Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux opened at 3041 Capps Way in Opelika earlier this year. Pictured is Walk On’s boom boom shrimp po’ boy with waffle fries.
The longer I live in Lee County, the more I grow to love and admire my relatively new home. And I am certainly not alone in my admiration.
While reading my most recent copy of “Southern Living,” I was happy to find out that Opelika was voted the third best small town in Alabama and the 50th best in the South. However, I strongly question that 50th ranking; Opelika deserves a much higher status.
Why? Because of Opelika’s people, churches (please come and worship with us at Central Baptist,) culture, restaurants, downtown and high school. While I certainly enjoy dining and shopping in Opelika, I am also falling in love with Opelika High School, the home of the only red and black Bulldawgs about which I can make such a statement. (Remember, I taught in Georgia for 30 years. As an Auburn grad, those particular Dawgs are not my cup of tea.)
Last year, I got the chance to write about OHS’s outstanding Culinary Arts Program for LIVE Lee. It was pure joy for this retired English teacher to meet and interview Chef Judy Eldred and her award-winning students.
Now, I have the opportunity to write about the Opelika High Theatre Society (OHTS).
Talking to those OHS students has really been a lot of fun. But I digress.
Recently, another great restaurant has come to Opelika — Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux at 3041 Capps Way.
Mike and I waited until Walk On’s had been open for about a month before we decided to dine there. Because in a small town (such as the third best one in Alabama), folks will jump on a new restaurant like a pack of dogs on a three-legged cat (I borrowed that from Jeff Foxworthy.)
In fact, our good friends Jack and William had tried to eat at Walk On’s when it had only been open for about two weeks, and they couldn’t find an empty parking space, so they gave up and left.
A while back, Mike and I met Jack and William at Walk On’s. I was eager to try the restaurant’s Louisiana-flavored cuisine because I really enjoy it. Since Mike and I love our Auburn football, we, of course, loved the sports motif and numerous televisions tuned into various sporting events.
Wessie, our server, was so sweet, patient and helpful. Mike ordered pasta Alfredo because a neighbor had recommended it. I chose half of a shrimp po’ boy because Jacob Burdette, my pastor, said it was great, and I love that sandwich. My order came with fries and a side salad.
Jack really loves Walk On’s — this happened to be his third trip to the restaurant. He chose the boom boom shrimp po’ boy with fries.
William selected the Zydeco salad and a cup of gumbo. He said that it was, “slap your Grandma twice good.” I sure love when my sweet friends read my column. That gumbo will be my choice next time, and there will definitely be a next time.
I am excited because my sweet friend Char, who is a Louisiana Cajun and a classmate of mine from “Writing Our Lives” with OLLI, has promised to teach me how to make gumbo. But I digress again.
Jack and I hope that Lynn Hudson, our outstanding diabetic specialist, isn’t reading this particular column because Jack ordered a bread pudding for dessert, and Mike and I shared one. Oh, my three times. That was SO mouthwateringly delicious. Just the aroma was intoxicating and probably raised our sugar levels 50 points each. Did I mention that I love hyperbole?
Our server Wessie told us that 72 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (the world’s best, in my opinion), go into one pan of bread pudding perfection. Remember, I also love alliteration.
Jack was afraid that his Libre 3 sugar monitor might go off like a siren. Thankfully, it did not.
I’m also glad that we didn’t end up at the hospital.
Run and do not walk to Walk On’s. Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself. Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux offers diners a large selection of starters, some of which include fried pickle chips, Cajun Queseaux, fried alligator, waffle cheese fries and spinach and artichoke dip.
The restaurant also serves salads, handhelds and hand-patted burgers. Bistreaux specialties include crawfish etouffee, catfish Atchafalaya, lemon butter chicken, sweet chili salmon and gulf redfish among others.
Char, this review was for you. Love you bunches.
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com