Palena Market
Washington continues to grow as a city, both physically and culturally. Part of the culture I’m talking about are those quaint little corner markets where the owners are approachable and have a deep passion for their trade – whether it’s baked goods, wine, cheese, meats, or all-of-the-above. When I moved here over 6 years ago there weren’t many little markets to satisfy my love for specialty food items. Wagshal’s was a tried-and-true stand-by for brisket, Vace provided all of my Italian needs, and Dupont Market made for a good spot to pick up sandwiches on-the-fly.
All places that filled the market-void, but so many of the city’s neighborhoods were without.
Fast forward to the present and it seems that the message has been heard loud and clear - People love neighborhood markets. A place to get their morning coffee, a piping hot doughnut, specialty sandwich, or unique olive oil – and places like Cork Market, A.M. Wine Shop, Cowgirl Creamery, and Palena Market have popped up throughout the city.
I made an unscheduled visit to Palena’s market this past weekend when I walked by their storefront on Saturday morning and couldn’t pass up the buttery smells that were wafting through their open doors. Tom Sietsema at the Washington Post covered the store’s opening and menu here, but allow me to add my two-cents: the honey ricotta cake is delicious.
Enhancing the experience was an adorable staff-helper who gladly took my two dollars – he looked to be about 7 or 8, but I’m never good with age. I walked out the door with a smile on my face and a new place to grab morning treats. For a visual of Palena’s store, Price of Petworth has some shots here.
This is a long way of penning an ode to markets, corner shops and places to find unique eats. To all of you store owners – thank you for your never ending quest to find and or make the perfect horseradish, that nutty and sweet Gouda, and the perfect crusty baguette.
And thank you for making our city’s neighborhoods feel a bit more like communities.
To A.M. Wine Shop, my neighborhood spot – you guys always have a great wine recommendation to go along with my weekend plans, which lately seem to involve rosé – so thank you for that. I’m not going to say thank you for those cinnamon-sugar doughnuts that appear on Saturday mornings because they’re ruining all of my efforts at the gym.
