Curly Sue slice from Central Pizza
If you're in the mood for pizza that balances loads of flavor with the chewy and airy texture of a classic wood-fired pie, give Central a try. Their downtown Lafayette and new Broussard locations are both easy places to pop in for lunch or dinner, with a dedication to quality that makes each visit an experience — especially if it's an occasion to order one of their celebration-forward cocktails. The Curly Sue pizza has a pistachio pesto base, with mozzarella, garlic, ricotta and curly pepperoni.
Central Pizza, 423 Jefferson St., Lafayette (Joanna Brown, staff writer)
Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich at Maxwell’s Market
The Chicken Cordon Bleu at Maxwell’s Market is a fried boneless chicken thigh sandwich with ham, Swiss cheese and honey mustard on brioche.
Photo by Margaret DeLaney
I’ve been on the hunt for a good delicatessen in Baton Rouge. Imagine my surprise when a friend told me of a long-standing staple, Maxwell’s Market. Now that I know Maxwell’s exists, I can’t seem to stop ordering their sandwiches.
My favorite so far has been the Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich. My first thoughts were notably skeptical — how did they plan to make a renowned French dish fit between bread? But wow, did they do it well. The fried chicken is a boneless thigh that is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. The star of the show is paired with a healthy stack of salted ham, a melted thin slice of Swiss cheese, creamy yet tangy honey mustard and a fluffy brioche bun.
Add a side of sweet potato fries and a side Caesar salad and it becomes the perfect lunch.
Maxwell’s Market, 6241 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge (Margaret DeLaney, health coordinator)
Wing combo from Lee's Chicken and Cracklins
Chicken wings, potato wedges and shrimp fried rice from Lee's Chicken and Cracklins
BY MADDIE SCOTT | Staff writer
I was on West Lee Drive for an assignment and found myself hungry and right by Lee's Chicken and Cracklins, which just opened about a month ago.
The menu feels pretty similar to Blue Store Chicken's menu. The cashier told me about a three-wing combo for $6.69, which I didn't see on the menu but sounded perfect. The wings came with shrimp fried rice and a choice of potato wedges or a Hawaiian roll.
The shrimp fried rice impressed me, coming from somebody who is largely indifferent to fried rice. The taste of shrimp was embedded in the dish, making every bite packed with flavor. The chicken came hot and well seasoned.
If I'm by LSU's campus, this'll be my new go-to for quick-service fried chicken.
Lee's Chicken and Cracklins, 320 Lee Drive, Baton Rouge (Maddie Scott, features reporter)