Nothing ends a girl’s weekend away like brunching. And boy, did us babes brunch. To top off our Northshore Getaway, we dined at Meribo, a pizza-lover (and let’s be honest, any food-lovers) must visit when hanging on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain.
To begin, walking into Meribo is not like most pizza joints. With an open concept seating area, a long wooden bar and a stone oven blazing in the corner, Meribo could be the perfect spot for brunch with the girls, lunch with friends, or a late-night hang. Owners Vinnie LeDonne and Gavin Jobe are both veterans in the service industry and knew that they could create a place that would meet anyone’s taste, and they were right!
We got to try to all the hits of the brunch menu, including bottomless mimosas, and to say that these dishes were well-received would be an understatement.
Scrumptious Starters
Crispy Brussel Sprouts
A huge bowl of brussel sprouts with pepper jelly, pecans and sprinkled with parmesan was there to greet us when we arrived. This “healthy” option made us feel better about what came next.
Roasted Plum Parfait
Something light to kick-start this brunch-a-thon, but so full of flavor! Roasted plums added a bit of tang tempered by the sweetness of the Greek yogurt. Granola and elderflower honey topped it off!
Grits and Grillades
Everyone knows you can’t take a bunch of Southern gals to brunch without having grits on the table. With soft, braised pork cheeks and pickled collard greens, this is a starter you’re not willing to share.
Savory Sandwiches
Although Meribo is definitely known for their delicious pizzas, they also have some incredible sandwiches available.
Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich
Topped with fried egg, arugula and served with thick slices of grilled white bread, this is a summertime favorite not to be missed.
Best Burger
You didn’t think this article was going to be all small plates and parfaits did you? No way. Meribo knew who they were dealing with when they brought out the Best Burger. A double-patty wagyu beef burger topped with fried egg and all the fixings. #NOM
Chicken Biscuit
A table favorite without a doubt! If you followed our recap, you know that we had an amazing time on the Northshore, but let’s say we need some sustenance come Sunday morning. And Meribo sure delivered with this fried chicken, bacon and cheese biscuit slathered in Italian sausage gravy. Seriously, stop drolling on your screen and just go to Meribo!
Stuffed French Toast
A baguette dipped in Gran Mariner, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, it was just as delicious as it was pretty.
Pancakes & Pizza
Wood-Fire Pancake
When the wood-fire pancake arrived, there was an audible “ohhhhh” from around the table. Sure it looked delicious but the smell was incredible! Served in a hot skillet and topped with pecans and cane sugar syrup (not to mention being big enough to feed all 5 of us) this was definitely my personal favorite!
Breakfast Pizza
And finally, we couldn’t leave Meribo without pizza! Their breakfast pizza was the perfect ending to our brunching bonanza. The amazing stone oven at Meribo is the secret to their light and fluffy pizzas and this one is no exception. Scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and freaking truffle oil is what made 5 completely-stuffed, busting-at-the-seams Babes find a second wind and take this bad boy down.
I’m sure this post made you hungry and I don’t blame you. I’m dreaming of that pancake again myself. But there is no replacement for Meribo, so next time you’re enjoying the Northshore be sure to stop in!