Holler for Hollier's

The last few times my mom, sister and I have gone to Lake Charles for Christmas shopping we've stopped at a family-owned restaurant off I-10 (Ruth Street) in Sulphur called Hollier's Cajun Kitchen.  It kind of reminds me of Dorothy's Front Porch, which used to be in Beauxart Gardens.  I believe they have a lunch and dinner buffet but we ordered off the menu.  

 They have seafood, burgers and chicken, among other things.  I got the combination fried shrimp and catfish for about $15.  The shrimp were very good and I particularly loved the breading on the catfish.  It came with six large shrimp, three pieces of fish, two hushpuppies, baked potato and roll.  They also have a small salad bar that comes with your meal.  The potato salad is homemade and very good (made with a lot of mayo).

We were still a little full from our breakfast buffet so I was excited to bring home about half of my meal.  The kids spotted it and it quickly disappeared.  We also got some sausage and chicken gumbo to take home.  My mom and sister took home the seafood gumbo, which my nephew said was the best restaurant gumbo he's had.  I'm told there's also a Wednesday BBQ buffet which is supposed to be really good.  I think we might take the 45 minute trip again soon and bring the kids.  When you leave you can always sit back and relax on the porch rocking chair :)

  

Update

Just a quick update on a restaurant called Rosa's that I reviewed.  Unfortunately, it closed up.  I know it was a small, family-owned restaurant and I hate to see it go.  I really did love the salsa and cheese enchiladas.  For some reason, restaurants just don't make it at that location.  Another update, I didn't do a post on this, but I went to a restaurant in Lake Charles called the Southern Favorites Kitchen.  It is located inside the L'Auberge Casino.  It was not good.  The selection was slim, the prices high, and seriously, my sister ordered the worst meatloaf I'd ever tasted.  Save your money and try something else.  In my opinion the casino doesn't have many dining options.  The buffet for breakfast was outstanding though.  On our way home we stopped at a restaurant in Sulphur called Hollier's Cajun Kitchen.  It will be my next review in a few days :)

It's Willy Willy Good

Many years ago my family went to Los Angeles on vacation and visited it's famous farmer's market.  It was there I had something they called an "Australian Burger".  It was basically a burger but with a fried egg on top of the cheese.  There could have been more toppings, but all I've ever remembered is that fried egg.  It sounds gross, but it is delicious.  The only other time I've ever had fried egg on a burger was at the Red Robin Hamburger chain.  It's not exactly something you can ask for at every restaurant, until I came along a picture in the newspaper a few weeks ago of a cheeseburger, and behold, a fried egg sticking out the sides!  It was from a place called Willy Burger in Beaumont.  So yesterday James and I checked it out.  It is located on Calder, right next to Tia Juanita's Fish Camp (which I've also heard is good, will visit soon).  First off, you should know the parking situation is not good.  There is one long row for Tia Juanita's, and one smaller row for parking in the back of Willy Burger.  I had to make a giant loop around five times to find a spot, but it was right at noon so I'm sure it gets better.  I didn't get a picture of the outside, but it is basically a cute little diner with lots of personality.  The employees dress in white with little white hats you would typically see in a diner.  Everyone was friendly and we walked right up to order.  They have your typical cheeseburger, hot dog, chicken sandwich and grilled cheese.  You can add toppings like my much-anticipated fried egg, and others like bacon, onions and jalapenos.  They also serve fries (regular, sweet potato and parmesan garlic), and onion rings, chili and fried pickles.  Then they have a giant specialty burger menu.  There are ones called a "Hee Haw Burger" (with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon and red pepper jelly), and others called a "Fred Sanford" burger and "Booty Burger" with fried boudain.  They also have tuna, catfish, crab and mushroom burgers if you want a little something different.  For dessert, they have ice cream, shakes and malts, coke floats and even funnel cakes.  They also serve breakfast!  So now for our visit.

You pass by this window with billiard balls stuck around it that overlooks the kitchen.  The restaurant is extremely clean.  You place your order and fix your drink.  There are about ten booths in the front and a cute little trailer on the side where there are a few tables.  This is a picture of the archway to the trailer.  It has pennies stuck on it.  

Even the women's bathroom is cute.  I don't think I have ever taken a picture of a bathroom before.  It is very clean and painted nicely so I thought I would include it just for laughs.

So finally, the food!  Of course I ordered a cheeseburger and added a fried egg.  Remember, I usually only have cheese and mayo, so that's why it's not very tall.   I ordered the french fries.  They are thin cut fries and very crispy.  They were okay but I think I'd order the onion rings next.  You'll see why.

It was an ooey-gooey, melt-in-your-mouth, sensational burger.  The cheese was extra good and the bun tasted very fresh.  James got the onion rings and "Uncle Charlie" burger, which was a burger with bacon, onion rings and BBQ sauce.  I should've taken a picture afterward, because there wasn't even a crumb left on our trays.  The total for our two burgers with added toppings, fries, onion rings and two drinks was $29.67.  The burgers are around $7-$8, which to me isn't bad.  I would definitely go back.

So after all these years, I was glad to finally reunite with my fried egg burger.  If you'd like to check out their menu online, the website is www.willy-burger.com ...