The weather was just too perfect over the weekend to not eat outside. We went to the Lakehouse, which scores nearly perfectly on just about every list. ML had a few wedding cakes to deliver at neighboring Maison Lafitte, coincidentally owned by Cayman Sinclair, who also owns Lakehouse, and La Provence, and a catering company, etc., etc. We usually go to Lakehouse for Sunday brunch, which is a buffet akin to going to a glamorous outdoor wedding, complete with a string quarter and big white tents. But we never have dinner here, and today was the day.
We arrived at 5pm, as one of the first guests. We took one of the tables outside, which caused the manager to question whether Tom would like this decision. We assured him that Tom would not like that decision, but weather like this demands he be overruled. ML gave her assurance that the sun would be setting when Tom arrived, and it was. Pete Kusiw, who in our opinion is at the top tier of the north shore chef talent pool, was there, so the food would be great. He went immediately to the kitchen to “whip up something for us.” And Cayman sat down to chat, filling us in on all his exhaustive endeavors. He’s doing something in Nashville, 3 movies, a new barbecue joint, and a renovation at La Provence.
Within minutes a small plate of two grilled shrimp over fried green tomatoes arrived. These were spritzed with a creole sauce and flanked by a petite salad which included flower petals. Pete likes his flower petals, and because of him I just eat them without thinking of it. This was delicious, and we would expect nothing less.
I had to get some gumbo-it was National Gumbo Day, after all. This was one of the best chicken andouille gumbos I have had lately. It was a little thick if I had to complain, but the flavor was spot on. Smoky and spicy in the perfect balance. The chicken was shredded, adding to the texture. This was just great. We got another.
Tom ordered fried oysters which were served atop artichoke bottoms in a tasso cream sauce. A cheddar biscuit came with it. Tom raved about this throughout. I finished his biscuit and the cream sauce made me want to get just an order of biscuits with sauce. I didn’t, but it was definitely a very tasty idea.
Mary Leigh ordered a steak which came with mashed potatoes and green beans. There was an asparagus spear or two here as well. The sauce was a Marchand du Vin sauce, the steak was huge, butter-knife tender, with meaty mushroom slices, and crispy fried onions on top. This was sensational and large enough for three. I ate a bite or two until the rareness stopped me. I finished ML’s delicious wedge instead. Dessert was a beautiful creme brulee with a flower garnish that Tom declared terrific.
The lights danced on the bridge, cute little high schoolers came in for prom, Cayman filled us in on all the lakefront drama, and it made for a perfect evening.
The Lakehouse
2025 Lakeshore Dr Mandeville
985-626-3006
Th-Sat Lunch 11-2 Dinner 5-9
Sunday 11-2
lakehousecuisine.com
