The Upper Eastside has reason to celebrate (and picnic) with the addition of a new gourmet grocery store, Flavorish Market.
The store has been open for about a month, and it showcases the best of food, wine, cookbooks and, most important, Miami. Trader Joe's may play up the fun and affordable, while Marky's has the fancy and international, but Flavorish shines most with the offering of Zak the Baker bread and sandwiches, Chef Josie's PopNature ice pops, and Mimi's Ravioli. Aside from food, the market also organizes events such as winetastings, chef talks, and book signings.
See also: Marky's Gourmet: A Wonderland of Caviar, Cheese, and Foie Gras
Beyond carefully curating offerings, the market also prepares its own fresh pesto pasta ($5), quiche, soups, dinner specials for takeout, and rice pudding.
Another highlight of the store is that it has a dedicated (and friendly) sommelier and cheese expert, Jenna, to help you through the not-so-hard decisions in life. She also leads winetastings that explore different regions. If you have a question about Humboldt Fog goat cheese or Russian River Pinot, she has the answer.
The cookbook section is a great place to browse and perhaps get some inspiration. Local chef and author Norman Van Aken will appear an event at the store April 10.
The most impressive local goods are the loaves ($7) and sandwiches ($8) from Zak the Baker.
The smoked salmon sandwich, with cream cheese, dill, cucumber, and tomato on sourdough Jewish rye, is always a favorite.
Mimi's Ravioli, from Hollywood, fills an entire freezer with tomato sauce and ravioli stuffed with everything from butternut squash to porcini mushrooms.
Locally made PopNature ice pops ($3.50) are sold in a plethora of flavors, including green tea and dark chocolate and sea salt.
If you want to get the goods for a gourmet picnic, create a personalized gift basket for the food enthusiast in your life, or find the perfect bottle of wine and some cheese, head to Flavorish. It's delish.
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