Specialty food, goods shop opens in East Dundee
To Hampshire resident Lisa Opfer, the opportunities for her new "inspired goods" store in East Dundee are endless.
The shelves already are stocked with specialty foods and ingredients. Selections of charcuterie products and cheeses are expanding. What's soon to be a fully functioning coffee bar sits in one corner. Various wine and craft beer selections take over nearly an entire wall, adjacent a complementary wine bar.
The Uncommon Palate, which held its soft opening last week, is more than just a store, and it's not quite a restaurant, Opfer says. It's a place for area artisans to share their talents and for customers to experience something new.
And at 316 N. River St., it's the perfect addition to downtown East Dundee, which village officials and local business owners have been trying to transform into a culinary district.
"I had a vision, and it was kind of kismet how it evolved," Opfer said. "We think we're a good complement to the long-term theme and vision for the community."
Over the past decade, Opfer's sales job led her to work with various grocers.
"I got the bug for specialty food and retail and clean eating," she said. "We're seeing so many of these wonderful independent producers create these wonderful products that often get lost in the shuffle."
The specialty foods offered at The Uncommon Palate are clean label products, meaning they have fewer than 15 simple ingredients, Opfer said, and many items come from independent local vendors. Cooking supplies gift baskets and specialty drinks also will be available.
Because some food products can't be found in everyday grocery stores, she said, The Uncommon Palate will likely start offering wine tastings and food samples, especially for customers who may be hesitant.
Opfer said she also may partner with a local chef to hold cooking classes, which would show customers how to create meals out of products available in the store.
"It's a nice way to introduce people to new wines and foods," she said. "It's an opportunity for them to step outside their comfort zones and expand their palates."
The Uncommon Palate also is partnering with East Dundee to participate in community events downtown, including the Depot Market on weekends and the monthly Wine Down Wednesday event.
"We have a lot of fun things we're exploring," she said. "Everybody's been so supportive, and we're excited we've had such a wonderful response." The store's grand opening is scheduled for May 8, coinciding with the grand opening of Village President Lael Miller's new antique shop, Midwest Retro.