Is Miami Hot Shot Nina Compton Headed for the Warehouse District?

Now that Nina Compton, Miami-based chef and Top Chef Season 11 runner up, has announced that she's moving to New Orleans, let's turn our attention to what, in fact, the beloved St. Lucia native has in store for the 504. While Eater has reached out to Compton, she is not able to give full details about her plans at this time, but has released this statement:

Couldn't be more excited to move to Nola to open my first restaurant. After filming Top Chef I really fell in love. As fate would have it things worked out for a reason and I'm thrilled to join the culinary community.

Inside the upcoming Old No. 77 [Photo: Provenance Hotels]

A reliable source, however, tells Eater that Compton has been meeting with execs from artsy West Coast empire-builders Provenance Hotels, who will open Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in the former Ambassador Hotel this Spring (at 535 Tchoup near Poydras). It's possible that Compton could be opening the restaurant inside of the upcoming Warehouse District beauty, but only time will tell. Here's more info on the hotel's renovation:

Located just four blocks from the French Quarter, the hotel is the latest incarnation of a building that began its life in 1854 as a warehouse serving the Port of New Orleans and has served the city as the Ambassador Hotel for the last two decades. With Provenance Hotels at the helm, it is undergoing a renovation and rebranding that highlights rustic original details - like hard wood floors and exposed brick walls - and pairs sophisticated modern design with the culture, art and joie de vive that is uniquely New Orleans.

Eater has reached out to Provenance Hotels and is awaiting response. Do stay tuned as more details emerge about chef Nina Compton's exciting move to New Orleans.