BEST OF 318 FORUM
THE THRILLS, THE SPILLS AND THE SURPRISES
Congratulations to all our 2024 Best of 318 winners.
In this edition, we are sharing your number-one picks for the best our region has to offer. Garnering 225,606 votes and 3,147 nominees, we are thrilled with the excitement of this campaign. You turned out to vote, and our winners couldn’t be more appreciative.
Southern Maid Donuts won the largest number of votes showing out for the second year.
Southern Classic Chicken was right behind them with significant numbers. Something about the South?
Another top vote gatherer is Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café. The beloved restaurant received five number-one wins, topping out with Best Soul Food, Best Stuffed Shrimp, Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Catfish and Best Gumbo. They were all landslides. Next up, Dr. Lindsey Pennington received seven number one awards ... the most overall.
A handful of businesses surprised us — garnering top votes for Best Seafood is Kim’s Cook-House, a place we weren’t familiar with (but sure will be). They have a loyal fan base who stood up for them. Kudos to KRUE Events: A catering business also new to us came out a big winner as Best Caterer. Titles hard to take from some pretty big names — the Best Ribs and Best Barbecue categoriey winner is Louisiana Smoke House.
On the following pages, read about a few of the standouts in your selections (more next issue!) and all 139 categories. Categories that received the most nominations included Best Physicians and Best Nail Salons. You want to look good and feel good, too. Awesome.
In our July 24 edition, look for more surprises and get reacquainted with all the businesses you know and love.
What bragging rights these businesses have! You chose them to be the Best of 318. Show them your support and congratulate them on this prestigious honor. They earned it.
OUR 23 LANDSLIDE WINNERS INCLUDE:*
Best Museum — R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Best Crawfish — Rubba Boot Crawfish Company
Best Donuts — Southern Maid Donuts
Best Soul Food — Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Seafood Restaurant — Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Stuffed Shrimp — Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Gumbo — Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Italian — Monjunis Restaurants
Best Margarita — Superior Bar and Grill
Best Oysters — The Oyster Bar & Grille
Best Place to Eat Downtown — The Blind Tiger
Best Seafood — Kim’s Cook-House
Best Sushi — Sushi Gen
Best Lighting — House of Carpets & Lighting
Best Plumber — Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Best Casino Lounge — Celebrity Lounge at Bally’s
Best Chef — Ernest Palmisano
Best Local Band — The Hollow Decks
Best Live Music — Hurricane Alley
Best Chinese — Imperial Cathay
Best Coffee Shop — Rhino Coffee
Best Restaurant for Breakfast — Another Broken Egg Cafe
Best Steakhouse — 2 Johns Steak & Seafood
* Landslide winners received more than double the votes of their nearest competitor.
Contributions by Joe Todaro, Tony Taglavore and Jeremy Hernandez
BEST FOOD & DRINKBest Steak
2 Johns Steak and Seafood
Best Martini
2 Johns Steak & Seafood
Best Place to Eat Downtown
Blind Tiger
Best Local Sandwich
Doc’s Sandwich Shop & Deli
Best Chips and Salsa
El Jimador Grill Inc.
Best Appetizers
Gibbons Fine Grill
Best Pizza
Johnny’s Pizza House
Best Desserts at Local Restaurant
Julie Anne’s Bakery & Cafe
Best Mexican Food
Ki’ Mexico
Best Tacos
Ki’ Mexico
Best Seafood
Kim’s Cook-House LLC
Best King Cakes
Lilah’s Bakery
Best BBQ
Louisiana Smoke House
Best Ribs
Louisiana Smoke House
Best Fries at a Local Restaurant
McDonald’s
Best Italian Food
Monjunis
Best Stuffed Shrimp
Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Gumbo
Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Burger
Papa and Company
Best Fried Chicken
Southern Classic Chicken
Best Donuts
Southern Maid Donuts
Best Margarita
Superior Bar & Grill
Best Sushi
Sushi Gen
Best Oysters
The Oyster Bar & Grille
Best Nursery / Garden Store
Akin’s Nursery & Landscape
Best Pest Control
AntiPest
Best Remodeler
Bayou Construction
Best HVAC Service & Repair
Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co.
Best Plumber
Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co.
