Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has appointed chef Alon Shaya to head up the flagship restaurant at its first New Orleans location. 

The Israeli-American chef is renowned for his restaurant Saba, where he introduced inventive Middle Eastern cuisine to his adopted home, New Orleans.

Located at street level on the Mississippi Riverfront, the yet-to-be-named restaurant will offer a fresh perspective on a classic Louisiana dining experience.  

The concept will reflect Shaya’s take on the native Gulf Coast cuisine, serving beloved New Orleans dishes with an emphasis on the abundance of Gulf seafood, vegetables and other ingredients sourced from Shaya’s extensive network of fishermen, farmers and other purveyors. 

Alongside the restaurant, the F&B offering also includes the hotel lobby bar and an extensive drinks programme, with a curated selection of well-crafted cocktails. 

“We are very happy to work with Four Seasons, a company that shares the love of great food and gracious hospitality with a team-first approach,” comments Alon Shaya. “We are honoured to be part of this project that will help re-energise New Orleans’ riverfront. Together, we will create a grand dining experience that celebrates Louisiana’s diverse culture and cuisine.” 

Slated to open in early 2021, the 341-key hospitality project will be one of the largest Four Seasons hotels in the world – comprising 81 condominium residences; a collection of penthouse condominiums on its upper floors; a full-service spa; fitness centre; outdoor pool deck; and event spaces.

The development occupies one of New Orleans’ most recognisable towers – a restoration, renovation and modernisation of the Edward Durell Stone-designed building that was formerly the city’s World Trade Centre.

“There’s no question that New Orleans has long held an influential place in America’s culinary evolution,” notes Mali Carow, General Manager. “Now, in partnership with Chef Alon Shaya, our aim at Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residence New Orleans is to continue that tradition, while forging an imaginative new path into the future.”

Four Seasons’ partnership with Shaya is the first of several forthcoming announcements in relation to the new hotel’s food and beverage programme. In addition to the flagship restaurant and bar, there are plans for a second restaurant with a pool-side venue and in-room dining. 

www.fourseasons.com