Dakota's Delicious Evolution

A Culinary Gem Returns to Covington to Ignite Hearts and Palates.

BY POPPY TOOKER

WHEN THE DAKOTA DEBUTED on Highway 190 in 1990, The Northshore fine dining scene was in its infancy. Partners Chef Kim Kringlie and Kenny Lacour soon turned heads with international flavors and a carefully curated wine list. Within just a few years, Kringlie’s silky crab and brie soup became an often-imitated Louisiana classic and Lacour’s wine list received national attention from Wine Spectator.

After more than thirty years, in Fall 2023 The Dakota relocated to downtown Covington. The newly imagined restaurant provides a more open, airy space while retaining all the comfort and sensibility of the original location. All the favorites remain but now, Kringlie’s culinary imagination brings new dishes to the menu. Brown butter seared sea scallops delivered with a very modern cauliflower risotto and grilled Argentine Royal Red shrimp unusually paired with polenta, crisp spinach and chimichurri are some of the surprising additions.

Lacour’s award winning wine collection now numbers just under 800. An astounding bottle-filled glass wall display case offers perfect pairings for the diverse menu. In these luxurious new digs, The Dakota is poised to raise the bar even higher on the fine dining scene they helped establish on The Northshore so long ago. For reservations and details on the extensive wine selection and menus, visit www.thedakotarestaurant.com.