A Market on Main Street

Southern Living, Feb 2005 by Vanhooser, Cassandra M

Join us for a shopping excursion designed with true food lovers in mind.

Every town should have a treasure like Charlottesville's Main Street Market.

Located in a converted auto dealership that's painted a bright eggplant purple, this miniature gourmet shopping mall houses nine different stores. Shoppers choose their purchases from specialty cheeses, fresh-baked breads, hand-dipped chocolates, fresh fish and produce, and wonderful wines. Whether cooking a special meal, packing a picnic, or grabbing a quick lunch, food lovers are sure to find something to please the palate.

Sweet Delights

Chocoholics love Gearharts Fine Chocolates. Chocolatier Tim Gearhart starts with a fine Venezuelan chocolate and locally produced butter and sweet cream, then adds a variety of ingredients including fruits, nuts, spices, teas, and liquors to get just the right flavor combinations for his 16 core pieces. He dips each one by hand before adding a special touch-an elegant chocolate swirl or a tattoo of edible gold leaf.

His pairings are truly exceptional. To make the popular Mint Julep, Tim uses chocolate ganache, mint leaves, and Kentucky bourbon. Our favorite-and Tim's best seller-is the Maya, a bite-size truffle of bittersweet chocolate flavored with cinnamon, ancho chile, and orange, then dusted with powdered cocoa.

More at the Market

Albemarle Baking Co. makes dozens of breads-long, golden baguettes; rich brioche; hearty sourdough rye. Many are available only on certain days, and longtime customers have their favorites memorized. Other folks come for the desserts such as the Princess Cake and Chocolate Praline Crunch or the filled croissants and quiches served at lunch.

Meat lovers flock to the charcuterie at Feast. This delightful store stocks a wide array of cured meats from summer sausage to prosciutto; plus, they serve sandwiches. Customers can fill (or refill) their own bottles of olive oil and sample a few of the prepackaged gourmet foods also sold here.

Those seeking a real treat plan a leisurely lunch at Ciboulette. A blackboard hanging over the counter announces the specials, but we recommend the cheese tray and a glass of red wine.

There's Seafood @ West Main, a fishmonger; flowers at Hedge, a florist; and cookware and classes at The Seasonal Cook. What's more, the market continues to grow. The owners have opened a second building for tenants Verity Blue, an inviting tableware store, and Milano Espresso Gelato, a hot spot for Italian treats.

Located at 416 West Main Street, the market opens Monday through Saturday. Hours for each of the vendors vary. CASSANDRA M. VANHOOSER