Claire’s Cafe (531 Liberty Street, Houma, LA, (985.223.2233) is yet another stop on my south Louisiana Cuban sandwich tour (see other stops here and here).  The little cafe occupies an old commercial building on the edge of Houma’s downtown, tucked between Terrebonne General Medical Center and the Intracoastal Canal.  The sandwiches, salads, soups, and daily specials attract a mix of oilfield, medical, and office workers, who keep the small kitchen hopping with takeout orders.

Claire’s Cuban is a model of the form (thinly sliced roasted pork, ham, pickles, crispy pressed bread), with a twist:  grainy, slightly hot Creole mustard replaces the sandwich’s usual yellow mustard.  Other standouts on Claire’s menu:  hot ham & brie with a blackberry compote and a hearty, chunky black bean chili (or chili nachos).   A few counter stools make Claire’s a good alternative for solo diners, and meal-sized salads looked large enough for two.