The Mercantile Offers Fresh Alternative to Fast-Food

Keeping with the trend of fresh farm-to-table fare, the Mercantile specializes in sandwiches, soups and healthy take-home meals. Having recently celebrated their one year anniversary, this restaurant/market hybrid has already gained a loyal following for those in search of a healthier alternative to fast-food.

For my first trip I chose The Candler, the most popular sandwich, with roasted turkey, pancetta, cranberry and cream cheese. Though initially unsure about the combination of pancetta and cranberry on a sandwich, the sweet flavor of the cranberries complemented the rich cream cheese and savory pancetta well. I also tasted The Rome with roasted chicken, provolone, lettuce, tomato and tapenade mayo. While not as tasty as The Candler, The Rome still held its own. Sandwiches are served with a side of orzo pasta salad. Though I added a cookie and bottled water, my meal only rang in around $10. For the non-carnivore, the Mercantile also offers The Cabbagetown, a vegan selection and Tuesday night dinner options include a vegetarian meal.

Dinner specials rotate weekly and range from Shrimp and Grits to Pot Roast. Rotisserie Chickens are always available and pair with fresh veggie sides like sautéed green beans and truffle-oil roasted potatoes.

The Mercantile offers fresh-made sauces (tomato, hollandaise) and can special make other sauces with prior notice. They also have a reasonably-priced catering menu.

The real treat in the Mercantile is the gourmet market with foods ranging from fresh produce to hand-dipped truffles from Texas. Springer Mountain Chickens, Arden’s Garden Juices and Carolina Gold Rice are some of the unique selections found at the Mercantile.

The Mercantile Wine Club offers members three handpicked wines each month, complete with tasting notes and 10% off wine purchases in the store for only $40 a month. The Mercantile also hosts several special events throughout the year, including book signings, wine and food tastings, and cooking demonstrations.

With seasonal ingredients, made-to-order sandwiches and gourmet meals to-go, the Mercantile has established itself as a healthy alternative to the norm.