Heading out the door, a family stopped to congratulate owners on their new store. The three got up to talk, exchanging hugs and handshakes all around.
That’s the kind of store they have in mind.
Opened by attorney Stephen Crane and artist Christina Rothe, with council of Stephen Crane the elder, p’Fino gourmet market offers homegrown, organic produce, prime beef, poultry, and seafood, and fresh baked breads and pastries.
‘This is our passion,? said the younger Stephen. ‘Life’s tough. We want to create something refreshing.?
‘An extended family, ma and pa store ? that’s what we’re trying to recreate,? said Rothe, who was born in Germany and grew up traveling Africa’s west coast with her family. ‘This is really important, especially in these times.?
P’Fino is a shortened form of ‘punto fino,? an Italian phrase meaning ‘fine print,? representing a point of excellence, Stephen said.
‘We have a super staff, the best chef, and quality bakers, but it goes further,? he said. ‘We work directly to the purveyors, the people behind the product. We’re foodies. We really want to get back to full-flavored, traditional foods.?
“Everything is baked fresh, not processed or bought from someone else,” said his father, also an attorney. “Everyone here is the best.”
They offer domestic and imported boutique wines, champagnes, whiskeys, spirits, liquors, rare single malt scotches and ryes, imported and domestic beers, and microbrews.
Shoppers are invited to browse aisles of natural, gourmet, and free-trade foods and beverages, or sit for some complementary coffee and Wi-Fi service, all in a warmly decorated interior designed by Rothe.
“The store is a piece of art,” said Stephen the elder.
‘Art is my passion,? said Rothe, who laid by hand each tile in a 20-by-7 foot mosaic. ‘I wanted to create something that would add to the store, for people to enjoy here.?
They plan to offer community activities including wine tastings and classes in coffee and chocolate.
‘Ultimately, we want to make the store educational,? Stephen the younger said. ‘Customers can eat at the caf?, learn about the ingredients, which come from our shelves. They can see it, appreciate it, and buy it for themselves.?
‘We’ll give you the recipe,? said Stephen the elder.
Experts include Executive Chef Leroy Brown, Executive Pastry Chef Kim Yelland, wine expert Lee Hershey, sommelier, and his prot’g? Lori Tepper, vin d’experts.
Planned for the spring is a gallery, PA:SEBIL:ETIS, pronounced ‘possibilities,? to feature local art, music, film, and poetry. Bistro tables will line a balcony overlooking the shop.
‘We want to grow with the community, and serve the community,? Rothe said. ‘Support has been overwhelming. It’s heartwarming.?
P’Fino gourmet, 5748 Clarkston Road at Sashabaw Road, is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.
Grand opening, with food samplings, caricature artist, raffles, sports memorabelia, and music by Frank Pahl and Little Bang Theory, is 12-5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, benefiting Clarkston SCAMP.
For more information, call 248-625-2288.