New and Noteworthy

P&K Grocery

915 W. Mary, 326-3133

Daily, 8am-8pm

www.pkgrocery.com

At last the renovation of the little concrete-block "shopping center" at the corner of South Fifth and West Mary is complete. All three little shops have merged into one attractive, good-sized store: P&K Grocery. Heralded as "an updated version of the classic corner store," the concept is bold and, in my opinion, long overdue: a convenience store for people who eat real food.

Yes, you heard that right. At last, a place where you can park, run in, and buy a potato or a bunch of cilantro or an organic chicken. Out of baking powder, bourbon vanilla, whole-grain cornmeal, organic pasta, soy milk? This store actually carries things that I often run out of, single items I don't have 45 minutes to circumnavigate the enorma-store to get. The produce section resembles a mini farmers' market, complete with local beef and organic eggs, but with the added bonus of being open daily. They also carry beer and wine and candy and ice cream and chips, but unlike the regular convenience store, P&K has a smaller selection of only quality brands.

In addition, they have a coffee bar, where you can get your cappuccino fix and fresh-baked goodies like banana bread and cupcakes. To the side of the coffee counter is an Italian-style deli, replete with cheeses from around the world and charcuterie. Grilled gourmet sandwiches are available all day at the deli. I ordered the Cuban, a delectable pork tenderloin affair served with a generous cup of cornichons, on a chewy, fresh baguette, and it was marvelous.

The rest of the P&K is given over to what I would define as "gifts." Very tasteful, somewhat expensive items like chocolates, glassware, and art books. (Wrapping paper is in evidence as well, making P&K your one-stop shop for 1) things you ran out of, and 2) gifts you forgot to buy until the last minute.) Absolutely stop in and see this place for yourself. I already don't want to imagine the neighborhood without it.