The Mountain Lakes market

The Mountain Lakes Market, established in 1914, is a classic style market located in the center of the quaint town of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. Nestled in the epicenter of this nature-laden town, the Market, as it is referred to by Mountain Lakers, is a stronghold within the community and is looked upon as a meeting place of the towns people and the county. Stopping in on a Saturday morning, you never know who might be there, a state senator, judge, local law enforcement, assemblymen. Owned and operated by a local resident, the Market is a part of the community.

When I grew up here in town, the Lohers owned the Market. They were friendly, helpful people who always remembered my name. My friends and I would snack out on the front stoop. It was great to be a kid here in town. Mr. Loher would show me how the groceries would come up the conveyor belt and where Joe, the butcher, kept all the meat in the refrigerator. These were my first experiences in the food business.

Years later I started my career. College, studying culinary arts, experimenting with food and work, work, work! In 1994 I opened my first gourmet catering deli. My goal was to cater parties with a personal touch my clients would remember forever. After eleven years, I needed a change. My next goal was to find a place where I could give that personal touch to everyone who walks through the door, not just for my catering clients. Then an old friend contacted me and the rest is Market history!

Today’s Market is not the same as 30 years ago. Our customers’ needs are different. Along with all of our gourmet salads, sandwiches, soups and specials, we sell prepared fine foods, which are ready to take home. All of our baked goods & desserts are prepared at the Market. We are currently incorporating European specialty foods as we have found some amazing vendors who import the foods our newer community members have craved since leaving their homelands and settling here.

Inside the Market is an online store managed and owned by another alumni from town. Doug Stone sells the world’s finest tequilas and whiskies from his two sites; www.forscotchlovers.com & www.fortequilalovers.com. We also cater wine tasting events for businesses and organizations here at the Market and off premise as well.

Catering is our passion. From planning events to garnishing the final product, our staff gives their complete attention to every detail. We want everyone to talk about how great our clients’ parties are. We have built our client base from these referrals.

It’s great to be back in town, see old friends, make new ones and feel the spirit in this wonderful community. Thank you all for the support you have given me as in return I will do my daily best to keep “your” Market ready for your needs."

Our cuisine, New American, was created by Chef Michael and is continually developed and researched by our staff of chefs, planners and decorators. Chef Michael has studied Italian, Mediterranean, Spanish, South American, French and Asian cuisines. He specializes in Basque / Mediterranean and Asian / Spanish fusion foods. Though he has written many recipes regarding healthy eating, low glycemic index foods and Mediterranean sea fare, his short ribs with a Burgundy wine demi glace are out of this world! Every week a new dinner menu is available from Tuesday through Friday nights. Custom created fish entrees highlight the selections which always have delicious beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian selections. The daily menu is always available throughout the evening as well.

Though most of our meals are taken home, seniors enjoy a 20% discount every Tuesday night. (over 60 please, and as I get older, that number gets higher!) Many have made it their evening out and join their long time friends at the Market for an amazing meal and great laughs. Thought it was a kid’s hang out after school? Only until 5pm, then the seniors take it over! They might uncork a bottle, we provide them with stemware and a ride home if they need it!

 

Meaghan's Meals is a partnership between the Market and Registered Dietician Meaghan Tatulli. We create wellness meals focusing on improving organ functions for weight management and engery gains. We deliver through out Northern New Jersey. There is a $2 per visit charge for delivery within the 5 mile radius of Mountain Lakes and a delivery surcharge of 0.50 per mile for outside the radius. Our menus and more information are available at www.lovethewayufeel.com