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Grass fed beef from Jojoba Beef Company. John Hernandez | Miner
Stacey and David Raneri, owners of Oracle Patio Cafe, are excited about the possibilities of having a market in the restaurant. John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel Miner
The Oracle Patio Café, known for its eclectic menu and use of natural and organic ingredients in their food, has now opened a natural foods market section.
Owners David and Stacey Raneri saw a need in Oracle for some type of market to provide groceries for people in the area. They tried to find a way to take over the Oracle Market after it closed down but ran into too many obstacles.
“We felt there was a real need in the community for a place to get all the stuff to make a good healthy meal,” said Stacey. They saw the challenges with transportation in the community and living in a “food desert.”
The Patio Café & Market is focusing on more organic food. They are bringing together local vendors and using their products in the restaurant and market. “This allows us to save on waste and keep the prices down,” Stacey said. Some of the local vendors whose products are being used and carried include Huntington Family Farms non-GMO eggs, Jojoba Beef Company, Quentin Branch’s organically grown produce, Mi Pueblito tortillas and Sky Island Roasters coffee. They also sell Sunizona Farms fresh “veganically” grown produce.
The market carries prepared meals in grab and go boxes. “The prices are affordable and a better alternative to fast food,” said Stacey. Some of the meals have included Jojoba Beef Company grass fed beef meatloaf with pesto and cauliflower and rosemary potatoes; chile rellenos; and a turkey and swiss cheese on a croissant sandwich or wrap. The meals are always changing. They offer prepared salads and side salads such as watermelon and jicama, pasta salad, cranberry chicken salad, Israeli cous cous with lemon and herb dressing; and an olive medley. Don’t forget dessert, such as carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate walnut, and apple streusel. Fresh baked scones, pies, cakes and gelato by the pint in a variety of flavors are available.
Fresh produce at the market includes your basics: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onions and carrots as well as cauliflower, broccoli, red peppers, red potatoes, cantaloupes and honeydew melons. They carry gluten free bread and penne pasta. A whole line of organic products is available including spinach spaghetti, linguini, red wine pasta sauce, cooking oils, balsamic vinegar, free range chicken broth, mayonnaise, ketchup, Horizon brand milk, Greek yogurt, soy and almond milk. Pre-packaged deli products includes sliced salami, shaved all natural turkey breast and sliced cheeses (provolone, swiss and cheddar).
David and Stacey want customer input. They want to know what people buy on a regular basis. Let them know about a product you would like to see them carry.
“We are excited about the market because it’s the kind of place we would like to shop at,” said Stacey.
The Oracle Patio Café is open 7 a.m. to 3p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with the Market open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the same days. They are closed Monday.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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