Chandi Hospitality Group Opens Mercato
When creating the concept of MERCATO, the question of what values would steer the menu and service was posed. How to remain true to the core vision of the Chandi family for Santa Rosa and do something innovative at the same time? The Chandi Hospitality Group values COMMUNITY – sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals where durable relations exist outside of genealogical ones. Their investment in the downtown Santa Rosa core continues with MERCATO PASTA & PRODUCE. Giving back by keeping business local has been one of the unofficial hallmarks of the CHG. Their entire portfolio is based in Sonoma County in fact. The family members occupy dozens of board seats for different local initiatives and charities.
We also believe a well integrated food system is one of the underpinnings to a vibrant community. Living in fertile Sonoma County, we are fortunate to be in an agricultural kingdom. For Santa Rosa, we hope MERCATO PASTA & PRODUCE becomes a destination to meet family, friends, and neighbors while enjoying great fresh pasta, farmer’s market produce and in doing so, supporting our local economy and protecting our environment.
When asked by Sonu Chandi, head of CHG, it didn’t take long for Chef Niven Patel of Bollywood and GHEE (Miami) fame to respond that this region’s bounty marries beautifully with traditional Italian cuisine. Think basil, arugula, tomatoes, gelato and cheese. And pasta done the old fashioned way? While making fresh pasta in house daily seems inefficient, it’s not just the best way to offer the highest quality, it keeps another “production” local and contributing to the Santa Rosa economy.
The food we create in house and sell in our market finds its origins in the regional cuisines of Italy. Locally sourced, with a few irreplaceable items imported from Italy, we strive to bring the same appreciation for small batch gourmet food products to MERCATO as you would find in their foodie culture. We celebrate the true tradition of local artisanal food and farm sources as the Italians do in their home country.
Parliamo produce. The tomato (il Pomodoro) holds a place dear to the heart of Californians and Italians alike. Yes, the San Marzano Roma varietal is the Italian classic but our local favorite Early Girls aren’t as shy as they sound, especially when dry farmed not plumped with artificial irrigation. We select organic or organically grown (but perhaps not certified) produce and products where ever possible. We avoid GMO products and ones heavy in preservatives and chemicals. Of course, we encourage as much plant based eating as possible! Check out our assortment of vegan cheeses!
Our pasta and produce express the passion we feel for getting from field and kitchen to table as quickly as possible to capture the true flavor profile of the food we offer. Whether dining with us or shopping our farm stand and market, we hope you’ll enjoy the bright fresh flavors of Italy, done Sonoma style.
