Three new tenants at Oxbow Market

By JENNIFER HUFFMAN and MIKE TRELEVEN
Register Business Writers

Rain could not dampen the spirits of the three new food businesses catering to the Napa Valley’s increasing insatiable appetite for fine foods.

On Thursday, local foodies were able to find everything on their shopping lists at the Fatted Calf charcuterie, Oxbow Wine Merchant and the Oxbow Cheese Merchant.

There are now 15 merchants open in the Oxbow Public Market.

Additional vendors are expected to open by the end of January and early February, when the entire market should be in full swing.

At the Fatted Calf, husband and wife Taylor Boetticher and Toponia Miller have opened their first retail store after selling their meats at San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

The couple recently moved to Napa from Oakland.

Gleaming new food cases showcase their goods, including a wild mushroom Crepinette with black trumpet mushrooms, all natural handmade sausage, organic game hens, beautifully trimmed boneless pork loin, duck confit, patés, salami, prosciutto and a large selection of fresh sausages and cured meats

All products are made and aged on site, said Boetticher, using traditional methods.

And, all of their fresh product is made in small batches to guarantee quality.

The couple also provides a wide range of catering services and will feature a daily menu of sandwiches and Charcuterie platters to go.

The cold, gloomy weather could not damped visitors from wandering into the just opened Oxbow Wine and the Cheese Merchant that share an open and airy space— tucked around the corner and behind the main hall. Floor to ceiling glass gives visitors a panoramic view of the Napa River and the Westin Verasa in the background.

Manager Nick Green, said the store opened Monday. “As the word gets out, we’re seeing more steady crowds,” said Green.

The wine and cheese shop include an olive bar, along nearly 100 cheese varieties daily, said Ricardo Huijon, assistant cheese general manager.

Ranging in price from $12 to $50 per pound, the sampling included Neal’s Yard Dairy Gouda from Cork County, Ireland, Keen’s Cheddar from Somerset, U.K., along with local artisan cheese makers such as Goats Leap Cheese from St. Helena and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes selling creme fraiche, milk and butter.

 The Oxbow Wine Merchant is a venture from partners Debbie Zachareas, Peter Granoff and Bo Thompson.

The shop carries smaller production wines from around the world and everyday, high-quality labels.

The Oxbow Wine Merchant also boasts an artisan cafe, featuring fresh, seasonal items and daily specials to match their extensive wine list.

The Oxbow Cheese Merchant carries domestic and imported artisan cheeses presented by a friendly, well-trained staff. Retail customers can enjoy wine and cheese pairing suggestions to take home, and cheese flights paired with recommended wines will be available at the wine bar. Wine, cheese and wine-cheese pairing classes will be a regular part of the schedule.

Other businesses planning to open shortly include: Rôtisario, Taylor’s Automatic Refresher,  Ritual Coffee Roasters and Kanaloa Seafood.

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