At this time of year, the Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers Market offers a taste of Delmarva – corn, peaches, cucumbers, and juicy, ripe tomatoes. But one recent Sunday, customers also sampled flavors from Europe.
At the market entrance, Marie Gravat of Epicurean Provisions served thin slices of dry Le Perpezac-Le-Noir sausage and sheep’s milk cheese from the Pyrenees. Working at a Gallic pace – one customer at a time – she dispensed a dash of French culture with her pitch. (Tip: In France, cheese is for dessert; it’s not paired with sausage.)
Epicurean Provisions, which also appears at the Rehoboth Farmers Market on Tuesdays, is one of several beach businesses that give coastal residents and visitors a culinary trip to another country. Here are some others.
Lewes Gourmet in downtown Lewes stocks local treats, such as Backyard Jams & Jellies products, along with imported goods, including Duffy’s Crumpets, Fentimans Beverages (botanical sodas), Harney & Sons tea, and Ritter Sport chocolates.
Smart Brasil Latino Market & Café opened in Midway Shopping Center last month. Most of the store is a market with jarred and canned goods, pasta, rice, frozen meats, and dried herbs, including guava leaves, horseradish leaves, and star anise. However, a heady aroma will pull you to the case at the back of the shop, which holds golden pastries, French bread, and Brazilian cheese balls. Coffee, juice, and açaí bowls are also available.
Russo by the Sea is now open in the Tanger Outlets. In addition to sandwiches and pizza, there are grocery items on the shelves and in the refrigerated cases.
Formerly Jerusalem Market, Aladdin Market is now in Village by the Sea Shops. Here you’ll find spices, nuts, feta, tahini, and other items from the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Near Millsboro, Alo’s Imports & Market carries Tuscana Pasta & Co. fried eggplant to go, Nonna’s Way meatballs, pasta, and jarred items, including baby clams in natural juices, pesto, and hot cherry peppers – plus fresh bread that often sells out.
For Italian specialties south of the Indian River Inlet, head to DiFebo’s Market, which is a full-service grocery store, deli, boutique shop, and café. The shop, under the DiFebo’s Restaurant umbrella, also has a catering menu. It’s the place to grab dinner to go, sip coffee, snag a pizza, and shop for gifts – all with an international flair.
