PRINTED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE ALPINE AVALANCHE

 

What a pleasant surprise to find so much fresh produce available out here in far West Texas. I’m a regular customer and volunteer for the Jeff Davis County Bountiful Baskets program, which has been a fantastic way to economically get a box of fresh goodies delivered every two weeks. Alpine also has a Bountiful Baskets program, and the truck arrives there about an hour after we’ve unloaded our goods in Fort Davis. You never know what’s going to be in the box – it’s usually half fruit and half veggies, and it’s always different depending on what’s in season. You can buy conventionally or organically grown, and it’s worth every penny.

The other day, I lost track of time and didn’t realize the frozen chicken breasts I was planning to cook for dinner wouldn’t be ready to cook until way past dinner time. I put on my shoes and walked down to Stone Village Market, and as luck would have it, was able to grab a roasted chicken stuffed with rosemary, and a homemade macaroni salad that reminded me of my mother’s macaroni salad that I haven’t eaten in many years. It was so juicy and delicious that if my husband hadn’t known I bought it, I might’ve tried to pretend like I roasted it myself. Green salad and watermelon slices in the fridge from our Bountiful Basket haul that week, and dinner was done.

So easy. So delicious. Thank you, Stone Village Market.

Stone Village Market was originally opened by Joe and Lanna Duncan, longtime Fort Davis residents and hoteliers in West Texas, to provide folks with a bakery, deli and whole-foods market in town. Lanna and Fort Davis artist Patty Moreland recently opened a new art gallery in Fort Davis, showcasing their work. Through different life events, Randall Kinzie became the store manager in 2008, and he and his wife Belinda purchased it in 2011.

The Kinzies, who also own Stone Village Tourist Camp, have been providing high quality foods and a place for locals and tourists alike to sit and enjoy a cup of Big Bend Roasters Coffee or Nitro Coffee (both creations from Marfa), a deli sandwich made to order exactly as you want it (you pick which type of bread, choose from eight meats, six cheeses, and eight veggies), a cool, colorful salad bar; chicken salad, broccoli salad, and potato salad ready to grab and go; roasted chicken; high quality deli meats and cheeses, and so much more if you’re hungry. They have a newly expanded natural grocery and produce selection, and many of the items are locally sourced. Pet care, home care, homeopathic and herbal remedies are also on their shelves.

Did I mention homemade cookies, every day?

If you’re thirsty, their cold craft beer and wine selection is top-notch. They have a variety of gluten-free groceries, and supply pretty much anything else you might need for anything ever. It’s almost like having a mini-Whole Foods right here in the mountains of West Texas.

Daily specials are written on the chalkboard outside… but be warned, those delicious roasted chickens sell out pretty fast.

Stone Village Market is located at 509 State Street in downtown Fort Davis. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., every day.

Questions or comments? Email johnskrysta@gmail.com

Classic Macaroni Salad
(inspired by Stone Village Market and Deli)

    8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1-3/4 cups)

1 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. vinegar

1 Tbsp. creamy Dijon mustard

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 cup thinly sliced celery

1 cup chopped green or red bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped onion

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.

Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, creamy Dijon mustard, sugar, salt and pepper in large bowl. Stir in macaroni, celery, green pepper and onion. Serve chilled or at room temperature.