The other day was a perfect segue into a new Maine spring.  The 50's temps brought Portlanders out to rake and uncover brand new growth, birds were chirping, and car windows were down.  Despite the promissory nature of the day, I was thinking about how the "winter cupboard" of produce has pretty much been used up and how long it seems until I can walk around a freshly and fully stocked farmers market.  A trip to Rosemont Market and Bakery was just what the doctor ordered!

Aromas of freshly baked breads and sweets greeted us on the way in to the store at 559 Brighton Avenue.  Mid-store was a double-sided and well-stocked produce section.  I kept seeing "Maine" - Olivia's Garden basil, watercress, and arugula.  Then I saw cheeses - more Maine.  Then I saw meats - more Maine.  I was renewed.  Dinner that night was going to be a chicken pot pie from Maine-ly Poultry, a salad of arugula from Olivia's with a chevre (also local) and raspberry vinaigrette, and fresh, crusty rolls from Rosemont's own bakery.  (That dinner was delicious by the way.)

Whether you are just looking for that single grocery item, or you need to make an entire dinner, Rosemont Market and Bakery is the place to go.  There are options for a gourmet meal as well as the "honey, can you pick up dinner on your way home" meal.  This afternoon I tested that idea.  Without any idea what to have for dinner except for "It has to be fast, delicious, and fairly nutritious" and without a list, I sent myself back to the Rosemont Market.

My first stop was at the bakery section, where I selected a beautiful brown loaf of whole wheat scala bread.  Next I eyed some spicy Italian sausage from Treble Ridge Farm.  The rest of my dinner idea manifested from there.  I swooped in for some zucchini, summer squash and a red pepper.  Then I rounded it out with some Mesclun mix from Sunset Farm Organics and some Fern Hill Farm goat cheese with garlic, cracked pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme, and EVOO.  All I did was sautee the sausage and veggies, toss in the goat cheese, season with Maine sea salt and pepper and serve it over pasta.  Simple, inexpensive, delicious and much of it local.

The Rosemont Market & Bakery has a neighborhood feel with a world-class selection run by an expert and friendly staff.  Their focus is on local foods - produce, meats, dairy, eggs, and specialty products.  All 3 locations feature artisanal breads and pastries made at their Brighton Avenue location.  Their wine selection is way above par - extensive, unique and inexpensive.  Each location also features a variety of prepared foods - hummus, pesto, full suppers, etc.  You CAN do your grocery shopping here, eat local and not break your bank.

According to Joe Appel, manager of the Munjoy Hill store, Rosemont Market & Bakery has a number of projects in the works and there are a few ways to stay connected and keep yourself in-the-know.  "We have a Facebook page, so be sure to become a member of that, to hear about wine tastings, upcoming events, etc.  We also have an email list (sending out 1-2 emails a week) that's fun and informative.  Write to rosemontmarketnewsletter@gmail.com to get signed up."   

Rosemont Market & Bakery can be found at these locations:
- 559 Brighton Avenue, Portland;  774-8129; Hours: 8-6 M-Sat, 9-6 Sun
- 88 Congress Street, Portland;  773-7888; Hours: 9-8 M-Sat, 9-6 Sun
- 96 Main Street, Yarmouth;  846-1234; Hours: 8-7 M-Sat, 9-4 Sun