Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
November 11, 2015 10:00 a.m.
Two very special food venues opened this week in Fernandina Beach: The Picnic Basket and the Dollar$Market. Both of these businesses bring some fresh new concepts to shoppers.
The Picnic Basket at 503A Centre Street is owned by Lisa Langshaw and Brenda Vijuk. It opened to the public yesterday and was busy at 11 a.m. when we stopped by to try an early lunch. Lisa is well known in our area for fresh salads and food, catering or in restaurants, and did not disappoint our tasting with her classic chicken salad. The eating area is bright and airy and the deli cases are filled with rustic breads, cheeses, salads, desserts and charcuterie plates.
As she says, “It is all about coming together at the table or the picnic.” There are a few tables inside and outside as well. However, take outs are encouraged as well as food gift baskets prepared to order. For the Christmas shoppers there is a variety of kitchen items artfully displayed around the store, including linens from Lithuania, folding cheese boards, and of course picnic baskets. The country aprons were my favorite…hint, hint.
My husband and I eyed the scones with clotted cream which we last had in Ireland and the huge bagels, but decided it was closer to lunch especially because he loves macaroons and they were amazing. Check out their menu at www.picnicbasketfernandina.com or on Facebook at The Picnic Basket or call 277-9779.
While the Dollar$Market has been open awhile, the Grand Opening this past Saturday attracted over 250 people at 813 South 8th Street in the Pelican Palms Strip Mall. Owners Randy Bowman and Michael and Janet Smith bring a new concept to the neighborhood market. Specialty items and small sized items are available as well as fresh produce and a charming Caribou coffee bar. The amazing Caribou espresso machine can produce over 1,000 combinations for lattes, coffees, etc.
Also, coming soon are frozen foods and items from their exclusive relationship with an organic foods company. This includes not only produce but packaged items as well. If you are planning a party or wishing to order in bulk, you will be able to order at a discounted rate as well on their website at www.dollarsmarket.co (not com). They are also on Facebook with constant updates on products, etc.
One of my favorite items and the number one seller is olive oil potato chips (sea salt with cracked pepper). Wandering the aisles in this small store also brings many surprises such as kitchen items, a small fire starter, camping skewers, and small chocolate treats. Did I mention Christmas wrapping items? Randy also reminded me that boaters (or local area customers) can call for delivery at 310-9766 When I asked him about parking in the shopping center, he reminded me that there is plenty of parking on Hickory west to South 7th Street. Keep your eye on this little market for constant surprises.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.