tour. Downtown offers delightful burgers at places like Riverside Patty, Downtown Seafood and Grill, and Capital City Grill. I’ve had those before and can recommend any of them, but this adventure took me to some place a little newer: Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant, where I’d take on a Juicy Lucy! I met the Executive Chef of Lucy’s, Michael Domenick, and asked him about the signature sandwich before placing my order. According to Chef Domenick, the Juicy Lucy has been on the menu for quite some time at the New Orleans restaurant which has now spread to Baton Rouge. He claimed that the opportunity came along to make the burger even juicier, so he worked on creating a half-pound burger patty which features 100% certified Angus chuck and a special spice blend. He told me that he wasn’t just going to make a good burger, be he “wants to make the best burger in Baton Rouge.” Chef Domenick went on to say that his goal is “not just to make a good burger, but change the way people in Baton Rouge eat burgers.” Needless to say, my excitement level peaked in anticipation.

Jay Ducote digs into a Juicy Lucy Burger

The Juicy Lucy has numerous topping options that fit the theme of the restaurant. Anything from sautéed portabellas to sprouts and guacamole to bacon can be added to the burger, as well as a selection of cheeses and a special sauce. The burger is served on an artisanal bun that is glazed with egg whites on the top to give it a shiny finish. I ordered my burger medium with Swiss cheese and guacamole. While it may not have been my absolute favorite burger of the journey, the Juicy Lucy left the largest trail of juice dripping down my forearm! Each and every bite tasted delicious and unique. By the time I polished off the burger my stomach was full and my appetite was satisfied, so this burger definitely gets my approval.

Seth Maggio flips giant burgers at Tramonte's Meat and Seafood Market

My final stop came back on Jefferson just on the other side of Airline. I received a tip that Tramonte’s Meat and Seafood Market just may have the best burger in town, so I had to go have a taste. The market and restaurant has been open for around 8 years, and while they specialize in raw meats and seafood for customers to take home and cook themselves, Tramonte’s also has a few specialties up their sleeves. I ordered a regular cheeseburger, but this giant patty is far from ordinary. Tramonte’s uses a full pound of ground sirloin mixed with top secret ingredients and fresh vegetables and then formed into an enormous patty and flame-grilled to perfection. I asked for bacon-cheddar burger and owner Mike Tramonte obliged by throwing a patty on the grill and then chatting with me about his burgers. I couldn’t get him to tell me his secret ingredients, but the massive burger had a superb flavor throughout the patty and combined magnificently with the sesame seed bun on which it was served. This burger blew me away as I had never even heard of Tramonte’s before, but now that I have, I know for sure that I’ll be back!

The Bacon Cheeseburger at Tramonte's. Mmmm... bacon cheeseburger... aghghagh!

The Baton Rouge BuRger Scene is alive and kicking. Restaurants all over town are cooking up delightful burgers that will tickle your taste buds. You can find a delicious burger at restaurants like Louie’s Café, home of the Big Cheesy Lou, which William Winters, a former employee, describes as “everything you love about cheeseburgers: meat and cheese, abundantly.” Delicious burgers can also be found at burger joints like Roul’s Deli, casual restaurants such as Bistro Byronz, and the Northshore-based Times Grill. Anywhere you look in this city you can find a tasty burger, so go ahead, Baton Rouge, dig in and enjoy!

Eric Ducote took all the pictures for this article. Thanks to Hunter Brown for the graphic design of the restaurant sign collage.

Things To Do
Baton Rouge