Frequently, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always-hungry reporter has lunch at a local restaurant and tells you about the experience.
By ANON E. MUSS, Journal Services
What’s in a name?
Well, if we’re talking about a restaurant, its name usually indicates the type of food served. Think Monjunis Italian Café & Grocery. 2Johns Steak & Seafood. Ta’Molly’s Mexican Kitchen.
But sometimes, you’re left to wonder. That was the case when getting ready to visit Mae & Co. (1023 Provenance Blvd., Shreveport) for the first time. There was nothing in the name that gave me a clue as to what I might be eating. Although, small type on their website read Chicken-Oysters-Beer. So, on a recent Tuesday, I invited a friend to join me for lunch and find out just what kind of food Mae & Co. offers.
We arrived at 12:15 and opened the door to a restaurant empty of customers. Hmmm…Not necessarily a good sign. Corley, who would be our hostess, server, and cashier, invited us to sit wherever we liked. Mae & Co.’s dining area is small and quaint, with tables in front and back. There’s also a nice bar – I counted 14 chairs – with two televisions overhead. There was another television in the back dining room. A mix of soothing and cheerful music played throughout.
It wasn’t long before my friend inquired about the restaurant’s name. As Corley explained, Mae was the nickname of the lady who taught the restaurant’s owner, Chef Blake Jackson, how to cook, when Chef Jackson was young. Naming his restaurant after her was his way of giving thanks. I thought that was pretty cool.
As for the menu, Mae & Co. offered appetizers (listed as “Snacks”), Salads (only two), “Sammies” (Six, mostly po-boys), Wings, Sides, and Desserts. There was also a daily Lunch Special. (After we finished eating, Corley said there would be additions to the menu the following day, including three salads and four wraps).
My friend and I were really hungry, so we ordered a snack of Fried Shrimp ($12). Before too long, Corley brought out a serving tray which was way too big for the shrimp. It made the shrimp look small. I was disappointed.
However, one bite replaced my disappointment with satisfaction. The dozen shrimp, while not large, weren’t popcorn-size, either. Each was perfectly coated with a batter which tasted nothing like I usually taste when eating shrimp. I quizzed Corley, and sure enough, the batter was homemade. In fact, Corley said everything at Mae & Co. is homemade. That included the cocktail sauce, and remoulade sauce, which were served with the shrimp. I could have consumed a gallon of that remoulade sauce, it was so good. Corley said it was made with a base of Green Goddess dressing.
On Tuesday’s, the lunch special is Red Beans & Rice. That’s not something I eat every day, so I chose it as my entrée. I had my choice of a cup or a bowl. Did I mention I was hungry? I chose the bowl ($15).
My friend had a hard time deciding what to order, bouncing back and forth between a salad, wings, and a Sammie. She settled on the Hot Fish Sammie ($20). For an extra $2.50, she could also get a stack of seven onion rings. I was feeling generous, so I gave her the go-ahead to spend the additional money.
Within a reasonable amount of time, Corley served our food. My bowl of Red Beans & Rice was large – complete with a few sausage slices and topped with parsley. Now, I made the mistake of adding some tobacco sauce before tasting the red beans & rice. Oops! Turns out, extra heat was not needed, as the red beans & rice had their own spicy taste. However, I like hot, so all was good. The dish came with a side of jalapeno cornbread, which was not too hard and not too soft.
While my friend’s Sammie looked good, it were the onion rings which dominated her plate. They looked as beautiful as onion rings can look. Once again, the batter was perfect – none had crumbled onto the plate – and without a sign of grease. In return for spending the extra dollars, my friend allowed me to have a couple of rings. They were delicious. The onion taste was fairly mild, allowing me to savor the batter’s taste.
As for her Sammie, it was served with a thick piece of grilled redfish, and topped with Nappa Slaw, Tomato Chili Mayo, and Brioche. My friend said the fish was a little on the fishy-tasting side, but overall, thought the Sammie was good.
Corley tried her best to persuade us to order dessert – a Blueberry Thyme Cobbler (there was also on the menu a Hope Float—Coke or Root Beer). However, considering we had a starter in addition to our meal, we were too full. Maybe next time.
The cost of our meal before tax and tip was $67.73. Yes, that’s a bit much for lunch. However, I felt like we received quality food and service for the price paid.
I give Mae & Co. Three Forks. I went out of my way, driving 40 minutes to get there, and I doubt I would do that again. But if I am in the area, I would definitely return. I hope their business picks up. This is one of those places that could become a local favorite for those who live nearby. It’s a casual (our drinks were served in plastic cups), yet really nice atmosphere where you can eat good food and enjoy good company.
Thanks, Mae, for sharing your knowledge.
1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so
Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit for lunch?
Email SBJRestaurantReview@gmail.com.
