There have been a lot of reports that Lagniappe Bistro (350 First Ave. N; 329-8615) was about to open soon. But the story is now upgraded to … it has opened. Sort of. The restaurant has been in the planning and construction stages for almost a decade, but opened last week on a limited basis for lunch. Ultimate plans call for it to be a fine dining Creole spot and a bastion for late-night revelers, but right now it is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with rice and beans, gumbo, sandwiches and sweets. The work isn’t finished; they’re making the food off-site while they finish the kitchen. Owner Chaz Ricard says he hopes to start dinner service within the next month.