The Mercado Project by Northgate Market

I frequent a good share of supermakets on a weekly basis.  It’s not unusual for me to spend half a day driving to seven different markets for one particular ingredient.  Because I tend to focus on Mexican recipes as well as American family meals, my grocery shopping days can be long and frustrating.

A week ago, I was invited to tour a pretty special supermarket.  This supermarket is so special, I dare say it’s a dream come true to me.  It’s located in the city of Norwalk, California and it goes by the name Gonzalez Northgate Market.  Northgate Market is not your tipical Latin food grocery store. It was developed as a Mexican Mercado concept by giving the shopper an easy to navigate store layout. The entire perimeter of the store features the most popular food stalls one visits when they go food shopping at a Mexican mercado.

From a dedicated in-house tortilleria, carrying a variety of  flour and corn tortillas, to a grab-and-go section for the daily lunch crowd, Northgate Market caters to everyone in the family.  The grab and go section of prepared food not only features your favorite salads, sandwiches and wraps but an extensive selection of freshly made sushi.  Yes, sushi!

It doesn’t stop there.  Packed with a salsa bar, empanadas, fresh juices, aguas frescas and a guacamole station, the hot food bar and salad bar has some serious competition.

Keeping the family legacy alive, the Gonzalez family continues to utilize a few recipes passed on from generation to generation.  The house-made chorizo and carnitas are coveted in the community because they are made following grandpa Gonzalez’ secret recipes.  They are a must-try when you visit.

One big surprise to me was the size and extensive variety of the panaderia.  From Mexican bread made in a variety of sizes to in-house dulce de leche stuffed churros, the Northgate bakery is one of the most well stocked bakeries.  I was full of glee when I saw an artisan bread section next to cemitas and pan de Saltillo.  You don’t see that in any other grocery store.

There’s always a reason to stop by the Northgate Market Norwalk location.  Now with the holidays around the corner, you’ll find everything you need just a car ride away.  Don’t have time to cook your own holiday feast?  Don’t fret!  Northgate Market has cooked a feast just for you and your family.  Just visit their prepared food section and place your order.  Problem solved.

The ultimate goal for Northgate Market is to eventually transform all of their stores into this successful Mercado concept.  I recommend you stop by if you’re in the area. It’s a very unique and unforgettable experience  to share with your family.  Come hungry because you’ll want to eat everything in sight.

This is a sponsored post by Northgate Market and Society Culinaria.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.