Our Own Caviar & Bananas Receives Honor of Outstanding Retailer of 2012

Sometimes I think the forces at work at Caviar & Bananas are creating a dream for me to walk through and enjoy perfect proportions of an array of food items healthy and delicious, treats and salads, sushi and mini shepherd's pie. Beautifully labeled food artisan items, fresh baked goods, something about the shop makes me want to have a glass of champagne and eat a bagel. I guess that's the idea....Caviar and Bananas. It turns out I'm not the only one who gets a thrill out of C&B, The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade just awarded to shop "Outstanding Retailer of 2012".  It also turns out that the forces at work are husband and wife team, Margaret and Kris Furniss.  The dynamic duo's time in New York City combined with Margaret's time spent in Charleston during College created the opportunity for them to bring a Manhattan style gourmet market and cafe down to the Holy City. And what a great idea that was, since one thing we seem to be especially willing to whip out our southern hospitality for is good food.

NASFT includes the local flavor in their description of the business and why it was chosen for this prestigious award:

"Part restaurant, part retail, Caviar & Bananas features an in-house sushi bar, espresso bar with custom-roasted coffee from Counter Culture in Durham, N.C., and organic teas that are steeped to order. The prepared foods department showcases dishes with local and global influences.

“We take pride in serving quality food,” Margaret says. “We make our own mayonnaise for our made-to-order sandwiches, confit our own duck, pull our own mozzarella and use real crab in our California rolls.” Caviar & Bananas’ selection of packaged goods ranges from high-end olive oils and tomato sauces, to more elusive items such as buckwheat honey, pâté and charcuterie. Local standout specialties, including Callie’s Charleston Biscuits and Sweeteeth Chocolates, also line shelves. A boutique wine selection showcases 75 bottles ranging from mid-range to higher-end prices. “We wanted our wine area to be special with harder-to-find varieties but still wanted to keep the price line approachable,” she notes. The couple takes pride in the market’s growing gift-basket operation. “Our custom gift baskets are a great opportunity for people to be introduced to some of our unique products,” Kris adds.

Thanks for the shout out to the local food vendors, Margaret and Kris! We are so proud of Caviar & Bananas and your work to make good food accessible and your support of our neighbors and community.

Don't forget to purchase a Buy Local Card next time you're in the shop! See you over sushi!