re: Velvet Cactus (Baton Rouge) Opens Monday (1/19)

Exactly. Most people think mediocre to bad food is fine. They don't care.

My sister, for instance, thinks Texas Roadhouse is "better than Ruth's Chris".

Its all about getting atmosphere right and focusing on huge alcohol sales. Make it a place people want to get together in groups, sit and drink drink drink.

Food is secondary.

Rum House came in and made out like gangbusters with this concept, even though their food is definitely better than VC (not saying a lot).

VC will do the same. They will kill it.

I go to the one in Lakeview sometimes because its near my house. The atmosphere and bar is good, and there are lots of good sites to see. I just don't eat there.