Jo's

OUT AND ABOUT
Jo’s Creole Creations
2502 Broad St
Lake Charles LA
337-433-3744
www.tacotaquito.com

Monday thru Sunday 6 AM to 9 PM $1 to $13

This truck stop venue has been through several name changes although it always seemed to have Creole in the mix. I waited a few months to make sure that this one would stick. The ones before it promoted New Orleans. The latest I found out was a home grown Creole lady retired from her job of 30 years and an empty nester. She then set out to do what she had dreamed off, having her own restaurant.

The first round was less than auspicious. It was a plate lunch with a so-so protein. The sides were some great black-eyed peas, mashed potatoes, and greens with a cornbread muffin. I discovered later that this particular item caused other problems and the vendor was changed to get a reliable product.

The second round was better. I got a Mark Special Burger. It consisted of a jumbo patty, bacon, American cheese, and a fried egg. I have always liked fried eggs on my burgers and will get one if I run across it. This one came with a griddle bun, mayonnaise, a thick juicy patty, melted cheese and bacon strips. They top it with an over easy egg. The breaking yolk makes a wonderful sauce for the burger and quite a mess. It is one I am willing to deal with. The onion rings were of the breaded variety. Next time I got a sandwich that I have been seeking for awhile. The New Orleans Hot Sausage Po Boy is made with sausage patties made by Patton out of New Orleans. They look like breakfast sausages but have different flavor profile with a red pepper flake kick. Laid out on a bun with mayonnaise and melted American cheese they proved very good and I enjoyed every bite

For breakfast one I went down memory lane. My mother made what she called “egg rice” with leftover rice. The item on the menu here called Breakfast Rice is very similar to it. I got it with bacon. It is basically rice sautéed in a little grease and then an egg scrambled into it. It is very simple but delicious and for me nostalgic.

The last time in she proved her Creole chops. I received an excellent shrimp stew (full of flavor in a brown sauce), fantastic Mac n Cheese and again great black-eyed peas along with a corn muffin. This combo screamed with flavor and had that Creole flair. That day they had bread pudding for dessert. It was full of pineapple and raisins. I prefer a plain Jane type but it was decent.

I totally recommend this venue. It is on my way home and it takes every ounce of will power not to pull in every day. However I have other venues to test and cannot do this.

Jo's