The Most Anticipated New Orleans Restaurants, Winter 2016

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

Image credit: Brasted

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

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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: Mid 2016

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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

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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

Image credit: LeBlanc + Smith

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

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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

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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

Image credit: Nora McGunnigle

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

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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)

Image credit: Facebook

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

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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

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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

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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

Image credit: Bacobar