NEW ORLEANS – With the appointment of Richard Gomez as head bartender, New Orleans’ most anticipated new restaurant, Compère Lapin, is poised to become the Warehouse District’s go-to watering hole and a must-stop destination for cocktail aficionados visiting the Big Easy.
When they met, Chef Nina Compton knew immediately that Gomez was the right fit to helm the bar at her first restaurant – the two clicked instantly over a shared vision and passion for the hospitality industry.
“Nina’s approach in the kitchen is special and unique, something New Orleanians will love,” said Gomez. “I’m excited to build a bar program that’s just as distinctive – to me, a cocktail is much more than just a set of ingredients. Every drink should tell a story.”
Gomez and his mixology career were both born in New Orleans. Tending bar was initially a hobby and means for Gomez to make extra money but it quickly evolved into a vocation and passion. Gomez was a proud member of the bar staff who worked to successfully re-open New Orleans institution, Commander’s Palace, after Hurricane Katrina. Gomez went on to hone his skills at Cure, one of the most critically acclaimed cocktail destinations in New Orleans – and the country – where he developed his signature style and innovative recipes. In addition to these impressive positions behind the bar, Gomez was tapped by the world-renown spirits company Diageo as their first-ever World Class U.S. Ambassador and holds accreditations from the Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR) Educational Program in New York City.
The beverage program at Compère Lapin will take inspiration from Gomez’s well-rounded knowledge of cocktail making and Chef Compton’s St. Lucian background and be designed to complement the restaurant’s playful menu. Gomez plans to balance the meld of bold Caribbean flavors and the French and Italian influences that will be found in the cuisine with a lineup of thoughtful but unpretentious cocktails. Like the fare, the libations will highlight the bounty of the Gulf’s indigenous ingredients as well as pay homage to New Orleans’ rich cocktail heritage. Hewing to his personal philosophy to “spread the gospel of cocktails,” Gomez’s New Orleanian roots and vast knowledge are sure to guarantee each drink will tell a story all its own.
Compère Lapin is expected to open June 2015 inside The Old No 77. Hotel & Chandlery.
