Jake Martin Takes Over Central Kitchen; Crepe Concept Out

Chef Jake Martin (notably once chef at Fenouil, which shuttered in April, and Carlyle, which shuttered in February 2010), has finally found a new gig: At Old Town speakeasy-style bar Central. Eater has confirmed that the "secret" bar, which originally opened as a second storefront for popular Cartopia food cart Perriera Creperie, will transition from its crepe-only menu into a rotating, seasonally-inspired menu of small plates. According to owner Dustin Knox, the marriage of cocktails and crepes didn't pair as well as he'd hoped, and Martin's small-plate menu will better highlight the spot's craft cocktails, which have gained a huge following amongst local, maybe-hipster tipplers.

According to Knox, Martin's new menu will debut on July 21, the same day SW Ankeny's alley is scheduled to shut down to create a pedestrian-friendly walking/noshing space (the new outdoor avenue will also free up room for Central to add an additional 40 seats). And Knox hasn't given up on a Perriera location downtown: He's looking for another location for the crepe-only menu. More information about Central's new menu (and expanding wine list) will be made public early next week.
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