Best known as Runner Up and Fan Favorite from Top Chef Season 11, Chef Nina Compton brings flavours from her Saint Lucian home to the fore at her Warehouse District restaurant, Compère Lapin, providing dinners with a delicious double take update on Creole concept cooking.
Situated in the lobby of The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, my hotel for the first half of my NOLA dining adventure, Compère Lapin was only few month’s old, all the rage, and absolutely hopping (jeu de mots) during my stay. Not to try it as one of my 18 Eats, would have been remiss. Beside every time I passed the restaurant on my way in or out of the hotel, the lure of the aromas wafting out of its kitchen grew more irresistible.
For my dinner I enjoyed a starter course of marinated shrimp with roasted jalapeno jus; a main course of curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi and cashews; and a dessert of buttermilk cheesecake with carrot sponge and ginger granola – all of it brilliant. I loved Compton’s heavy-handed use of herbs and nuts and earthy flavours of her healthy if indulgent dishes. From the bar, a Gentleman Caller (gin, amontillado, Aperol, genepy and bitters) was a rich and well balanced liquid sidekick to my meal.
Reservations are recommended.
Compère Lapin is located inside The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery hotel, 535 Tchoupitoulas Street, 70130. Find out more at comperelapin.com.
Save room for the next post! I’ll be back soon with more in my series about New Orleans in 18 Eats.
