1165 E. McNeese, Lake Charles
Over the years, I’ve found myself frequently asked for dining recommendations and suggestions. The conversation usually starts with a simple scenario. “We’re coming to Lake Charles this weekend. What places do you recommend?” My first reply is always a sincere, personal favorite: Crying Eagle University. At this point it is like a pre-programed response.
It’s crazy to think about how often I hear, “I’ve never been there.” To be fair, we often engage back and forth and fine tune what their needs and desires are, keeping both budget and expectations in mind. But, I’m clearly confident in my suggestion.
Why Crying Eagle? Honestly, it’s one of the most unique and well-rounded venues which encompasses just about every single requirement most people can agree upon. The brewery provides the opportunity to hang out in a no-pressure, no-rush atmosphere. At Crying Eagle you can socialize, eat, drink and absorb the entertainment at your own pace.
On the food side of things, The Bistro has an exciting, family friendly menu with kids activities in mind. Overall, it’s pet friendly for our leashed four legged friends, and it’s host to a diversity in live entertainment and community events.
A lot has changed since its opening in 2016. The brewery was subject to state rules and regulations, barring the sale of libations outside of what the brewery was able to produce, which admittedly limited the reach in attracting patrons. It wasn’t easy trying to convince my wife to spend an afternoon at the brewery, as she’s not a beer drinker. Since then, legislation has eased, permitting the brewery to license a fully stocked bar, creating cocktails for any taste.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the food we love at The Bistro. Created by Fran Avery, from its inception she has been 100-percent hands-on, assuring a creative menu and mouthwatering meals. While we do see seasonal menu changes, there’s comfort in sitting on the outdoor patio with a timeless favorite, like the Butcher Block Pizza and sipping on an ice cold Things Unsettled brew.
For today’s column, however, my wife and I experienced the Brew-zy Brunch we’ve been anticipating. It was near noon on a beautiful fall Sunday and the cool, comfortable air could be felt through the open patio doors. Crying Eagle is counter service. Typically, I’ll start a tab at the Tap Room which stays open and allows me to order from the Bistro without opening a new bill. Shyla and I traditionally like to begin our brunch with a pair of bloody mary drinks, but, there was something a little different available: a sparkling wine flight. The flight offers four sparkling wine pours, each flavored with your choice of fruit. We chose pomegranate, blood orange, raspberry hibiscus and mango.
I wasn’t going to let the temptation of a fully equipped DIY Bloody Mary Bar escape me. I receive a salt rimmed glass, iced and poured with room to add your own choice of ingredients without incurring spillage. Adding a strip of bacon, pepperoncini, savory grilled shrimp, cheese cubes, cocktail onions, and a couple of asparagus spears, with a lemon and lime wedge for the final garnish.
After a couple of sips and ample time to review the menu, it was time to step to the bistro to place our order and receive our numbered table flag. The Brew Crew was bustling, delivering orders to the patrons dotted throughout the dining areas as quickly as the kitchen prepares them. It’s not long before our table is filled with platers of food to share. The Hangover Hash starts with a bed of roasted potatoes, topped with crumbles of crisp bacon, tomatoes, caramelized onions, mushrooms and bell peppers, a sprinkle of pepper-jack cheese, and a pair of perfectly poached eggs. The Breakfast Chilaquiles are fantastic: fresh tortilla chips, layered with tender pulled pork, salsa roja, pico de gallo, cilantro, avocado and lime for a tangy and savory dish. And then we have the What the Fig pizza. There’s a small part of me that’s skeptical. Fig? I used to love Fig Newtons as a kid until one time when I ate too many. That episode pretty much ended any fig craving or desires.
Regardless, I’m intrigued by the pizza’s description, and I also know The Bistro couldn’t create a bad pizza if it tried. The fresh, hand-tossed house dough is shaped, docked and begins with an oil base. It’s then sprinkled with a generous amount of mozzarella, goat cheese and prosciutto. After adding the fruity rewards of black mission fig and bacon jam it’s gently coaxed into the open fire pizza oven where they let it do its thing. The pie is turned to even out the subtle char of the crust before it’s pulled and then the cutter makes a few passes and it’s topped with a healthy amount of arugula for a peppery finish.
Crying Eagle’s What the Fig pizza is likely one of the most underrated pizzas I’ve had in quite some time. Shyla and I were both equally impressed with the flavors.
Crying Eagle Brewery and The Bistro has always had an open and inviting atmosphere, with great food. From the live entertainment, the weeknight board games and the popular food truck events, it’s no wonder why it’s a personal favorite and one I’ll always highly recommend.
I can’t wait to bring you the latest menu when the Lakeshore location opens in the coming months.
Comments are closed.