John Salmon in the kitchen at Abby Singer's Bistro, Robinson Film Center, Shreveport; open 11 am to 11 pm, daily - but beginning Tues at 5 pm

Tanya & John Salmon, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Robinson Film Center opened with an ultradiluvian upbash this weekend. Now it's time to see movies in the two theaters and sample the sushi, etc, at Abby Singer's Bistro (I shall let them tell you about the name).

Here's a sample of items from the Singer lunch menu:

Roasted tomato gazpacho, $3.50
Chicken gumbo soup, $3.50
West Indian chicken salad, $6.50
Old-fashioned burger, $7
Thai burger, $8
Catfish po-boy, $8.50
Chicago char dog, $4.50

My selection from the dinner menu:

Pan-seared panko breaded crab cakes, $12
Shrimp, scallop and crab martini, $10
Blackened redfish, $9
Beef carpaccio with fried green tomatoes, $12
American sushi platter, $13
Pesto chicken pizza, $10

The Bistro is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. (318) 424-9090

During the packed weekend opening I was chatting with a downtown professional who said, with a sigh, "There's just no place to eat downtown." Inasmuch as we were peering at Texas St from the Abby Singer Bistro balcony, I was gentle in explaining that he could now eat at the Bistro during lunch, afternoon, supper, etc. And didn't need to see a movie to enjoy a meal.

Ah, Shreveport.