The Market at Harbour Heights -- Downtown Norfolk
I attended the Grand Pre-Opening of the new Farm Fresh, "The Market", last night. Wow, it's a lovely store. Lots of samples, it was fun.
The produce is great with wide variety. Passion fruit, horned melons, lots of tomatoes, etc.
There are over 500 cheeses in the cheese case,according to the cheese monger. Including the world winning brie for this year.
The meat case looked pretty good, but it was swamped for people waiting for the roast beef carving station and the house made sausages. The sausage was good...a mild Italian and an apple/chipotle.
A sushi stop, too. A lovely Japanese man and woman who are managing that area. The maguro I tasty was fresh and clean.
The deli case is full of Boar's Head meats. They were sampling a very tasty roast beef sandwich.
The bakery looked pretty good. Your standard baked goods from a grocery store, but the rolls looked very nice. I only had one pastry, a raspberry thumprint and it was ok.
There is an imported gelato in the freezer case that I can't wait to try.
A Starbuck next to "The Reading Area" with books & magazines for sale.
A nice floral department with a good assortment of flowers and fillers.
There is a salad bar with over 60 items for $3.99 lb.
Overall, I'm so very happy! It's just a block from me, so I won't have to get in the car for groceries. My only hope is that the quality and freshness doesn't dwindle over time.
geg5150
Sep 22, 2007 08:58AM
You read my mind "Geg;" I just returned from my 1st impressive visit. I too share your excitement, as I move into my new HARBOR HEIGHTS unit (18th floor) in 2 weeks. It's been a long 4 years waiting for both my living quarters, but equally as long for a quality new urban market for Norfolk's Downtown. Life will be oh-so-convenient with my office, new home & new market all in urban walking distance from one another; not to mention, an easy walk to both of my favorite restaurants, Omar's Carriage House &/or Todd Jurich's Bistro.
My real wish was Whole Foods, but beggars can't be choosers & the new Market will be just fine. Having been born & reared in Virginia Beach's Thoroughgood section, I'm very familiar with Farm Fresh as I literally grew up with Gene Walters as an old neighbor & his 1st Farm Fresh store @ Robin's Corner - wow, how times have changed!
I'm glad that they're stocking First Colony House Coffee, aka Gills, a good old-fashioned Norfolk founded & based company, which is literally why Ghent often has the wonderful aroma of roasted coffee beans in the air - they're located on 22nd Street. It's my favorite java next to Dean & Deluca's Georgetown blend - very similar & none of that awful burnt flavor that Starbucks prides itself on - yuck! Elliot's Fair Grounds on Colley brews First Colony House!
I'm delighted that the Market maintained Boar's Head provisions; now, if only we could persuade them to carry Clemson Blue Cheese & Stonewall Kitchen products, my epicurean quest would be complete. All & all, it's very exciting!
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I too attended the Grand Opening and found wonderful things there. Really Gourmet and upscale. I am a big fan of local gourmet foods but, was quite impressed with the salsa sampling station in the deli section. Being a salsa Connoisseur I could not resist trying the roasted pepper salsa by Sabrosa Foods Great Stuff!!! I'll be back just for that. The hot foods bar was great too I really loved the Burbon steak. Being a native of the area really makes one appreciate having this newly found gourmet luxuary. Thumbs up!
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