Bites Nearby: Rotagilla Creole Cafe

Each week, Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here is this week's choice:

ROTAGILLA CREOLE CAFE

Steve Cambas, the proud owner of this colorful place, was born and raised in New Orleans of Greek ancestry (Cambas Winery is one of the oldest in Greece and he is related to its founders). "We want to keep it as authentic as possible," said Cambas, who is serious about being true to his origins, not just in the food he serves, but in music as well. The two go hand in hand. 

As much as he loves traditional Louisiana cuisine, Cambas seems to love the sounds of his hometown even more. Live music is a staple at (alligator backwards, get it?). He recalled that, as a youngster in New Orleans, he saw Dizzy Gillespie perform in a small club. Professor Longhair too. He said that, since Katrina, his restaurant has become a home for musicians from New Orleans, some of whom perform nightly for tips on the small stage near the front door. There is also an afternoon jam session every second Sunday of the month that is gaining popularity. 

So what's on the menu? The expected traditional dishes are well represented: Crawfish Étouffée, Jambalaya, Alligator Sauce Piquante (spicy stew) and all the red beans and rice you can handle. There are various kinds of Gumbo, of course. The bisque is exemplary, roux-based and creamy. The Muffuletta or "Muff" is delicious and can be had at lunchtime for a mere $5.95. The Bread Pudding has a rich "Southern Comfort” sauce and is something of a meal in itself. 

There is a children's menu ("Petit Cheri Menu") with goodies such as Seafood Plate, Pasta Alfredo, Burger PoBoy, Chicken Tenders and Grilled Cheese, all priced from $4.95-$6.95. You can get food to go as well, or as the menu says, "To Geaux." 

Cambas spoke highly of his chef, Ty Whitehead, who came to the restaurant from in Sandy Springs. "We're not food snobs," said Cambas of the way the two of them operate. "There's no one way to make Gumbo, but there is a traditional way of doing things."  

I asked him why his restaurant doesn't serve alcohol. Although diners are welcome to bring anything they want to drink, how authentic is that? "I'm waiting to apply (for a liquor license) until after all this construction is over," said Cambas. He explained that the extensive work being done on the Main Street revamp has affected his business quite badly, despite claims to the contrary by Honey Van De Kreke (co-general manager of the Main Street Tucker Alliance) in a recent Patch article. 

"I'm an optimist when all is said and done. What's keeping me going is the catering," Cambas said. Karen Anderson, Catering and Events Manager for the restaurant, is aggressively promoting the restaurant and its catering services. When she heard that Jennifer Garner was in Tucker recently, Anderson went straight to the set and talked the producers into accepting a catering deal for some of the cast and crew. The sushi turned out to be a particular favorite. "Apparently she (Garner) liked it. She ate more than anybody," said Cambas.  

The restaurant is also hosting private events. "We can shut the place down for private parties," Anderson said. "Grand parties!"   

Cambas added, "We try to make it feel like home."  

Rotagilla is located at 2327 Main St. in Tucker and is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 678-937-1698.