Dieting: Places I Wish I Could Still Eat At — My Top 5

The very first time I went to the last stop before Heaven, I was with a friend of mine. I had never been before, so me being from Mississippi, I had to check it out. The aroma of the place hit me at the door, with seducing smells coming from The Kitchen, I could feel my pants getting tight every time I saw someone's plate pass by. I used to love the conrbread and the mac and cheese, and the baked chicken was something that I had to have. The staff was really nice and welcomed me on my first visit -- some way, somehow I shall return.

Reggie and the crew at Ball's Fried Chicken are the best at doing fried chicken, and I miss it. I would always go by there and pick up a nice three-piece of chicken with a large potato salad on the side. Now, even though they specialize in chicken, don't be fooled -- they make a mean hamburger as well. Just in case you want to go by, there are two locations -- on Enterprise and Common streets in Lake Charles.

Sean Simpson is the owner and operator of Lagniappes Cafe & Catering and he does his thing in the kitchen. He's got years of spreading the love of food to the masses. You can stop by on any given day and get a warm greeting and some of the best food in the city.  I would always go for the wings, and man, they had just the right spice and taste to keep you coming back for more. Now, since fall is in the air, you may wanna try some of Lagniappe's great gumbo -- warms you in all the right places. Its also the perfect stop for Greyhound passengers, since it's right there when you get off the bus!

When it comes to putting on for the city, Leonard's has been making it rain on the tummies for years. I'll never forget the first time I had the pleasure of going to Leonard's. It was ten years ago, and I went with Gina Cook -- that was all she wrote. I have had the BBQ brisket sub, the pizza, the shrimp baked potato and so much more. Just sitting here writing this is making me wanna say, "Bump the diet, I got to have some of that Leonards Food Quarter." If you are a visitor or a resident then you should give them a holler and get you grub on. Shouts out to the staff and crew at Leonard's -- keep doing your thing!