Fresh, fast & local

Spring has finally arrived and as we warm up and shake off the chill of winter, we finally begin to enjoy the warmth of the sun and all the activities under it that we’ve waited all winter for. Just about everyone enjoys a nice meal accompanied with nice weather and a picnic is a great way to really encompass nature and food all in one activity. This month’s blog is all about highlighting local purveyors that we partner with that in our minds are the first we think of when we think of picnic food. We’re showcasing three brands that you can find in our stores the next time you’re planning your next outdoor hangout.

Steve’s Mediterranean

To start this one off, our first feature will be Steve’s Mediterranean, a Detroit founded business that captures the Lebanese soul when it comes to humble and delicious food perfect for a sunny day out. Inspired by his heritage, Pierre Chammas began sharing his recipes 30 years ago and after launching a successful hummus brand, Basha, he realized there was a need for quality packaged Mediterranean food within grocery stores and launched Steve’s Mediterranean. Steve’s Mediterranean focuses their energy on dips such as hummus, baba gannouj, tzatziki, and garlic sauce and accompanies it with amazing pita chips. They also specialize in a variety of classic Mediterranean side dishes and salads such as Tabouli, grape leaves, spinach and feta pies, and lentils and rice. We believe their items will really be a sure fire hit at your next outdoor outing.

Elwin & Co

Our next feature is another Detroiter that we think offers a place in this month’s topic, and that purveyor is Elwin and Co. Elwin Greenland grew up in northwest Detroit, after finishing college at CCS, he sought to develop his creative talents with food being the medium. Elwin spent many years honing his craft studying and working abroad in France and then cooking at the best restaurants in Detroit, he held the executive chef position at Van Dyke Place for 12 years solidifying his place within the city’s growing dining scene. August of 1990 came around and Elwin’s Tu-Go was born, a bistro style cafe in Royal Oak featuring elevated rustic European cuisine. The scones became a signature item at Elwin’s and in just a matter of months, the popularity of this one item shifted the business entirely. Elwin and Co. was launched and the famous scones and many other baked goods were being shipped across the country. Truly a standout dish, Elwin and Co’s scones and creative baked goods are a perfect addition to your next picnic or hangout under the sun.

Eat it by the spoonful

Our final feature for this month’s blog is a passionate venture from another Detroit native, Eat it by the Spoonful is creating some amazing, creative, and comforting food perfect for your next picnic. Started by Alumani Landers back in 2022, Eat it by the Spoonful was launched to provide nutritious, delicious, and flavorful ready-to-eat meals designed for convenience, while also addressing the need for higher quality food in underserved communities. Alumani grew up in a large family, experiencing food shortage firsthand, but also experiencing passion and intention watching and cooking alongside her mother, everything made from scratch and love, these moments will later on be a major driver in.Alumani’s journey as Eat it by the Spoonful came together. As a Detroit native, her awareness of many communities lacking access to quality food options and opting for convenience really resonated with her as she saw the long-term effects of that reality firsthand working as a registered Nurse. Food and health became even more personal during her fight with stage cancer and emphasis on nourishment is a major mantra when it comes to her business. Eat it by the Spoonful is committed to offering food that does a little more, not only satisfying hunger but also made with wholesome and nutritious ingredients that support overall health. Known for her variety of fresh salsas, Eat it by the Spoonful also carries old-school Mac n Cheese, Pot LikkerCollard Greens, and vegan Chilis. Aside from food, the brand is about connection, customers come from all walks of life, and good food has a way of bringing people together. Keep your eye out for their items the next time you’re strolling around Rivertown Market.

We’re incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful purveyors here in the Detroit metro area that offer so many fantastic foods that make planning your next picnic/outdoor hangout that much easier to stock up on. As always, our team at Rivertown is always adding new local producers to our shelves and we will always share and highlight them as much as we can.