Monday, January 27, 2014

Did you hear the one about the rocket? It's out of this world

Episode 2: Rocket Market

      Did you ever go out to dinner, have a nice meal, and when you got in the car regret not ordering dessert? Have you ever went out for something sweet and tasty just to find that you need to also go grocery shopping? Did you ever want to brag that you've eaten cheesecake at a gas station? Well, the first two might be a yes, but after you go to the Rocket Market you'll be glad that you updated your Facebook status to include gluten free caramel cheesecake and a bottle of cool Perrier.
     Located a stone's throw away from the illustrious Manito Country Club and only minutes away from some of the best restaurants the South Hill has to offer, Rocket Market is a foodie's dream come true. Supplying some of the best organic produce, grocery specialties, wine, entertainment and of course dessert, you'll be glad that you made the detour. I can honestly say that this place is one of my driving passions when it comes to food and food culture and much of my inspiration.
The store sign, now you've made it
     When you drive up you'll notice the large glass windows to the left probably filled with a mixture of college students studying, friends reminiscing over a glass of wine, and the occasional  good-date-gone-better. The reason behind such a unique mixture of patrons comes from the unique mixture of themes that Rocket Market provides. Rocket Market is home to one of the largest selections of independent beer and wine that comes with a convenient twist.

Love letters galore
At the bottom of each selection you will find a few notes about the particular wine, oil, tea, or anything really worth of value. This is very useful when deciding on the drink to match dinner, dessert, or mood and yes they will open the bottle there and give you some glasses. It makes you feel as though they built in a self-serve Sommelier. It must make you wonder who had time to drink that many bottles of wine? Well, there's an event for that! Each week Rocket Market hosts a wine tasting evening that is filled with tasting, food, and delicious company all at a reasonable cost. Space is extremely limited, but you can go into the store, get on their newsletter, and get first dibs for an entire date night. If you miss your opportunity you can still pop in for a little slice of happiness. Or you can rent out your very own wine cubby that will get filled eat month with a premier wine of the month.

Dessert Case at the front of the store
     If I were to add all the time I've spent over the years staring at dessert case at Rocket Market I could easily have written a book or two. Each week the case is filled with different delectable treats from cinnamon poached apple tart that makes you feel like you're living in heartland America to their simplistic lemon tart that puts you in a cafe in Paris you will find the dessert for you. Their Cascade Coffee and chocolate cake will give you the caffeine and chocolate craving you've been needing to fulfill. The sponge on their red velvet has been known to fill the dinner's mind with thoughts of delight and happiness. They always have several cheesecakes. After three years of sporadic encounters I have only seen a basic New York style cheesecake once. Other than that, I have had my share of key-lime, pumpkin, caramel, cherry, apple-crumble, tangerine, lemon, pineapple, coconut, toffee crunch, Neapolitan, chocolate, and of course huckleberry with a hint of lemon. There are plenty more that I've had to decline, but there is always something new. There are a few consistencies such as their Nanimo bars. Beware, their Nanimo bars are extremely delicious and rich. You might try and share one just to find yourself eating the whole thing! If you are of the diabetic or celiac persuasion fear not, because they have low sugar and gluten free choices. Just don't forget to find a unique drink for the occasion. I usually pick up a Huberts lemonade or limeade, but I also like my sugar to go with something sweeter.

Honey by the comb
      The last feature I wanted to mention was their magnificent grocery. To the left you can see only one of the honey by the comb selections which make breakfast an event to look forward to. They also sell unique items such as blue cheese powder, organic and certified local produce, a wide variety of teas, pickles, chips, flavored bitters, and of course independent beers by the bottle. Considering the size of the establishment it's a wonder how they can fit so much into such a tiny space, but it's no wonder why it will take you so long to look through all the goodies and treasures. I have picked up my fair share of bacon flavored chocolate bars with chicken and waffles chips just to say that I've tried each. They may seem as though the are a specialty shop catered to rich health nuts, but I assure you their prices are just as competitive as Fred Meyers, Rosauers, or Huckleberrys but with the added bonus of fresh dessert by the slice with an espresso. You'll be glad that you did some of your grocery shopping here.

     I wanted to end this post by giving my thanks to the wonderful people that work at Rocket Market everyday to make the world little brighter. If you drop in for one of their free concert series this summer be sure to tip them for me. I also wanted to thank the owners Shanda and Alan Shepherd who have continued to provide a haven for us foodie types. I also wanted to thank the websites below for their contributions. Every little bit counts and you are sure to find all sorts of little bits at Rocket Market.


Rocket Market
Food: Dessert, wine, beer, delicatessen, specialty
Atmosphere: The cafe around the corner
Price: $4-$25 and your weeks worth of groceries

726 E 43rd Ave, Spokane, WA 99203
For a spot in their weekly wine club or concert information call: (509) 343-2253

















 If you try Rocket Market because of this blog please comment below!

Contributors:
sunpeopledrygoods.com
sipofspokane.com
chocolateandpizza.blogspot.com
travelingfeast.net

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