by Ronny Green
Head north on I-49 and pull off when you hit the Natchitoches exit to find some of the best local watering holes and eateries in the state. This one is extra special! Most locals of beautiful Natchitoches would recommend Maglieaux’s for its impressive riverfront view from the outside seating area and consistent menu quality …
This is a review our dear friend, Ronny Green, did a few years ago, and everything in it still stands true! This is a trip well worth the reward so, GEAUX FOR IT!
Head Chef, Brad Haigler, is joining me today to discuss the history of Maglieaux’s Cajun Italian cuisine, share some recipes, and take me on a tour of his kitchen to show how he and his staff, or business partners, as he prefers to refer to them, create a consistent dining experience for each guest. For starters I had the prosciutto wrapped asparagus with a very tasty hollandaise dipping sauce. It’s a shame there were only five of them, I could’ve gone for a dozen, along with another cup of dipping sauce. My entrée featured an exceptional French cut pork chop served with a slice of herb butter that melted into every single bite. I’ve had some excellent pork chop sandwiches and smothered pork chops but this may be the best prepared pork chop I’ve eaten, each bite bursting with robust flavors. Hand mashed potatoes with a rich demi-glacé accompanied the massive pork chop. To paraphrase Emerald Lagasse, you could pour that demi-glacé on a car bumper and eat it, that’s how good it is. For dessert Brad treated us to a white chocolate bread pudding, rich and creamy and made without alcohol for a very unique taste that was a welcome break from the norm.
The infusion of Cajun and Italian flavors goes back to Brad’s great grandfather who lived in Independence, LA, where he would use deer meat when making Italian sausage and meatballs. Today, that tradition can be found throughout Maglieaux’s menu, which you can view in the dining out section of 318central.com.
Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant
805 Washington St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
318-354-7767
Ronny G lives in the NeighborHood Star Entertainment promotions department, only comes out for good food and a good time and the occasional 5k race … see you guys out on the trail!
