Locale Market has evolved again.
The chef-inspired gourmet marketplace, located at downtown St. Pete's Sundial complex, announced Wednesday that it's brought on everything from ramen to chia seed pudding to porchetta in response to guests who've asked for more healthy and convenient foods. Changes have also been made to the store's layout, including cash registers at every food station.
Despite the enhancements, Locale's focus on fresh, artisanal ingredients remains. Guests will find new culinary offerings at the Zen Belly, Sun and Moon Salutation, Fast & Fresh, and Surf & Turf stations.
Zen Belly highlights rice or quinoa bowls, ramen, "Zento" boxes, nori wraps, wood-grilled skewers, a sushi bar and Hawaiian poke bowls, in addition to build-your-own meals using precooked meats, veggies and sauces (think Faroe Islands salmon and quinoa with avocado and lime vinaigrette). At the Sun and Moon Salutation Station — stocked with breakfast, post-workout and snack items — look for fresh or frozen acai bowls, vegan soft-serve parfaits, chia seed pudding and a lineup of prepared raw and vegan meals. The Fast & Fresh Station, inside the market's main entrance off Second Street North, serves hero sandwiches, salads and pastas, as well as close to 20 topping options for create-your-own pies (house-made French bread pizzas or flash-fired pizzas that bake in two minutes). And Surf & Turf now cooks up specialty dinners on select nights, including items like prime rib and porchetta.
Those looking for cheese and charcuterie will also discover an expanded assortment, plus the produce selection, which is now styled after a farm stand, has started showcasing one-of-a-kind varieties of fruit and veggies alongside everyday favorites.
What else? The packaged goods portion of Locale was reworked, making areas with local, domestic and imported goods such as boutique wines and craft beer easier to navigate, and additional seating is available throughout.
"LOCALE Market has earned a reputation around the country as a gourmet destination," said chef Michael Mina, who founded the gourmet destination in 2014 with chef Don Pintabona, in a statement. "We want our guests to continue to discover all that we have to offer for every occasion whether they're eating clean or looking for something indulgent."
Reflecting its updated hours, the market operates 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This article appears in Sep 8-15, 2016.