Ready-Made Dinners from the European Market

The European Market on Main Street in Chatham is more than its name implies. While it does offer such european treats as Kinderchocolat and biscotti, there is also a full deli with a variety of meats, cheeses and fresh breads to choose from, as well as a gourmet menu of hot entrees.

The market has developed a reputation for eastern European dishes, such as juicy kielbasy seasoned with sauerkraut, but its menu also betrays an Italian bent: chicken parmasan, made with tomato and basil sauce and meat lasagna with mozzarella cheese. The panko-crusted chicken breast with fresh ginger tastes familiar and strange at the same time for its texture and for the unexpected ginger hint in the crust. These gourmet menu items are available hot, for immediate consumption, or cold, to be warmed up in the comfort of your own home.

For sides, there is tuna salad with cranberries, made with a little mayonaise and pickles, or the roasted haricots verts and butternut squash, but the organic quinoa salad, with snap peas and scallions, tastes light and tangy without overpowering the taste buds.

All options on the gourmet menu have a list of ingredients available, making it easy for those with food allergies and preferences to see what is and is not available to them. The gourmet menu also changes often, so check in and see what there is available.

The market also offers authentic European groceries, including soups and pastas, kielbasas and pierogies, European sodas (Orangina, anyone?) and cookies, tapenades, olives, treats and yogurts. A sandwich menu is available for any seeking a quick lunch, and those coming home from work can call ahead to have their orders ready to take with them. Catering is also available with 78 hours notice.