T
hey say money can't buy you love, but a Fairchild's Market, you can purchase the next best thing: L.O.V: libations, oddments and victuals.
The eclectic wines, quirky gifts and creative comfort foods at this
offbeat marketplace can make a heart go pitter-pat.
Established in 1927, the market switched hands many times before the
current proprietors, Ruth and Billy Bloom, had their grand opening in 2006.
The couple has reinvigorated the establish-
ment with the freewheeling fusion of old-style
deli and New England country store ------ with
a hint of Monty Python and Benny Hill tossed
in.
Slapstick humor abounds in Fairchild's
offerings: toy ducks that lay eggs, risque'
chewing gum, and cocktail napkins printed with comical sayings.
But you can discover plenty of "serious" gifts as well, like high-
end olive oils; fascinating, inexpensive kitchen gadgets; exotic
condiments, along with gourmet cheeses and irresistibly decadent
chocolate.
A wine selector with more than 25 years' experience selects the
intriguing drinks that line the liquor shelves. The market strives to
stock unique and limited-run labels, many with a tongue-in-cheek
tone. "Some of our labels definitely have a sense of humor, like
Chien Lunatic, Howell at the Moon and Rocket Science,"
Shop, Sip, Sup or
"Howell at the Moon"
in Offbeat Market-Deli
Billy Bloom notes. "But they all taste great."
In the deli section, a handful of tables beckon diners to sit down
and have a few laughs while enjoying a NJ Sloppy Joe, a steaming bowl of corn chowder or whatever the chefs' whims might be that day,
" Our chefs invent very creative things," Bloom attests. "They
could take a summer sausage, mix it with baked beans and cheese,
and make a cowboy casserole."
He pauses, and adds with a smile, "It's probably not what the doctor ordered
but boy, does it taste good."
Fairchild's, he reasons, offers a different
kind of health food. "We're all about a
healthy attitude," he quips.
If you're looking for a unique gift,
Fairchild's is you shop. Among the usual items are wine corks that are actually antique glass doorknobs turned into bottle stoppers, and
carob covered dog treats for the discriminating canine. Then, as a
perfect hostess gift, there's "Alcyone Tannat" dessert wine ----- a
curious combination of flowers, honey, vanilla bean, apple, mint and
white cacao.
What's not to love?
Fairchild's Market
171 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland 973-226-0400
September 2008 SUBURBAN ESSEX MAGAZINE 65
Article reproduced with permission from SUBURBAN ESSEX MAGAZINE with our grateful thanks.
