I didn't realize what I had done until I'd done did it. Thursday night at ate at Lou Lou's (Douglass Loop) and then last night I ate at Selena's. Thought I'd post some quick reviews.
The biggest surprise (which shouldn't have been a surprise) I received at both restaurants was how carb-heavy both menus are. Given the menu influences, I should have known this going in.
So, Lou Lou. Been there many times before, so not a new experience. Sat at one of the tall tops in the front. Had the chicken wrap and sautéed veggies. Wrap was better than expected. Veggies were great. Due to originally being brought the wrong side, I think I benefited by ending up with a bowl full of veggies (is that the normal size of the side order?). Given the perfect cooking of the veggies, I was more than happy to have a bounty of them. So food was great, service was sub-par. I'll chalk this up to what i believe was a mis-communication between the bartender (my server) and me and not make anything more of it.
Now, Selena's. First time visit. Liked the setting/atmosphere for the most part, although the place seems to not know if it wants to be, say, a Cajun watering hole or a slightly nicer place. Maybe that's a good thing? Once again, a very carb-heavy menu, especially in terms of the side orders. I passed on a few entrees that came with two sides due to the limited side orders. Couldn't pass on the seasonal crawfish special. Excellent. Not so excellent was the vegetable of the day side order. In fact it was downright pitiful. Almost inedible (and small in volume). My girlfriend enjoyed her salad and the few bites of crawfish she ate. Tea was excellent, as was the bread and service.
Now, the big question. Will I return? Maybe, maybe not. That place has much going for it (including a wonderful, seasonal patio). But, given both my medical food restrictions and the absolute poor quality of the veggies, I'm not sure. How hard is it for a place to have side order options apart from rice, rice, potato, potato, pasta, vegetable of the day? And, more importantly, how hard is it to cook a vegetable of the day respectfully?
Lots of differences and similarities between the two places, for sure. At the end of the day, my lasting memory is the absolute difference in the veggies. I'd go back to Lou Lou just to eat those veggies. And I might never go back to Selena's because of the veggies.