BY TED SHOCKLEY, Shore First —
Beach Market in Cape Charles is more than just a market. All of the fresh meat and seafood sold there also can be prepared on site — for a dine-in experience or for takeout.
All of the beer and wine sold on premises also can be enjoyed with a lunch or dinner on site, or purchased and carried home.
The newly constructed market, which opened in 2022, has an urbane vibe, with the fine food products available in an upscale market.
That’s the niche Greg and Gina Butler, formerly of Pocomoke City, wanted to fill with the market.
“We offer products in our store that are not readily available in our area,” said Gina Butler.
“When we first moved to Cape Charles, I found that I was traveling to Virginia Beach at least twice a week to get really fresh seafood, fresh herbs, produce, and prime meats. That was really where the idea of the store originated.”
While the market carries quick-dinner, grab-and-go options like rotisserie chicken, lasagna, meatloaf, several fresh soups, and desserts, it also offers daily specials like fried shrimp and fried oyster baskets, and a full menu of options.
Meals can be as fancy or as unfussy as the customer wants. Because of the on-and-off beer-and-wine license, a beer or a glass of wine can be enjoyed at one of the tables available inside or outside.
If a customer wants a dozen steamed oysters and a cold beer, it can be prepared. If a customer wants a tomahawk steak and a class of wine, that’s no problem, either.
A fascinating aspect to Beach Market is that any of the fresh foods can be prepared — if a customer doesn’t see a particular steak on the dinner menu, they can pick one out of the case and it will be prepared to the diner’s specifications.
“If you would like to try halibut or say, stuffed flounder, but have not cooked it before, we will do it for you, and be happy to send you home with a recipe,” said Gina Butler.
“We have prepared the tomahawks for a customer who was reluctant to try them at home for the first time.”
Beach Market has expanded its hours and its menu. It is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
With the holidays coming, Beach Market can take orders for everything from turkeys to tenderloin, bone-in rib roasts, hams, and all types of seafood. Pre-ordering is recommended.
“We can prepare the entire meal or just send you home with all you need,” said Gina Butler.
But it is still autumn, and Beach Market is a charming getaway with a uncommon selection of foods, beer and wine.
It’s perfect for a quick takeout lunch or dinner for the beach, or a dine-in experience while watching customers mingle.
“We are so thankful for our patrons,” Gina Butler said. “They have watched us grow over the last year and have been super supportive.”
