New food (and drinks) on the block
Summertime hump days call for happy hour. Enjoy a new special at Rocca Pizzeria, 3897 Government St., Baton Rouge, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The panzanella salad includes house-made focaccia, feta cheese, red onion, tomatoes, balsamic glaze and oregano vinaigrette.
Tap 65, 515 Mouton St., Baton Rouge, is keeping its butter chicken arancini special on the menu all month. The dish features the creamy flavors of butter chicken with the crispy texture of arancini.
There's a new appetizer special at Cecelia Creole Bistro, 421 Third St., Baton Rouge. The crabcake dish includes lump crab meat, bell pepper, celery and shallots mixed with fresh herbs and butter crackers. Served with remoulade and mixed greens in a pepper jelly vinaigrette.
Elsie's Plate and Pie, 3145 Government St., Baton Rouge, is rolling out a seasonal cocktail menu for the summer. They've given us a sneak peak. The "Christina Aperol-gate" is made with strawberry and lemon-infused Aperol with prosecco and club soda.
In the know
The acoustic band 2 Domestic 1 Import will be at Thai Kitchen, 4550 Concord Ave., Baton Rouge, June 20, and Melissa Seidule will perform June 27.
Looking for a sammy for the summer? Try the hippie garden at MJ's Cafe, 5162 Government St., Baton Rouge, which includes homemade hummus, tomatoes, avocado, cucumbers, banana peppers, red onions, sprouts, lemon olive oil and agave Dijon on whole wheat bread.
Speaking of sandwiches, the Cubano is back by popular demand at Solera, 4205 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, but only for a limited time. The sandwich is made with slow-roasted pork, sliced honey ham, melted tetilla cheese, Dijon mustard aioli and pickles. Get it before it's gone.
Eat for a cause at Raising Cane's Tuesday, June 18 to Thursday, June 20, by mentioning Louisiana 4-H at the register. The business will donate 15% of the sales to Louisiana 4-H. The following Baton Rouge locations are participating in the fundraiser: 3313 Highland Road and 202 W. Lee Drive.
Insider restaurant news
Ethan Gaubert has been named Jubans Restaurant & Bar's general manager. Previously, Gaubert, was general manager at J. Alexander's, where he worked his way up from server and bartender while in college. He graduated from LSU in 2014 and is a Louisiana native originally from Luling.
"Growing up in Louisiana, I was surrounded by good food, Gaubert said. "My mom was a fantastic cook — making dishes like sauce piquant and étouffée — and we always had fresh vegetables and produce from my uncle's garden down the street. I think that's how I developed an appreciation for beautiful food and plating."
Jubans was established in 1983 and renovated in 2022. It offers refined south Louisiana cuisine and a jazz weekend brunch.
Mark your calendar
Fourth of July Party: starting 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at Crowne Plaza Executive Center, 4728 Constitution Ave., Baton Rouge
Enjoy live music all Fourth of July weekend. The lineup includes The Eddie Smith Band with a $30 rib-eye dinner option on July 4, Terrel Griffin and Velvet Audio with a $40 seafood buffet option July 5 and Dustin Lee Guedry with a $20 barbecue dinner option July 6. For room reservations and specials, call (225) 925-2244.
Food adds so much to the equation of living well. It can be all the things — luxurious, cheap, communal, intimate, simple and complex. In Baton Rouge, the culinary scene ranges the complete spectrum of senses.
This weekly space brings you insider foodie news, helpful tips and details of food/wine events for all of your bon vivant aspirations. Email Lauren Cheramie with food news at lauren.cheramie@theadvocate.com.