Jacmel Inn - Hammond, Louisiana

They've lost a a little bit because of attrition in the cooks that made them what they were. Still good food, but maybe not quite as stellar as they once were. But they are still probably, excluding NOLA, among some of the best of the rest in the state. I'd order whatever the special is if you really want to get the chef to go next level. Trouble with the area is there is so much steak and vanilla ordered that when you actually do order the special, that's when they can show you what they have to offer. It's not their fault where they are located. Matter of fact it's quite amazing that it's in Hammond to be honest with you. The owner, Paul, had a vision in mind though when he set out with his brother, and I think cost was the big issue in where to go when he came down here. I think Jacmel is one of the coolest settings in the state though. Real eclectic with the whole hodgepodge design inside, and their outside patio is awesome during the spring time on a pretty day. WORTH the drive by far.

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Never hear of it anymore, not even by Hammond folks.

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IMO, that's because they aren't doing the same stuff as they once were, and because other places in the area have opened up and picked them of those talents. Phil's gone, as are others. The Pier is banging it out too now, and worth a look.

I have been to pier recently, I really did not think it is anything to write home about and it is expensive for what they have. They had a very bland taste last time I went. Just my opinion though so take it FWIW.

I LOVE Jacmel. I've never, ever had an experience that was less than stellar.

I will agree that my experience at Pier wasn't anything to write home about. It's been well over a year since I've visited.

As I live in Hammond, I'm really excited about the new options coming along. I don't eat them anymore, but what Hammond really lacks is a solid po-boy place. Back in my college days, I craved po-boys on Sundays (french fry/roast beef po-boys were my favorite). The best I could find was Erdie's in Albany. And that was hit and miss.

I think Yellow Bird is still my favorite place to eat in town.

If ya'll get a chance and don't mind dropping some cash, this weekend is Chef's Evening, put on by SLU and held at the Pennington Student Activity Center. Not sure exactly how much the price is per person, but all the local area chefs will be there with there best showcase dishes doing tastings to support academics at SLU. I'm sure there will be a lot of socialites there, but the food should be really something.

Yes. Trey Yuen. The Hammond location has been garbage for a decade now. Covington or bust!

Better yet, Cafe East in NO..or bust.

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Jacmel is great, go there, Doyle the head chef does a great job.

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You're gonna want to go this year.

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Why is he leaving?

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These are just guesses, but I'd say they were very good ones.

1) Have you ever been in that kitchen in the middle of August?

2) Limited vision on the part of owner. Still wants to do the stuff that was popular 20 years ago, and micromanage the exec chef, so you don't have an exec chef, you have an expensives sous chef. This is an art. You want a cook, get some bags from sysco and play the heat it up game.

3) Have you ever met Paul?

I think if Im in that area I would prefer to eat at Topla, however its spelled.

I like jacmel but tope la right now is my favorite casual place in Hammond. Rockefellers in Ponchatoula is doing the best cooking right now though, so you should check that out since you have not been around in awhile. My favortie in hammond tho is Mariners Inn, just my opinion....