Two New Orleans-based restaurant pros are securing a space in the Cotton Mill for their jointly-owned restaurant. Farrell Harrison and Brian Weisnicht will open their first restaurant and bar named plates at the 1051 Annunciation St. location this September. After carefully planning the menu, bar selection, and interior design, plates will soon be ready for its grand opening.
For Harrison and Wesinicht, the goal with plates is to bring an upscale yet casual restaurant to the neighborhood where locals can hang out and grab a good bite. While working on plans for their own restaurant, the pair ran pop-up versions of plates, at the Rusty Nail and Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar. Chef Farrell Harrison, a Louisiana native, works with local farmers and fishermen to create prepared dishes utilizing local sustainable ingredients. The building can seat 150 people including 20 at the bar and more at the lounge, giving plates a very rustic yet modern warehouse feel. Alcohol served will range from sherry and vermouth to cocktails. Spanish gin and tonic in a big bulb glass are on the list along with a variety of wines.
As the name implies, the concept of plates is centered around a menu of shareable meals presented on tiny plates. Each menu item is meant to represent a slice of New Orleans culinary history including Creole cuisine. The culinary elements that inspired plate dishes are as diverse as the city it represents. Flavors of Spanish, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, German, Cajun, and African cooking can be found throughout the menu. Small plates won’t be the only size available, some large plates, include a fish grilled “on the half shell” (with scales on) and a four-course family-style tasting menu will also be served.
For now, plates will serve dinner six nights a week (closed Wednesdays). The partners plan to add lunch and brunch services, which will cater to game day Sundays celebrated in the Warehouse District.
