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HomeNewsArchivesDOLPHIN MARKET TO HOST A PUBLIC PARTY AUG. 3

DOLPHIN MARKET TO HOST A PUBLIC PARTY AUG. 3

July 18, 2001 – If you like food — eating it and/or shopping for it — mark Aug. 3 on your calendar. That's when St. John's new Dolphin Gourmet Market and Wine Shop will hold its "opening party," offering the public samples from its cheese, meat, wine and delicatessen selections.
The market is the new anchor tenant in the Boulon Center. Occupying 4,800 square feet of space in the heart of Cruz Bay across from the Texaco gas station, it bears little resemblance to the grocery formerly located at the site. New owners Nael Ahmad and Jehad Shalhout have renovated the space extensively — and have brought Bill Grogan, former owner of the Barnacle Bill's restaurant and night spot on St. Thomas, on as general manager.
Grogan said his aim is to serve a substantial sector of the local community, as well as island visitors. "The owners saw an opportunity to expand offerings in such areas as cheese selections, wines and liquors, and deli servings, which gave rise to the new store," he said. "So far, the response from locals and visitors has been positive."
The market is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The deli serves hot food Monday through Saturday and cold sandwiches, meats and cheeses on Sunday, Grogan said.
Customer Denise Frett said she was favorably impressed with the new market. "The location is more accessible" than other major markets in Cruz Bay, she said, "and I'm pleased with what I see."
Damaras "Dee" James, head chef, said all of the deli salads and sauces are made on the premises. "We also have a bakery, where half of our products are made on premises," while the rest are made locally by other suppliers, he said.
Citing duck and leg of lamb, James said the deli offers "a variety of selections most people don't expect us to be carrying." He said plans are under way to provide take-out service and to cater parties and special events.
Grogan showed off the market's extensive liquor section, pointing out what he said were hard-to-find wines and liquors at reasonable prices. "We have wines, liquors, and champagne in the $10 to $12 range, and up to $150," he said.
For St. John residents, Grogan said, a Wine Club will be started soon that will allow members to purchase wines and liquors at discounted prices.
The Dolphin Gourmet Market also offers one of the widest selections of ice cream on St. John, including not only such upscale name brands as Ben & Jerry's and Haagen Das, but also a host of sherbets and tropical-flavored frozen treats.

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