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Upcoming food hall St. Roch Market officially debuts this Friday, April 10, in what is certain to be the biggest spring opening in New Orleans. Not only does the return of the market mark an important milestone for the community, but the business also solidifies St. Claude Avenue as the city's newest street of dreams when it comes to dining.
When the doors open, thirteen vendors will serve up everything from African food to oysters. This week, in anticipation of the opening, Eater NOLA talks to each of the lucky thirteen on what to expect at their counter, and what they're most excited about at the new St. Roch Market.
Up now, Ali Mills, the former bar manager of Coquette and the founder of beloved underground booze slingers Dash & Pony. Mills now brings her sensibility for all things seasonal and crafted to The Mayhaw at St. Roch Market.
What all will you be offering at St. Roch Market?
The bar is going to have a cocktail program, a wine by the glass program, and local beer program. The cocktails will be ingredient-driven, although we'll be honoring the history and classics of the city. The house cocktails will be representative of seasonality— we'll be sourcing syrups and nut milks from our fellow vendors, and the produce will come from less than 200 miles away. The wines are selected to pair with the food of the market, and we'll have five local beers on draft as well as a can-centric program.
What's one drink that you're most excited to offer and why?
I'm really excited about the cocktail program using local produce. When we had the vendor potluck, I made a punch called the Helpful Hand with local grapefruit and vanilla, we'll be offering a variation of that, it was really good.
What does St. Roch Market mean to you? Why did you apply for a vendor spot?
I didn't really understand it fully when I applied, then when I walked in the space, I saw the beautiful renovation, and understood why people were so excited. This is the only place where food and beverage entrepreneurs can take a chance with innovative and fresh ideas. Also, the neighborhood is sort of a food desert, so having the opportunity to cut out the distribution costs and sell food for Rouses prices to everyone. It's really important to us all to serve the neighborhood and local community.
What other vendor are you most excited about?
I'm excited about everybody! I'm excited to be able to go in and get local coffee and juice in the morning and then I can have African or Korean food for lunch. I'll just be rotating all around the room and get really fat, I guess.
