Baton Rouge is officially the next stop for TikTok food critic Keith Lee.
In a June 10 TikTok video, Lee announced that he and his family are making their way to Baton Rouge. But first, he added that they are "a little deeper in Louisiana" right now for an undisclosed business opportunity.
"Starting very soon, we're going to be in Baton Rouge," Lee said in a TikTok video. "So if you or somebody you know knows a mom-and-pop shop or a restaurant that's family-owned that has great food and great customer service, but could use the marketing for absolutely free to them, please let me know."
@keith_lee125 Where Are we Going Next ? 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound - Keith Lee
The social media phenomenon has 16.3 million followers on TikTok and uses his platform to uplift small businesses. While he never directly places an order, he precisely rates dishes in his car after someone incognito orders for him. He mentioned that the Bayou State was hot, wet, and the bugs in the background were "real loud."
We bet it was those cicadas.
Lee says that he is also on the lookout to try popular spots that embody the food scene in Baton Rouge, as well as restaurants that serve food from different cultures and backgrounds.
On The Advocate's Facebook page, more than 1,000 people commented on a May 21 post asking where Lee should eat if he comes to Baton Rouge.
Scotty Campbell wrote that he should visit Viet Garden at 11990 Florida Blvd.
"Get the number 55, add some chili paste to fish sauce, pour on the jasmine rice and it's a wrap!" Campbell posted. "That large pork chop is seasoned perfectly. Viet Garden is hidden gem in BR."
Avery McGee mentioned another hole-in-the-wall place, Sharon's Kitchen, at 11941 Plank Road, Scotlandville.
Caitlyn Cannon wrote that Azetca's Food Truck at 9414 Florida Blvd has the "best birria ramen in the world." She also added Roul's Deli, Riverside Patty and Pastime Restaurant.
While the restaurant is in Central, April Cherie posted about Sweet Rice Thai Cuisine at 18564 Magnolia Bridge Road, Greenwell Springs.
"Also check out Sweet Rice Thai Cuisine. Just the whole menu," Cherie wrote. "Try a curry, try the Tom yum soup, try their purple or green or Thai tea. Try everything!"
All in all, many Baton Rouge restaurants were suggested by readers, but the following ones got multiple mentions:
- Roul's Deli, 3327 Highland Road
- The Bayou Affect, 670 O'Neal Lane
- Royal Taste of Jamaica, 320 St Charles St.
- Valley Wings, 2679 Highland Road
- Owen's Grocery and Market, 2444 Balis Drive
- Empire Wings, 2698 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
- DC Eats, 8150 Plank Road
- Smoke Bayou, 4355 Inniswold Road
- Lillie's Kitchen, 5735 Silverleaf Ave.
- Willie's, 11260 Coursey Blvd.
- Chow Yum, 2363 Hollydale Ave.
- Elsie's Plate and Pie, 3145 Government St.
- Umami, 3930 Burbank Drive
- Frank's, 8353 Airline Highway
- Dorothy's Soul Food Kitchen, 1221 Gardere Lane
- Chicken Shack, 413 N. Acadian Thruway
- Dixie Made Drive-In, 4769 McClelland Drive
- Simple Joe Cafe, 3057 Government St.
- Odom's Kitchen, 7132 Florida Blvd.
