Buffalo Rising Online

Jan 26th 2008, 11:23am By Christa Glennie Seychew

I recently had the chance to stop into the newly opened Village Beer Merchant. Not only are they open, but they’ve finally received their liquor license and should have the coolers stocked in no time. Look for an upcoming post from Queenseyes featuring more information about their selection. I’m excited to check out the selection and even more thrilled about the growler filling station. But as YUM editor, the fact that they are offering gourmet grocery items is perhaps most appealing.

The shop is adorable, with one side of the store dedicated to wooden shelves stacked with unique items perfect for the home cook. The extensive selection of fine salts makes an attractive display; I was impressed to find a 3.4 ounce jar of truffle salt made by Sabatino for less than $12. Equally impressive is the selection of fine vinegars and olive oils by O displayed in a vertical unit that echoes traditional wine bottle storage. Shoppers will also find hot sauces and mustards, nuts and crackers, chocolate and tea. Books on the topics of food and entertaining are also on display as are a handful of kitchen tools including things like pepper mills, salt cellars, and stove top popcorn poppers.

In the center of the store stands a refrigerated unit stocked with trays of olives, peppers and cornichons. A fine array of salumi, cheeses and cheese accompaniments (like fruit pastes) line the bottom of the display. A good selection of Boar’s Head products including horseradish cheddar, soprasetta and pickles are also found here along with a varied selection of gourmet sodas from Dr. Brown’s, Boylan’s and Johnnie Ryan.

The sandwiches make use of Boar’s Head products as well, and I found my turkey “Rueben” made of thick slices of turkey, fresh, crunchy coleslaw and swiss on freshly slice marbled rye to be delicious, well-made and well, huge. I know I’ll be stopping in for sandwiches more often.

The store is still in set-up mode, the arrival of its beer stock will certainly fill the space up. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when every item is in place. Over the next few weeks YUM will introduce you to some of their more interesting products. If you stop by in the next few days and find something that you’re especially excited or curious about, let me know. Maybe we’ll feature it in an upcoming post. You can email me by clicking here.

Below, as a little enticement, I’ve listed an assortment of brand names savvy foodie shoppers can find at VBM.

Tropical Pepper Company
Big Tree Farms
Artisan Salt Company (pictured in lead photo)
Margaret’s Artisan Flatbreads
Fischer Weiser
Forbidden City
Newtree Belgian Chocolate


Village Beer Merchant
547 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 14222
716.881.1080