When Casey Lane's Parish closed in September of last year, we wondered what would become of the beautiful, two-story wedge of a building on the corner of Spring and Main downtown. Months of speculation eventually led to confirmation that the building had been taken over by Joshua Kopel and Mark Egland, owners of Hollywood’s New Orleans–inspired bar and restaurant, Five0Four. The thinking was that the Spring Street building would be another location of Five0Four.

But today, Kopel and Egland announced that the space has taken on a life and identity of its own, and will open next week as Preux & Proper. It, too, will have a New Orleans theme, but the owners have decided it will be different enough that it deserves its own distinct branding. 

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“Originally, we thought our downtown location would also be Five0Four,” Kopel says. “But as the project evolved, we quickly realized that it has its own personality, one that completely incorporates the essence of New Orleans.” 

The space will have two dining areas — downstairs will be a frozen daiquiri bar while upstairs will be a raw bar. The owners have brought on chef Michael Ruiz (formerly of Cobras & Matadors and the Morrison), and the opening menu features smoked shrimp beignets, crispy frog legs, po' boys and other NOLA-inspired dishes. 

Press materials say the owners hope to bring “the exciting nightlife of Bourbon Street” to downtown L.A. — which, if you've ever spent any time on Bourbon Street, is slightly alarming — but that just means New Orleans–themed events, and a hangout for Saints fans during football games. Pablo Moix has been enlisted to create moonshine-based cocktails … moonshine Sazerac, anyone?

Preux & Proper will open Dec. 10. The restaurant will initially open at 4 p.m. daily for happy hour and dinner, with lunch and weekend brunch service coming soon.

UPDATE, 12/8/14: Preux & Proper has pushed back their opening. We'll update as soon as we hear a new opening date. 

Preux & Proper: 840 S. Spring St., downtown. 

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