Soulard's Lagniappe offers a little "something extra"
By DAWNE MASSEY
Post-Dispatch
02/05/2003 12:00 AM
As published in GET OUT, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Thursday, February 6, 2003
"Lagniappe" (pronounced lan-yap) is a French word that means "something extra," and this cozy Soulard restaurant offers food, drinks and service that certainly reinforce this as a theme.
The small, rustic-looking dining room includes three dark wooden booths along one wall, and a handful of wooden tables fill the room. The front window looks out onto the streets of Soulard, and a small blackboard with a variety of specialty drinks hangs above the glass. The white, stucco walls are hung with framed Mardi Gras posters, as well as another small blackboard that announces the Louisiana-style food specials du jour.
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
On a recent Tuesday evening, the crowd was about half-full of folks who came to eat and to hear Monica Casey perform her blend of acoustic blues and folk songs. The high, wood beam ceiling and the enclosed design of the booths allow diners to enjoy dinner conversation without having to shout over the music. Candles flicker atop each table, and the dim lights along the wall contribute enough light to give the place a warm, cozy feel. There's also an upstairs area for larger groups or seating for overflow diners, and a large, New Orleans-inspired patio that opens when warmer weather arrives.
And, true to its name, the eatery treats dinner patrons to one of a dozen daily "lagniappes" in the form of a complimentary sample of one of the restaurant's appetizers while you wait for your meal. Depending on the day - and the chef's mood - the lagniappe could be anything from a deep-fried breaded artichoke heart to "Hoppin' John," made of black-eyed peas, hominy and Andouille sausage.
IN THE MIXOLOGY
On a cold winter's night - or Mardi Gras parade day - Lagniappe's offers some unique hot toddies that will warm the cockles of your heart. Coffee drinks include the Cafe Lagniappe ($6) made with Kamura, DiSaronno Amaretto and whipped cream, and the Mint Chocolate Coffee ($6), with DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps, creme de cacao and topped with whipped cream. The Snowbunny ($6) revs up hot chocolate with DeKuyper triple sec, and whipped cream. They also serve up a traditional Hurricane ($7), along with a not-so-traditional Fresh Mango Margarita ($7) and the cantaloupe Martini ($6).
The tiny tavern's wine list is impressive for such a humble-looking abode. The house wine, available by the glass, is Mommessin Vin DePays and you have your choice of merlot, cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay ($4.50). White wines by the bottle range from St. Gabriel Liebfraumilch ($13) and Canaletto Pinot Grigio ($18) to EOS Chardonnay ($30) and EOS Sauvignon Blanc ($30). There are eight reds on the menu, including Eola Hills Pinot Noir ($22), Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon ($27) and Lambert Bridge Merlot ($36).
Beers available by the bottle feature the usual family of A-B brands including Michelob Light and Ultra, as well as Miller Lite ($2.50). Imports offered are Guinness Stout, Bass Ale, Harp Lager, Corona and Heineken ($3.50), and Schlafly Pale Ale is on tap ($4).
LAST CALL
Lagniappe is one of Soulard's hidden jewels. Its overall charm is reminiscent of the affable neighborhood eateries that are tucked away in New Orleans' lower Garden District. The menu is as solid as its wine list, and the specialty drinks are as varied as the daily blackboard specials.
Address: 2501 South Ninth Street
Phone: 314-771- 2090
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Wheelchair access: Yes
Smoking: Yes
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