Hot Dish Review

The days leading up to Christmas are hectic for most folks. I know I’m not alone in my last minute buying and scrambling to find just the right gift. Have you noticed that they don’t even make cards for ‘Parents’ any more? Only four or five to choose from, the rest are ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ separately. Of course we all know why….they can sell twice as many cards!

As I dashed around today, I failed to eat a proper lunch. I had a late breakfast to start, then a protein shake, so at 3:30 I was ravinous and on the road in the hood. Perfect opportunity to stop in at SAVI. My article on the market is out in the current issue of Atlanta’s Finest Dining and it was prominently displayed on the counter….sweet. I remembered Paul, one of the partners, said they would have smaller sized paninis and other interesting bites when I was interviewing him.

Since my last visit the market was in full swing. A tasting of Savida Sangria was underway by the company’s owner Jay. Good stuff and they’re local!

There were lots of small wrapped sandwiches in baskets on top of the deli case. Blackboards hang above with combinations offered on sandwiches, hot or cold. The ones in the baskets were the daily special of soppresata, provolone, and pesto on half a baguette….only $.99 cents! They pressed it for me and served it in a white paper sleeve. It was so good! I ate it as I perused the wines and chatted with an old friend I ran into.

I think they got it right….it really did feel like a true neighborhood market!

287 Elizabeth Street, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-3131

Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have new competition as SAVI Urban Market opens in the trendy new section of Inman Park on Elizabeth Street (think Fritti and you’re there). I stopped in Wednesday night meeting Maureen Hathaway, one of three partners, busily stocking shelves in preparation for the imminent opening.

The brainchild of local entrepreneur Paul Nair, he also enlisted the help of Paul Rodgers, a nationally recognized Wellness Consultant with extensive knowledge of natural foods. The three partners wanted to create an affordable neighborhood market where shoppers could drop in to pick up essentials as well as specialty items. I had the opportunity to chat with Rodgers as well who elaborated “we are not an expensive gourmet market, you’ll see traditional products alongside organic ones.”

Rodgers is especially excited about the enomatic machine that is in transit and will be centrally located near the shelves of wines, most of them priced at $15 or less. The machine will allow customers to taste wines before purchasing them for a small fee….how cool is that?

Their motto is The Butcher, the Baker and the Wine Maker, but the market will also feature locally grown and organic produce, and organic dairy products like the artisan crafted Atlanta Fresh Greek Yogurt made in Norcross. You’ll also find imported crostini from Italy, an impressive selection of gluten-free products, and organic pet foods.

The space is warm and inviting, painted in shades of umber and deep yellows with white tile backing the deli area. Lacquered concrete floors add an industrial touch.

Stores hours are 6am to midnight seven days a week. Ample parking in the back allows one to dash in and pick up prepared meals for individuals or families…great for busy moms and business people alike.

I’m certain as the store gets feedback from shoppers it will evolve and satisfy this neighborhood’s love of originality, quality, and affordability.
I’ll be visiting soon to sample a mini-panini and some other goodies and will re-post with interior photos and more food info. The aroma of freshly baked ciabatta is beckoning already!