More exciting news coming out of Bayview: Xan deVoss of Fox and Lion Bread and Barbara Gratta of Gratta Wines are joining forces to open BUTCHERTOWN GOURMET. It’s going to be a micro marketplace, with a bread bakery and wine bar (each running under their own name), plus a shared grab-and-go case with sandwiches, basic grocery items, and some items to pair with bread and wine. There’s also talk of some pizza nights.
In an email to me, deVoss says, “Barbara and I have been working with Earl [Shaddix] on the Bayview Underground Market for over a year since its inception at All Good Pizza, and from that effort we knew we wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere where families can come get food/coffee/wine or beer and feel a positive sense of community.” They are keen to keep prices low but quality high.
The space has been vacant for more than a year—it was previously a barbershop. But back in the day (say, 1934), it was actually an Italian deli called Babbes & Bogios Grocery, which ties in to the Butchertown Gourmet name, since Bayview used to be called Butchertown. It was a working-class neighborhood where Italians, Germans, Austrians, Portuguese, and other immigrants lived as shipbuilders, butchers, and other tradespeople (deVoss says it’s amazing to see how many immigrants planted fruit trees in yards all over the neighborhood).
Best-case scenario is that it will open in early October; we’ll keep you posted. For now, say hello to the ladies at the next two upcoming Bayview Underground Food Scene farmers’ markets on Thursday September 4th and Thursday September 18th at Pier 70, from 5:30pm-8pm. 5273 3rd St. at Williams.
Xan deVoss and Barbara Gratta. Photo from Facebook.
