Mardi Gras brings king cake, spring brings crawfish and every season is filled with flavor
NORTHSHORE, LOUISIANA–JULY 2026–There are many reasons to visit The Northshore, just 40 minutes north of New Orleans on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Savoring Louisiana’s culinary traditions is at the top of the list, for many. Located along Interstate 12, halfway between Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the communities of The Northshore combine to create a diverse destination filled with flavors in every season.
If it’s Mardi Gras, there will be king cake. From traditional to creatively inspired, there are plenty of options for enjoying this carnival favorite. Nonna Randazzo’s King Cakes (2033 North Highway 190, Suite 5, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-893-1488) is part of a family tradition that began in 1965. Today, the bakery proudly promotes its family recipe of cakes “crafted from a rich cinnamon-infused, hand-braided sweet dough, adorned with sugar in the iconic Mardi Gras colors.” At Sugar Love Bakery (1329 Engelwood Drive, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-265-4146) there is a lot of local buzz about a portable version of king cake. Their King Cake on a Stick can be ordered by the dozen, in the store or picked up from their carts along parade routes. For those looking for a Mardi Gras thirst quencher, Abita Brewing Company (21084 Highway 36, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-893-3143) has the answer. Beer lovers eagerly anticipate the return of the seasonal Mardi Gras Bock, which hits local taps and store shelves in time for all the festivities.
Spring is also the time to savor the flavor of crawfish. This local “mud bug” is at the center of many a festival, backyard gathering and all-you-can-eat restaurant special. The season is weather dependent, but usually kicks off in February and runs through May and the tasty crustaceans are most often boiled and seasoned to perfection. The Hospice House’s Louisiana Crawfish Cookoff (Fritchie Park, 905 West Howze Beach Road, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-643-5470) is one of the largest single-day events on the Northshore and thought to be the largest single-day crawfish cook-off in the world. Seafood markets and restaurants sell hot, boiled crawfish by the pound. Pat’s Seafood Market & Cajun Deli (1248 North Collins Boulevard, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-892-7287) specializes in both fresh and boiled seafood to go. And there are places like Mandeville Seafood Market & Eatery (2020 Highway 59, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-8552) for casual eat-in crawfish feasts. Boiled is definitely not the only option for enjoying this local favorite. From Crawfish Poppers at the casual Middendorf’s Slidell (1951 Oak Harbor Boulevard, Slidell, Louisiana 70461; 985-771-7777) and Crawfish Mac & Cheese at The Chimes (19130 West Front Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-892-5396) to the more refined pecan-crusted fish topped with Crawfish Monica sauce at Palmettos on the Bayou (1901 Bayou Lane, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-643-0050), or the Louisiana Crawfish Risotto at Lola (517 North New Hampshire Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-892-4992), there is a preparation for any crawfish craving.
For those who enjoy discovering local breweries, Chafunkta Brewing Company has become a favorite gathering place on The Northshore. The locally owned brewery serves a rotating selection of small-batch beers in a welcoming taproom that regularly features live music, trivia, food trucks and community events. This fall, Visit The Northshore and Chafunkta Brewing Company will introduce a new co-branded beer that will become part of the brewery’s lineup, giving visitors a signature taste of The Northshore to enjoy year-round.
When gathering around a table on The Northshore, every day, no matter the season, is a good day for a celebration.
Sundays are for brunch. The Gloriette (428 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-202-8090) and Tchefuncte’s (407 St. Tammany Street, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 985-323-4800) are local favorites.
Mondays are for red beans and rice and at Southside Café (3154 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-643-6133), they are always the daily special. Any day of the week, Liz’s Where Y’at Diner (2500 Florida Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-626-8477) serves up their local favorite, Momma’s Grits & Grillades.
For special occasion vibes, many choose the Seafood Mirliton Dressing made with shrimp, crabmeat, and crawfish at Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant & Bar (527 North Causeway Boulevard, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-778-2820) or one of The Dakota’s (310 East Boston, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-892-3712) distinctive regional dishes such as duck breast with blackberry brandy sauce or fried oysters over smoked gouda grit cakes.
And the list goes on. The mouthwatering culinary options on the menus of the amazing variety of eateries throughout the Northshore celebrate the region’s food and its flavors. Louisiana’s culinary traditions stand the test of time and win any taste test in the country. For visitors, this is the perfect place to create culinary traditions of their own.