The upcoming Ace Hotel, home of Josephine Estelle.Brasted
The last year in New Orleans saw no shortage of scorching hot restaurant openings from Shaya to Compere Lapin, and even this winter has ushered in some fine new spots including Cavan and Bayou Wine Garden.
Here now, the most anticipated openings heading your way this spring (and summer).
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
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
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
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.
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: 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
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
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
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: Spring 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: Late April/Early May
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
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
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
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