A new Latin restaurant is opening at 10655 Coursey Blvd. in the space formerly occupied by Fernando’s Mexican Grill and Cantina.
Rico Louisiana Latin Cocktails & Cuisine will host a soft opening within the next couple of weeks, says Dallon Bush, a local attorney who is one of the four partners behind the new restaurant.
Instead of the usual Tex-Mex found in and around Baton Rouge, Bush says Rico Louisiana Latin Cocktails & Cuisine will offer a mixture of Spanish and Latin cuisine—including Brazilian, Cuban and Dominican—with a Louisiana flair.
Cocktails also are being crafted to appropriately pair with the menu’s offerings, he says.
“We’re just really excited about bringing something new and different to Baton Rouge,” Bush says. “The flavors will be unique to people.”
Bush has partnered with David Dickensauge, the former executive chef and manager of Bin 77 Bistro & Wine at Perkins Rowe, as well as friend Carlos Boykin and a fourth investor to launch the restaurant.
Minor renovations are underway on the former home of Fernando’s, which is located on Coursey between Airline Highway and South Sherwood Forest Boulevard, to give the space a new ambiance, Bush says. The partners are leasing the space, he says, adding they hope the new restaurant can capture some of Fernando’s former customers.
“We’re friends with the owners of Fernando’s that were formerly occupying the building, and they had a strong following of people that were very dedicated to their restaurant,” Bush says. “That’s a following we’re hoping to capitalize on.”
Bush says the partners also are bringing on board someone else formerly with Bin 77. Abel Thompson, who took over day-to-day kitchen operations at Bin 77 one year ago after Dickensauge left to launch Corks & Cleaver Wine Bistro in Gulfport, Mississippi, will serve as executive chef.
—Alexandria Burris
