Stir Tapas, Shreveport

Under the guidance of Stir Tapas' co-owners Chase Boytim and Paul Roney, executive chef Christy Porter crafts small plates that the Shreveport Times calls "a worldwide affair" with an emphasis on "Louisiana, Spanish, and Central American cuisine." Some of her globetrotting culinary creations include fried green tomatoes with a shrimp rémoulade, meatballs stuffed with goat cheese, and calamari served alongside an avocado dipping sauce. To complement the gustatory Baedeker, the cocktail lounge's pours domestic and imported wines as well as specialty drinks such as the Flirtini, a concoction made with pineapple juice, vodka, champagne, and just the hint of an Italian accent. In between bites, sips, and conversation, guests can enjoy acoustic sets from local bands every Thursday–Saturday.