Gavin Jobe, co-owner of The Pelican House in Baton Rouge, and Vinnie LeDonne, formerly GM of Palmettos on the Bayou, joined to bring a casual Italian eatery to Covington where a wood-burning oven is the cornerstone and local ingredients are key. Chef Gavin Jobe (The Food Network's Chopped) prepares wood-fired pizza, small plates, Italian-inspired main dishes and pasta.

A full bar includes Italian wine, local and regional craft beer and cocktails. Try the Grow Farm Salad for an original combination of the Bush, Louisiana farm's freshest ingredients of the day, a sizzling, cast-iron skillet of mushroom and duck lasagna, the raw beef carpaccio paired with a fine, red wine, and of course, a wood-fired pizza with a variety of toppings.

Meribo has numerous specials every week:

• Happy Hour daily, 3pm to 6pm
• Tuesday - $7 burgers all day
• Wednesday - All day Happy Hour
• Thursday - Ladies Night
• Friday - "Feature Friday" - fantastic dishes by the culinary team available until they sell out
• Sunday - Brunch

Meribo is pronounced "Muh-REE-bo" and combines the two Italian words meridionale (southern) and cibo (food) to indicate the restaurant/pizzeria's dedication to combining southern Italian recipes with American southern ingredients, like wild boar and Benton's bacon. The restaurant is open 11am-8pm Tue, Thu & Sun, and 11am-9pm Wed, Fri & Sat. Closed Mondays.