It is true. I did it today. You simply drive to interstate 80 and go east to the exit ramp for Oxford, Iowa. The Louisiana “spot” is just 3 miles away on a paved road through beautiful farm country.
It is located on the corner of Augusta Avenue and Main Street. (This is the street you enter town on.) It is called the Augusta Restaurant.
What makes it special besides a tenderloin ranked best in Iowa in 2008? (I ate one and I would say it is still the best!!).
The chef, Ben, and his wife, Jeri Halperin immigrated here due to Hurricane Katrina ruining them in New Orleans.
The building is decorated in memorabilia of the jazz city and quiet jazz is the background sound. The walls are a bright gallery of art of an Iowa City Artist’s work which are for sale (priced from $75-$300 or so).
Ben makes everything from scratch. Yes, the old fashioned way, from scratch. For his sandwiches he puts on his own homemade pickles and his own homemade mayo and the buns and breads are fresh baked by him as were today’s strawberry shortcakes. He brews organic coffee. He cooks each meal when you place your order. They also have daily specials. It is a treat you deserve to give yourself.
Their hours are: 11am-9pm Wed. and Thurs.
11am-10pm Fri. and Sat.
11am-2pm Sun. Brunch
closed Mon. and Tues.
So when you want to go Cajun, go to Oxford and spend some time at the Augusta. You will be glad you did.