To Market to Market

by Alysa Sullivan, May 29, 2007

Living in New Paltz, as I do, take out food choices are basically: pizza, pasta, burgers, pizza, pasta, burgers and maybe a burritto. As much as I would like to think that I can still eat like a college student and not pay the price I simply can't and really, I don't want to. I want fresh salads and sandwiches made with fresh, local and organic ingredients. I want to walk into a lovely shop and be greeted by a happy staff who are enjoying the food they are preparing. Now, there are plenty of restaurants in the area that make a decent salad etc.. that will be more than happy to pack it up to go but... it's just not the same in my mind as that most elusive of creatures (at least in these parts): the wonderful take out shop.

Well, I am happy to say that Rosendale is now host to a new shop, Market Market Grocery and Cafe, that fills just this void in my life. Housed in what once was Springtown Green Grocers, Market Market has come along to provide fresh, homemade food that celebrates local fare. Owners Jenifer Constantine and Trippy Thompson have remodeled the place and have created an airy, open welcoming market. While you can stock up on essentials like fresh local ramps or Mrs.Meyers cleaning products I go there for the prepared food. Using Coleman All Natural ground beef, Murray's chicken, organic beans and grains and the freshest produce, the shop is creating some wonderful lunches and light suppers for my family.

While you could certainly order your run of the mill turkey on whole wheat, I say you'd be better off trying the Turkey, brie and apple chutney on baquette or the Roast Beef, arugula and white bean puree on sourdough. Maybe the "Autostrada" presse with soprasotta,mortadella, prosciutto, coppa, provolone and hot cherry peppers is what would get your motor running. And, I know you have been jonesing for some BiBimBop (a korean style rice bowl) but just can't get down to the West 3o's in Manhattan often enough to feed your need.

But, let's say you're in the neighborhood and it's not really lunch time. No worries, Market Market features a snack menu that would make the local pool concession turn green with envy: Avocado on toast, Sherried beets and fresh ricotta on toast or... some good old fashioned Jiffy Pop. The full service coffee bar features, in addition to the regular line-up of lattes and espresso, a wicked Mexican Hot Chocolate. For your sweet tooth the dessert menu changes daily but, all the baked goods are house made with fresh vermont butter, free range eggs and organic flour whenever possible. I got a piece of vegan chocolate cake with pink frosting for my kids the other day.. . and for the first time in a very long time my milk allergic son did not feel left out of the action at all.

Above all, the prices at Market Market make it an easy habit to afford, sandwiches run between $3 and $7.50 ish and the menu salads top out at $7.00. Stop by on your lunch hour, or on the way to to the pool, and if you have the kids in tow they can play in the sand box while you ruminate on all of your choices.

Market market is located at 1 Madeline Lane ( right on Route 32) next to the Rosendale town pool.

Thoughts, comments, ideas? Email me at : the shoppinglist@hvc.rr.com