Best Landscaping
Hoogland’s Landscape
Best Home Decor
Hobby Lobby
Best Home Design Services
Hobby Lobby
Best Lighting
House of Carpets and Lighting
Best Carpet
House of Carpets and Lighting
Best Furniture
Ivan Smith Furniture
Best Antique Shop
King’s Antiques And More
Best Appliances
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Best Pool Design
Morehead Pools
Best Homebuilder
Southern Home Builders Inc.
BEST EDUCATION/ARTS Best Local College
Bossier Parish Community College
Best Summer Camp
Camp Bethany
Best Tutoring Service
Marvkevea’s Learning Center
Best Museum
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Best Local Theater
Shreveport Little Theatre
Best Performing Arts Group
Shreveport Little Theatre
Best Theater Group
Shreveport Little Theatre
Best Private School
Southfield School
Best Radio Station
98 Rocks
Best Tattoo Artists
Brandon Jones, Shreveport Ink
Best Casino Lounge
Celebrity Lounge at Bally’s
Best Bartender
Cheyenne, 1931 Lounge
Best Liquor Store
Cuban Liquor & Wine Co. Inc.
Best Place for a Wedding Reception
Dixie Gin
Best Local TV News Personality
Dominique Benn
Best Local Radio Personality
Erin McCarty
Best Local Singer
Haley Brooke
Best Local Band
The Hollow Decks
Best Place for Live Music
Hurricane Alley
Best Bar or Restaurant to Watch Sports
Hurricane Alley
Best Mardi Gras Krewe
Krewe of Centaur
Best Mardi Gras Bal
Krewe of Gemini
Best Chef
Ernest Palmisano
Best Fundraising Event
Holy Angels Run
Best Caterer
KRUE Events
Best Local Artist
Poetic X
Best Festival
Red River Revel Arts Festival
Best Golf Course
Southern Trace Country Club
Best Regional Bank
Barksdale Federal Credit Union
Best Credit Union
Barksdale Federal Credit Union
Best Realtor
Becki Bass
Best Financial Planner
Edward Jones
Best Investment Firm
Edward Jones
Best Travel Agency
Expedia, Elton Richie
Best Family Law
Kelly Long
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Lindsey Pennington
Best Rhinoplasty (nose)
Lindsey Pennington
Best Blepharoplasty (eyes)
Lindsey Pennington
Best Body Sculpting
Lindsey Pennington
Best Face Lift
Lindsey Pennington
Best Breast Enhancement
Paul Davis
Best CPA
Mark Ford
Best Non-Surgical Enhancements
Pennington Facial Plastics
Best Attorney
Ron Miciotto
Best Weight Loss
Shed It!
Best Children’s Shop
The Moppet Shoppe
Best Facial
My Spa My Way
Best Hair Salon
Chemistry Hair Salon
Best Men’s Clothing Store
Dillard’s
Best Nail Salon
Spa Concepts AVEDA Lifestyle Salon & Spa
Best Place to Get a Facial
Spa Concepts AVEDA Lifestyle Salon & Spa
Best Skin Care
Ark-La-Tex Dermatology
Best Spa
Spa Concepts AVEDA Lifestyle Salon & Spa
Best Women’s Boutique
Simply Chic Boutique
Best Steakhouse
2 Johns Steak and Seafood
Best Place for a Date Night
2 Johns Steak and Seafood
Best Bar
2 Johns Steak and Seafood
Best Restaurant for Breakfast
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Best Brunch
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Best Patio/Outdoor Seating
BeauxJax Crafthouse
Best Food Truck
Cajun Asian Food Truck & Catering
Best Healthy Eating Restaurant
Counter Culture
Best Vietnamese
Danh’s Garden
Best Thai
Danh’s Garden
Best Sandwich Shop
Doc’s Sandwich Shop & Deli
Best Happy Hour
El Paso Mexican Grill
Best Local Brewery
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub
Best Overall Restaurant
Gibbons Fine Grill
Best Chinese
Imperial Cathay Chinese Restaurant
Best Casino Restaurant
Jack Binion’s Steak House
Best Bakery
Julie Anne’s Bakery & Cafe
Best Wine Selection
Lucky Palace Chinese Restaurant Best
Seafood Restaurant
Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Soul Food
Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café
Best Coffee Shop
Rhino Coffee
Best New Restaurant
The Pearl Shreveport
Best Mediterranean
Yeero-Yeero
Best Meat Market / Specialty Store
Bergeron’s Boudin & Cajun Meats
Best Grocery Strore
Brookshire’s
Best Event Planner
Delia Jeffcoat
Best Gift Store
Enchanted Garden
Best Physical Therapist
Eric Weatherly Independent Therapy Solutions
Best Assisted Living
The Glen
Best Pediatrician
Gretchen Petterway
Best Realty Company
Keller Williams Realty NWLA
