La Louisanne — Restaurant in California

Let's unpack this experience together!

Firstly, EXPERIENCE because I had no idea what I said yes to when my friend wanted to grab lunch to catch up.

As soon as you walk into the space ...you are transformed into a space that immediately makes you feel like you're at home. Our hostess was phenomenal!!! Her hospitality and kindness was emulated throughout the entire meal and drinks journey (I'm getting there lol).

As this was my friends regular spot (I later learnt) I was genuinely shocked at the menu options. I was hungry but when I saw the offerings....I was famished hahaha. Offering quality Southern meals that my grandma used to make....😳....Transforming!!!!!

Unfortunately, you can't easily find these quality restaurants nowadays because everyone is hugging a tree somewhere and is complaining about all the ingredients that we used to eat that make you happy...while sitting in a drive-thru line. I'm very grateful for this spot as THIS was everything.

I had a taste for hard fried catfish however, I enjoyed the shrimp po'boy & my friend got their usual sample platter. Grateful as I was able to steal some catfish AND oysters from their sample plate to try hahaha.

When I tell you good...I mean good to my SOUL as my Southern Nana used to say.

Now, DRINKS 🤣- A WHOLE EXPERIENCE SECTION on their own. Let me start by saying, you get the leftover from the mini martini shaker...that won't fit in the martini glass 👀! SO, while chatting....our host casually comes by to top up the glass to make sure it's ALWAYS full (LaTasha,🙌🏾 Love her 😂) I ordered my favourite lemon drop as it's basic and very hard to mess up. I've travelled the world and this was by far one of my top 3 spots for a lemon drop. Besides it being super strong and made properly, it was actually made with the correct ingredients and alcohol balance. My friend got one of the house drinks (lost count) that was also VERY strong 😂. The bartender had her own vibe and was amazing. After a few hours, we became close friends 🤣😭.

AFTER 5pm- At this rate....they need to make their own genre of mealtime in between lunch and dinner. We finished our lunch....kept talking and more people started coming in. Then the musicians started coming in.... sound check started....then LIVE MUSIC. Not the music you wanted to keep changing the station to....but GOOOOOOOD LIVE MUSIC from when music was actually enjoyable. Mind you, before the live music, the playlist was ON POINT 🙋🏾‍♀️☝🏾. It was like they were playing my Spotify playlist the whole time.

Randomly, the music set stops and they make an announcement that there is a complementary fish buffet and "all you could eat ...so enjoy." ummmm 🫣. We were still full but the fact that this was even an option 🥹😂.

Listen, this wasn't just a lunch catch up with a friend....this was a FULL EXPERIENCE that I can't wait to go back to when I'm in town again.

A warm shout out to our BRILLIANT hostess whom I will remember to call sis (not auntie 🤣). From helping me find a seat while my friend was late 🙄.....to coming and joking around with us...bringing humour and laughter while recommending VERY tasty food...all was above any star I could post. Honestly above and beyond! She looked after us right up until her shift changed. She also ensured a seamless handover to the next host so we were properly looked after.

Although my friend and I were the youngest guests...we felt right at home and nurtured our old souls 😀.

SO, would I recommend this spot- HELL YES! I'm already researching how I can get food shipped to me in Australia 🤣😭.

Thanks to all the staff and team for ensuring my belly was fed and my soul was filled.

Until next...

I ordered over the phone after much difficulty with the person taking my order being older and couldn't properly repeat back anything I ordered or explain to me what the item consisted of. I was told a 20 min wait and arrived at that time. Upon arrival the waitress greeted me and I let her know I had a phone order. She steps away and I proceed to watch her walk around the restaurant for a while. She finally returns and tells me they don't have an order for me so I explain to her the person who took my order and even showed her the call on my phone. She is confused and don't know what man could have taken my order. I sit and wait some more until she comes back and says the owner took the order and never put it in. She takes my order and tells me 15mins and bring me a receipt with the total. Maybe I am crazy but I was definitely expecting to be compensated in some way for the inconvenience but nothing not even an apology from the person who took my order. I wait a little while longer and decide I felt uneasy about my food being rushed and having my kids waiting in the car. I decide to ask for a discount on the order and a lady comes out and I explain the situation. Her response to me is that she doesn't know why he told me 20 mins when it takes 40 mins and spoke in a tone that let me know they weren't going to take responsibility. She I guess too was a manager and didn't apologize at all she actually got at me like how dare I ask. No empathy no anything which I find crazy because I am more then sure they would have done the same. In the end she says she's going to ask the manager who took the order and when I tell you this lady came back to me in less than 60 seconds saying he said no I was baffled. In the end I decided to leave and never return and write this review while I wait Orleans and York thank God its...

4 🌟 for the Food . Well well The Chef & Suga was there 8-15 -22. It was very special because it was for a close family friends repast. I stepped into the place and thought I was in a 1970's movie like Superfly, Shaft you name it. The look , smell ,Glass, brass ,carpet , mirrors, old velvet chairs from your grandmother's house And a lot of waisted room. Ain't no way to get around in a wheelchair The owner is making money $$$ and that's it . The Food was Great but it took 1 - 3 hrs to get the food out. The Owner only had 3 server's to handle about 60 people. So with the crazy layout ,chairs, tables it was very difficult for the server's. And to top it off . The restaurant had only 1 Chef 🙏🏽❤️⚜️. 👨🏽‍🍳Hat's off to the Chef, Great Food and for your hard work. The staff did their best. Even though The OWNER short staffed the restaurant knowing that the Repast was on the schedule with lots of people . During the Pandemic that establishment could of been updated to the 21st century. This established is a long standing Black owned Restaurant for over 50 yrs and still around. A lot of people come to the restaurant for the Great Food & Music. But it's overdue to update the Establishment. You need an example just visit The District on Crenshaw Blvd. It's a A+ in All areas. Service, Food,Music etc. La Louisiana Staff was very nice apologized for the slow service. We even met some people on our way out and they love the Friday Happy hour. So the OWNER needs to step up this restaurant very soon . We'll still come back one day for the Friday Happy hour. Because I still believe in hope and supporting our good...