Dryades Market, formerly known as Jack & Jake's Public Market—the grandiose concept that failed to open after receiving a cool $1 million loan from the city— is now partially open in Central City, Monday to Friday, 8 to 6 p.m.
Previous ill-conceived plans for two restaurants, a seed bank, and cheese cave have all been ditched under the new leadership of chef Dan Esses, who has been opening the market incrementally and expanding hours, as Helen Freund reported last week.
Some big name vendors and chefs are currently being recruited to come aboard, and as you can see by the pictures, there's still a lot to come as Esses and crew attempt to get the market off the ground. Here's what's currently open and what's promised in the coming days.
Currently Open, Mon-Fri 8 to 6 p.m.
- Produce section
- Coffee counter
- Lunchtime sandwich menu
- Esses Food pasta shop
- Salad bar and hot foods bar
- Perishable goods, eggs, milk, some pastries, and drinks are available
Coming in January
- Beer and wine bar will be available by end of this week.
- Former Grand Isle chef Mark Falgoust has just come aboard to run the prepared foods section.
- Cocktail list created by Kimberly Patton Bragg will be available by end of January.
- Oyster bar and juice bar vendors will come aboard by end of January.
- Meat counter run by former Cochon Butcher butcher and Eater Young Gun semifinalist LeighAnn Smith expected to be running by end of January.
- Market hopes to accept SNAP by end of January.
Looking Ahead
- Tapas, sandwich counter, take out options, and prepped foods area to come.
- Dairy case, deli and baked goods to come.
- Wine Room with area for tastings to come.
- Main cashier currently area under construction.
- More plans: Outdoor music, live events, private events room upstairs, outdoor seating.
