SoLou Lafayette’s Strawberry Hill Recipe
Take a sip of summer with a refreshing gin tipple imbued with ripe strawberries and a touch of effervescence
Elevated comfort food, seasonal craft cocktails and daily brunch served until 3 p.m. are central to the allure of Peter Sclafani’s chic new SoLou (short for South Louisiana) near River Ranch. The stylish neighborhood eatery recently joined the growing list of Baton Rouge-based restaurants that have successfully expanded into the Lafayette market. New brunch items such as Friends with Benedicts (a riff on the classic) complement favorites such as boudin biscuit sliders and shrimp and grits with a rosemary pork tasso gravy.
As CEO of Making Raving Fans Hospitality Group (MRFHG), Sclafani has employed new Chef de Cuisine Blake Yount and the same design team that crafted the original, verdant SoLou on Perkins Road.
“We wanted the décor to resemble our Baton Rouge location with a similar theme that brings the outside in, with lots of plants and an inviting patio,” says Sclafani.
“Brunch is a major thing at SoLou, so we’ve introduced a Bloody Mary bar in Lafayette,” he adds. “We’re also incorporating local products like Poupart’s bread into new menus that include dishes unique to Acadiana and specialty cocktails.”
Such popular lunch and dinner “shareables” as shrimp corn dogs (perched vertically on sticks) with spicy mustard dipping sauce and do-it-yourself tabletop s’mores cooked over mini concrete fire pits are featured along with SoLou’s signature libations tied to the seasons.
“Strawberry Hill is the perfect cocktail for a summer day and a laid-back brunch, preferably on SoLou’s patio,” says Shauna Reader, director of operations. “It is light and refreshing with just a touch of sweetness.”
An easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cocktail, SoLou’s enticing summer libation begins with a strawberry-infused gin that can be made in advance. Lemon juice tempers its fruity sweetness and an effervescent component allows the botanical notes of the juniper-forward spirit to shine. With its visually alluring layers and sweet-sour sparkle, SoLou’s Strawberry Hill is a refreshing summer sipper that is suitable for any occasion.
Home Bar
SoLou’s Strawberry Hill
Pour 2 ounces strawberry-infused gin, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice and ¾ ounce simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 5 seconds. Then pour into a fresh glass and top with 3 ounces of soda water or sparkling wine, whichever you prefer. Garnish with halved strawberries.
SoLou Lafayette
1905 Kaliste Saloom Road Lafayette
eatsolou.com