Best Eye Doctor
Lusk Eye Specialists
Best Jewelry Store
McCary’s Jewelers
Best Wedding Designer
Michelle Babin
Best Pet Services
Pet Smart
Best Dry Cleaning
Porter’s Fine Dry Cleaning
Best Dentist
Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care
Best Florist
The Colony House
Best Physician
The Family Doctors
Best Retirement Living
The Oaks of Louisiana
Best Hardware Store
Tubb’s Hardware & Cajun Gifts
Best Veterinary Practice
University Veterinary Hospital
Best Pharmacy
Walgreens
Best Fitness Studio
YMCA of NWLA
The R.W. Norton Art Gallery fall exhibition, "The Artist: A Singing-and-Painting Experience by Bridget and Amanda Windez.” (Bridget Winder Art, LLC Amanda Winder.) Opening Sept. 26.
For almost 60 years, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery has offered visitors the chance to view prestigious art collections, especially of Western art. But even though the museum has been open since 1966, it continues to evolve.
“We are always working to improve the museum and come up with new, interesting ideas for exhibitions and community events,” said Emily Feazel, designer of exhibits and special events. “The museum is not stagnant and is ever-evolving and growing. We always love introducing new artists and opportunities to the Shreveport-Bossier area.”
When you think of museums, you may think, “adults only.” However, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery not only welcomes children — parents are encouraged to bring their young ones.
“Art museums are the perfect place to bring children. People think they should not start bringing their children to museums until elementary school, but that is not true. From a young age, you can talk to your babies and children about colors, shapes, the people they see in the paintings, etc. Introducing children to art and museums early is how we breed the next generation of art lovers and museum-goers.”
Kyle Loyd, Owner The Colony House of Flowers prides itself on providing personal customer service.
“We want people to walk away feeling like we are family-owned and-operated,” said owner Kyle Loyd. “We care about each one of our clients.”
Loyd adopted that philosophy from watching his parents, who owned a local veterinary business for 44 years.
“They built a tremendous business with their clientele. I watched how they built their business. I want my clients to feel the same way — that we are hands-on.”
The Colony House of Flowers handles orders small and large, for events from birthdays to funerals to anniversaries.
“We oversee every order, whether it’s a $45 arrangement or a $100,000 wedding. We are 100 percent dedicated to each client. We want them to walk away happy, and with an incredible product that is of high quality.”
Leigh Ann Miller, General Manager
Being the new kid on the block is tough, but our 318 Best Local Sandwich also garnered top honors in the Best Sandwich Shop category.
Doc’s has followed the lead of its sister business, Lowder’s Bakery. General Manager Leigh Ann Miller said she thought the outcome was “fantastic. It’s nice knowing our customers thought enough of us and took the time to vote for us as the best.”
Miller said their menu consists of premium Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, and they use only the best-quality ingredients. “We try to give everyone the best experience possible.”
For more information, visit shreveportsandwiches.com.
Best Attorney: Ronald J. Miciotto
The verdict is in, and the Best of 318 Attorney for 2024 is Ronald J. Miciotto.
Admitted to the bar in 1977, he has earned a reputation as a tough advocate for his clients. He has been a past president and member of the Shreveport Bar Association, voted one of the 10 best family lawyers by the American Institute of Family Lawyers, a past member of the Shreveport Metropolitan Zoning Board, a past member of the Shreveport-Bossier Port Commission and a member of the Bossier Bar Association. This year, he was appointed to serve a four-year term on the Louisiana Disciplinary Board by the Louisiana Supreme Court. More information is available at miciottolaw.com.
