The Current

Issue date: 9/27/04 Section: Arts and Entertainment

Media Credit: Jesse Gater Diners cannot help feeling as if they are visiting a exotic land while dining at Norton´s Cafe in Soulard, with its spacious patio style dining area. Nortons´s in located between 8th and 9th streets on Geyer.

Do you have a craving for corn fritters and a hot bowl of gumbo? Have you always wanted to try Cajun food but were unsure of where to find it in St. Louis? Then visit Norton's in Soulard to satisfy your cravings and curiosity.

Two friends and I arrived at seven o'clock on Sunday evening. We walked onto the patio and were seated at a table by the server station. There were tables scattered all over the patio and a bar behind us. There were lights strung up on wires above us. When the sky turned dark, the waiters lit candles and set them in the middle of the tables. Although there were other patrons around us, we did not have to compete with them to make ourselves heard. The patio was large and situated on a hill. The inside, which I had only peeked into, was large as well. The hostess station was situated on the top of the hill and a bench was located not far from the situation, a good place to sit while waiting for a table or if you are waiting for someone.

Norton's satisfies the tastes of anyone who likes Cajun, as well as those who are not ready to try it or have tried it and do not like it. Aside from the usual Cajun dishes like jambalaya and blackened chicken, there are also sandwiches and salads. There are over 40 items on the menu, which is actually a collection marker boards set up at three different corners of the patio. They also have a large selection of wines and beers. The food was prepared fresh and was served quickly. The portions were not so big that you were unable to finish them, but they were not small and weak either. Prices ranged from six dollars for sandwiches to $12.95 for some entrees. All entrees came with a choice of soup or salad. I ordered the Cajun Combo, which was a dish of corn fritters, crab cakes, jambalaya, blackened chicken and sausage that tasted better than it looked. I chose a bowl of gumbo over a salad. Melissa ordered a Turkey Club with fries. Both dishes were fresh and delicious. For dessert, one of my companions and I ordered a slice of Snickers Cheesecake, which was to die for.

The service at Norton's was great. The waiter, Rob, was friendly, very helpful at suggesting great food items and checked back frequently. When we told him this was our first venture into Cajun dining, he was very adamant about helping us pick the right dishes and then came back to make sure we were satisfied with our choices.

Norton's opened nineteen years ago in historic Soulard. It is currently owned by Carol Norton and is managed by Matthew Salvici, who has been there for nine years. Norton's is open seven days a week.

Norton's is a great restaurant for a date, a family gathering or just to sit around with friends and catch up. Dress can be casual or dressy. Visit them at 808 Geyer and ask to be placed in Rob's section.

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