Strolling down Covington’s Boston Street, discerning foodies from near and far will be pleasantly surprised to encounter an old favorite—albeit in a new location. Last October, Dakota Restaurant, long one of the Northshore’s landmarks of upscale, contemporary Louisiana cuisine, reopened in historic downtown Covington, and the beloved restaurant’s longtime patrons from across Louisiana could not be happier.
After thirty-three years at its original location on busy Highway 190, co-owner Kenny LaCour said that the decision to move to Covington’s atmospheric historic district achieved “everything we had hoped for and then some.” The upscale institution, which built its reputation around contemporary Louisiana cuisine with co-owner/Executive Chef Kim Kringlie at the helm, has some pleasant surprises in store for returning guests. A brand-new outdoor patio offers diners opportunities to take in balmy summer nights over chilled cocktails. And while LaCour points out that the new space is significantly larger than the original, the team strove to keep the interior spacious, with tables widely spaced to provide a relaxed dining experience. Another addition: an all-new lounge where guests can enjoy cocktails and pre-dinner snacks in a relaxed, club-like atmosphere.
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Randy Schmidt
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Randy Schmidt
Not to be missed is the Dakota’s award-winning wine list—recognized as one of Louisiana’s finest, which has been honored with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence ever since the restaurant opened in 1990, and a Best of Award of Excellence for volume and balance since 2002. With more than eight hundred New and Old World selections to choose from, the robust list includes selections to suit all palates and budgets. Don’t worry; if you need help making a selection, Dakota’s sommelier Jimmy Scheidell will be glad to assist.
The location might have changed, but Dakota’s commitment to highlighting fresh, seasonal delicacies remains at the forefront. During July Chef Kringlie had just wrapped up a seasonal lobster tapas special, and looking forward to debuting delicious, heat-friendly fare including gazpachos and tuna tartare during the hot months still to come. Still, fans of the iconic lump crabmeat and brie soup can still order that familiar favorite. Seafood favorites like Redfish Pontchartrain or Chili-Orange Glazed Hidden Fjord Salmon arrive graced with delicate preparations of seasonal vegetables; more-ish creations like decadent lamb nachos simply cry out to be ordered by groups of friends enjoying a night out. Charcuterie boards, inventive shared plates, and expertly cooked cuts of filet mignon, duck, and pork are amongst other offerings ensuring that, among Covington’s impressive lineup of restaurants, Dakota Restaurant remains high on many locals’ lists, thirty-three years and counting. Reservations recommended. visitthenorthshore.com/listing/dakota-restaurant-the/33/ to learn more.
