The Pontchartrain Hotel, an early 20th century property frequented by famous celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Truman Capote, will again feature the Caribbean Room, which was once considered one of the most elegant restaurants in New Orleans. Chef John Besh will reportedly revive the restaurant in mid-2016.
According to Nola.com, the Pontchartrain Hotel was bought by AJ Capital Partners and was closed in April for renovations. The Chicago firm recently announced that the hotel is set to bring back the Caribbean Room next year, along with other restaurants such as the Silver Whistle Café and the Bayour Bar. There will also reportedly be a rooftop bar that will offer beautiful downtown views. Besh Restaurant Group will be in charge of the dining facilities of the hotel.
"It's an honor to play a part in shaping the future of a place that holds precious memories for me and so many other locals. When I first heard about plans to restore the Pontchartrain, I knew I wanted to play my part in stewarding it into the future," Chef John Besh said in a statement, as quoted by 4WWL.
According to the report, the Caribbean Room was famous for various dishes such as the crabmeat Remick, trout Eugene and Mile High Pie, but it's still unclear whether they will also be featured once the restaurant opens in 2016. The site says that Besh might reinvent the dishes or put a new twist to them as they are offered to a different set of audience.
Besh further stated that the Caribbean Room will not only offer delicious dishes but will also feature an elegant ambiance. "There will be something lush about it," Besh said. "It will be small enough that we can make sure each meal is as refined as possible."
"There will always be a need for a place where people can go to celebrate that special occasion. I still idolize that style," Besh added.
