Ericka Burke is Opening Canal Market in Portage Bay

[Photo: Google Maps]

Volunteer Park Cafe chef/owner Ericka Burke is opening Canal Market, a neighborhood grab-and-go spot and grocery in Portage Bay (a speck of a neighborhood close to Montlake and Eastlake) with a deli, breakfast buffet, and coffee bar. She's taking over the space that housed a market by the same name for decades. "I used to go there when I was a kid," Burke tells Eater.

A friend suggested she buy the market last year, making 2014 a huge one for Burke, who also has her hands full launching a restaurant and juice bar this fall in Capitol Hill's Chophouse Row building. "I was definitely ready to grow the business, and these projects just happened," she says. "It's one of those life moments and I was like, 'let's just do it!'"

For Canal Market, Burke says she, "just wants something really abundant with a variety of different things," and was inspired by Yountville, CA's excellent Oakville Grocery. Like that space, Canal Market will have a center deli island selling grab-and-go cheese, charcuterie, and salads on one side and made-to-order salads and sandwiches on the other. Plus, a breakfast buffet with a toast bar, pastries, whole grain porridge, and more items that Burke says will rotate throughout the week. Espresso will come from Seattle's Slate Roasters.

The grocery portion of the 3,000-square-foot project includes organic rotisserie chickens, a growler filling station for take-away beer and wine, house-made popsicles, and candy by the pound. Burke doesn't want the space to be too precious—you'll find high-end and less fancy olive oil on the shelves—plus fresh produce, gifts and housewares, and a garden and flower section maintained by Tess MacDonald of July Floral.

The space will include seating at a communal table and alongside the front windows. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Look for Canal Market to open in mid-August.
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