The Village International Market and Restaurant

I stopped by on a Tuesday evening after work in search of international produce for an international meal. I found there to be ample parking in the lot behind the building, which was surprising The sign above the door read «We’re Open!» However, the store was dark and deserted. Closed. Maybe they keep international business hours?

wandered in during their soft opening, took a gander, and left with that sinking feeling – that, «how long before this one closes» kind of feeling. here’s why: i don’t think the owners know what kind of market they envision, or what kind of market and restaurant would thrive in the neighborhood. .. or if they do, the vision isn’t coming through just yet. perhaps it’ll take time.
here’s the short: noted that some products may have been left over from the original Rancho’s market from a couple years ago – suckers so old they were leaching their fake coloring out of the plastic. random gaudy stuff on the shelves. owner talked of having a great selection of meats for sale, and my partner, who is interested in the local providers and shops regularly at Iowa Meats, asked where he is getting his meat. «uh, sysco. .. and other places.»
hence the sinking feeling. even if you use sysco, don’t cop to it. but really though, take a trip down to the linkery to find out where they are sourcing their amazing (but occasionally poorly prepared) meats.
as we wandered out, confused and rather concerned for the fate of this market, the other owner stopped us and encouraged us to return, promising a restaurant, and a community art wall, and. .. and. .. and. hence the critique about this place lacking a focus. get one thing right and build from there, i say.
i think the neighborhood is BEGGING for a small gourmet market with specialty foodie items that attend to the natural/​organic/​local movement, with some basics and local interest products thown in tastefully. i say focus. i’m thinking of some bay area exemplars: blue fog market, dean and deluca, and sonoma market. small specialty retailers that have the selection, display, service, and quality down so well that people will pay extra just for the few items they can’t find anywhere else and the indulgent experience of perusing such gorgeous stores.
ultimately, i will give this place a try again once it’s really up and running. .. with my fingers crossed.