On my first day on the job down in the Design District, my coworkers treated me to lunch at the Purple Onion. They described it as “down home cooking.” What a cozy little diner and totally the place to go if you are seeking comfort food. Or when you are craving all things fried and Southern — think fried okra, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and cream gravy.  Good eats. Good prices. Heaps of deep fried calories.

And then last week an office mate asked if I wanted to try Margaux’s. A change-up, lighter fare, and tables covered with real tablecloths. I’m in.

I ordered the Grilled Chicken Breast Pasta Salad and boy was it was delish, with the perfect proportion of chicken to noodles, which scores big points with me. (Pet peeve: Don’t you hate being served a big salad with just a couple bites of chicken buried here and there?)

The gentlemen I was with both opted for the Crawfish Etouffee. Served over herbed rice, it looked appetizing and smelled wonderfully Cajun. They both cleaned their plates so I’m guessing it tasted as good as it smelled.

I later learned while browsing on the Margaux’s website that they offer daily “Simply To Go” specials. These reasonably priced lunches are a good take-out option for those days I don’t pack a lunch.

Margaux’s is mainly a lunch place, but is open on certain evenings (usually weekends) for dinner. They will be open this Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17. On Friday evening there will be live music — a jazz band which goes on at 7:30 p.m.

And wouldn’t you know the Margaux’s special menu for this weekend: none other than a “Margaux’s version of State Fair food.”

I guess fried food just can’t be escaped in the Design District!