Patrons will be relieved by this building’s classy new attitude. It is not the bright, neon yellow or the obnoxious, deep orange of its previous owners. The building that houses Dragonfly’s Bar and Grill is painted maroon, a classy alternative. The fancy new entryway gives Dragonfly’s interior a stylish, contemporary edge over its predecessors, Cafe Reggae and Tequila’s Cafe. Dragonfly’s quickly earned additional points for its friendly, attentive server – that is right, one server. There were no other customers, although it was well into lunchtime. Owner Todd Ziegler said the grand opening of the bar and restaurant will be Sept. 9; however, the kitchen opened Aug. 30. Dragonfly’s makes all its food, including the salsa, fresh on the premises, Ziegler said. After tasting the chips and salsa ($2), I was impressed. The salsa was spicy, light and sweet, qualities I attribute to the quality of the tomatoes and the restaurant’s special blend of spices. The restaurant’s signature Dragon Eggs ($5.50) are an innovative appetizer. They are fried, round balls of twice-baked potatoes, bacon and cheese served with ranch, marinara or nacho cheese dipping sauce. The Dragon Eggs are fried but not heavy. They do not induce the scary feeling that occurs after one has consumed too much fried food. After my gustatory climax, the chicken parmesan ($7.25) on sesame seed bun brought me down a notch. The sandwich was only good; nothing like the Dragon Eggs. The presentation of the food was average. Each dish was served in a red burger basket lined with wax paper. I drank my water from a Styrofoam cup. This may have been a result of coming before Dragonfly’s official opening. For those of you on a budget, Dragonfly’s offers many specials on food and drinks during the week. There are two skee ball games in Dragonfly’s, which provide tickets for food discounts. I suggest you bringing a sweater because the air condition cools with the constant strength of flapping, elephant-sized dragonfly wings. After your meal you should indulge your sweet tooth elsewhere – Dragonfly’s does not provide desserts other than chocolate martinis. Ziegler promises vegetarian Dragon Eggs and vegetarian sandwiches upon grand opening. I highly recommend dining at Dragonfly’s if only for the Dragon Eggs and the conviction to revitalize a once-burned, twice-abandoned establishment.
—–Contact Sarah Omajola at somajola@lsureveille.com
Dragonfly’s dishes out an interesting, unique menu
September 4, 2006