The founders of the Metairie sensations Meaux Jeaux Pizza and Istanbul Grill are making a high-profile return to the local dining scene with a massive new flagship concept in the Central Business District. After a brief departure from the local market, co-owners Lisa Mondello and Ben Cicek have secured a “dream” location to launch their most ambitious project to date: Upper Crust Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine.
With the owners already having the formula for successful Sicilian-American pizza and the award-winning Fig Gourmet Pizza, the culinary hook for the new CBD spot at 401 Carondelet St. will be a focus on house-made Italian focaccia, which will be used to make traditional Sicilian sandwiches. The beverage program will include beer, wine, and brunch-friendly drinks like Bloody Marys and mimosas.
“I just think the homemade focaccia bread is going to pull people through the door, because it’s going to be hot and fresh every day,” Mondello told What Now New Orleans. “I think we’re going to have something really different.”
In addition to focaccia, the scale of the new venture marks a significant departure from the partners’ previous operations. Spanning 3,145 square feet of interior space, the restaurant will also boast a 750-square-foot courtyard. Full table service will be available both indoors and in the courtyard.
Mondello and Cicek built a loyal following in Metairie with Meaux Jeaux Pizza and Istanbul Grill. Meaux Jeaux, in particular, saw explosive growth, famously earning the No. 66 spot on Yelp’s list of top restaurants in the US and Canada during its first year of business. While the logistical challenge of managing two distinct concepts forced them to sell both businesses, the pull of New Orleans remained strong. A serendipitous opportunity for a large-scale space in the CBD eventually lured them back for their most ambitious project to date. An opening date is planned for this fall.
