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News for Restaurants in New Orleans
November 2015 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Chef John Besh, whose Restaurant August is a major fine dining destination, has announced plans to revive the famed Caribbean Room at the soon-to-be-reopened Pontchartrain Hotel. The Caribbean Room was considered one of the city's finest dining experiences for decades until it closed in the 1990s. Besh plans to bring it back to life, but has yet to detail plans for the menu. Before big box hotels infiltrated the city, the Pontchartrain routinely hosted some of Hollywood's top celebrities, including Rita Hayworth, Carol Channing, Frank Sinatra and many others. Authors Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams were frequent guests. The hotel was purchased by new owners in January 2015, and is currently undergoing a $19 million renovation. Besh will also oversee a new in-hotel coffeeshop and rooftop bar. The biggest mystery? Locals are waiting to find out if Besh will bring back the Caribbean Room's treasured dessert: Mile High Pie. Caribbean Room, 2031 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70140, no phone.
 
2016 promises to be a banner year for restaurant openings in the New Orleans area, largely because renowned chef Emeril Lagasse will open Meril, a new casual dining spot in the Warehouse District. Named after his daughter, the concept for Meril has not yet been fully revealed. What is known is that the restaurant will feature one of Emeril's signature open kitchens, as well as a U-shaped bar, a 23-table dining room, and a separate smaller room that will seat 28 guests. The restaurant will be on the ground floor of a new condo building. Emeril also owns his flagship, Emeril's, as well as NOLA and Emeril's Delmonico. Meril, 424 Girod St., New Orleans, LA 70130, no phone.
 

News Bytes

Chef Susan Spicer Announces Plans for New Restaurant
Even an old, abandoned police station can morph into a restaurant in New Orleans. Just ask chef Susan Spicer (Bayona, Mondo), who announced plans to convert an old precinct, complete with a jail cell, into her newest enterprise. Although stil unnamed, and details remain under wraps, the new place, says Spicer, will open in 2016; the dining area will occupy about 2,000 square feet, with another 1,300 square feet for outdoor seating. Located between Lakeview and Mid-City, Spicer's upcoming restaurant site faces the new Lafitte Greenway, a recently completed multi-use, massive green space. Bayona, 430 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-525-4455.
 
Palace Cafe has a new happy hour from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. New Happy Hour at Palace Cafe
One of New Orleans' favorite Creole dining spots, Palace Cafe has a new happy hour from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy half-priced draft beer, wine on tap and small plates. Palace Cafe, 605 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-523-1661.
 
Reveillon Menu at Galatoire's
Galatoire's Reveillon Celebration (December 1-24, 2015) features a special four-course menu for $45 per person. There's a choice of fried oysters or bakes shrimp scampi to start with, mixed greens or lobster bisque as a second course, and drum, filet or fried fish cakes as the main course. Dessert options are mocha panna cotta, ice cream sundae or custard cup. Reservations are available at 504-525-6022. Galatoire's, 209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-525-2021.
 

Chef Shuffle

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Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for New Orleans to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Dominique's, R.I.P.

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CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook
? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in New Orleans

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VALENTINE'S DAY WINES

Add wine to the celebration of love, curated by GAYOT´s Wine & Spirits Editor.

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CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

For a rosé bubbly Valentine's Day celebration.

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GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDSOver the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

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