Balderose Fine Foods Reopens

Waiting for Balderose Fine Foods Market to open and reopen has been tantamount to a warped foodie version of Waiting for Godot.

But, unlike the classic absurdist play by Samuel Beckett, the wait is over — again. After delays and waiting for the store's initial opening in the spring of 2013, then a closing after only a couple of months, Balderose is opening again today — Friday.

The lights were on Thursday night, the "Now Hiring" sign was rehung and someone was cooking in the kitchen — a scene of the beginning of another beginning. People in the area are pleased and buzzing about it.

When the specialty eatery closed its doors after the short-lived, long-awaited initial opening, details were sparse. One day, the store was dark, the "Closed" sign was up and a couple of different notes accompanied it, mentioning a needed financial restructuring.

The store's Facebook page had little to no posts in the past few months to explain the closure and/or any anticipated opening — until recently.

"Balderose Fine Foods Market is pleased to announce that it will reopen its doors on FRIDAY, January 17TH," a recent post said. "BFF has restructured its operations, and is now poised to offer its signature fine food for your next meal or your next catered event—come in and feed temptation!"

Business partner/namesake Anthony Balderose, the food guru behind the operation, had partnered with friends from Shrewsbury, where he also lives.

He will now operate the business, minus those partners, with a new partner/owner. A note on the business website says Balderose Fine Foods LLC has been sold to Quirk LLC, effective Jan. 7. The store retains the Balderose name, though.

And there's more. The menu, which offers gourmet specialty sandwiches, soups, unique to-go prepared foods, coffees, teas, breakfast foods and organic market items, like dried fruits and nuts, will expand, according to the Facebook post.

"Our commitment to quality food continues, as we expand our menu to include seasonal offerings as well as BFF favorites," the post says. "We look forward to seeing you soon as we serve up freshly-made and creative cuisine for every occasion, from a mid-shopping bite to a memorable feast for family and friends, come join us!"

Anthony Balderose graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked as executive chef at Balducci's Italian gourmet store in Manhattan as well as other top-rated restaurants. His vision, from the start, was to bring a Manhattan-style gourmet market to the suburbs. And it has arrived — again.

The shop opens at 7 a.m. and Balderose is featuring an all-day special of half a sandwich and soup for $5.