A Mini-Food Hall and market adds flavor to Lincoln Park

Highly Recommended ***** Last June ( yes, during the Covid era) a new market and food hall came to Chicago. I knew of it because my great nephew Alec was on the team that brought this concept from paper to brick and mortar. Located at the corner of Diversey and Halsted, Dom’s Kitchen & Market, a store that will amaze you from the second you enter with its sections that allow for every need one might have. You can shop there, you can dine there- the choice is yours to make. They even have a party area that you can rent out and have them cater. Of course you can order catering for your home as well.

Last night Frank and I visited this store located at 2739 N. Halsted and met with Don Fitzgerald and their marketing person, Megan. We walked through the store where I was shown the areas and led to their party area where they were setting up for a “Toys For Tots” toy gathering. Frank was not their yet, so I started to do some tasting from what they set out for us. They arranged some of their party trays so that we could see a sampling of what they offer- it was amazing and plentiful. Being on a timetable as I was attending the opening at Drury lane Oakbrook (“Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”), I left when Frank got there and we will talk about this Sunday on WCPT820 at 2 p.m.-

This is a store for everyone! A great selection of cheeses, beers, seltzers, wines, deli, sushi, and all types of food- only want a sandwich, a slice of pizza, a donut ( they have Stan’s) or just a cup of joe. This concept is just the start for Dom’s. One must remember that the man who developed this concept is none other than Bob Mariano ( think Dominick’s and Mariano’s) and you know that this is “right -on”.

I must say that the samplings I ate were terrific. Everything was fresh and tasty and I can see why many of the people in the store were getting dinner to take home after their long day’s work. We all know that it is hard to feed a family and have everyone be satisfied. Jimmy wants pasta, Suzie prefers a burger, Julie loves sushi- what to do? Here, they can order all of these items and more and either head on home for dinner or use one of the many tables in the store. They have several sections in addition to the party area where one can enjoy the fresh food they just purchased. They also have some outside areas for the better weather conditions. I spoke to some families that were shopping and they told me that this place was a “dream come true”. Local products ( helping the area), fresh produce and meats ( I looked at the steaks and was very impressed) and some of the friendliest staff I have ever met in a market.

This is far more than a market- it is a  “food emporium” and based on the people, the flavors and tastes, I see an expansion plan ahead. There are many neighborhoods where this concept will fit in. Just think! You get off the train after a long day at work, you stop in to Dom’s and pick up tonight’s dinner. At the same time, you know you are having folks over Saturday, so why not pick up some wine. Dom’s is in fact a one stop food emporium that will make your life easier and your palate happier. FYI- prices are great as well. Where else can you shop while sipping a glass of wine and perhaps trying a slice of pizza ( I sampled a slice of Massa Pizza ( this is one to bake at home) that was delicious and then had a slice of Bonci Pizza ( made on premise).

Dom’s favorite’s are the Nonna’s Chopped Salads, Gohan’s housemade sushi, the Stackup’s Fresh Prince of Chicago and a full selection of special event provisions are available. Check out www.domschicago.com, call 773-389-3667 or email at entertain@domschicago.com. Visiting this market-food gallery is an experience that is worth the trip.

Dom’s Kitchen and Market hours: is open until 9 p.m. seven days a week.