Trinity Will Have Boozy Sno-Balls; Emeril Lagasse Appoints Meril Opening Chef Will Avelar

With spring upon us, New Orleans is gearing up for some of its biggest restaurant openings of the year. Here's how things are shaping up for three heavy hitters.

Bouligny Tavern alum Michael Isolani recently took over as opening chef for this upcoming modern Creoles spot at 1117 Decatur in the French Quarter, but Todd Price now reports that the restaurant's beverage director, Jimmy Syock, is a Lilette and Bouligny alum as well. Expect signature cocktails, adult snoballs, and local beer to pair with Isolani's menu that will use local "familiar ingredients to create unfamiliar dishes."
Projected opening: April

Inside Trinity's renovation [Photo: Trinity/Facebook]

Meril

Emeril Lagasse's hotly-anticipated Warehouse District restaurant—his fourth spot to open in New Orleans— will be headed by chef du cuisine Will Avelar, Ian McNulty reports. Avelar is a New Orleans native and current Delmonico sous, who's worked for the Emeril for over 11 years. Details on the upcoming restaurant at 424 Girod remain hush-hush.
Projected opening: 2016

Chef Will Avelar (on right) with chef Jose Andres [Photo: Emeril's Delmonico/Facebook]

Ace Hotel Oyster Bar

Grill Room and Dijon alum/chef Daniel Causgrove is IN at the all-American oyster bar heading to the Ace Hotel in late spring from NYC's Grand Banks crew, Price also reports. The restaurant will actually be adjacent to the hotel (at 630 Carondelet) and features executive chef Kerry Heffernan in the kitchen, formerly of Eleven Madison Park.
Projected Opening: May

Daniel Causgrove [Photo: Windsor Court/Facebook]