NEW ORLEANS – James Beard Award nominee Chef Nina Compton is ready to open Bywater American Bistro (BAB) Thursday, March 15 in the Rice Mill Lofts. Compton is known for her appearance on the 11th season of Bravo TV's "Top Chef," as well as her successful Compere Lapin restaurant, which has earned the chef both national and local acclaim.
“We’re really excited to open a restaurant in the community that has become our home,” says Compton in a press release about the opening. “The menu and atmosphere go perfectly together – unique and creative dishes coming out of a completely open kitchen – it’s going to be a fun dining experience – like hanging out with friends at a dinner party.”
Compton and her husband Larry Miller are joining forces with Compere Lapin sous chef Levi Raines, who will now act as chef and partner at BAB, to bring a taste of local flavor to the Bywater.
The restaurant will also take a nod from its new Rice Mill Lofts home by having grains and legumes as a main part of the menu. The release also notes that Compton's skill with noodle-making will also be a feature at the restaurant.
The restaurant will feature an open, exhibition style kitchen with a bar that will seat 18 diners, with the main dining area seating 60 and a private dining nook to seat 10.
Once open, the restaurant is set to serve dinner Wednesday – Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
-by Biz staff writer
