Tale of Two Markets, Part One

One of the reasons Zach and I decided to start this blog was that Denver is home to so many different ethnic communities. Just like Chinatown and Little Italy in New York City, some groups have formed small communities, opening several markets in close proximity. This week I’ll be reviewing two different Russian/Ukrainian markets. The fact that these two markets are less than two-blocks away from each other illustrate the thriving Ukrainian community in Arvada.

Their little gingerbreads make great hostess gifts.

The European Delicious market is the larger and older of the two.  The word “European” could really be modified with “Eastern.” Sure British tea and Italian olive oil are technically “European” but you won’t find them here. However if you are looking for caviar or a certain tea (or herb) that your бабушка or бабуся used, this is the place.

European Delicious has a deli case with various cheeses and cured sausages, and a bakery case with mostly small pastries during the week with some larger cakes during the weekend. In the frozen section you’ll find Polish butter, house-made frozen pirogues and other specialties.

Their produce section is seasonal and limited. During my last visit their fresh vegetables included beets, onions, fresh dill, cucumbers and potatoes. Fruit is limited to seasonal offerings; this week was persimmons and pomegranates.  On previous visits, they have had quince and plums. If you’re lucky they’ll have the really large cabbage heads in, perfect for home-made cabbage rolls.

Their bread selection is small, but decent; our favorite is the Lithuanian bread. Even if it travels from New York City, it is my all-time favorite dark bread. It is so dense, you feel like you’re picking up a brick. Though this particular loaf is unsliced, it is easy to cut thin slices for open-faced sandwiches.  The dry good selection is exceptional. Various kinds of canned fish, pickles and grains line the shelves. The tea selection alone is overwhelming and there are many hard to find herbs. There are also many types of cookies to choose from.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the bulk candy section. Over two aisles have individually wrapped chocolates, gummies and hard candies. (Look carefully at the box label if you have nut allergies.) I love getting some random candies for stocking stuffers, much more interesting than the standard chocolates. Surprisingly with so many items from Russia, they also have a wide variety of Turkish Delights and Turkish coffee. Zach and I recognized several brands from our trip to Istanbul last year.  

The perfect Stocking Stuffer -  Matryoshka chocolates.

To be completely honest, this market epitomizes some of the reasons many people do not visit smaller ethnic markets. The store is a bit dark and lacking storage with items and boxes everywhere. Many items do not have clear English labels. On several visits I hear Russian spoken more than English, which can be a little intimidating.  Please do not let that stop you. European Delicious is a gem of a market with some great products. Don't be afraid to ask questions, the staff can be very helpful.

Next up, a new neighbor, the Ukrainian Market.

European Delicious

10050 Ralston Rd., #H (Crossroads: Ralston and Rensselaer Drive)

Arvada, CO 80004