Slidell, Louisiana, located about 30 miles east of New Orleans, sits on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Welcoming thousands of tourists annually, the city of 30,000 residents boasts several antique shops, old-town flair, large oak trees covered with Spanish moss, and southern hospitality. Annual events that attract visitors include the Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day parades, and "Christmas Under the Stars." Dining in Slidell is all about fresh local seafood, caught daily off the nearby Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Overlooking Grand Lagoon and Lake Pontchartrain, Phil's Marina Cafe is accessible by vehicle or boat. The large two-story facility features indoor and outdoor seating--all in a casual atmosphere. For starters, guests enjoy such locally inspired appetizers as fried eggplant sticks, crab meat au gratin and fried catfish tails. For Southern specialties, guests enjoy seafood gumbo and po-boy sandwiches. Fresh seafood platters include shrimp, oyster, catfish, softshell crab, grouper, mahi mahi and tuna. Phil's Marina Cafe's featured entrees include veal parmesan, lasagna, crab cake and the softshell Patrick--fried softshell crab topped with sauteed crawfish tails and mushrooms. Appetizer prices in the summer of 2010 range from $5.95 to $7.95. Po-boy sandwiches range from $6.50 to $9.95. Seafood and specialty entrees range from $10.95 to $16.95.
Phil's Marina Cafe
1194 Harbor Dr.
Slidell, LA 70458
985-641-0464
philsmarinacafe.net
Featuring an extensive menu of seafood entrees, Speckled T's Seafood Specialties is known locally for its unique combinations and casual atmosphere. Local favorites include grilled gator sausage, Tyler's Famous Fried Cheese, Speckled T's Oysters "Crockafeller" and the Crawdiddy Pirogue. The restaurant also features traditional crab, trout, shrimp, catfish and flounder-inspired entrees, served with hush puppies and side salad. Speckled T's offers lunch specials and a children's menu. The "Big Catch" Deluxe Platter includes a large sampler of softshell crab, stuffed crab, grilled shrimp, catfish and oysters for $32.95. Most entrees, however, are priced between $10 and $20.
Speckled T's Seafood Specialties
158 South Military Rd.
Slidell, LA 70458
985-646-1728
Described as a restaurant with a "casually festive" atmosphere, Copeland's of New Orleans established itself as an authentic New Orleans restaurant featuring Creole cuisine more than 25 years ago. Located about a mile west of Interstate 10 on Gause Boulevard, Copelands of New Orleans sits with convenient access to nearby shopping and lodging facilities. On the menu are specialty dishes such as jambalaya pasta, crab-stuffed eggplant, eggplant pirogue, shrimp and grits with creole gravy, along with fresh fish topped with a choice of locally inspired sauces. Most seafood entrees cost $13 to $20. The restaurant also features a lunch menu, brunch, desserts and a range of specialty cocktails.
Copeland's of New Orleans
1337 Gause Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70458
985-643-0001
copelandsofneworleans.com
