The Most Anticipated New Orleans Restaurants, Spring 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. The restaurant is named after both of the chefs' daughters.
Projected Opening: March 12 14

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Location: Warehouse District
Major Players: Miles & Alex Pincus, Adrien Gallo, Kerry Heffernan
Details: The Ace Hotel further ups its dining game with the addition of an adjacent, still-unnamed all-American raw bar from the masterminds behind New York City's floating oyster bar concept Grand Banks.  Eleven Madison Park alum/chef Kerry Heffernan is slated to run the kitchen. 
Projected Opening: May

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Location: Warehouse District
Major Players: Ley Line Development, Nathan Dalton
Details: Get ready for the city's hottest pisco powerhouse, as former Felipe's barman Nathan Dalton prepares to run the show at this cocktail mecca/coffee bar/Peruvian restaurant (with Carmo's Dana Honn consulting on the menu). A rooftop tiki bar is also planned.
Projected Opening: April

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Location: Central City
Major Players: Rob Bechtold, Aaron Burgau
Details:Former NOLA Smokehouse pitmaster Rob Bechtold and Patois chef Aaron Burgau join forces for this new barbecue epicenter, bringing killer brisket and indoor/outdoor dining to the O.C. Haley area.

Projected Opening: Summer

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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: Lakeview
Major Players: Chris Audler, Aaron Vogel
Details: Beloved LGD eatery District will expand to Harrison Avenue with an operation much like the original, slinging gourmet doughnuts, sliders, and an incredible coffee program in a family-friendly spot near the lake and City Park. It's a win win situation.
Projected Opening: Summer

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Location: Uptown
Major Players: Evan Hayes
Details: St. Charles Avenue wine bar favorite The Delachaise expands with a new cafe on Maple Street in the former Sammich location. Expect bistro fare, a great wine selection, and table service.
Projected Opening: April

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Location: Quarter
Major Players: Hugh Uhalt, Michael Isolani
Details: Developer/Owner Hugh Uhalt will reveal a million dollar makeover inside the former Maximo's space when Trinity debuts. Bouligny Tavern alum Michael Isolani has replaced Scott Maki as the opening chef.
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: Spring 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: Late April/Early May

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Location: Freret
Major Players: Mark Latter; PJ Rosenberg
Details: The build out of this new European style wine bar and eatery from Tujague's Mark Latter and former Martin's/Uncorked wine pro PJ Rosenberg is underway. Expect a killer wine selection, outdoor seating, a lengthy beer menu, craft cocktails, and seasonal small plates from New Haven transplant/chef Brendan Cahill.
Projected Opening: April

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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: Spring 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: Summer/Fall

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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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