Newly expanded Central Market at Weslayan and Westheimer….shopping just got better! (Photo Courtesy of Jack Witthaus//HBJ)
This time of year there is so much is going on around the city, lucky for me, Vicheka, was able to stop by and check out the newly renovated HEB Central Market at the corner of Westheimer and Weslayan. Here she is with her “virtual tour”.
May is a busy and an exciting month for Central Market. Along with their official relaunch after an extensive $10 million renovation, they are also kicking off their “Taste of the South” from May 17-May 30.
As someone who is usually not fond of grocery shopping, Central Market has turned it into an enjoyable experience from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. Let me “tour” you around the store. As you step into the grocery section, you will notice the beginning of the expansion and the new expanded variety of fruits and vegetables.
Next, is the mini Chocolate factory “Bean-to-Bar” section. In-house chocolates are made freshly and imported from five countries from around the world.
Next, you will see the International Food Section, in just five aisles you can transport from Greece to the British Isles to Japan to India and many more!
As you head toward the Refrigerated section, you will find the Olive Oil Display and tasting station to your right. As many of you know, Olive Oil is now rivaling Wine in popularity and variety. With the largest selection of extra virgin olive oils in all of Texas, you will be sure to find “the one” for you. Just find some great bread and you are ready to taste!
And as you head toward the cheese, deli food, salad to go section you will come across the beautiful Coffee Bar corner that serves a wide range of drinks including nitro cold brew to matcha tea latte to a freshly blended smoothie!
Along with introducing us to international culinary food and products from all over the world, Central Market is also promoting modern and classic cuisine from the southern regions of North America (Kentucky, Alabama, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and etc.!) Central Market Stores across Texas will carry southern influence items such as tomato pie, collard greens, Mississippi Mud Pies and specialty smoked Ham such as Lady Edison Ham, Edwards Virginia Smokehouse, and Benton’s.
Culinary talents and James Beard award-winning chefs such as Bill Smith, Linton Hopkins, the Lees Brothers, and Martha Foose will host a farm-to-table dinner as well as appearances and events in-store. (click here for detailed schedule of events)
And if you’d like a more engaging and interactive experience, Central Market also offers Cooking School classes such as “The Southern Grill” which includes Barbecued Poulet Rouge Chicken and Banana Pudding Pie. Other classes include “Virginia is for Lovers of Flowers & Wine” (flight of wine and learning floral arrangement) and “Sample Small Plates with the Wines of Raylen Vineyards.”
For those who are interested, click here for more information on their Cooking School Classes.
(All Photos are courtesy of Central Market)