OxLot 9

Just in case you needed one more reason to cross the 24-mile causeway across Lake Pontchartrain, OxLot 9 in the suave Southern Hotel in Covington is open for business. The love child of chef/co-owner Jeffrey Hansell and his wife, co-owner Amy Hansell, OxLot 9 is a sprightly addition to the eclectic Northshore dining scene. This simply sophisticated Southern bistro spotlights chef Hansell's deft homage to Gulf Coast ingredients and time-tested Southern comfort dishes. Hansell, whose resume includes stints at Commander's Palace, Veranda in Birmingham and Luke, adds his own Southern twist to dishes like bouillabaisse, with the addition of okra, local redfish and shrimp, presenting stuffed rabbit with tasso and housemade mozzarella and poached oysters in Pernod and cream tucked into puffed pastry so good they should be against the law. A well-informed wine list and a brilliant array of craft cocktails add allure to this destination restaurant. Feeling lucky? Give the bartender a few hints and he or she will concoct something just for your palate.