by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Eating on-the-go doesn’t have to mean eating fast food anymore. You can go gourmet now, too.
That’s what Bottega di Bella Sera, the new food shop from Catering by Liz, is offering hungry patrons in Riverside.
“I really think Jacksonville is ready for something of this quality,” said Liz Grenamyer, owner of Catering by Liz. “We’re really excited to offer this.”
Quality is the key, with ready-to-heat gourmet dishes such as Beef Burgundy, Chicken Saltimbocca and boursin stuffed beef tenderloin. The store offers more than just entrees, though.
“We’ve got it all,” said Grenamyer. “Appetizers, salads, desserts, entrees, wines, beers and more.”
The vegetables, salads and herbs for sale are all locally grown in order to support local commerce, said Grenamyer.
Lara McFall is the manager of the 400-square-foot store located between Post and College streets near Five Points. McFall has been in the food industry for 15 years, and managing a store such as Bottega di Bella Sera is an adventure she said she’s been waiting for.
“I believe in really good food,” said McFall, who worked at Biscotti’s for 10 years before taking the managing position. “The food is amazing and I like working with people.”
Without a large advertising campaign, the store’s Jan. 14 opening was promoted through an extensive e-mail list of Catering by Liz’s customers and word of mouth.
That strategy seemed to pay off as the store did better than expected, said McFall. So well, in fact, that they ran out of some particularly hot selling items.
“We couldn’t keep some items coming fast enough,” she said, noting that the shrimp dip and chicken tetrazzini went especially quick.
Menu changes occur as needed, but McFall said she expects generally two or three changes a week. Soon, the store may also offer espresso and wine pours along with some of its gourmet cheeses while customers decide what to pick up for dinner, said McFall.
Many of the dishes are offered by Catering by Liz and the cooking comes from the same chefs. The eight-person staff, including chef Greg Wright and kitchen managers Ty Nguyen and Tram Nguyen, all have a role in preparing the meals. Grenamyer also lends a hand in the kitchen when needed.
“I have my hand in everything,” said Grenamyer, a chef herself. “December was an especially busy month and I was in the kitchen a bit.”
Holidays are usually a busy time, said McFall, and the retail store will be ready for Valentine’s Day, stocked with heart-shaped cheeses, special chocolates and more.
Hungry Downtown workers who are looking forward to a possible Downtown store will have to snack elsewhere for the time being — an expansion hasn’t been discussed.
“Baby steps,” said McFall. “It’s all about baby steps.”
Grenamyer agreed.
“It’s too soon to tell,” she said. “You’ll have to get back to me in six months.”
Hungry gourmet-goers can visit the store 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m Saturdays at 919 Kings St. For more information, call 387-8483.