Via Canal Market

Chef Ericka Burke is excited to announce that Canal Market officially opened its doors today, May 5, at 7am. The old-fashioned mercantile is located at 2919 Fuhrman Avenue East in Seattle’s Portage Bay neighborhood. Canal Market brings an array of household goods, local produce, fresh pressed juices, and a wonderful deli to the neighborhood.

The 2,000 square-foot space has vibrant mustard yellow walls complimented by vintage dark wood shelving and white subway tiles lining the prep area. The focal point is a large island in the center of the inviting space, featuring a tall counter with limited seating, a large deli case, and the juice and coffee bar. The deli case offers a wonderful variety of salads, veggie dishes, dips, and baguette sandwiches. Think: Quinoa Tabouli Salad, Corona Bean & Tuna Salad, Kale Salad, Honey Glazed Roasted Parsnips, and Cucumber-Feta Salad. The deli also offers made to order salads, sandwiches, and two soups. Think: roasted beets with kale, chunky leek vinaigrette, walnuts, and Parmesan or a Chop Salad with romaine, chicken, bacon tomato, red onion and provolone, and as for sandwiches: Tuna Salad Baguette, BLT, Braised Pork Panini, or French Dip.

During the morning hours the deli offers a lovely selection of house made pastries, whole grain porridge, savory galettes, and a bacon and egg panini. Burke is especially excited about the breakfast bar that lines the tall counter each morning. Patrons can expect a fabulous selection of house-made pastries, granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, and toast with Burke’s jams and marmalades. The $14 cost of the breakfast bar includes the fresh-pressed juice of the day and Stumptown coffee. Hello, killer breakfast!

“The pop-up shop was such a great way to get a feel for the neighborhood and we are thrilled to finally have the market open,” says Burke. “I’m excited to incorporate the needs and wants of our neighbors into the markets inventory—for me, it’s all about creating the perfect spot for the community!”

Burke also has takeaway offerings for dinner—say, Monday night meatloaf or Tuesday night spaghetti and meatballs, all sold with easy instructions for reheating to perfection at home.

The market has coolers full of bottled beer, cider, wine, and unique soft drinks, as well as a freezer for locally made ice cream and gelato, and, in the summer, house made popsicles. Much like the wine selection at Volunteer Park Cafe, the market showcases wines from small, family-owned wineries that respect the land and the winemaking process. Fresh produce and dairy is stocked daily, with Burke bringing in additional goods from urban farmers and growers—she is happy to sell just a couple dozen eggs or a few pints of perfect strawberries from small farms.

As for household goods and pantry items, Canal Market has a wide range—from everyday olive oil to a special smoked olive oil, kid-friendly crackers to locally made plantain chips. There are a variety of pantry goods, as well as necessities like toothpaste and toilet paper.

Local artisan products are represented, with items from purveyors like Kurtwood Farms, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Seattle Seltzer, and San Juan Sea Salt. Gift items include Handmade La Conner bath, body, and laundry products; Turnco’s wooden rolling pings, spoons, and jars; and Falconware Enamel bowls and colanders, as well as an assortment of other goods like jewelry and linens.

Just in time for summer, Burke offers easy picnic provisions for boaters and bikers, including canvas bags and bottle openers. Look for outdoor, dog friendly seating in front of the market very soon.

Burke has had a wonderful time preparing for Canal Market to open, creating recipes for the deli and sourcing great goods for the shelves.

About Canal Market

Located at 2919 Fuhrman Avenue East in Seattle’s Portage Bay neighborhood, Canal Market is the creation of chef Ericka Burke. Canal Market provides the neighborhood with groceries, fresh produce, household essentials, and specialty gift items, as well as grab-and-go food, wine and beer, coffee, and a juice bar. The market is open daily from 7am to 7pm. For more information, call 206.588.2893 or visit www.canalmarketseattle.com.