The restored Dryades Public Market
It was a cloudy, dreary day outside when I stepped into the newly restored Dryades Public Market in Central City. I quickly forgot the state of the weather once I had a look around the space, however. The giant market has an open space concept, and everything is gleaming and new. The market is still slowly unveiling different sections, but they still offer an impressive array of items. From the fresh pasta bar and bakery, an oyster bar with beer on tap and a cocktail menu, a produce and deli section, and lots of friendly staff roaming about, the market has something for everyone, and lots of options for folks who love to support local Louisiana products and produce. The market intentionally focuses on providing affordable and local food options for nearby residents. I was overjoyed to discover local products I’d never seen, and was particularly excited about the squash and mushroom selection!
Ginger, lavendar, and pecan smoked flavored sugars from La Canne Sugar Products in Lafayette
Local eggs from free range chickens on Happy Hen Farm in St. Rose
Do you like mushrooms? So far, Dryades Market has the largest selection of local mushrooms that I’ve seen in a grocery store!
You can choose from portabella, oyster, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms, all from Envie Garlic Farm in Chauvin!
Avoyelles Honey from Moreauville, and raw honey from Capstone in the Lower 9th Ward
There’s a decent selection of local squash from Up to Grow Good in Cottonport
Gator relish from Creative Cajun Cooking in St. Amant!
They sell four different kinds of the incredible Sacred Earth Granola Bars from Mandeville!
During my visit, they had organic red and green okra, Hungarian Antoni sweet peppers, and jalapenos from Inglewood Farm in Alexandria
Popcorn rice from Baker Farms in Gueydan
These items were just some of the local food products they had. I look forward to discovering more local food at their market, as well as at other grocery stores in New Orleans!
