When general manager Leo Verde returned to his post at Sullivan’s Steakhouse nearly two years ago, after a stint running revered Dallas beef bazaar Del Frisco’s, the gregarious Venezuelan and former UNO soccer player brought back to the Red Stick the Old World hospitality and service he cultivated through years of working at Commander’s Palace, Emeril’s and long-standing French Quarter eateries.
As Louisiana’s film industry has boomed and Baton Rouge has become a town for celeb-spotting, movie stars like Anna Paquin, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and more all have been seen at the Baton Rouge location of the upscale restaurant and martini bar with 20 locations nationwide.
From oysters, filets, lamb chops and lobster to salads and sautéed scallops, Sullivan’s offers a variety of steakhouse staples and some seafood dishes with a Louisiana and Asian flair. Find out what our secret diners thought of Sullivan’s on the next page.
The Goodie Foodie
Great dining experiences don’t stop at delicious food.
I’d recommend:
Bone-in Filet with Gorgonzola Butter ($48). Seasoned well and cooked medium as ordered, this steak was a good anchor to the meal. The Gorgonzola garlic butter topping, coupled with the enhanced flavor from the bone, made it mouthwateringly good.
Pan Seared Sea Bass, Hong Kong Style ($34). Mild yet flavorful, this dish, presented modestly with fresh, lightly seasoned baby bok choy, was cooked perfectly with a sherry-soy glaze and literally melted in my mouth. This fish can put a smile on any face—actually, I’m still smiling.
Crab Fried Rice ($8.50). The waitress recommended sharing two sides, which are served family style and priced a la carte. Our selection of the crab fried rice was a good one. Our perfectly seasoned dish of fried rice—which could easily put most hibachis to shame—was topped with a generous portion of delicious flaky crabmeat.
Not my taste:
Cheesesteak Egg Rolls ($11). As a true lover of Philly cheesesteak, I had high expectations for this unique menu creation, but it was beyond salty, almost to the point of being inedible. Creative concept, but a huge disappointment.
The bottom line:
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is perfect for a date night or occasional special evening. The good service was notable—we received several visits from the managers and never had an empty glass—and our delicious entrees earned the restaurant a permanent spot in our dining rotation.
Flavor Fusion Maven
It’s beautiful when two distant flavors meet on my plate and fall in love.
I’d recommend:
Crispy Shanghai Calamari ($14). The sweet chili glaze and just-right breading made this a dish I’ll remember for a long time. Calamari can be eraser-like—that’s always the risk you take—but these were surprisingly tender, with just enough bite to make the Asian flavors linger.
Pan Seared Sea Bass, Hong Kong Style ($34). It takes a truckload of willpower to go to Sullivan’s and not order steak. But I’d been told this dish was amazing, and it lived up to the hype. The pan-seared treatment made the first bite enthralling, like the salt on the rim of a margarita glass, followed by just the right amount of rich, spicy sauce and slightly bitter bok choy. I love a restaurant that can cook seafood without the safety nets of heavy breading or lump crabmeat. Bravo!
Getting Leftovers. The attention to detail in my doggy bag was impressive, with touches like fresh cheese sprinkled over my leftover spinach, new sprigs of cilantro atop the fish and shaved chocolate added to the mousse I brought home for the kids.
Not my taste:
Three Cheese Mac with Garlic Butter ($9) As much as I love a trio of cheeses, this version of the down-home favorite just wasn’t enough notches above what’s on the kiddie menu at everyday restaurants to be worth the obviously-high calorie intake.
The bottom line:
Sullivan’s is one of Baton Rouge’s gems for a reason. Just watching the waitstaff bring salads to the table is a bit like having front-row seats to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The friendly, fun, attentive waiter was happy to oblige my off-the-menu drink request, and the attention to detail was top-notch.
Rarely meat
I’m no vegetarian, but I don’t often dine on cow.
I’d recommend:
Seared Ahi Tuna ($13). Thousands of great white sharks can’t be wrong. Beautiful, tender slices of tuna, seared to perfection and red in the middle, were set against a wonderful tangy sauce with more than just a little punch. Garnished with artfully carved cucumber slices, bean sprouts, cilantro and ginger, this was a perfect entry into the meal.
Chocolate Mousse ($7). Simple, light and delicious. The chocolate shavings atop this classic were a nice touch and really set it apart from my dining partner’s Creme Brulee.
Not my taste:
Creamed Spinach ($8.50). A bit on the plain side and simply not up to snuff with the rest of the meal. I wish I’d tried the Sweet Potato Casserole instead of this.
The bottom line:
Sullivan’s is a feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes. The entire meal was artfully presented, apparently by a cast of 10 assuring that our every need was met. I highly recommend it and will go back often.
