Louisiana Lunchbox

After our recent move to Pensacola, my husband and I have decided to get out and explore our new surroundings. On this outing, we chose to visit Louisiana Lunchbox.

With so many take out dining options these days, when we spend money to eat out in a restaurant, it is for the experience. There are many places to spend an evening with a good meal and relaxed conversation whether huddled by a food truck, gathered in a small mom and pop establishment, a franchise, or a high-class restaurant. Eating out for me is about the overall memory created as it is about the food itself. I’m glad to share my visits with you . . . happy dining!

It was so exciting to see a new location for Louisiana Lunchbox opening in the complex on the corner of Mobile Highway and Pine Forest in Pensacola. I was born and bred in Louisiana, so I knew this family-owned eatery would be right up my alley. The new location’s extended hours are from 11AM-8PM Monday-Friday (the hours at the old location closed too early and was not convenient for us to go). Parking was no trouble at all with the large paved lot available. We were greeted promptly upon entering and seated. The transfer was a bit clumsy and it was obvious that some of the staff were brand new and in training (I try not to fault for growing pains). Considering the plentiful seating area, there is likely no need for table reservations. As a bit of a germaphobe, I was a little disturbed when my water arrived with a hair attached that was not mine. Jim fixed it and I stayed hopeful. The water had a peculiar flavor and the lemon did not help . . . I suggest ordering tea or other beverage. (Btw-Sky’s Pizza on Davis Hwy. has the best tasting water, thus far)

Jim and I were pleased to see several of our Cajun hometown favorites listed on the menu. They offer plate lunches, seafood, po’boys, and desserts. We narrowed the choices down and ordered some jambalaya and gumbo to share. We asked Kim M, our server, about adding an order of boudin, but unfortunately, she explained that their supply was gone. Outside of Louisiana borders, it is hard to find a culturally accurate representation of the Cajun meals we are accustomed to. The dishes delivered to our table were indeed prepared similarly to those you would find in a New Orleans kitchen. Jim has a finicky palate when it comes to these two essential Cajun recipes and he admits to being pleasantly surprised (but also mentioned a craving for a dash or two of Swamp Dragon hot sauce).

I also ordered and sampled a to-go meal of roast beef and red beans with rice, which were also well prepared.

The owner made a visit by our table and we had a nice conversation about most items on the menu being prepared fresh per order, the changing of location, and her origins in the Houma and Lafayette areas . . . parts of Louisiana we are very familiar with. I grew up in Houma and my daughter, Kirstie, was born there.

There are many intriguing dessert choices on the menu and we plan on trying them all eventually . . . on this occasion, I went with a small snowball prepared behind the bar area. I chose a Mai Tai flavoring (non-alcoholic) and it was a light, slightly sweet refreshment on this warm summer evening. Yum!