:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46081558/Dirty_Dishes_2143.0.0.jpg)
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, Lesley Turner, whose food truck Dirty Dishes—named in honor of her deceased cousin who was nickamed Dirty—launched in 2014. She will continue to operate the truck along with her husband, while also slinging crepes and her signature Dirty Mac and Cheese at St. Roch Market.
What all will you be offering at St. Roch Market?
We're offering crepes and New Orleans specific dishes.
What dish are you most excited to offer and why?
Our mac and cheese is by far the best. It's really awesome. We've been doing it on our truck, so it's gotten really popular. Our regulars, they always get the dirty mac: It's a smoked gouda mac and cheese with crawfish and turkey tasso in it. My husband is really excited about The Elvis—we call it the Jailhouse Roch— it's a crepe with bacon, peanut butter, bananas, and all that good stuff on it. I personally am excited about the Munch Crepe, it's the smoked gouda mac and cheese with barbecue pulled pork.
What does St. Roch Market mean to you? Why did you apply for a vendor spot?
I'm from New Orleans, so the history of the market, passing it as a child, going into the seafood market, and all the stories I heard from relatives about the market: All of those things are reasons why we are thrilled to be involved. It carries so much history. Just being in the building, seeing it restored, means so much to New Orleanians, because you know the history of it.
What other vendor are you most excited about?
I am excited about all of them. They're all really really awesome. One of my favorites is Koreole. She and I worked together a few times at St. Claude Food Truck Park, and I'm super excited to get food from her a couple times a week.
