Wilbert Joseph Dupre Sr.
January 7, 2012
The one that got away
January 10, 2012
Step through Outback Steakhouse’s doors and find yourself among Ausie friends.
The unique environ n boomarangs, Aborginine artifacts and Australian art and open dining space n is accented by touches of our friends south of the equator. Natural wood abounds in the bar area and the general dining space, which has an ample mix of quaint booths and tables.
It can easily be said that Outback’s friendly atmosphere make for an ideal setting for business meals, dates or family outings. Every visit, I’m equally at home among the casually attired diners and folks in their Sunday best.
On our most recent visit, the place was packed n a common occurrence since the holidays, according to our hostess.
This particular weeknight, all of Houma must have decided to trade in their Christmas gift cards, as the wait to be seated was nearly 30 minutes. With TVs broadcasting the night’s latest BCS game, the wait went by relatively quickly. And a waitress made the rounds taking guests drink and appetizer orders as they passed the time waiting for a table.
Once at the table, our waiter was quick to take our drinks and deliver a piping hot loaf of wheat bread. Because of the full house, service was spotty the remainder of the evening. As the crowd thinned, we enjoyed more attention.
The meal began with a Bloomin’ Onion ($6.79), an Outback staple appetizer. The hand-carved onion is golden fried and comes with a signature, spicy sauce. It’s easy to over-indulge on the onion; Outback is about pacing oneself.
My guest opted for the classic 9-ounce Outback Special ($13.99) with a side of Ausie Chips and a side salad topped with the restaurant’s tangy tomato dressing.
Blame it on the packed house, but this particular night, the steak was a workout. The cut of meat had the bold seasonings Outback’s known for, but it was a tad overcooked. On previous visits, Outback’s steaks hold their own against most steakhouses in town so my guest was forgiving.
I ordered the Wood-Fire Grilled Pork Chop ($13.99), a new item among the Outback favorites. Cooked on a wood-fire, the chop is served with a Creole marmalade loaded with a blend of apples and onion slivers. Garlic mashed potatoes and fresh-steamed green beans accompanied the meal.
The pork chop, much juicier than the steak, had a distinguishable oak wood-fire flavor. It’s easily one of my favorite dishes at Outback. Be certain, the portion size is filling. Expect to take home leftovers. Again, it’s all about pacing.
For this review, we ordered a dessert, an anomaly as the meal is so filling. But the new addition among the desserts n Oreo Cookies ‘N Cream Waffles ($6.39) n captivated my guest’s attention. The dish didn’t fail her.
A chocolate-lovers delight, the dessert includes warm chocolate waffle cakes and vanilla ice cream topped with Oreo cookie crumbs and whipped cream. It’s drizzled with the house chocolate sauce and sprinkled with powdered sugar. It’s definitely worth a try.
Outback Steakhouse has built its reputation on friendly service, a casual atmosphere and generally consistent meals. Houma’s Outback fits that bill.
Outback Steakhouse
WHERE
1561 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houma
Phone: (985) 580-1800
Curbside Take-Away Service Available: Order via phone or at www.outback.com; orders delivered right to your vehicle.
WHEN
Monday through Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
GURU PICKS
Bloomin’ Onion n $6.79
Outback Special n $9.99 to $16.99, depending on size of steak
Wood-Fire Grilled Pork Chop n $13.99
Oreo Cookies ‘N’ Cream Waffles n $6.39
