B.R. on a Benjamin

Editor’s note: In celebration of our 100th issue, we asked popular bloggers Maggie Howes and Jay D. Ducote to tell us how they would spend $100 in Baton Rouge in one day. Click here for more 100-themed features.

With $100 to spend on one meal in Baton Rouge, I’d start on the pretense that I have a dedicated driver and a bottomless stomachand that meal can actually mean feast. The Courtyard Bar at Juban’s would be my first stop to pair the crispy seared pork belly ($12) and a double honey bourbon ($13.50). From there I’d hop over to The Chimes by campus during happy hour—or all day Tuesday—for a dozen oysters at half price ($5) with a cold Tin Roof Voodoo Bengal Pale Ale ($5). Next, I’m off to Tony’s Seafood to grab half a dozen Cajun boudin balls ($10.74). I love those things!

After leaving Tony’s, I’ll take a trip downtown to enjoy a few tapas at Restaurant IPO. The Bayou Eggs ($9) and Duck Poppers ($11) are stellar. Next up is Anthony’s Italian Deli, where I’ll power-eat my way through a muffuletta ($8.99). Finally, to end the night I’ll need a cocktail and dessert at Beausoleil. A Zombie cocktail ($12) and Chocolate Pot de Creme ($6) will do the trick.
—JAY D. DUCOTE, biteandbooze.com

Start the morning off at Tiger Deaux-nuts where a dozen gourmet treats like Satsuma Honey and Maple+Bacon donuts cost just $12, and provide a few leftovers, too. With two children under 12, the family can visit BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for $27, plus another $27 for four combo meals at the Flamingo Café. Before an active afternoon, introduce the youngsters to Baton Rouge’s history with a free tour of The Old State Capitol. Canoeing at BREC’s Greenwood Park runs just $5 an hour, and two hours provides great exercise in a gorgeous setting. After working up an appetite, Taco Boudreaux’s is a fun, affordable spot for dinner. This Cajun-Tex-Mex fusion restaurant offers Cochon de Lait tacos for $12.59 and Momma’s Tamale Dinner for $9.99. On Sunday, children eat for just 99 cents each. —MAGGIE HOWES