What to expect at Gastromé, a highly anticipated new luxury grocery store in Scottsdale

The highly anticipated Gastromé Market is opening in Scottsdale's Gainey Ranch at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.

After moving to metro Phoenix from Boston in 2018, owners Jenny Le and Tiffany Chavez dreamt of opening a specialty store similar to Dean and Deluca or Eataly to offer cheese, wine and imported and hard-to-find luxury food items.

That dream has materialized with the opening of a 3,500-square-foot market (and soon to open 1,500 square foot restaurant) where they sell an impressive array of cheeses, wines, pantry items, bread and fresh cut flowers.

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What to expect at Gastrome Market

As you enter the store, an alcove showcases wines from Arizona and beyond that "you don't see often here," said Chavez.

And to help you navigate the selection is an onsite wine steward, who is on standby to answer questions, make recommendations and host daily wine tastings and weekly wine classes.

Education is a big part of the high-end service the pair hope to provide. “We’ve worked hard to create an inclusive environment where you can feel free to ask whatever you want – you won’t find any stuffiness or intimidation here," said Lee.

Blond wooden cases showcase pantry items like olive oils, mustards, truffle honey and jams, along with a large selection of chocolate, snacks, crackers, olives and pasta, many of which are made by female vendors and women-owned small businesses. 

Alongside produce and spices, there are also luxury goods like caviar, saffron and truffles available.

There are other specialty areas around the store. Amy's flower truck supplies fresh cut flowers and a pastry counter displays colorful creations by Too Sweet Cakes. Breadworks by MJ Coe, a master baker, supplies a large selection of loaves including challah, fougasse, monkey bread, sourdough and rye, which adorn the center island of the cheese area, above which cured meats hang from copper pot holders.

The store seems to revolve around the three cases of cheese, displaying over 300 different types, some of which you won't find anywhere else.

Wheels of cheese are stacked just so: Garrotxa goat cheese from Muntanyola and Idiazabal La Vasco Navarra, a sheep milk cheese from Spain, Tomme de Savoie from the French Alps and Smokey Blue from Rogue Creamery in Oregon.

For now, ready to eat items are limited to the deli counter, which offers chef-driven items like marinated meats and salads by the pound. Though a 20-seat restaurant and bar is set to open soon.

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A restaurant and event space are coming soon

The restaurant area is already complete with gray chairs and stools, white tables and copper wine refrigerators lining the wall. The restaurant will be led by chef Christopher Brugman, who says the menu will have a French-bistro feel.

"There are elements of coastal Mediterranean including fresh oysters, caviar, octopus, a lot of local fresh fish," said Brugman. The restaurant will also feature the only Arizona-bred Wagyu beef from TERRA farm + manor.

Other menu items include olive-oil poached tuna salad, charcuterie, salumi, grilled oysters, charred spinach octopus, salads, sandwiches, baked Camembert with dates and shareable small bites to enjoy with a glass of wine. Dinner will feature fresh pasta made in-house.

At the back of the store, a room with a 14-seat marble wrap-around counter will be the educational area where wine and cheese classes, chef's tasting and private events are held.

In addition to classes and the restaurant, by mid-fall, the owners plan to open outdoor patio seating as well.

“This has been a true labor of love for us," said Le. "And we can’t wait to get the doors open and meet the community.”

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What to expect at the Grand Opening 

Grand opening celebrations start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 with the first 100 customers receiving a complimentary champagne toast on each visit for a year. Guests will also have a chance to meet the owners and vendors and enjoy free samples. 

Details: 7704 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Unit 140, Scottsdale. gastromemarket.com.

Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gastromé gourmet grocery in Scottsdale is open. Here's a guide