BAYOU EATS

Whether you’re coming from right down the road or a ways away, The Levee Grill is a place to expect friendly, familiar faces reflecting onto the glimmering surface of the bayou.

VANELIS RIVERA KELLY MOORE CLARK

Perched at the intersection of River Landing and Levee Drive in Monroe, The Levee Grill holds the promise of a place that invites relaxation from its scenic view. Yet, this cozy eatery isn’t just relying on the serene, natural beauty of Bayou Desiard to keep hungry guests in their seats. Owner Jon Gimber has curated a space and menu inspired by his enriching experiences with food and his staunch resolve to “take care of people” by way of his passion.

Gimber grew up “all over Louisiana,” he says. Food has always been a presence in his life, starting from his upbringing. Coming from a big family meant that meals were substantial and, most importantly, that everyone had a hand in their preparation. Finding cooking for large parties a fulfilling endeavor, his family began a catering company. “We would cook for big things like Mardi Gras and parties,” he says. Wanting to further enhance his standing in the food industry, Gimber started a barbecue restaurant in Bossier City, though he later left it to take some time away from the restaurant business. Five years ago, he jumped back into what came naturally to him, owning Miss Kay’s Sweets & Eats in West Monroe until COVID-19 hit. “And then, [I] bought the Levee Grill and took over the day the COVID restrictions hit,” informs Gimber with a chuckle and a wistful “Yeah.” From the first day he took over, Levee Grill had to shut the doors and become a to-go establishment, like many others nationwide. Unquestionably challenging, Gimber is proud of how his team rolled up their sleeves and adapted to the new normal. “We worked hard, you know, learned a lot about it, and kind of had a completely new model,” he says. Even after pandemic protocols shifted, they eased into the changes, from the reinstatement of outdoor seating to the return of indoor dining with social distancing guidelines.

The joining of a restaurant and community is what inspired Gimber to invest his expertise into the waterside establishment. He kept his approach simple: good food, reliable catering, and a cool place. “It’s just a great place that people can come unwind a little bit. People can bring in their family and have a good meal,”

Owner Jon Gimber has an interest in local entertainment from high school sports to outdoor activities – all which can be seen throughout the décor in The Levee Grill. His personality and interests are further extended to the menu with the help of his kitchen manager Vada Perry, a seasoned chef for more than 40 years.

he says, describing the common occurrence of neighborhood kids riding up the bridge on bikes and families walking together to what surely has turned into their favorite retreat and eatery. For Gimber, it’s everything that mimics his vision and desire of family and community, namely the gathering. To further enhance the warmth exuded by the location, the interior is comfortable and intimate. A neon glow permeates the bar area, which seats eight people. In the main dining area, one wall acts as an homage to local high school, college, and professional (Who Dat?) football teams, while another nods to Gimber’s love of this state’s reputation as a ‘Sportsman’s Paradise.’ “I’m a big outdoorsman,” he adds. Keeping with the theme of all-around Louisiana flare, another wall features the images of oysters, pelicans, and the river, some done by local artists.

His personality and interests further extended to the menu with the help of his kitchen manager Vada Perry, a seasoned chef for more than 40 years. Inspired by a favorite camping treat, he added the highly shareable Campfire Sausage, a variety of sausage blends with simple dipping sauces. “It’s actually one of our best-selling appetizers because it’s just something everybody of all ages can like,” he says. If it’s your first time at Levee Grill, Gimber encourages his personal favorite. “Our chicken sandwich is phenomenal!” A 48-hour marinated chicken is prepared either grilled, blackened, or fried, served with your choice of bun (the jalapeño bun comes highly recommended by customers), “super fresh” vegetables, and as a side their housemade fries. Their burgers take a close second to the chicken sandwich. Handmade patties are cooked “the old-fashioned way,” on a flat top grill. Daily plate specials are also a customer favorite: fried chicken, hamburger steak, fried pork chops, and meatloaf. “And then, Chef Perry does some pasta specials… just to kind of bring some flare,” he says, wanting to emphasize providing varied, seasonal meals. On the catering side, clientele not only get to choose menu items from the restaurant, but Gimber offers the choice of off-menu items, a few specialties

Daily plate specials are a customer favorite: fried chicken, hamburger steak, fried pork chops, and meatloaf. “And then, Chef Perry does some pasta specials… just to kind of bring some flare,” says Gimber, wanting to emphasize providing varied, seasonal meals.

that he has gained from his experiences traveling all over Louisiana.

