When chef Nina Compton was growing up in St. I know it sounds cheesy, but I fall in love each day! I always discover something new and beautiful: the buildings, people, food, and spirit.Nina Compton and Larry Miller welcome friends at their home away from home in their latest restaurant in New Orleans for a Christmas gathering with a menu inspired by their childhoods When was the last time you fell in love with New Orleans and why? Where do you go to watch The Saints play?Ĭannot wait to wear black and gold and go to my first game.Ģ0. What is your favorite New Orleans museum?ġ8. Allison at Rouses in the CBD is a very nice face to see.ġ7. Rouses or farmers markets are always fun. I haven’t been here long enough, but I did experience French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest for the first time! Snowball: Hansen’s satsuma/ginger or brown pelican.ġ3. Snowball or Daiquiri? Where from and what flavor? What’s your favorite neighborhood bar?ġ0.What is your favorite New Orleans cocktail?ġ1. Charles, then end off at Frenchmen Street, go to Dat Dog, and listen to some jazz!ĩ. My mom is coming here for a week, so we will try and squeeze everything in: from beignets, to carriage rides around town, lots of eating at Emeril’s, Commander’s, Shaya, La Petite Grocery, Coquette… Then The National World War II Museum, Crescent Park, taking the streetcar down St. You’ve got friends visiting and it’s their first time in New Orleans – where are you taking them? What’s your favorite po-boy? Where do you go to get it?Ĩ. I know it sounds silly, but everything here is so amazing here, so that’s hard to choose!ħ. Describe the best meal you’ve eaten in New Orleans? I always wanted to live in the Garden District gingerbread Victorian homes, but I decided to live in the Bywater and really enjoy it. In your opinion – what’s the best neighborhood in New Orleans? But moving here to open my first restaurant? Dreams do come true!ģ.
I have always wanted to come here, but filming Top Chef here made me fall in love with it. And to see what a strong, powerful, and gentle women she is… I really admire her.Ģ. Who is your favorite New Orleanian, dead or alive, real or imagined? New Orleans has been quick to welcome Compton with open arms, just as she has been quick to immerse herself in the city’s unique food, music, and culture. She’ll do all this while making the most of Louisiana and Gulf Coast seafood, produce, and spices.Ĭompton began her formal culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America and has worked at renowned restaurants such as New York City’s Daniel and Miami’s Palme D’or, Casa Casuarina, and Scarpetta, where she was appointed Chef de Cuisine. Lucian childhood with her vast experience and training in French and Italian cooking styles. The restaurant will blend the flavors of her St. Even the restaurant’s name, Compère Lapin, which translates to “brother rabbit,” comes from a Caribbean folk tale about a mischievous rabbit. Lucia and has compared New Orleans’ colors, smells, flavors, and laid-back lifestyle to her Caribbean home. “The culinary community here is unlike any place I’ve been and I’m thrilled to become a part of it.”Ĭompton is originally from St. “I knew right away that New Orleans was where I wanted to be,” Compton says. The restaurant, Compère Lapin, which opens June 2, is highly anticipated by foodies from around the country. 77 Hotel and Chandlery in the Warehouse District. During her time on the show, she completely fell in love with the city.Ĭompton was a finalist and fan favorite on Top Chef, so locals were thrilled when she was offered the opportunity to open a restaurant, her first, at the Old No. “I haven’t had a single thing where I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s okay.’ Every single thing is so good!”Ĭompton first visited New Orleans as a contestant on BRAVO’s Top Chef. “I haven’t had a single bad meal since I moved here,” she said. In a recent interview with Forbes Travel Guide about her move to New Orleans, chef Nina Compton couldn’t help but gush.