Had a pretty good day shopping local in Baton Rouge

I've always wanted to check out Iverstine Butcher and Sunday I went since the wife is out of town.

I'm kicking myself for not going sooner, as the place was filled with all kinds of great looking stuff, and also some friendly and knowledgeable guys behind the counter. The one helping me had graduated from LSU with a degree in Animal Science, and was really passionate about their product. The other butcher basically said anything I wanted, they could do. I left with a good sampling of steak, chicken, pork, sausage, and a chuck roast. All cost about $70 and I know I'm getting quality. I'll be back because I love playing around with cheaper cuts of meat.

After that, I grabbed a poke bowl from Southfin Poke to-go. Had the traditional one with gulf tuna, shoyu sauce, sweet onion, green onion, radish, cucumber, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger. Tossed on some seaweed salad and had it over the sweet potato noodles. Fresh and delicious. Washed it down with a pineapple ginger agua fresca. Good stuff.

Needing some veggies to go with the meat, I stopped by Fresh Pickens where I bought a week's worth of various veggies for $16.00. I'd forgotten how cheap the place was, and I loaded up on tomatoes, squash, zucchini, brussel sprouts, and other items. The only con was it was unbearable hot under the stand, and the flys were out in full force around the fruit sections. Part of the charm, I guess.

Anyway, a good day in Baton Rouge getting some great items to cook for the week.