Photos by Suzi-Pratt.com
Neighbors will be pleased to know, Canal Market won’t be closed for long! The much-loved owner of Café Lago, Carla Leonardi, has rented the market and has plans to reopen as a neighborhood market and deli with an emphasis on Italian food.
From cooking classes for the Montlake elementary students to hosting fundraisers, Carla’s commitment to the neighborhood shines through in running a successful local shop. A longtime Montlake resident herself, Carla understands what it takes to run the charming neighborhood market on Fuhrman Ave.
Photo: Pacific NW Magazine
Recently, Carla reached out to Portage Bay & Roanoke neighbors to share the news and receive their thoughts and comments on the new market. The Montlake Flyer contacted Carla to get her permission to share some of the tidbits.
- Neighborhood markets are in her blood. Carla grew up in her parent’s Cincinnati corner grocery. “I was excited about the possibility of opening a neighborhood market and deli with an emphasis on Italian food.”
- Canal is zoned for grocery/deli and her intent is to keep it that way. The store will have several rows of grocery items-everything from toothpaste to ketchup and a deli that will include rotisserie chickens, stone hearth pizza and Italian sandwiches (meatball subs and sausage and peppers) made to order. Items such as Lago lasagna will be offered as take away items for dinners at home.
- Mornings aren’t complete without a piping hot cup of coffee or tea and a quick bite to eat. Carla’s market will offer fast paced espresso service with take away breakfast items.
- Families (well at least the kids) will love the made-in-house gelato that will be available in a cup or cone. Perfect take-away item on your walk to the playground.
- Carla shared, “we want everyone to feel welcome and well fed.” Prices will be kept as low as possible.
- Seating – The market is allowed a few stools for seating. Carla hopes the “neighbors will find our market to be a delightful place to sit and enjoy life with others from near home.” Canal Market has applied for a beer/wine license that will allow the glass pours of 2-3 everyday wines and a small selection of beers for neighbors to enjoy.
- Neighborhood meeting location – Canal will be offered as a meeting place for community events, cooking classes, book readings, etc.
Have an idea to share with Carla? Post a note in the comments section below, all comments will be forwarded for her review.
Courtney says
When will the market open? We are very much looking forward to it!
Courtney H
Molly Forry says
Carla,
Let me know if you need help with this exciting project. I’m a long-time Montlake resident, work at Sur La Table Cooking School (after retiring as a counselor at Shorecrest High School), and LOVE Montlake and food!
Molly Forry
mmforry@gmail.com
206-3220394
Donna says
We in the Eastlake community (especially the north end) are very excited by Carla’s new market. It is sorely needed here. Please let us know also when you are open. We would come for coffee, breakfast, lunch and takeout. Thrilled!
Peter Dorn says
looking forward to stopping in it’s been to long
Tucker McHugh says
Hi, Carla;
I would like to discuss the coffee program for your new market. Caffe Appassionato has deep roots in that neighborhood having been the coffee choice at the Canal Market from 1992 up to 2014 when the Volunteer Park Cafe took over the space.
We are a full-service coffee provider.
And we have many family and friends who are very familiar with our brand.
Thank you.
Tucker McHugh, co founder
Caffe Appassionato Coffee
206-281-8040
Kelly Violette says
This is great news! I hope it will be possible to have a little seating out on the sidewalk so I can sit and enjoy my gelato on summer evenings.
Matt Johnson says
Dear Carla,
I am so excited to hear this news. The Canal Market is in good hands and I am excited to be a frequent customer.
“In bocca al lupo!!”
Matt Johnson
Barbara says
Hello Carla – we are just thrilled you are going to open your market. You have been a wonderful addition to Montlake and I don’t know what we would do with Café Lago. There is a very cool market in Healdsburg, CA that we love and it might give you some ideas. Here is a link to their site: http://healdsburgshed.com/ We are so pleased and anxious to support your next adventure. warm regards, Barbara & Dwight
Steve says
This is exactly what is needed. I hope the city can be convinced that outdoor tables makes sense for the neighborhood.