Before I continue, I have received all kinds of love and hate for my last post. Given that my website has never received more than 3 hits a day (I typically close my browser and start it up again just to get some hits and boost my ego), 350 virtually overnight and a plethora of tweets and emails to respond to was a welcomed change. Don’t get me wrong, this is not the start of a food blog because, quite honestly, no one cares about a vegetarian’s opinions on food in seafood country. Regardless, I frequented MJ’s Cafe today for lunch. Needless to say, it’s a much needed addition to the culinary and restaurant scene in Baton Rouge.
Upon entering, you feel as if you are walking into a furniture store. That’s because you are. The space is shared by the cafe as well as a vintage furniture location. It’s actually really neat. But I wasn’t here to sit on some heirloom. I was here on recommendation to try the only place around here that is going to great lengths to appease the vegetarian diet. And since I’m vegetarian, that’s good for me. The hours aren’t friendly (Monday-Friday from 11-3) and there’s only one person working (Maureen herself). I’d like to see weekend hours personally, even if it’s just for lunch. Also, one person working isn’t all that bad. After all, it’s like the executive chef is personally preparing each meal individually. The downside is the wait.
If it’s true that good things come to those that wait, this is quite the wait for food so prepare accordingly. For a pretty simple menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads, I waited around 25 minutes from the time I entered to the time I got my food. Not ok. I ordered “The French” which was a sandwich with pepper jelly, arugula (an Italian salad), goat cheese, with apples, strawberries, or peaches. Apples were on today’s menu. All of the fruits are locally bought so there is certainly an element to freshness on that end. The only thing that was not either locally bought or made by Maureen herself was the pepper jelly – sadly, it was bottled. On a lighter note, it was pretty good. Contrary to initial thoughts, the flavors DIDN’T clash and the light drizzle of the dressing on the arugula was phenomenal.It was actually a well thought, creative idea for a sandwich! A refreshing change for me considering the typical meals I usually eat around here. The only thing that was a little subpar was the bread. It wasn’t as soft as I expected or like, but that is more personal preference. For what it’s worth, I also had the soup. It’s so hot outside so I won’t really discuss my feelings on the soup. MJ’s is also semi pricey. I dropped 12.50 for a cup of soup, a small sandwich, and a coke. A couple dollars more than I’d expect to pay – but, for supporting vegetarianism it’s not all that bad of a price point. The atmosphere is brilliant with an array of local art on display (and for purchase) as well as the aforementioned vintage furniture.
Ultimately, it’s fantastic. Surely this is the best “healthy” restaurant in Baton Rouge. Slightly pricey? Yes. Worth it? Yes. Long wait? Yes. Fresh? Yes. I approve and will be back for some vegetarian goodness soon.
Click for more pictures from today’s visit!
Ok, random notes. http://www.225batonrouge.com/news/2011/jun/09/du-jour-maureen-joyce-mjs-caf/
In 225′s review of MJ’s Cafe, there is a glaring error. “Seafood is featured, too, since many vegetarians make exception for fish and shellfish.”
That’s not true, actually. 225 needs a lesson on food. No vegetarian actually makes exceptions for seafood. If a human does not eat animals that are killed, yet eats seafood, he/she is a pescatarian. A pescatarian is different than a vegetarian.
www.mjs-cafe.com
627 Jefferson Highway
3 Comments
posting to see if parsing the code will bump this up to “what’s hot” on urbanspoon
If you want to pay $10 for hardly any food at all, then this is your place!
Good call, Del! Glad you found my blog…woo!