Tasty News

A few blogs ago, I mentioned that I had some really exciting news. Well, I will be happy to tell you the news in this blog—but before I do, there are some other things I need to get to first. I will give you a hint, though—it’s about Mercato. In fact, this entire blog is about Mercato; my secret surprise will have to wait until the end.

You might remember I raved about Whole Foods (so what else is new—I love Whole Foods), specifically about its new Wine & Beer Bar.

Because I wanted to share more juicy details, I was able to “borrow” a menu from the bar to share the highlights with you. The 16 draft beers have the most interesting names: Delirium Tremens, Lagunitas Lucky 13, Cigar City Brewing Hotter Than Helles and Intuition People’s Pale Ale—just a sampling. The 33 wines offered via Enomatic tastings are more familiar since, of course, I drink wine and not beer. Some noteworthy names from vineyards around the world are The Prisoner Red Blend, Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon, Veuve Clicquot Rose, Foxy Rock Pinot Noir, Mollydooker Two Left Feet Shiraz, Mel Soleil Silver Chardonnay and Achaval Ferrer Malbec. Then there are the food selections. The“Bites” menu includes a personal pizza, salads, Korean chicken wings, nachos, a quesadilla and a cheeseburger and fries; or you might want a selection of cheeses or assorted dry salami. The folks at Whole Foods tell me this little bar has become quite the attraction to many—especially for a quick bite before heading to the movies at Silverspot. I am still trying to get my brain around grocery shopping and drinking wine … but I think I am up to the task.

Mercato is enjoying a spurt of activity as well. Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar and Grace & Shelly’s Cupcakes are open and busy. By the end of the year, a high-end bridal boutique and a company called Venture X (offering fully furnished collaborative working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies) will open. Many people have asked me about the success of the residential community, The Strada at Mercato. I am happy to report the condos are more than half sold and interested parties continue to look at the units, offered with terrific incentives.

Now for my big news. Last December, the restaurant Pure Urban Oasis abruptly closed. Since then, there has been much activity for that prime location. D’Amico & Partners, which already has three wonderful dining establishments in Naples (Café & Bar Lurcat, D’Amico & Sons and Campiello) is taking over the space and bringing an upscale contemporary Mexican restaurant to Mercato, called Masa.

I have already checked out the menu from the Minneapolis venue and each item looks delicious. The plans are to open Masa in time for season. D’Amico & Partners adding a big footprint in Mercato bodes well for the continued growing success of this wonderful shopping destination.