Chandi Hospitality, the North Bay’s premier restaurant group known for superior taste and artful hosting announced the opening of its new Italian concept in the heart of Downtown Santa Rosa, MERCATO Pasta & Produce. Located in the Old Courthouse Square, MERCATO marries the bounty of wine country with Italian cuisine to offer made-from-scratch dishes using products sourced primarily from Sonoma County farms and local artisans. In addition to serving affordable lunch and dinner options in a casual yet modern atmosphere, MERCATO, which means “market” in Italian, houses a storefront featuring produce and products from local vendors, as well as specialty items imported direct from Italy.
“Sonoma County is home to some of the richest farm lands in North America and, as Santa Rosa residents, we know how lucky we are to enjoy incredible local foods like Early Girl tomatoes and are focused on offering as many local products as possible in our market,” says Sonu Chandi, founder and president of Chandi Hospitality. “Wine country ethos and Italian food culture are similar in many ways, and our talented chef has found a natural synergy between our local ingredients and the vibrant flavors of Italy; guests will love dining on simple, flavorful dishes that change frequently depending on seasonal availability.”
The menu was curated by James Beard Award finalist Niven Patel, an avid farmer and classically trained chef who spent six months cooking in Florence, Italy. MERCATO’s menu delivers the bright, fresh flavors of Italy, done Sonoma style. Utilizing a farm-to-table approach with an emphasis on quality, organic ingredients and traditional Italian cooking methods, the culinary team at MERCATO prides itself on doing things the old-fashioned way. Handmade pastas lead the way, with a variety of shapes like fusilli and rigatoni, along with gluten-free and zucchini noodle options. All noodles are vegan, with the exception of the ricotta ravioli. Guests can choose to create their own pasta combinations by selecting from an array of topping and sauce options, or enjoy one of the “Chef’s Suggestions,” which include:
- Fettuccine + Alfredo + Grilled Chicken
- Spaghetti + Tomato Basil + Meatballs
- Fusilli + Bolognese
- Rigatoni + Basil Pesto + Grilled Rock Shrimp
- Gluten Free Fusilli + Tomato Vodka Sauce + Local Vegetables
- Zucchini Noodles + White Wine & Caper Sauce
- Ricotta Ravioli + Basil Pesto
All goods sold in the market are thoughtfully selected from local farms and vendors throughout Sonoma County and surrounding areas, with the exception of some amazing Italian imports. Market offerings have been curated by MERCATO’S director of retail, David Asher, who has been exposed to the finest foods in Italy during the many years he worked as a fashion merchandiser for Giorgio Armani. From fashion to farm stands, Asher has a taste for quality and luxury that is reflected in each and every item offered at MERCATO. “We are proud to bring together the best of the best produce and products all under one roof, making it easy for locals and visitors alike to piece together a gourmet picnic basket for a day of wine tasting, or shop the necessities for an amazing home-cooked meal,” Asher says.
Downtown Santa Rosa residents will enjoy the accessibility of MERCATO as the only grocer within walking distance. During the Spring and Summer months, MERCATO will open an outdoor farm stand to showcase seasonal produce at its peak.
