Market Makers

Whether you’re a seasoned cook on the hunt for a special ingredient—quail eggs, rabbit, foie gras, kumquats—or a prepared-foods fan craving rack of lamb or lemon-ricotta cheesecake, this family-owned market has your culinary needs covered. We recently took a tour of the new Greenwich store (the seventh location in the Citarella chain) with owner Joe Gurrera, who purchased the 103-year-old New York establishment in the ’80s when it was still a seafood market. We were dazzled by the rainbows of artfully displayed organic produce, the butcher’s case filled with hanging, dry-aged prime beef and more. We explore some of the shop’s standouts.

WHAT’S IN STORE

Seafood Special
With its roots in seafood and connections at Fulton Fish Market, the store carries a broad selection of ocean (and lake) edibles: soft-shell crabs, stone crab claws, oysters and clams, octopus, rainbow trout and dozens of other delicacies on ice. The in-house fishmongers make their own seafood sausage and salmon-and-swordfish burgers. You can call ahead to order a seafood or sushi platter.

Party Central
Hosting a casual dinner or an elegant cocktail party? Piece of cake with the extensive prepared foods. Entrées include dishes like shrimp alla Toscana and risotto primavera; there are carving stations for beef, pork, lamb; and homemade pastas and sauces. “The gnocchi we make is light as a feather,” says Joe of his favorite pasta in store. While you’re stocking up, plan a cheese course or even a wine-and-cheese party (there’s an adjacent wine shop) and choose from more than 300 cheeses. Indulge in the highbrow (caviar, truffles) or home cooking (strombolis and Brooklyn-style pizzas). Of course, there’s a bakery with everything from fruit tarts to red velvet cupcakes.

Prime Meats
Beef is aged on the premises and rivals what you’d get at a top steak house. “You’re not going to get better beef anyplace else,” says Joe. “The only way to appreciate it, is to buy a steak someplace else and cook them side by side. You’ll taste the difference.”

Café Society
For those who want to linger over a latte or a full meal, there’s a sizeable seating area with wood tables and a marble-topped bar, plus free WiFi. At Citarella To Go, you can grab baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and paninis as well as less-expected items such as lobster rolls, soft-shell-crab sandwiches and fish tacos. There’s also a juice bar with fresh-pressed juices and a coffee bar.

Gourmet Gifts
Bring some of your favorite foods as a hostess gift with one of the baskets filled with Citarella’s private-label pasta sauces, cheeses, chocolates, fruits, snacks and other munchies.

 

 

Related Articles

How to Compete in The Greenwich Real Estate Market in 2024

Our annual state for real estate report is here. The goods news is that we are still reaping the rewards of a highly in-demand Greenwich market. But low inventory has created some new rules for buyers and sellers. Here’s what you should know.

A Look Back on 100 Years of Greenwich Real Estate

The Greenwich Association of Realtors has a century’s worth of intel on our town. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, we explore notable events that have impacted how we buy and sell, look at major changes in real estate trends and peek at some properties that famous faces have called home.

5 Westport Cafes We Love Right Now

The five chicest spots to grab a cappuccino or cold brew