Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/970887
s p r i n g 2 0 1 8 | 7 CompEre Lapin Chef Nina Compton caught the food world's atten- tion as a contestant and fan favorite on Top Chef in 2013. Her appearance on the show helped ignite Compton's move from Miami to New Orleans with her now-husband and front-of-house maestro Larry Miller, and they soon opened Compère Lapin in their new home city. Named for the folklore rabbit of Compton's native St. Lucia, the eatery mixes the Caribbean flavors of the chef's homeland with ingredients and influences that are distinctly New Orleanian. The spiced pig ears are argu- ably the most addictive item on the menu, but the Caribbean seafood pep- per pot and curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi are the must-order dishes here. Compère Lapin's bar program, meanwhile, is led by celebrated local mixologist Abigail Gullo, whose deft hand serves up some beautifully-executed elixirs. Compton and Miller opened their second restau- rant, the casual and eclectic Bywater American Bis- tro, in March. Compère Lapin is open for lunch and dinner daily. Compère Lapin, 535 Tchoupitoulas St. (inside the Old No. 77 Hotel), 504-599-2119, comperelapin.com (reservations recommended) ' Chef Nina Chef Nina Chef Compton caught the food world's atten- tion as a contestant and fan favorite on Top Chef in 2013. Her appearance on the show helped show helped show ignite Compton's move from Miami to New Orleans New Orleans New with her now-husband and front-of-house maestro Larry Miller, and they soon opened Compère Lapin in their new home new home new city. Named for the folklore rabbit of Compton's of Compton's of native St. Lucia, the eatery mixes Caribbean flavors of the of the of chef's homeland with ingredients and influences that are distinctly New Orleanian. New Orleanian. New The spiced pig spiced pig spiced ears are argu- ably the ably the ably most addictive on the on the on menu, but the Caribbean seafood Caribbean seafood Caribbean per pot per pot per and curried and curried and goat with sweet with sweet with potato gnocchi are gnocchi are gnocchi the must-order dishes must-order dishes must-order here. Compère Lapin's program, meanwhile, is led celebrated local celebrated local celebrated mixologist local mixologist local Abigail Gullo, whose deft hand serves hand serves hand up beautifully-executed elixirs. beautifully-executed elixirs. beautifully-executed Compton and Miller opened their second restau- Abigail Gullo's cocktail menu features drinks like the Rose Tattoo, Tattooed Fairy, and Fairy Tale. PHOTO: JOSH BRASTED PHOTO: ELSA HAHNE The curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi, cashews, and egg is a must- order at Compère Lapin.