Each week, the Rapides Parish Journal’s always-hungry reporter visits a different restaurant and tells you about the experience.

By ANON E. MUSS

 

The first time my wife and I ate at Rosie Jo’s, we selected the Cajun Nacheauxs off of the appetizer menu and we split a hamburger. I wasn’t too sure that red beans with chicken and cheese sauce would go very well together on top of tortilla chips but was pleasantly surprised at how delicious they were.  The serving was large enough that we found ourselves wishing we had not ordered the burger.

 

Located at 3140 S Macarthur Drive, Rosie Jo’s is hard to miss with its teal  (or perhaps turquoise) exterior with red trim. The inside of the building, however, is non-descript with plain tables and chairs in the dining area on the left and a bar area on the right. It’s not uncommon to see platters piled high with boiled crawfish at most of the tables. According to their facebook page, Rosie Jo’s raise their own crawfish until they are perfectly ready to be boiled and served.

 

My wife and I recently met up there after work for an early dinner. I got to the restaurant a little early so I ordered a glass of tea ($3.00) for myself, water for my wife, and the Queseaux ($8.00) from the appetizer menu while I waited for her to arrive.  The cheese was very runny and I found myself wishing that I had gone with the Cajun Nacheaux instead. 

 

Once my wife arrived, she quickly settled on the shrimp & grits ($13.00) and I ordered the fried fish platter ($15.00).  Our wait for the food to arrive did not take very long. The menu does not accurately describe the shrimp & grits dish as the grits are centered on a pool of cheese sauce and the shrimp are accompanied with bits of sausage and a piece of toast cut in quarters for dipping in the sauce.  My wife said the meal was good and flavorful but there was entirely too much cheese sauce.  My fried fish platter came with hushpuppies, coleslaw and one side.  Of the 10 sides to choose from, I went with red beans and rice. Both the fish strips and red beans were hot and well-seasoned. The serving of fish was big enough that I could only eat half of them and took the rest home.  I enjoyed the fish just as much cold when I had them for lunch the next day.

 

Overall, I give Rosie Jo’s three forks. Their menu has a large variety for adults and kids alike, and the portions are in line with the prices. Before tax and tip, our bill was $39.00.  Please be aware that there is an automatic 20% fee for parties of 8 or more and a 4% processing fee for using a credit card.  

 

Location: 3140 S MacArthur Dr.  Alexandria
Price: $20-$30 

Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit? Email: Anon E. Muss