The Most Anticipated New Orleans Restaurants, Summer 2016

Location: 630 Carondelet St.
Major Players: Kerry Heffernan, Daniel Causgrove, the brothers Pincus
Details: The team behind NY's oyster bar schooner Grand Banks makes a Nola debut in the Warehouse District with this all-American oyster bar and sustainable seafood eatery. Eleven Madison Park alum/chef and avid fisherman Kerry Heffernan will oversee the restaurant and is working closely with Grill Room alum Daniel Causgrove. 
Projected Opening: Early July

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Location: 2031 St. Charles Ave.
Major Players: John Besh, Chris Lusk
Details: With a $10 million dollar revamp of the once illustrious Pontchartrain Hotel almost finished, the Besh Group is on board to revive 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: June

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Location: 525 Harrison Ave.
Major Players: Chris Audler, Aaron Vogel
Details: Beloved LGD eatery District is expanding to Lakeview and is under deep construction. The operation will be 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: Late Summer

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Location: 739 Jackson Ave.
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 in the LGD with a menu that's sandwich-heavy, but not sandwich-exclusive.
Projected Opening: Summer

Image credit: Nora McGunnigle

Location: 611 O'Keefe Ave.
Major Players: Chef Phillip Lopez; The Paramount
Details: This modern delicatessen and sandwich shop in the South Market District's ever-popular Paramount building will feature the Root chef's insane charcuterie skills in a setting akin to a grungier Dean & Deluca. Lopez says he's looking at an opening likely in the next three weeks. 
Projected Opening: Early July

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Location: 627 Celeste St.
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 in the LGD, complete with a Mexican beer garden feel.
Projected Opening: Late Summer

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Location: 2549 Banks St.
Major Players: Miles Tully Jr.
Details: The small plates, sandwich, and grilled cheese-focused restaurant in Mid City will have an outdoor shaded courtyard and a rooftop deck with plenty of seating.   
Projected Opening: June

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Location: 3835 Iberville St.
Major Players: Alec Wilder, Eddie Dyer and Chuck Brechtel,Terry Boudreaux and Rocco Bonura    
Details: MiLa and Brennan's alum Nick Vella will do coastal cuisine with an emphasis on Mediterranean flavors at this new Mid City spot, with classic and original drinks from bartender Wyatt and a strong beer bomber game. The owners are hoping to shed the stuffy vibes of the location's predecessors (Redemption and Christian's).
Projected Opening: June

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Location: 4141 Bieville St.
Major Players: Ray Gruezke
Details: Chef Ray Gruezke of Rue 127 opens this new barbecue spot in the Mid City Market inspired by his award-winning Hogs For The Cause team.  The menu will feature barbecue, hit menu items from Rue 127, and freaky milkshakes called freakshakes.
Projected Opening: Late Summer

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Location: 2127 Prytania St.
Major Players: Jack Petronella, Coleman Jernigan
Details: The team behind Prytania-based bakery Manhattanjack bring this Italian-American restaurant, inspired by New York's neighborhood restaurants, to the Magnolia Mansion in Uptown. Expect white tablecloths but some less-expensive pasta options as well.
Projected Opening: August

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Location: 1201 S. Rampart St.
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 Central City.

Projected Opening: Late Summer/Fall 2016

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Location: 801 Rosedale Dr.
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 the edge of Lakeview and Mid City, blocks away from City Park and Delgado. The building is currently undergoing major renovations.
Projected Opening: Late Summer/Fall

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