ARCHIVE LIBRARY

CAFE DESOTO – A REVIEW

by Ronny Green

It’s a cool Friday afternoon in downtown Alexandria, and the lunch crowd has subsided back into the surrounding offices, making for a less rambunctious lunch hour. Normally, tacos are reserved for “Taco Tuesday,” however, today, Brad Blackwell has invited Dief and me over to celebrate some local zest at Cafe Desoto.

I’m greeted by a generous spread of tacos just as I walk through the door. Blackened shrimp with a delicious mango salsa fresca, purple cabbage and my new favorite taco topping, cilantro-lime crema, is the first one I quickly devour. After a quick wipe of my hands and compliments to the chef, I move on to the Mexican street tacos; 3 for $5, I chose the steak option with a little cilantro lime rice and black beans, topped again with the cilantro-lime crema. If you’ve ever used cilantro before, you know it can sometimes overpower the palate; not the case at Cafe Desoto. As the conversation and cold ones continue to flow, we share a Chef’s Cuban sandwich made with pork roast, prosciutto, melted provolone and creole mustard on Leidenheimer’s french bread. If you’re familiar with New Orleans Poboys, then, you know this is the kind of bread on which you want your sandwich served. Since we are in that time of year here in Louisiana, it’s fitting that we close out this visit with a bowl of chicken and andouille sausage gumbo served with crackers, just how I like it.

Brad has been honing his skills in the kitchen since 1987, from New York to New Orleans and back here to Alexandria, he’s welcomed the challenge of balancing flavors and recreating and staying relevant with the up and down trends of the restaurant industry. Cafe Desoto is open M-F 11am-2pm. I definitely recommend stopping by and making it a Taco Tuesday or taco any day!

Cafe Desoto
414 Desoto St
Alexandria, La 71303
cafedesoto.com
318.545.1414

Ronny Green

Ronny G lives in the NeighborHood Star Entertainment promotions department, only comes out for good food and a good time..

For more culinary adventures and shenanigans
Twitter.com/_biggreen

Facebook.com/ronnymgreenjr

DENTAL PHYSICANS MEDIABIDS OCT23 BANNER
JAN24 CLARK DUNBAR BANNER
DEC23 CLHSD DEC JAN FEB MAR BANNER
SOUTHERN HERITAGE NEW 10323 BANNER
Generac Banner Ad for Affiliate Link
JAN24 DURACELL BANNER
APRMAY24 LSUA FASTEST BANNER
318Central.com Banner Ad
Cunningham Copiers
Bayou Mosquito Licensed to Kill Banner 12.14.20