Here's What You'll Be Eating & Drinking at Ace Hotel, Opening March 14

The Warehouse District will once again makes its mark as New Orleans latest culinary hotbed when Portland-based Ace Hotel officially opens at 600 Carondelet on Monday, March 14, Helen Freund reports. The opening brings some major new additions to the city's dining, drinking and coffee scenes. Here is what to expect.

Josephine Estelle, the new Southern-Italian eatery from Memphis stunners Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, is one of the most-anticipated openings of 2016. This debut brings a strong dinner game for carb-lovers (though they will do breakfast, lunch, and even room service) with former Domenica chef Phillip Mariano serving house-made pastas in the $12 to $14 range and small plates, including red snapper crudo and this heavy toast action:

Sourdough toast is topped with fava beans, mint, farmers goat cheese and sorrel. Focaccia toast features mushrooms, asparagus, leek, fontina cheese and is topped with a fried egg.

The restaurant will focus on Old World, Italian wines, fortified wines, amari, and a cocktail list that's described as 'food-friendly.'  There's a wrap-around bar, and a decent amount of outdoor seating as well.

Also debuting in the Ace Hotel:

• Stumptown Coffee: Portland-based coffee roasters known for cold brew and impressive coffee drinks, will debut in late March/early April
• Three Keys, a music venue and craft cocktail bar in the lobby, will open March 14
• A rooftop cocktail lounge, Alto, specializing in frozen drinks, cocktails on tap,  canned beer & more. A hotel rep tells Eater this spot will also serve small plates for lunch/dinner (from Josephine Estelle) with a menu centered around the rooftop's grill, including Italian-style skewers, salads and more. Debut date unknown.
• An oyster bar and restaurant from the team behind NYC's Grand Banks will open in the coming months