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Dutch Lunch concept finds success in Baton Rouge

Last week, the Dutch Lunch special was ahi tuna nachos. Image courtesy Gourmet Girls

Dutch Lunch, a unique pick-up lunch concept started by Gourmet Girls owner Katia Mangham last spring, has made its mark on the Baton Rouge culinary scene.

Katia Mangham at the Dutch Lunch counter. Courtesy Gourmet Girls
Katia Mangham at the Dutch Lunch counter. Courtesy Gourmet Girls

But there’s one thing she wants to clarify.

“I don’t just serve Dutch food,” Mangham says, laughing. “There’s been a little confusion about the name.”

Mangham says she chose to call the service “Dutch Lunch” because of the Dutch-style door on her building that she uses as a serving window.

Despite the confusion, she says the feedback has been inspiring and her customers enjoy the concept. Mangham only uses seasonal ingredients and is always creating new culinary inventions, so no two Dutch Lunch menus are the same.

Peach and Brie grilled cheese! #gourmetgirls #dutchlunch #seasonal #fresh 🍑🍑🍑

A photo posted by Katia Mangham (@gourmetgirls) on

She started serving lunch out of the Gourmet Girls catering kitchen as a hobby, but she admits it’s sometimes hard to keep up with.

“I do Dutch Lunch because I want to cook this kind of food and it’s fun,” she says, “but I’m a caterer. Big events like weddings are the priority.”

Dutch Lunch hours have changed a bit since the service started six months ago. Lunch is typically served every Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., but varies depending on Mangham’s catering schedule.

Mangham says Dutch Lunch will continue consistently for the next couple of weeks, but that she’ll take a hiatus around the end of October. She plans to start serving again sometime in January.

“The holidays are just too busy,” she says. “But on days I serve lunch during the holiday season, I’ll announce it way ahead of time.”


How to get the scoop on Dutch Lunch:

• Mangham posts the menu on Instagram when lunch is being served. The menu will be posted no later than 10 a.m. on days Dutch Lunch is open.
• Give Gourmet Girls a call (252-0999) to see if Dutch Lunch is being served. If it is, you can even order for pick-up.
• If you’re in the area, drive by the Gourmet Girls kitchen. The chalkboard menu will be on display if Dutch Lunch is open. Here’s the one for today, Sept. 16:

Wednesday’s #dutchlunch menu! #gourmetgirls #healthy #fresh #local #seasonal

A photo posted by Katia Mangham (@gourmetgirls) on