The last year in New Orleans saw no shortage of scorching hot restaurant openingsfrom Shaya to Compere Lapin— but now it's time to turn our attention to what will be another dynamite year concerning the Big Easy's restaurant industry. With huge names including Susan Spicer, John Besh and Emeril all debuting new spots in the near future, 2016 is sure to be a doozy. Here are the most anticipated openings of 2016 at this time.
Location: Warehouse District Major Players: Andy Ticer, Michael Hudman Details: Memphis Beard Award noms Ticer & Hudman are known for marrying the flavors of the South & Italy. At The Ace, they'll run the entire food and beverage program, though the concept remains unknown. Projected Opening: Spring 2016
Location: Warehouse District Major Players: Emeril Lagasse Details: Other than the restaurant's name—an ode to his daughter— little has been revealed about Lagasse's fourth Nola-based concept, except plans for a U-shaped bar, a small dining room for 28, a main dining room with 23 tables and, much like Emeril's—a counter facing an open kitchen. Projected Opening: 2016
Location: Navarre Major Players: Susan Spicer, Brett Duffee Details: Bayona chef Brett Duffee will head the kitchen at Susan Spicer's anticipated new neighborhood spot heading to Rosedale Drive, on the edge of Lakeview and Mid City, blocks away from City Park and Delgado. Projected Opening: Mid2016
Location: Lower Garden District Major Players: John Besh, Chris Lusk Details: With a $10 million dollar revamp of the once illustrious Pontchartrain Hotel, the Besh Group is on board to restore the swanky reputation of the Caribbean Room. R'evolution alum Chris Lusk will head the kitchen for the restaurant, along with a cafe, bar, and rooftop lounge. Projected Opening: 2016
Location: Uptown Major Players: LeBlanc + Smith, Kristen Essig Details: The Leblanc + Smith empire heads Uptown with this glamorous new restaurant inside the former Duke Morgan spa location. Chef Kristen Essig will focus on coastal cuisine, and cocktails are always on point for this hospitality group which includes Meauxbar, Sylvain and Barrel Proof. Projected Opening: Early 2016
Location: Mid City Major Players: Chris McMillian, Laura Johnson McMillian Details: Legendary barman Chris McMillian and wife Laura will open this casual restaurant and cocktail bar in the former Juicy Lucy space in early 2016, with their son-in-law/former Boulangerie pastry chef Jose Alaya turning out housebaked bread and gourmet sandwiches. A food truck is also planned. Projected Opening: Jan/Feb
Location: Quarter Major Players: Hugh Uhalt,Scott Maki Details: Developer/Owner Hugh Uhalt will reveal a million dollar makeover inside the former Maximo's space when Trinity debuts. Chef Scott Maki will do modern Creole and Cajun. Projected Opening: March
Location: Lower Garden District Major Players: Mason Hereford, Lauren Holton Details: Former Coquette sous Mason Hereford and partner Lauren Holton will open a Southern eatery in the former NOLA Smokehouse location, with a menu that's sandwich-heavy, but not sandwich-exclusive. Projected Opening: Late May
Location: Warehouse District Major Players: Phillip Lopez; The Paramount Details: This modern delicatessen and sandwich shop will feature Root chef Phillip Lopez's insane charcuterie skills in a setting akin to a 'grungier' Dean & Deluca. Projected Opening: Early to Mid 2016
Location: LGD Major Players: Alex & Maribeth del Castillo Details: The longtime taco truck fave will go brick-and-mortar this year with tacos, wood-fired meats, vegetarian/vegan offerings, and a full bar in a large space just off Tchoup, complete with a Mexican beer garden feel. Projected Opening: Aiming for Jazz Fest (Late April/early May)
Location: Freret Major Players: Mark Latter; PJ Rosenberg Details: The build out of this new European style wine bar and small plates restaurant from Tujague's Mark Latter and former Martin's/Uncorked wine pro PJ Rosenberg just got underway. Along with a killer wine selection, expect outdoor seating, a lengthy beer menu, craft cocktails, and seasonal small plates from New Haven transplant/chef Brendan Cahill. Projected Opening: April 2016
Location: Mid City Major Players: Fiona Delargy, Dean DiSalvo,David Demarest, Virginia Demarest Details: The Bayou Beer Garden team debuts a new wine bar including 16 wines on tap, a kitchen focusing on house cured meats and upscale sandwiches, and a covered deck and courtyard. Projected Opening: January 23, pending final permits
Location: Gert Town Major Players: Celestine Dunbar Details: One of the hottest comebacks of the year, former Freret favorite Dunbar's will bring soul food to a new Gert Town location. Projected Opening: Early 2016
Location: Northshore Major Players: Carl Schaubhut, Jean-Pierre Guidry Details: Commander's Palace alumni Schaubhut and Guidry will do Asian and Latin street food at this new spot in Covington with lots of outdoor seating. Projected Opening: February