Local restaurants offer meals with Mother Nature

A LADY WHO LUNCHES

T is the season to enjoy patios! What is it about simply sitting outside with the caress of a nice breeze that is so refreshing? Whether we are recharging at lunch or relaxing after work, there are many Shreveport- Bossier City restaurants with great outdoor seating.

As soon as crisp winter air gave way to cool spring breezes, my friends and I made a list of patios to explore. While we enjoy shaking off the work week with happy hour, I’ve managed to squeeze in some lunch dates, too. Whether you are looking for dinner, drinking or dessert, there seems to be something for everyone.

With Louisiana weather changing hourly between rain and shine, there also seems to be a patio for every forecast. Some venues have canopies of trees or delightful umbrella-covered tables, perfect for partly cloudy to sunny.

Others have covered solid canopy structures that, much to our delight, allowed us to enjoy being outdoors even during the recent rains.

Since it would be too difficult to choose favorites among such different venues, I think it’s best to approach this alphabetically. Maybe I’ll see you soon at one of these:

Our first venture was a visit to Bistro Byronz, known for French Country cuisine. I was impressed that they were able to extend their French casual atmosphere outside using wrought-iron tables with large, black umbrellas dotting a dark, wooden deck along the side of the restaurant.

We considered the outdoor air chiller standing by a positive sign that we might be able to enjoy this space well into the heat of summer. That, and the surprisingly good vodka freezes we ordered from the happy hour menu in pomegranate and peach.

If you have ever seen me clutching a hot latté cup and singing out “sweet nectar of the gods,” it’ll be no surprise that I love the patio at Bon Temps Coffee and Wine Bar downtown in the Red River District. In addition to traditional coffee drinks, their repertoire includes adult beverages created with liquors, like Kahlua, rum or XO Patrón. A local favorite is Marcus’s creation, The Stoner Hill, a latté featuring Amaretto flavoring and a shot of RumChatta topped with a lovely dollop of whipped cream.

Their coffee shop is filled with warm tones, cozy chairs and cool decorations like copper penny-topped tables and wine-bottle light fixtures, but our favorite space is the wide, covered patio. Whether it is Arts Night, Game Night with the super big Jenga and table games, Poets in the District Night or a Music Jam, almost every night of the week, they have some type of easy-going entertainment.

Copeland’s on Bert Kouns received thumbs-up for appetizer selections and service. We enjoyed our visit; however, their lovely patio with its greenery and fountain on the north side of the restaurant facing Bert Kouns would benefit from additional landscaping with a bit more density and height to help buffer the guests from the rush of nearby traffic.

Ristorante Giuseppe’s gracefully shaped area bordered by low curved brick walls and large, flower-filled urns may be perfect for rain or shine, but my favorite thing about their patio is the pasta I was served. OK, the Sangria was quite refreshing, but I look forward to sharing my next plates of prosciutto panini and tortellini in alfredo sauce.

The beautiful canopy of trees covering the patio and roomy courtyard at Rhino Coffee give their outdoor experience a different feel, like a small park. Any day of the week, you can find people taking advantage of the sun-dappled areas to work, study or relax. While I am very partial to their specialty coffee, The Noble, they also have a full range of tasty sandwiches and salads to fuel your fun.

Stepping over into Bossier, the River City Grille has a great patio, more like a nice, big, covered wooden porch with adjustable garage-style windows that can be raised by section, adjusting for the wind. A ribeye steak and some of the best crawfish platters in town are equally enjoyable in this casual environment. Bonus is when there happens to be a talented guitarist playing music as you dine.

Vintage Wine Bar & Spirits received extra appreciation for having a nicely appointed patio with a secure cover that kept us protected throughout periodic downpours. The sound of rain was beautiful background music for our bourbon flights and vintage champagne cocktails partnered with a light menu of sea scallops genovese, eggplant involtini, and bruschetta Romana.

And these are just the start! If you like Méxican food, there are patios at Cantina Laredo, Nicky’s on Viking Drive and El Potrillo. In the mood for a burger and an awesome chocolate banana shake? Try the roomy porch at Twisted Root Burger Co. Sazerac and the Ruby Sippers are waiting at Wine Country Bistro, and the jasmine is blooming at The Anvil. The balcony at Abby Singer’s Bistro counts, too!

For a pleasurable night in, a nice home-cooked meal or ordering from a favorite restaurant through On the Go Delivery could make your favorite patio, your own. Enjoy!

Lynn Laird is a writer, fine artist and self-professed bon vivant living in Bossier. With her “Flair for Cooking” blog, she seeks out interesting ingredients and techniques to help make everyday meals just a touch more fabulous. She can reached at flairforcooking@gmail.com.