Best Healthy Eating Restaurant: Counter Culture
Jan Middleton, Owner
Since 1977, in a small location virtually across the street from Centenary College, Counter Culture has carved out a niche for itself in the healthy eating category. Jan Middleton bought the little store that could in 1984 and since then has taken her unique yogurt recipe, fresh fruit and fresh ingredients across Louisiana. Statewide, there are 12 stores, with plans to add more, plus shops in Gulf Shores and Rowlett, Texas. The secret to success, Middleton said, is, “We cook our own food, and it’s not expensive.” She said locals know who they are. “We’re a home-grown store and a Shreveport landmark.” Visit Eatcounterculture.com to learn more.
Best Veterinary Practice: University Veterinary Hospital Megan Strickland, Practice Manager
What started as a small local veterinary clinic has grown into a regional center with a reputation for advanced technology and medical care for pets. While pets are the focus, Practice Manager Megan Strickland said, University Veterinary Hospital is driven to improve the lives of pets and their human families. “Truly, we’re in the pet business, but we’re really in the business of taking care of people through their pets. So, the fact that so many people have acknowledged us as practicing (the) best medicine is truly an honor.” What sets them apart, she said, is, “We have a set of doctors (so) that we can practice team-based medicine, so that you’re not just getting one doctor’s opinion. We do so much continuing education with our team. Smarter doctors, smarter nurses make great medicine.”
The Wellness Cottage, said Strickland, has been set up home-style, and it’s perfect “if you have a pet that’s really afraid of going to the vet. It’s just for those pets that get all worked up when they come to the vet.” For more information, go to uvhpets.com.
Deb Cockrell, Owner
The Enchanted Garden has been enchanting customers for 44 years, but owner Deb Cockrell still thinks that being recognized as the Best Gift Store is special.
“I feel so honored because my customers are so wonderful. Some of them have been with us for 44 years. I just really appreciate them. It’s just like family.”
She said the secret to the Garden’s success is always trying to find products and new things that customers don’t see everywhere. “We carry a lot of different and unique items. My brother, Dennis, makes beautiful Mardi Gras and fantasy masks, and we ship those all over. We carry a lot of unique Louisiana items.” Customers come from all over, and Cockrell said that Christmas is special when folks from Dallas and Fort Worth make the trek to check off their gift lists.
“People say it’s their happy place.” Visit Enchantedgarden.com to find out more.
Javier Ochoa, Manager
These days, it’s easy to find a good Mexican food restaurant locally, but what makes one stand out? One factor is happy hour, and El Paso Mexican Restaurant scored tops in this category. Why? Manager Javier Ochoa has the answer: “Because we have the best margaritas. And we have great service. People come in here one time, and the second time, they’re becoming customers.” What makes the margaritas are the ingredients: different tequilas and techniques are used to create their crowd-pleasing drinks.
They use organic tequila, natural juices and lemons, and they even combine premium tequila. Expert mixologists have helped create their selection of margaritas, including how the drinks are served.
“When you see a great presentation, your imagination runs away,” Ochoa said. For more information, visit Elpasomexrestaurant.com.
Making it in the music business is a full-time job, and Haley Brooke has been at it since she was still wearing Mary Janes. She said she owes it to Shreveport Community Church, which she described as a “very musical church. I owe pretty much everything to the church. I grew up singing next to amazingly gifted singers and songwriters. I have been singing full-time for a living since December of 2013. It’s been a serious blessing, for sure, to get to do something I love and get paid to do it.” You can check out her work on Facebook and Instagram at iamhaleybrooke.
“I’m also on music streaming platforms … pretty much anywhere there is digital music available.” Be on the lookout for some changes coming at the end of this year, she said. “I’m trying to move more towards R & B. Ultimately, I want to be doing my own music. There’s not a whole lot of room career-wise when it comes to being an original artist. It’s such a hard business.
“More than ever, we need artists that are out there that don’t have vulgar language and it’s all about sex and whatever. I want to be a positive role model.”
NEXT ISSUE: LOOK FOR YOUR
BEST OF 318 TOP 5
WINNERS IN EACH CATEGORY.
