Our roundup of some quirky spots that with their mix of limited hours and intriguing gourmet goodies, are still totally worth a little urban foraging.
Magnolia Bakery
Although this long established, classic Italian bakery and café is only open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 5pm, this unassuming little gem offers a world of delicious delicacies. They have a small lunch counter with offerings like lasagna, ziti and homemade rolls to custom-made salads that can be enjoyed at one of the handful of tables or as takeout.
Display cases are stocked with indulgent treats such as Italian cookies, pastries and cupcakes. You also can order beautiful wedding and themed party cakes.
The shop is located at 1412 N Magnolia Avenue.
To learn more, call (352) 207-2667 and follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/magnoliabakeryocala
Edie Gourmet Fromagerie
Edie Crupi describes her offerings as “upscale gourmet.” And, to ensure a more intimate experience, she changes the menu daily, “as if you were dining at someone’s home.”
Crupi says she is best known for her signature onion soup, made with beef brisket and truffle mushrooms, with “nice” crusty cheese croutons, as well as her house pâté.
Those who dine in or order takeout can select from a variety of soups, salads and quiches, as well as European-style picnic hampers, specialty breads, hand-dipped fruit and charcuterie, cheese and truffle boards.
The shop, at 6998 NW US 27, Suite 107A in Ocala, is open 11am to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday and 11am to 3pm on Saturdays. To learn more, call (352) 732-0357.
Let’s Eat Fresh
Mother and daughter Maria and Rosaria DelPrete are a dynamic duo and the force behind this catering company and licensed commercial incubator kitchen that allows area foodpreneurs, start-ups, bakers, caterers and food truck operators to take advantage of professional rental kitchen space while they grow their business.
When she’s not busy working in the kitchen or teaching cooking classes, Sicilian-born Maria can be found at several area farmer’s markets (Circle Square Commons and Brownwood in The Villages), where faithful customers line up for their gourmet Italian dishes.
The most popular item she sells—believe it not—are garlic cookies. “I did it for a joke,” she explains of the bite-sized cookies she created for a customer who continually asked for more and more garlic. “She loved it! You can eat them with olives, salami or cheese…anything savory, in place of a cracker.”
To learn more, visit www.letseatfresh.net or call (352) 299-5233.
