As a self-professed foodie and cuisine connoisseur, I relish the opportunity to praise our local eateries for their culinary creations, which add true flavor to North Louisiana.
The setting for this stop, Miletello’s Sport City Grill, is a small building located just off the main path of North 7th Street in the heart of West Monroe, situated near the city’s proud Rebel Stadium. Owners Leon and Gayle Miletello offer diners old-world Italian cuisine with twist of wonderful Southern charm all brought together by the artistry of chef Anthony Miletello.
During my many visits to this establishment, it never ages with my desire to indulge in timeless classics such as the homemade spaghetti and meatballs, crafted from the Miletello family recipes handed down generation to generation; however, should you be searching for a local favorite to start your culinary journey, one cannot go wrong with Chef Anthony’s crab cakes, loaded with generous portions of lump crab meat, and adorned with Miletello’s Acadian cream sauce, but which also may be served, per diners’ request, with their delightfully tart remoulade sauce. As for their main entrees, Miletello’s Sport City Grill has a vast array of complex, yet down-home, dishes that are prepared with homemade sauces and locally grown products. Recommended are the pan-seared duck breast served aside a bed of delicate crawfish risotto and the four-cheese lasagna. If you’re seeking to eat on the lighter side, Chef Anthony has several options available, including the sesame-seared tuxedo tuna and the pasta primavera, full of onions, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, tomatoes and mushrooms. The restaurant also prides itself on friendly service and its budget-accomodating menu.
Information, 2105 N. 7th St., West Monroe; (318) 387-1700.
While you’re in the area, try hog wash caboose.
For those of you who should be in the mood of expanding your palate beyond that of traditional eateries, and who would love nothing more than to indulge in some of the most delightful barbecue prepared by none other than an esteemed Memphis in May World BBQ champion, your smokehouse fantasies have found root at Rhoda Brown’s Hog Wash Caboose.
Rhoda offers some of the most delectable meat smoked right on-site in his signature smoker located on the backside of this fabulous food truck. From robust ribs to his smoked pulled pork nachos and beef brisket cooked to perfection – there is no wonder why Rhoda’s backyard beginnings will have you searching again and again for his signature flare! In addition to his mouthwatering meats, Rhoda offers patrons with tactfully tart potato salad with a creamy texture, along with perfectly seasoned coleslaw.
Now for the barbecue sauce! This timeless classic sauce isn’t syrupy sweet, but yet is thick enough for dipping and thin enough for drizzling.
Information, 566 Cypress St., West Monroe; (318) 801-8123
