Dining is Central here

What’s the first thing you thought of when you read the headline to this story? Dining out at a grocery store? Is this writer nuts?

Yes, most grocery stores are not destinations for eating out. Take out, yes. Dining out, no, at least according to the generally accepted definition of the term.

Mill Creek’s new Central Market store, located in the city’s new Town Center development, bills itself as a destination grocery store. One reason why is the fact that before you browse the aisles, you actually can grab a bite to eat and sit down.

That’s because the store has several plastic tables and chairs in a covered area just outside the deli and bar areas. It also affords one the opportunity to not only enjoy the crisp fall weather, but also watch some of the new construction going on at Town Center.

The store offers fare somewhat diverse from other grocery store grub. There’s several fresh food bars, including antipasto ($8.99 a pound), salad ($6.99 per pound) and soup bars (price varies based on size).

The store’s antipasto, soup and salad, and cold dish bars are easy to navigate, with every item clearly labeled. Just the aroma of walking by the soup bar, which includes a variety of both regular and seafood soups, will make you hungry.

I figured the soup bar would be a good choice for part of lunch. I opted for a small cup ($1.99) of cream of chicken with wild rice. From there, I went to the counter where several fresh, ready-made sandwiches were available. I opted for a ham and Gruyere panini ($5.99) and was surprised when I was asked if I wanted it grilled, which I opted for.

Now of course, they also have standard fare associated with grocery stores like whole baked chickens and individual pieces of fried chicken. To make sure I wouldn’t eat again the rest of the day, I went ahead and got a chicken breast.

The entire ensemble, as mixed as it was, was worth it. The soup was thick, flavorful and as good as any one might find in any restaurant. The sandwich was also good, and the chicken was about what one can expect from a grocery store, although not nearly as dry as similar offerings.

I ate there on a cloudy, cool, blustery fall day, but it was still enjoyable. I can imagine what it will be like next summer, when Town Center construction wraps up and warmer, sunnier weather reappears. Something tells me the covered patio will be a bit more crowded with lunchtime diners.