New Orleans-style YATS open for summer

Months ago, I had heard it through the grapevine that Yats, a Cajun and Creole restaurant, was coming to Bloomington. Excited, and, well, hungry when I heard a rumor that food would be as cheap as $5 a plate, I stalked 4th Street for weeks awaiting its arrival. I had given up hope when, suddenly, a few weeks ago, a friend asked if I'd eaten there yet. "What?" I thought, "I was this restaurant's unknowing #1 fan, and it snuck in under my nose!" I quickly ran myself down to 211 S. Grant for lunch. \nYats offers a daily changing menu, and customers order at the front. This fast service gives "fast food" a major upgrade, with freshly made stews and Cajun concoctions ready to serve over a bed of rice. I had seven choices of dishes, three that were all vegetarian. These ranged from a Hunter's stew, with chicken and red beans, to a shrimp etoufee. Yats lets customers taste-test each item before ordering. I tried the white bean chicken, which is a mix of white beans, chicken and corn. The corn in this dish gives it an amazing sweetness, and each bite was better than the last. I also split my dish for a dollar more and got the spinach and mushroom etoufee as well. With a drink, this was all just $6 -- well within my limited food budget. The creamier etoufee dish was rich and flavorful, and the richness made each bite more substantial. I am sure all the dishes are just as enjoyable, as they stew all day to lock in their flavor. \nFood at Yats also comes with a piece of grilled bread dripping with melted butter. All in all, this makes a serving portion very satisfying. However, I was disappointed that all dishes come on Styrofoam plates, and customers eat with plastic silverware. It's an odd combination and almost an insult to the good food to be served so cheaply,and it isn't the best environmental choice either. If Yat's needs me, I'll wash dishes for them -- they can pay me in food. \nI really enjoyed the atmosphere of Yats. Like many restaurants on 4th street, it is located in an old house, slanting floors and all. This gives it a New Orleans feel, especially with the multi-colored walls, chandeliers and hardwood floors. I felt like I was eating in a pirate house. When I was there, business was steady and people were overheard proclaiming their love of whatever dish they had chosen. Yats offers two sauces, a hot sauce and a Cajun Power sauce, both which float around the restaurant as condiments. It was quite amusing to hear others say, "Excuse me, can I have your Cajun Power?"\nYats is a great addition to the huge variety of restaurants on 4th street. With Mediterranean, Italian, and Tibetan all offered here, Bloomington was definitely in need of a Cajun and Creole establishment. I believe the food offered by Yats will only improve with time and as the kitchen staff becomes more experienced. (And hopefully they can make it through the summer without the extra money brought in by the student population.) For now, if anyone asks me, "Where y'at?" for lunch or dinner, I'll be at Yats.