Unlike many of the people featured in Chefs to Watch over the years, Executive Chef Ross Dover of Palmettos on the Bayou in Slidell didn’t always think he’d end up in the kitchen. His first job in a gas station restaurant, where he worked as a fry cook and seafood boiler, didn’t exactly seal the deal, but during his time at college studying to become an X-ray technician, he had a change of heart.
After bouncing between some Baton Rouge restaurants, the Houma native worked his way up to attending the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University. As a part of his studies there, Ross got an externship at New Orleans’ Restaurant August where he was eventually promoted to the restaurant’s executive chef position in 2018.
In 2022, Ross decided to cut his commute and work closer to his Pearl River home by taking the helm at Palmettos on the Bayou. This local favorite restaurant, perched on the shaded shoreline of Bayou Bonfouca near Old Towne Slidell, celebrated its 20th anniversary that year.
“I wanted to put my stamp on the menu,” Ross says. “But I also wanted to make sure that we kept the things that were working and just did them a little better. We made plays on classic dishes with South Louisiana flair, and I just added a little technique to make them nicer.”
Perusing the menu at Palmettos on the Bayou certainly gives that impression. Area favorites like Bananas Foster French Toast, Chicken and Waffles, Gulf Fish Amandine, and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp are anchors of the brunch and dinner menus. One of Ross’s most successful changes to the menu was adding Chargrilled Oysters to the menu.
They took off in a big way. Along with those traditional staples, Ross dotted the menu with personal favorites, like a Duck & Tasso Gumbo, which was influenced by his time cooking with his grandmother. “Gumbo is one of my favorite things because it just reminds me of my grandmother and cooking it with her,” Ross says.
Palmettos on the Bayou is ushering in the fall season with a tantalizing new menu that showcases the rich flavors of the season. Their Fall menu is a delight, featuring an array of dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients and a dash of Bayou State flair.
Guests can indulge in savory dishes like Butternut Squash Ravioli with Royal Red Shrimp and Grilled Duck a L’Orange, all while enjoying the charming waterfront views. What’s even more exciting is that Palmettos on the Bayou will be open for the holiday season, offering a special three-course menu for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. So, whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or looking for a special way to spend the holidays, Palmettos on the Bayou promises an authentic South Louisiana experience you won’t want to miss.
The inviting ambiance at Palmettos enhances the dining experience. The restaurant boasts spectacular climate-regulated outside seating, providing a perfect setting to enjoy the scenic views. During the holidays the covered outside seating becomes a cozy setting with heaters, Christmas lights, and a full-size Christmas tree. If you’re a fan of weekend indulgence, don’t miss the Saturday/Sunday jazz brunch, a musical and culinary treat for the senses. You can even take an after-meal stroll along the walkway to view the bayou and enjoy the warmth of the picturesque fire pits.
As soon as you drive up to the modern Acadian-style architecture you recognize you are in for a unique experience. At night the restaurant makes a dramatic impression with the uplighting of the massive Cypress trees that line the back of the restaurant as well as a majestic oak and pond at the entrance.
Palmettos on the Bayou also showcases local artists. The front Dunbar Room serves as a gallery for world-renowned local artist, George Dunbar’s bayou-themed contemporary masterpieces. Hand-painted murals by Phil Galatas in the Bayou Room create a charming atmosphere with views of the main deck and outside foliage. These artistic touches add a unique charm to the dining atmosphere, making it a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
For those looking to warm up the holiday season with delectable dishes, Palmettos on the Bayou has you covered. From the Warm Crab and Spinach Dip to the enticing multi-course holiday menus, the restaurant ensures that every visit is a memorable and flavorful experience. Chef Ross Dover’s culinary expertise, combined with the restaurant’s vibrant ambiance and special seasonal offerings, creates a dining destination that truly captures the essence of South Louisiana.
