Area restaurant offers tastes of New Orleans

Although it is situated along one of Round Rock's busiest roadways, the French Quarter Round Rock restaurant has a look and ambience that separates it from its surroundings.

Located atop a small hill near the intersection of RM 620 and Chisholm Trail Road, the restaurant, which opened in August 2012, features manicured garden landscaping, one of the city's most scenic patio views and the historical distinction of operating out of one of Round Rock's oldest buildings.

"A really good thing about this restaurant is how unique it is in the inside," General Manager Jere Whiteside said. "It makes it popular for that special night, whether it's a birthday or

an anniversary."

The menu at French Quarter features many staples of Creole and Cajun cuisine, such as gumbo and etouffee. Co-owner and Executive Chef David Gore also prepares a variety of fish and shellfish dishes, including catfish, trout, tilapia shrimp and crawfish. The dishes can be served blackened, grilled, sauteed or fried and come with a variety of seasonings, toppings and crusts.

"I love the food and the whole history of New Orleans and how all of these different kinds of cultures got together on a plate," co-owner Scott Stolle said. "The Cajun style of cooking is absolutely unlimited."

The restaurant also offers separate lunch and dinner menus. Lunch customers have the option of ordering traditional New Orleans po'boy sandwiches in addition to daily specials. The dinner menu includes a selection of premium steaks that are cut and prepared daily.

"From the roux to the gumbo ... we make everything [in house]," Gore said. "I am hands-on. Just because I am an owner, that is not my main focus. I am more about being in the kitchen and making sure things are being done the way they are supposed to be done."

901 Round Rock Ave., Ste. D, 512-433-6402, www.frenchquarterroundrock.com

Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.,

5–9 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 5–10 p.m.; Sat. 5–10 p.m.