Northshore Restaurants A drive across Lake Pontchartain, whether over the Causeway or the Twin Span, will bring you to the Northshore of the city. Its many different neighborhoods - Slidell, Mandeville and Covington, to name a few - all have different personalities. Over the past few years, the Northshore has been coming into its own with an entirely separate restaurant scene from the one in New Orleans. If you're in the mood for somewhere you've never been before, or in the mood for a small road trip, the Northshore is your culinary destination. Acme Oyster House 1202 N. Hwy. 190 Covington, LA 70433 985-246-6155 website Since 1910, Acme Oyster House has been pleasing the palates of discriminating diners. Originally located around the corner at 117 Royal Street, the Acme Café, as it was then called, was nestled next to the old Cosmopolitan Hotel, described by the New Orleans Item as “for 50 years the scene of the making and breaking of Louisiana politicians…” The Covington location opened in 1997. Acme’s legendary status as a New Orleans classic has allowed the Oyster House to be featured on Food Network’s special, “New Orleans Legendary Hangouts,” among other local and national TV programs. Etoile Restaurant and Wine Bar 407 N. Columbia St. Covington, LA 70433 985-892-4578 Etoile is co-owned by New Orleans artist extraordinaire, Michalopoulos, and his presence is evident when you walk in the door. There is practically a painting at every table, and some of the architecture reflects his style as well. Knowledgeable service, a solid menu and fearless specials like wild boar chops make it a gem on the Northshore that’s worth the drive from the Southshore, too. Trey Yuen 600 N. Causeway Blvd. Mandeville, LA. 985-626-4476. website Trey Yuen was designed by both American and Chinese architects to immolate Chinese palaces. There are imported rosewood ceilings, carved wall panels and inlaid mother of pearl chairs, all surrounded by pogodas and koi ponds. The bold Chinese chefs take full advantage of their location and surroundings, offering Alligator Stir-Fried with Szechuan peppers and Fried Softshell Crab with Tong Cho Sauce. Also available are more traditional favorites like Smoked Tea Duck and noodle dishes. There is another location in Hammond. Lee’s Original Hamburgers 1042 Front St Slidell, LA 70458 985-641-6895 Lee’s Hamburgers have been around debatedly since 1901 or 1925, but either way they’re classic. Medium-sized, hand-formed patties made from the freshest of ground beef, the carmelized onions grilled on top of the burger used to be mandatory when Lee himself was still around. And ketchup was outlawed. The folks behind the grill these days are a bit more lenient, and also expanded the tiniest bit to add onion rings to the menu. Always a little greasy and a lot delicious, Lee’s is the place to go when you’ve got a craving for a fast burger but not for fast food. Albasha 1958 N. Hwy. 190 Covington, LA 70433 985-867-8292 website In case the Acropolis painted on the wall doesn’t give it away, Albasha specializes in Greek and Lebanese food and tries to make it healthy. The restaurant is very vegetarian-friendly, with hummos, baba ghanouj and falafel, as well as vegetarian mousaka and a vegetarian sampler plate. For carnivores there are shawarmas, gyros and shish kabob sandwiches, and Lebanese Tea and coffee wash it all down. Lola Restaurant 517 N. New Hampshire St. Covington, LA 70433 985-892-4992 website Located in Covington’s old train depot with the kitchen in a nearby caboose, Lola has character right from the start. Owned by two engaged chefs formerly from Brennan’s, the menu is simple but heartfelt. Lunch offers classic sandwiches, soups and salads, along with a daily special for only $6.95. The dinner menu is a bit more sophisticated but still accessible. Desserts are baked fresh daily and change frequently.