My turn: by Christina Favret

About Christina Favre

In every issue, EDGE of the Lake invites a local chef or restaurateur to visit another eatery on the Northshore.

Christina Favret owns Roux 25, a farm-to-table gastropub located in downtown Folsom. Its everevolving, seasonal menu features craft cocktails and creative dishes that feature fresh ingredients from local farms.

Giddy Up is not your typical coffeehouse. I use their drive-through pretty regularly for convenience when I’m in a hurry, but it’s worth it to find the time to actually go inside. It’s rustic, yet sophisticated, like an Aspen lodge with its leather sofas and gorgeous millwork. It’s one of the prettiest spots in St. Tammany. And the beautiful outdoor patio area with its fire pit is amazing.

I typically choose black coffee or tea to drink, but they also offer all kinds of hot and cold chai and espresso drinks, plus smoothies. Their food menu includes a mix of soups and paninis, with clever twists on things, like their muffulini and reubeni. Everything they make is elevated by their use of fresh ingredients, but my favorites are their tomato, spinach and basil panini and the corn and crab bisque. The house-made bisque is super creamy with tons of flavor, and it rivals any fine dining restaurant.

I love this place and the owners. They’ve done an excellent job creating a focal point in downtown Folsom. In addition to the friendly staff and stunning, welcoming interior, they’ve created a real community atmosphere by hosting a farmers market and having live music in the paddock. It’s this kind of vibe that would make anyone fall in love with Folsom.

Joel Treadwell, Fine Portraiture presenting checks to Ginger Kunkle with the Northshore Food Bank and Lira Casborne with the Miracle League Northshore. His “Headshots 4 Charity” promotion at the St. Tammany Business and Community Expo raised $1,150 with half going to each organization.

Acquistapace’s Wine and Cheese held their Wine and Cheese Gala at The Southern Hotel. Guests were treated a luscious array of cheese, wine and bourbon as well as meeting with cheese makers from around the country.

The Bluesberry Festival was named Best Festival Outside of New Orleans at OffBeat Magazine’s Best of the Beat Awards! Congratulations!