“I’m what they call ‘not classically trained as a chef,’” he says, elaborating that everything he learned was picked up from reading cookbooks and standing in front of a stove. “I just learned to cook things that I liked, you know.” As a “big foodie,” he also takes note of new and interesting flavor combinations. Even when exploring recipes he adds his own flair. “I’ve been cooking pretty much all my life since I was probably 15,” he says. But as far as the restaurant business, he has cooked on and off for about 20 years. A fan of cooking “any kind of protein” like steaks or pork chops, he tends to favor the grill, occasionally adding Cajun flavors, a nod to his upbringing in South Louisiana.

Customers have raved online that the team at The Levee Grill “always knocks it out of the park.” From the perfectly seasoned catfish filet and shrimp to the mixed vegetable side, customers appreciate the plentiful and well-prepared meals. “We found the outside patio to be the best part,” exclaims another

“Ultimately, satisfied diner, adding, “At the time it that’s the game was drizzling and you could look out on the levee, but safely as the patio we’re in, taking is covered. The scenery around is care of people that want to beautiful! I would definitely come here outside for drinks, conversation, and an appetizer.” spend their time “You gotta love it,” says Gimber, and money commenting on his experience as a restaurant owner, and the amount with us.” of time that is invested. Even so, to him, owning a small business means – JON GIMBER keeping things personable: “Everybody pretty much knows us. Eight out of 10 people that come in here, come in here regularly. And, probably seven out of 10 people that come in here have my cell phone number. And so, that makes it a lot of fun.”

Gimber’s gratitude to his customer base comes from the understanding that the people of Northeast Louisiana have a plethora of dining options, so when people choose to visit, he doesn’t take it for granted. “Ultimately, that’s the game we’re in, taking care of people that want to spend their time and money with us.” Whether you’re coming from right down the road or a ways away, The Levee Grill is a place to expect friendly, familiar faces reflecting onto the glimmering surface of the bayou.

The Levee Grill is located 2538 River Landing, Monroe, LA 71201 and opens Sunday through Wednesday between 11 AM to 9 PM and Thursday through Saturday between 11 AM to 10 PM. Follow their Facebook page and learn more about their daily specials and seasonal menu items.

THE NORTHEAST LOUISIANA DELTA African American Heritage Museum has an exciting Black History month planned beginning with an opening program on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 11:30am. The museum’s Executive Director Mr. Ross Slacks, and guest speakers from the community including Mayor Friday Ellis and Mayor Staci Albrittion, will kick off our month-long celebration.

February 1st-May 31st, visitors will have the opportunity to view a special collection of African masks and wooden sculptures on loan from the University of Louisiana at Monroe Museum of Natural History. These authentic artifacts hail from the Bamileke Tribe from Cameroon, Africa. Additionally, the museum will have a quilt exhibition, from February 1st-March 1st, designed to showcase African American quilt art from Louisiana and the Delta Region.

From February 8th-12th, the Museum will welcome Black Inventors and Scientists traveling exhibit featuring the great contributions of African American inventors and Scientists who have given us everything from the refrigerator to aspirin. This traveling exhibit provides an exciting educational opportunity to learn about inventors like Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928) who was a member of Thomas Edison’s research team, which was called “Edison’s Pioneers.” Latimer improved the newly-invented incandescent light bulb by inventing a carbon filament, which he patented in 1881.

NLDAAHM will also host two speakers including Bettye Kearse and Elvin Shields. Kearse is a book author, essayist, and a retired pediatrician who, in this evocative and probing debut, traces her family’s history from the antebellum South to present-day California and Boston and investigates long-standing claims that she and her relatives are descended from U.S. president James Madison. Listen to Keasrse’s discussion on February 3rd at 3:00 pm via zoom at the Museum.

NLDAAHM is also excited to welcome twisted wire sculpture artist Elvin Shield who is a twisted wire toymaker from the Cane River plantations. As a child of sharecroppers, he started making toys at the age of 5. He left the plantation in 1967 after high school graduation and joined the Army for a 4-year tour of duty. He returned to Natchitoches after retiring as a mechanical engineer with 32 years of experience. Shields will join us in-person at the Museum on February 26th at 3:00pm for a community presentation.

Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Admission to the NLDAAHM is $5 for adults 18 and over and $3 for students and senior citizens. School groups are welcome and encouraged to make reservations by calling 318-342-8889. Group rates are available.

If your school is unable to attend Black History Month Celebration, the NLDAAHM continues to celebrate Black history, culture, and excellence every month.