Your sign says "Established 1905" but you opened on January 11, 2007. Have you been open in spirit for the last century?

Ericka: This is the site of the longest-operating neighborhood market in Seattle. I went to the Puget Sound archive and dug up all sorts of info on the place. The land was purchased in 1905 for $2,500; there used to be a salmon stream cutting through our alley and a cow pasture across the street, which is why a cow appears on our logo. We've got a basement full of antiques that speak of its history—antiques and vintage Coca-Cola signs.

How did you come to be the latest grocers on the block?

Heather and I wanted to open up a cafe and market with foods for all moods. I'm a chef and Heather dabbles in pastry.

What are the grocery and cafe components you aim to bring to this neighborhood?

Our grocery goal was to offer beers and local wines you won't find in a supermarket. All of them were hand selected and most are organic. Eventually we want to also offer ready-made dinners. The cafe is going splendidly. We make everything in-house except for our breads (which come from Columbia City Bakery) and croissants (from Le Fournil). I call it comfort food with an upscale twist.

What are some favorite dishes?

Our potpies are very popular. They change daily, but past incarnations have included oxtail and roasted vegetable, and smoked salmon and prawn. We also offer a four-course dinner and wine tasting the second Friday of every month. The cost is $65–$85 and the next one will be February 9.