News is spreading of a group of chefs and foodies who are hoping to create a combined restaurant-market scene here in Buffalo that would rival some of the best in the world. The group is promoting a concept through Kickstarter in hopes to raise $150,000 that would help them to secure an empty warehouse where they would create a concentrated gourmet food paradise under one giant roof (picture something Eataly-esque). Jeremy Horwitz is the Founder of Mercado, a culinary bazaar that is profiled in the detailed video found at this Kickstarter site. Be warned that the video paints a grim picture of the WNY food scene, which has already raised some eyebrows from some who feel that the slam was a bit unfounded.
Regardless, the idea of the market is a good one, and Buffalo could benefit greatly with the addition of such a culinary destination. A combination of great chefs, varietal food concepts, with an international market flare would be the driving ingredients behind the formation of Mercado.
In the video, Horwitz says that he has been studying ways to create a happening food scene in Buffalo, and with the help of his team he is prepared to unleash his design to replicate bits and pieces of his travels throughout the world in a setting that would reflect some of the greatest markets from NYC to Singapore. According to Horwitz, it’s a global food revolution that addresses three bold initiatives:
1) Create a beautiful space for artisans
2) Bring culinary talent back to WNY
3) Add exciting new food and drink options
Mercado would be centrally located in a large space that would attract some of the region’s best artisanal food providers. The space would also act as an incubator for start-ups. As important, the market would become a major public gathering place such as the Saint Lawrence Market in Toronto (hello DL&W Terminal). Combined with cooking and wine classes and chef talents – namely Scott Kollig, Culinary Director, Mercado (Chef de Partie, Minibar by José Andrés & Cafe Boulud; Pastry Sous Chef, WD-50; Sommelier, Wit & Wisdom by Michael Mina), if the end result is as good as the the hype, then I bet most people will gleefully buy into the anticipation of a killer international marketplace with 15 dining options to choose from (including an authentic Spanish tapas bar, Chinese dim sum shop)… especially if the market was to open in downtown Buffalo (that would be centrally located, right?). They mention that they are hoping to transform an abandoned building in the process… I hope that they are talking to the ECHDC, developer Rocco Termini, and the rest of the key players in Buffalo.
“Our goal is to create one of the greatest markets on the planet.” – Scott Kollig
I’m crossing my fingers that Mercado is considering the city as its final destination (it’s not clear where they are looking). With BRO viewers’ help, maybe we can point them in some different directions for consideration (if they have not already identified a building and a part of town).