Eats

Mother's Day dining delights

by Kari Walker

Give mom and the stove a break with a little luxury at Jolie's or Ruffino's on the River

She does the laundry. She drives the kids. And she's probably the one who's cooking dinner tonight - we call her mom and her day is around the corner. This Sunday, she deserves a little luxury and it starts with taking her out to celebrate while another chef mans the stove and scrubs the pots.

Jolie's Louisiana Bistro's Sunday brunch is a place you can take mom and treat her to a touch of old Louisiana charm and the freshest seasonal menu selections around. She'll love dining under the art of the late George Rodrigue that depicts Cajun and Louisiana history.

For starters, a mimosa or Bloody Mary is a must to go along with an order of pimento cheese hush puppies to share while mulling over the rest of the menu.

Photo via Jolie's Louisiana Bistro

A veggie-loaded Bloody Mary to start brunch right at Jolie's

A Benedict is a brunch staple and the crab cake Benedict is in a league of its own -  it's a crab cake on a buttermilk biscuit with a poached yard egg and crawfish cream sauce for $16. Or, you can never go wrong with a chicken and waffles, especially when it's a toasted grit waffle with  sweet and savory pecan-duck fat cane syrup.

Should mama be in search of a room with a view, take her to Ruffino's on the river to overlook the Vermilion River to indulge in a meal that's Italian meets Creole and Cajun cuisine. The crabmeat cheesecake is a savory slice of crab, Italian cheeses and a creamy Hollandaise sauce - the woman who taught you to share your toys will also be the one to share this rich dish with good dinner company.

Photo via Ruffino's on the River

Ruffino's on the River takes the cake with its crabmeat cheesecake

Lighten up with the cedar plank baked redfish with fresh pesto, sliced tomatoes and an aromatic balsamic syrup before you dive into dessert or the light as air cotton candy Ruffino's on the River serves at the end of each meal.

Don't forget to plan ahead, though - to get the best seat in the house, call ahead for reservations and make mama proud.

Jolie's Louisiana Bistro
507 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette
504-2382

Ruffino's on the River
921 Camellia Blvd, Lafayette
706-7333

For more information on local eateries, view the online INDEats Dining Guide.