By: Shannon Bailey | NOLA Weekend
Under the same roof, a dual-concept dining experience takes over the former Friends restaurant in Madisonville on the Tchefuncte River. Soon, diners can take their pick of upscale or casual, as two new restaurants add to the North Shore’s waterfront dining scene.
The first of the two restaurants, the Anchor at Tchefuncte’s, recently opened downstairs for casual, dockside dining. Then, in mid-July, the upscale sister restaurant, Tchefuncte’s, is set to open upstairs.
New casual spot, the Anchor, boasts a stylish, but relaxed, family-fun atmosphere with waterfront views. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant features décor that reflects a coastal lifestyle with an outdoor game area and a bar area.
“New Orleans is rich in cultural and culinary experiences, so it is important that both the menu and ambiance are inviting to anyone and everyone who walks into our establishment,” said Michael Gottlieb, executive chef for both restaurants. “Here at The Anchor, we promise impeccable service and mouth-watering dishes with sweeping views of the Tchefuncte River.”
The Anchor serves a simple menu featuring fresh Gulf seafood, sandwiches and smoked meats. Some of the items include crawfish-spiced chicken wings, fried oyster and shrimp po-boys and smoked dry-rubbed beef short rib.
Gottlieb draws family recipes for dessert delicacies featuring items like chocolate mascarpone cheesecake and praline brown butter cake with vanilla ice cream.
Gottlieb, who helmed the family-owned Gotlieb’s Bakery in his hometown of Savannah, Ga., has been in New Orleans since 2009. Some of his previous work has been with the Ralph Brennan Group and at the Rib Room before brining his culinary passion to the North Shore.
The Anchor opens from 10:30 a.m. to sunset from Thursday to Sunday. A happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. features specials on select draft beers, house wines, cocktails and appetizers. Seating is available on the patio, in the dining room and at the bar on a first-come basis. Boats of all sizes are invited to dock at the on-premise slips.
The Anchor is located at 407 St. Tammany Street in Madisonville.