Road Diet?

In a recent article in USA Today, contributor Devorah Lev-Tov described Baton Rouge as “an unsung food destination," which is a lovely compliment that doubles as a call to action: We’ve gotta sing louder! Baton Rouge’s maturation into a food-forward town is particularly evident in the culinary saturation along the Government Street corridor. For years now, the Mid City thoroughfare-that-shouldn’t-be-a-thoroughfare has been the subject of a controversial proposal to make the neighborhood more walkable—encouraging further commercial development by eliminating a lane or two. But until that road diet comes, the jerky commute to our Beauregard Town office offers this writer plenty of time to admire the fresh paint jobs and bold lettering that herald French Truck Coffee, Twine Meat Market, Elsie’s Plate and Pie, Curbside Burgers, and further up the road, the recently renovated Tiger Deauxnuts. Lunch plans are often cemented before 8:30 am.

Between LSU and downtown, it’s Nicholson that’s caught foodie (and developer) attention as of late, with Tin Roof Brewery joined in summer 2017 by Cane Land Distilling; but the unassuming storefronts and gas stations of Highland Road are worth a closer look, especially if you’re a famished downtown employee. At 2336 Highland Road, Big EZ service station owner Walid Hamed has smartly recruited soul food maven Sharmel Lewis to cook up daily lunch specials; Lewis dubbed her kitchen the Creamer Deli (named after Lewis’ mother, whom she credits with teaching her to cook), and her fan base found her quickly. When the clock struck 11:30 am on a recent Wednesday morning, a line had already formed to watch Lewis fill steam tray after steam tray with stewed pork chops, meatloaf, and freshly whipped mashed potatoes, among other hearty options.

Sherman Molden was one of the first to fill his styrofoam box; he encountered Lewis’ talents in White Castle, “and when I heard she was here, I had to come.” Join the line, or call your order in ahead at (225) 303-4660. Search “Creamer Deli” on Facebook for up-to-date menus.