Tope La

This is definitely one of the few places I've been in Hammond that is really a "special occasion" level restaurant. Not to say you can't go for any occasion, but when you want that special atmosphere and unique food, Tope La will deliver.

They have a good wine menu, fairly unique cocktails and on Fridays (I believe only in the summer) they have fish specials. Our latest dining experience was quite nice, though the food service was quite slow because they had a large rehearsal dinner there. Here's what we had:

- Bayou Dip - This was pretty good. Great flavor, maybe a little too runny, but all in all a great appetizer to share. Unique twist on the spinach & artichoke dip you're used too.
- Crabmeat & Artichoke Soup - I wasn't so impressed by this. The bisque lacked complexity, so it kind of just tasted like white gravy
- House Salads w/ Sugar Cane Vinaigrette - Very interesting concept for a vinaigrette dressing, though a little sweet for a whole salad.
- Tabasco Speckled Trout (Fish Special) - Quite good. Simple, served atop a sweet potato, crab cake and topped with a Tabasco butter.
- Amberjack Alfredo (Fish Special #2) - Also quite good. The fish was prepared well and the alfredo was unique with sundried tomatoes and topped with fried oysters.
- Swordfish (Fish Special #3) - This dish had so much promise but I was a little underwhelmed. It was served atop a reduction of arugula, onions, portabellas and tomatoes, then topped with a walnut dijon sauce I believe. I thought the sauce was overly sweet, the fish overcooked and lacking flavor and the reduction lacked complexity. The arugula didn't have it's usual bite.

I very much enjoy coming to Tope La because they have all of the Cajun/Creole classics but then also come up with unique specials that show forward thinking in the cuisine.

I found this place while visiting. That atmosphere was really nice. Very clean and classy. I sat at the bar on Friday 4pm. Mark-the bartender was great. I told him I wanted something "Louisiana". He suggested Shrimp and grits. It was so delicious. Came back on Saturday night. Melissa-bartender suggested lightly blackened alligator. I never tried alligator before. I loved it. I also loved the dollar martini's. Met really great people at the bar and the rest of the night was awesome! The food and staff are really awesome here. I highly recommend it.

We go here often. Or, at least we did.  Food is generally very good; and is often great. Service can sometimes be hit or miss, but the food usually makes up for it. But the last time we went things went badly. It started by my ordering one of the specials listed on the white board at the front door. When my order was brought out it did not include some of the sides listed on the board. I got up to go re-read the description to be sure, and was correct. I brought it to our servers attention who returned my plate to the kitchen. A few moments later he returned with the same plate, and said the board was wrong, it had not been changed from the lunch specials. The dinner version of the dish did not include the same sides as the lunch version. He offered to bring me a baked potato, which I declined since I cannot have them. He then offered to give me a free creme brulee for desert, which I accepted. When our bill was brought out the price for my dish was much higher than was listed on the board. I again went to double-check the board only to find that it had been changed since we arrived, and now had a MUCH higher price listed for my dinner dish. I complained, and explained that they had advertised the dish at that price, and was obligated to honor it. The manager was called over and I made the same point to him. He initially refused to honor the posted price, then said if he lowered the price he would have to charge me for the dessert. I resisted, stating that I did not ask for dessert, it was offered as a substitute for the side I did not get. After much heated discussion he stomped off with the bill, then returned and slammed it down on the table, with the lower price and no dessert charge.

We have not been back since, and feel that the manager acted in a most unprofessional manner.  It is a shame, as we usually ate here at least once a week, and often twice. They have great specials. So, be forewarned, if you get one of the specials pay close attention to the price posted, and the price you get charged.