An upcoming dining destination coming to Baton Rouge will blend the nostalgia of home-cooked Sunday dinners with the vibrant flavors of the West Indies in an elevated setting.
Joelle’s Soul and Savor, located at 3015 Westfork Dr., aims to fill a void in the local dining scene by offering a high-end atmosphere that pairs refined comfort food with handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment. The concept was born after the owners saw similar concepts flourishing in other cities. It is set to open in September.
COO Charles Goerge recently told What Now New Orleans that the menu will combine elevated soul food with a distinct Caribbean infusion. The dishes may sound familiar to those raised on Southern staples, but the execution leans closer to fine dining.
“You got your jerk chicken and we got your lamb chops, we got your oxtails, we got your collard greens, we got your candied yams, we got your mac and cheese… everything that you would have at home on your Sunday table, maybe a holiday table, but we’re going to take that, put it on a plate and make it look really impressive,” George said.
The transformation of the Westfork Drive property was extensive. The owners invested heavily in the interior, installing marble and granite finishes to create an environment George describes as festive, yet elegant. A core component of the concept is the addition of an outdoor patio designed to host live music and up to 100 guests.
“We redone the whole building and we really just brought the building to life,” George said. “An outside area wasn’t being used, and we were like, ‘Man we can really do a nice outdoor patio where we can do some festive day parties and just a vibe thing where people can come out and they can have some good food but also listen to some good music.'”
That outdoor area will feature a dedicated stage for a rotating schedule of live entertainment, including violinists, saxophonists, and small jazz bands. George also noted plans for comedy nights and karaoke to keep the atmosphere dynamic.
In addition to the food, the restaurant will feature a robust beverage program led by a professional mixologist. Guests can expect premium spirits and signature drinks, such as the Joelle Toast, which was recently debuted at a private tasting event.
While other tasting events are scheduled, the restaurant is eyeing an opening date in mid-September.
