Seafood is the star of the show at Pat's Rest Awhile, the new casual, waterfront seafood restaurant and bar by renowned chef Pat Gallagher.

There's the Gulf Fish Almondine served with fresh crabmeat, Cedar-Plank Redfish with Citrus Horseradish Crust, Grilled Swordfish with Corn Maque Choux and Tomato Marmalade, and a Tuna Roll--Sesame Crusted and Crispy, served with Asian noodles, ginger and sauces. And then there are the fried platters--catfish, shrimp or oyster, and combinations.

Classic American entrées made with Gallagher's signature flavors include his award winning steaks (14-oz. grilled ribeye and 8-oz. hangar), and specialties like Smoked Spareribs, and Pecan Bourbon-Glazed Double-Cut Pork Chops (served with fingerling potato hash and green beans).

Gumbo is on the menu, as well as Oysters Rockefeller, and Caesar, Wedge, Beet or Mixed Greens salads. Starters feature a fresh Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, BBQ Shrimp with Cornbread, Sticky Wings (soy ginger glaze, toasted peanuts and cilantro), Sweet Chili Glazed Shrimp, onion rings, and hushpuppies--Tasso and Green Onion with Jalapeno Tartar Sauce.

On the simpler side are seafood po-boys, a fried chicken breast sandwich with Havarti and Pepper Jelly, and the 8-oz. Angus Cheeseburger with fries--French, shoestring or sweet potato. Or, Scalloped Potatoes, Sautéed Green Beans and Smoked Gouda Mac-N-Cheese. Families will appreciate the kids menu, too.

Pat's Rest Awhile, overlooking Lake Pontchartrain on Mandeville's Lakeshore Drive, is housed in the former Rest Awhile orphanage and retreat house. Gutted by Hurricane Katrina, owners merged the historic building with two historic cottages to form a restaurant, tavern and private function area. Pat's is open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and brunch and dinner on Sunday (closed Monday). Book on OpenTable. Masks required.