By JoEllen Smith

Special to the Pflag

Recently given the “Best of Sweet and Spicy Dessert” award by the Austin Chronicle, Mama Roux’s New Orleans Style Café specializes in bringing Creole dishes to the local community.

Owners Michael and Yoli Amr, founded Gumbo’s Cajun eatery in Round Rock in 1994. They then decided to “go back to our roots, so we opened Mama Roux’s on July 10, 2009,” said Yoli Amr.

Michael Amr also serves as head chef of the restaurant, located at 13000 N. Interstate 35. He got his start as a kid working for his uncle George in his restaurant in Baton Rouge.

“Uncle George told him he should learn about the restaurant industry, and then showed him to the dish room. He’s learned all the aspects of the business since then and is now creating dishes of his own here,” said Yoli.

It was Michael’s Mama Roux’s original dessert that won the “Best of” award, with the twist on cheesecake, infused with Tabasco pepper jelly and topped with a strawberry and raspberry sauce.

Other popular dishes include the seafood etouffee, with lump crabmeat, Gulf shrimp, tomatoes, herbs, smothered in a rich roux, and the cat and crab entrée, which features catfish, crab, and traditional Creole sides, such as red beans and rice.

“Everyone has their own favorites, though,” said Yoli.

Also on the menu are po’boys, gumbo, and other Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes.

After opening Gumbo’s 16 years ago, the Amrs now have third-generational customers coming into their restaurant to dine.

“I am seeing the grandkids of people I used to serve over at Gumbo’s and I get to tell them that I used to hold them as babies. Through word of mouth, people just keep coming back,” said Yoli.

The Amr’s also believe in supporting local Austin vendors by ordering their pasta, bread, and ice cream through local companies.

“Those are the only things we don’t make in house, but we’re glad we can support other local Austin area businesses,” she remarked.

Mama Roux’s has a staff of five servers, one bus boy, with Michael as the head chef and his sous chef. The restaurant offers dine-in service, with beer and wine available, although if customers are in a hurry, they can use the take-out service.

To contact Mama Roux’s call 490-1304.