Foodies in the Naples area dream they died and went to Oakes Market. Because it has been a to-die-for source of fresh produce for as long as most residents can remember.
Its current marketplace in East Naples has blossomed into so much more than the produce and products that come from the longtime Oakes dynasty.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Oakes Farms is opening a new market in North Naples named Seed To Table, which is slated for November 2015.
Current capital of the Oakes Farms dynasty — Photo courtesy of Chelle Koster Walton
Within its 65,000 square feet of space, the new market will again expand with an outdoor café, a kids' play area and an organic retail space similar to the downtown Food & Thought market and café.
Until then, Oakes Farms promotes the seed-to-table movement through its marketplace and delivery to restaurants and area schools.
For the shopper, that means you can get a good hot (or cold) meal while you shop for everything you could possibly need for your next meals – from potted fruit trees to seafood, meat, bakery goods, coffee beans, wine and Key lime pie.
The selections are top shelf and exclusive – and often organic. There’s grass-fed beef and name brand cuts such as Braveheart Black Angus.
One spit-shined case shows off fresh shellfish and a dozen or so varieties of wild finfish. There’s even a tank with live lobsters.
Oakes Farms sells its own brand of crab dip, plus local Captain Jerry’s seafood dips. Other Oakes Farms products include dressings such as peach pecan, apple pecan and roasted garlic with Vidalia onion and sweet pepper vinaigrette.
There are fuzzy navel and zesty horseradish jams, plus fresh salsa and guac.
Enticing pies, cakes, cookies and Danish pastries fill the bakery showcase. Grind your own peanut or almond butter nearby.
The wine selection is global, extensive and distinctive, not just the same old varieties. Everything from Oregon pinot noirs to Argentine malbecs.
Same goes for Oakes’ impressive display of cheeses from the world over.
The produce stars in this show. Huge bins of sweet corn, green beans, potatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, melons and tomatoes fairly gleam with freshness and vitality.
If all of this food-gazing makes you hungry, step up to the counter at the entrance for coffee and a biscotti or other sweet treat. Or head to the deli, where you can order a sandwich made with Boar’s Head cold cuts or choose from a wide selection of hot sandwiches, homemade soup, salads, pizza, hot entrees and sides du jour.
Burger options include Oakes Farms’ own “The Grass-Fed Gourmet,” with add-ons such as avocado, fried egg, caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms.