Gallagher's Grill

Get the Delicious Dish

Pat Gallagher is back! Restaurant enthusiasts on the North Shore are happy to have Pat back behind the grill at his newly opened eatery on Tyler Street ( Hwy.21) in Covington --appropriately named Gallagher's Grill. He has re-opened the space previously housing the Seafood Galley, just a stone's throw north of St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Before opening, Pat completed a full kitchen overhaul and added an industrial charcoal grill ( think Pat's famous grilled quail). Rounding out the pre-opening facelift and finishes were a fresh coat of paint and the placement of beautiful metal sculptures of Louisiana birds and flora in both the interior dining room spaces, the courtyard and exterior of the building.

Gallagher's impact on the North Shore culinary scene dates back decades. His restaurant in Folsom, The Winner's Circle, was a pilgrimage for many to savor his grilled quail and lamb chops. The journey was made a bit easier in the 80's, once Pat built a new, elegant restaurant space on Hwy. 190 in Covington to house the Winner's Circle in a  more accessible location. A young Kenneth LaCour took that space over from Pat and opened Dakota Restaurant, which has been the bastion of North Shore dining ever since. After closing the Winner's Circle, Gallagher served up excellent New Orleans-style fare from several locations in the Covington/Mandeville area to include Gallagher's, Gallagher's on the Lake and Annadele's Plantation before taking a corporate position with Ruth's Chris Steak House in New Orleans just before Katrina.

Apparently, Chef Pat has decided to turn in his corporate time card, but that period of his culinary history is evidenced on his new menu at Gallagher's Grill: Prime Ribeye, Choice Filet, Petite Filet "broiled to perfection and served on a sizzlin' plate" -- enough said. Although Gallagher is serving spectacular steaks and kicked up sides are available a la carte-- Gallagher's Grill is not a steakhouse, but indeed a grill, serving a menu with affordably priced offerings that range from Sandwiches to Classic New Orleans Appetizers and Seafood Dishes to Barbecued Spare Ribs and his famous delicately Grilled Quail.

Expect most dishes that Pat serves to have a contemporary flair: Panko-crusted Crab Cakes get a bit of smoky heat from Chipotle in the aioli at its side; Horseradish spikes a Martini of Crabmeat Ravigote flecked with capers. Pat serves his BBQ Shrimp and Grits in an emulsified New Orleans-style BBQ sauce ladled over a fried grits cake. Although offered as an appetizer, I found this dish to be deliciously, rich and ample as a main course. Seafood offerings are plentiful and will not disappoint: Gulf Fish such as Lemon Fish ( Cobia) and Tuna are served grilled with contemporary and light toppings to include trendy Argentinian Chimi Churri or Soy-Lime Vinaigrette. Classic Preparations of Meuniere and Almondine are not only available, but well-prepared. Crabmeat and Shrimp Abound: Shrimp Remoulade, Crabmeat Ravigote, Crabmeat Au Gratin and Stuffed Shrimp.

The Bread Pudding at Gallagher's Grill is not to be missed. It is the white chocolate variety-- but, don't take the "had one, had them all" stance. The beauty of this one is the integrity of the bread. The bread is not oversoaked in the custard before being baked off in a buttered ring mold. The end result is somewhat souffle-like, not overly sweet with cubes of Leidenheimer bread maintained in the form, then ladled with the white chocolate sauce. Pure Heaven!

Gallagher's Grili is open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Saturday.
509 Tyler Street, Covington, LA 70433
985. 892. 9992
www.gallaghersgrill.com

1. Seafood Gumbo
2. Gulf Fish Almondine
3. Shrimp and Grits on Fried Grits Cake
4. White Chocolate Bread Pudding

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