The couple behind one of Baton Rouge's most distinctive dining rooms first met on a movie set. Misti Broussard was working in production on America's Sweethearts, and Brumby Broussard was Julia Roberts' personal assistant. They bonded over their Southern roots and a shared plan to move home someday and raise a family.

The road to Kalurah Street

Before Baton Rouge, the Broussards owned a modern furniture store and art and design gallery in San Diego. That is where Brumby, a graduate of the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana, started cooking for the people who came through the doors and saw what sharing a meal could do. Misti is originally from Corpus Christi; Brumby grew up in New Iberia.

That eye for objects shows everywhere at BLDG 5, the fifth building on a quiet lot beneath the Perkins Road Overpass at 2805 Kalurah St. The original facade and reclaimed walls stayed put. Long tables came from German beer gardens, a cast-iron railing from a Tennessee antique yard, and the silverware was gathered piece by piece from estate sales and vintage shows. Local artists, including TJ Black and Benjamin Bullins, left their mark on the floors, walls and bar.

What to order

The menu leans on boards built for sharing. At dinner, the Steak and Potato Board runs $38 for one, $74 for two and $138 for four, and the seasonal Oktoberfest Board brings pretzels, bratwurst and German potato salad for $34. Lunch, served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., adds bowls like Shrimp Panang ($22) and sandwiches such as the Chicken Karaage ($16).

Make a night of it

There's a bar patio, a market, a private Relic Room and the "High 5" rooftop bar. Live music plays on the patio Wednesday nights, weather permitting.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; it's closed Sundays. Plan around the holidays: BLDG 5 is closed Thanksgiving Day and reopens for dinner at 4 p.m. on Nov. 27. Call 225-256-2287 to reserve.

Photo courtesy of BLDG 5.