In Georgetown: The Olive Market

Written by Christopher Burns, Pilot Intern
Friday, 17 August 2012 12:48

The Olive Market has been a member of the Georgetown community since 2001, but owner Fernando Pereyra says some Redding residents are still shocked when they discover this shop. Mr. Pereyra's shop is a mix between a deli, market, coffeehouse, and tapas restaurant chock full of international culinary selections.

Mr. Pereyra, originally from Uruguay, said the offerings and atmosphere of the store "accommodate the seasons and what happens in the town. We offer a flexible model that responds to the community."

The shop even offers a menu that changes with the seasons.

The difference between lunch and dinner in The Olive Market, he said, exemplifies this flexibility.

"During the day we are almost like a café or coffeehouse, but at night, the lights dim, there are tablecloths on the tables."

Regina, who declined to give her last name, is a longtime Olive Market customer from Stamford who said she is guilty of dragging her friends to the shop all the way from home because the "cosmopolitan mix of fares are just that good."

The Olive Market's biggest draw is its tapas meals, which the market does "a little differently than some other tapas places," said the owner. Mr. Pereyra stressed that his small plate dishes are "meals," not just glorified appetizers. El Gaucho and El Mundo are the two styles of tapas offered by The Olive Market starting at $25 and $30, respectively.

During the summer months, the market also boasts house-made frozen sangrias.

By the end of the summer, The Olive Market plans to officially expand into the open shop space next door, turning the area into a smoothie lounge and party room. There will be a second counter in this space for customers to purchase "very healthy and wholesome smoothies," as well as wine and beer at night. It will also allow the shop to host private parties while keeping the restaurant open.

"Bring the whole family," Mr. Pereyra said. "There is something for everybody at The Olive Market."

Christopher Burns Fernando Pereyra stands behind the counter at The Olive Market. He plans to extend his business to the space next door this summer.

The website is theolivemarketct.com.