OpeningNight.Online Theater Logo

European Grocery Market

European Market in Cape Coral on Pine Island Rd
European Market.
Search by review category
Rating
4.8/5

While recently running some errands I noticed the new European Grocery Market in Cape Coral on SW Pine Island Road. I’ve posted a few photos here but please visit them to see much more. In the background, I’ve provided some marvelous music from Czech composer Antonín Dvořák from his Slavonic Dances, No. 2., Opus 72.

I couldn’t resist going in when I saw the sign and sandwich board on the sidewalk. Upon entering I met the friendly young proprietor named Tito, born and raised in Bulgaria. After pointing out some specials and delicacies from the Baltics, he explained that he opened the market just a few months ago.

Today's featured items at the European Market Cape Coral. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
Market highlights. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus

The variety of delicious foods from places like Riga, Latvia was immediately apparent.

Sprats at the European Market Cape Coral. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Sprats. Photo: Edward Kliszus

 

 

Catering to a community with newcomers from northern cities makes sense as there has been a continuous large influx of people arriving for the climate and tax environment. I continually hear former Northeasterners and Chicagoites asking for recommendations on where to find exotic cheeses, hot pastrami, rye bread, babka, and blintzes, like those served at the Second Avenue Deli in Manhattan. How about shish-ka-bob, pizza, pierogis, hand-rolled fresh pasta, kielbasa, potato pancakes, and the like? Here’s a photo of my favorite pierogis from their wide selection.

Pierogis at European Market Cape Coral. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
Pierogis. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus

Perusing the variety of products and noticing the freshly baked bread and pastries, I thought of my mother long ago telephoning me to determine when I was arriving so she could time taking fresh babka out of the oven as I walked into the kitchen. She would mix white raisins in the rich batter as they were my favorite. I also recalled the old Lithuanian bakery on Inslee Place in Elizabeth, NJ in the parish of St. Peter & Paul (circa 1896) which now sells fresh goods online.

People who grew up in Elizabeth’s Italian neighborhood still talk about their ventures to the 100-year-old Spirito’s pizza on 3rd Avenue in Elizabeth. 

Jarred products at the European Market Cape Coral. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Jarred products. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Baked goods and meats at the European Market Cape Coral. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Say hello to Veni at the baked goods and meats counter. Photo: Edward Kliszus

In Elizabeth, just like in other cities, each neighborhood was set up with its own church, bakery, markets, and occupants from the same part of the world. Immigrants from all over the world frequently worked together in long-gone local factories like Singers Manufacturing which provided income, a medical clinic, and a dance hall. Of course, many 1st, and 2nd-generation children moved out of the old neighborhoods as school, jobs, and relationships drew them away.

I mentioned to Tito my grandfather’s preference for black bread and pigs’ feet, but apparently the appeal of these products has waned for American born generations.


The European Market has a well-stocked deli and meat counter, fresh bread, and fresh pastries. The young lady at the counter, Veni, noted that dads have been picking up products for children’s snacks. Here’s a Lithuanian favorite she noted followed by my favorite biscuits with chocolate and orange jelly. The cabbage rolls are from the 50% off counter.

Lithuanian smoked sausage at the European Market in Cape Coral Florida. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Lithuanian smoked sausage. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Biscuits at the European Market Cape Coral. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Milka Biscuits. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Posna sarma from the 50% off table at the European Market Cape Coral. Photo: Edward Kliszus
Posna sarma from the 50% off table. Photo: Edward Kliszus

Since the Soviet Union withdrew from the Eastern European states and East Germany in 1989, these countries have revitalized and openly embraced their cultures. They can now proudly share their specialties with the world. It is a delight to see their products follow their former citizens and flow freely to our shores and shelves.

Here’s Tito’s business card. I highly recommend you drop by soon.

European Market
1242 SW Pine Island Rd, #53
Cape Coral FL  33991
239-599-8253
For more photos and information find us on Instagram and Facebook.

For waterfront dining see our review of Rumrunners HERE. Readers may enjoy some of our Florida restaurant reviews: Two Meatballs in the Kitchen, Miami’s Sagra Pizza Bar, Los Cabos Cantina, El Tropical Cuban Restaurant, and Bonefish Grill.

 



More to explore...

Andre Royo in Audible Theater's production of "Drinking in America," written by Eric Bogosian and directed by Mark Armstrong. Off-Broadway / Minetta Lane Theatre (18 Minetta Lane, NYC). Photo (c) Jeremy Daniel

Drinking in America at the Minetta Lane Theater

Royo delivered a resounding performance, transforming into over 12 characters experiencing the stages of alcoholism and its effects on each character’s interaction with himself and others. At times, it’s hard to tell who Man is, as his toxic masculinity dominates and elevates with the abuse of alcohol.

MasterVoices presents O HOW GOOD at the Central Synagogue. Ted Sperling, conductor. Credit Photo: Joe Carrotta

MasterVoices Presents a Concert of Jewish Sacred Music at Central Synagogue

Tonight’s O How Good was a celebration of the life of MasterVoices board member Lois Conway and the years of philanthropy and insightful leadership characterizing her service. The venue chosen for this event was inspiring and magnificent and set in New York City’s Central Synagogue, a stunning example of Moorish Revival architecture and a testament to the beauty and richness of Jewish tradition and culture.

COMMENTS

European Grocery Market

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x