What’s New at Maddy’s Market?

Your local, friendly market has a lot of novel things up its sleeves and on its shelves this summer.

Maddy’s Market, the anchor store of the Summit at the Calabasas shopping center, is renewing its healthy and conscious eating commitment to nearby neighborhoods.

“We are excited to bring more gourmet and healthy food at significantly-reduced prices,” said Nuno De Avila, general manager. “We believe that there’s no need to sacrifice the family budget in order to afford good food.”

Healthy food commitment

The 16,000-square-foot store claims to have one of the largest selection of organic produce in the area, including some that are locally sourced, like strawberries from Oxnard.

“We are big supporters of local farmers and we try to carry their fruits and vegetables as much as possible,” said Susan Curtis, director of marketing.

The grass-fed, all-natural prime beef from the butcher shop is also another attraction, along with hand-made sausages and organic chicken. The seafood market carries wild North American seafood that is fresh, grill and oven-ready.

Unlike other stores, Curtis said that their grocery aisles are easy to navigate. “One can easily find the kosher, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian products that we carry because they’re in well-marked aisles,” she said. “They’re also consciously priced because we want people who need to be on those special diets to afford them.”

Dining options

For the multitude of office workers who troop to the store during their lunch hours, the neighborhood store has something for everyone.

The deli and bakery is teeming with delectable sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods. “We even have a taco bar,” said Curtis.

There’s also an on-site baker, Kat Moya, who specializes in gluten-free baked goods.

For something a little different, Chef Mark Johnson promises an authentic outdoor barbecue experience. Ribs, tri-tip and chicken, among others, may be eaten on-site or to-go.

Chef Hugo Urquilla, on the other hand, mans the wood-fire pizza oven and churns out 10 varieties of freshly baked pizzas everyday. Varieties include Margherita, classic, barbecue chicken, vegan and gluten-free pizza, in the $5 to $10.99 range. If you don’t feel like dining in, “take it and bake it” pizzas are also available.

“We have a huge lunch business here at Maddy’s,” said Curtis, adding that they are also open for breakfast and dinner.

Bountiful beverages

The market is the exclusive retailer for Pacific Coast Vineyards, known for their award-winning Pinot Noirs. Maddy’s carries the 100 percent organic petite Sirah from the Central Coast winery.

Maddy’s also carries other local wines from Malibu, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and the Napa Valley, as well as imported wines from South Africa, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and South America.

“We try to bring in unique wines and vintages, beyond those that you’ll find in other grocery stores,” said Curtis. “We are leaning more towards those varieties that can be found on wine-tasting trips.”

Their new beer selection is just as extensive including locally sourced and limited production micro-brews.

Green commitment

Along with its affordable gourmet and healthy food thrust, Maddy’s Market is committed to minimizing the store’s carbon footprint.

As a starting point, it no longer sends junk mail to its customers. “We’re asking our customers how they want us to stay in touch with them,” said Curtis. “So far, social network marketing, e-mails and local newspapers like the Calabasas Patch are emerging as the top preferences.”

Curtis acknowledges that it’s a challenge, considering that every grocery store sends out tons of junk mail. “But surveys show that most junk mail end up in the trash anyway,” she said. “We’re really committed to reducing the amount of trees that have to be cut down.”

Also, starting July 1, Maddy’s Market, will be joining Los Angeles County’s plastic bag ban and will no longer be carrying plastic bags.

According to Curtis, there are even more surprises this fall. “Watch out for our educational workshops, seminars and wellness events,” she said.