The sister location of a Line Avenue legend, but don’t expect to see the same menu at both locations

What we tried:

Handmade Pepper Jack Cheese Logs: As mighty as that title is, that’s how mighty these taste. Anyone can have cheese sticks, but not everyone could pull off pepper jack cheese logs. Served with their house-made ranch dressing, it’s the perfect appetizer if you love cheese.

Shrimp and grits: Gulf shrimp served atop a generous portion of stone-ground grits with parmigana, with an andouille sausage cream sauce.

Smoked Bacon Macaroni and Cheese: Penne pasta with parmigiana and cheddar cream sauce, topped with smoked bacon and herbed panko bread crumbs and then baked, served with sautéed mixed veggies. Think about the best bacon macaroni and cheese you’ve ever had. Well, this one is better. Definitely a top five bacon mac and cheese for me.

Chicken Fried Chicken: Where do I even begin? This entrée is perfection in every aspect. From the hand-battered chicken breast to the house-made peppercorn gravy to the buttery mashed potatoes to the sautéed green beans, it’s all superb. Even though I tried, I couldn’t eat it all, so I took it home and had the leftovers the next night, and it was just as good!

White Russian Pie: Very rich and melts in your mouth. The perfect ending to any meal at the Bistro.

Popular: Chicken fried chicken (and I can see why), seared tuna tacos, fried green tomatoes and the calamari.

Next Visit: We’ll be going for brunch!

Chicken and Waffles: Chicken strips served with fresh-made waffles and maple syrup beurre blanc.

French Toast: Classic pain perdu with mixed berry and amaretto compote. You had me at toast.

The Hangover Burger: Classic Bella burger (which is delicious) with a fried egg and a grilled jalapeno on top.

Vibe: Casual neighborhood restaurant that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week or happy hour drinks on your way home. There’s even a drive-through window which allows you to call your food order in, pick it up, and never have to leave your car.

Cost: Salads start at $7.

Appetizers start at $9. Entrées start at $13. Burgers start at $12.

Fun Fact: There’s a full bar available, including a collection of bottles of wine that are $25. The list changes regularly, so check in to see what’s currently available.

– Mark Crawford

At Twelve Oaks 608 Absinthe Court Shreveport 318.212.1133 bellafresca.com

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.