The year in Baton Rouge dining

The year 2009 might not have been the greatest in our state’s history, but it was a great year for Baton Rouge epicures. The year brought new tastes and new restaurants to diners, not to mention some interesting food news. Aussie-themed restaurant Dingo’s brought us unforgettable fish tacos, and Stroube’s has become the new downtown dining hot spot. The chophouse wasn’t the only new restaurant to revitalize downtown, though, as Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant’s recent opening just around the corner shows. Cali frozen yogurt chain Menchies brought a West Coast twist to the new Mall of Louisiana, and the success of homegrown gelateria Latte e Miele proves that Baton Rougeans have an endless appetite for sweet treats. Popular Lafayette Mexican restaurant Coyote Blues’ Baton Rouge branch is consistently filling up its parking lot with eager diners. We gained some (Middendorf’s reopened in its refurbished historic building) and lost some (so long, Southern Belle Sandwich Co.). Nino’s reopened with a facelift and new hands at the helm, and Chelsea’s Cafe’s long-running dispute with state alcohol regulators was finally resolved—we hope. For more dining news and reviews you might have missed this year, check out 225 Dine by clicking here.