Hungry? Try Ground Pat’I

It’s been about seven months since Houma’s Ground Pat’i changed hands, and the end product is worth the change.

Gone are the booths, slow service and sticky tables.

Today’s Ground Pat’i at 101 Bayou Gardens Blvd. in Houma is bustling. A visit shortly before the Christmas holiday saw a packed house. Despite the huge crowd, we were promptly greeted and led to a seat near the open pit fire. The constant with Ground Pat’i, excluding its menu, is its relaxed, casual atmosphere. Bordering on rustic with its wooden tables and floors, the dining area is surrounded in each corner with flat-screen TVs broadcasting the latest sports action or news.

Our waitress arrived quickly, taking drink orders and answering questions about menu items. Throughout the visit, she kept a close eye, often checking in to see if we needed refills on drinks or anything else from the menu.

On my most recent visit, I enjoyed the BBQ Smoked Pork sandwich ($6.95) with fries. The pulled pork is tender smoked and smothered in the restaurant’s homemade barbeque sauce. Dressed with a tomato, lettuce and onion, the sandwich is complimented by a huge pickle spear on the side.

What I’ve always most appreciated about Ground Pat’i is the restaurant’s willingness to cook to guest’s liking. Want a sandwich on wheat bun? No problem. Cooked medium or well? No problem. Or slathered in cheese? No problem.

My guest, who was eating lighter in anticipation of the holiday, started her meal with the soup of the day, which, on this day, was chicken enchilada ($4.75). Served in a kettle, the thick soup included a spicy combination of black beans, corn and chicken served over tortilla strips. It rated a two-thumbs up.

Ground Pat’i’s other soup choices include potato (Mondays), vegetable (Wednesdays), stuffed bell pepper (Thursdays) and shrimp/crab bisque (Fridays), in addition to the always popular chili and French onion soup (any day).

Besides the casual setting, Ground Pat’i is a favorite for most because of the establishment’s diverse menu. Along with a variety of burgers and sandwiches, the restaurant offers salads, gourmet potatoes, grilled ribs, chicken or pork chops, steaks and seafood platters, as well as lighter menu choices.

Prices are pretty reasonable, too, considering the portions. A guest at the next table munched on the Monterey Chicken, a mesquite-flavored, chargrilled chicken breast layered with applewood smoked bacon and covered with Monterey Pepper Jack Chicken. The dish was accompanied by fresh steamed veggies and Texas Toast. With a side salad, it’s a good $12.95 deal.

Youngsters also have a diverse selection, including Mac & Cheese Bites or a Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($3.99 each).

And for dessert, the Key Lime Cheesecake ($4.95) is a sure bet, although the younger set in my party vouches for the Oreo Brownie Sundae ($4.95).

Whether you’re entertaining family or friends, Houma’s Ground Pat’i delivers good food and friendly service in a casual environment.

Ground Pat’i 101 Bayou Gardens Blvd. Houma (985) 872-3781 Restaurant Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dine in or take-out