Stepping into March with a taste of summer might seem unusual, but at Tres Market Foods, the delightful strawberry cake makes perfect sense, any time of year. As someone who associates strawberry season with the warmth of June, enjoying a slice of this incredible cake in early March was a pleasant, if slightly mind-bending, experience. This unexpected treat is thanks to Memorial’s very own Tres Market Foods, a spot that’s recently expanded its offerings to bring even more deliciousness to the neighborhood.
What was once a cozy kitchen and cooler area has blossomed into a spacious market, complete with comfortable seating and a vastly wider selection of gourmet foods. Tres Market Foods specializes in convenient, grab-and-go meals perfect for a quick lunch or a take-home dinner. Their lunch concept revolves around thoughtfully curated brown paper boxes, each a balanced meal in itself. My choice, featuring tender beef tenderloin sliders on soft Parker House rolls, came accompanied by fresh grapes, crispy potato chips, and a zesty cider mustard – a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Another excellent option is the summer salad, a refreshing mix of berries, greens, and cucumbers, enhanced with pulled chicken, bacon crumbles for protein, and surprisingly delightful Chinese fried noodles for crunch, also served with a generous portion of sweet grapes.
For those seeking an even easier meal solution, Tres Market Foods offers a range of frozen meals, cleverly packaged and labeled as “TV dinners.” These aren’t your average frozen entrees; think elevated comfort food classics like chicken pot pie and meatloaf, reminiscent of Stouffer’s but crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and made entirely from scratch. The entire experience at Tres Market Foods, from the wholesome food to the friendly atmosphere of locals picking up meals or enjoying lunch together, evokes a sense of comforting nostalgia, like visiting grandma’s house where convenience and quality go hand in hand. It’s a place where you can find delicious, ready-to-eat food that doesn’t compromise on homemade taste.
However, the true stars at Tres Market Foods might just be their baked goods. While the cookies included in the lunch boxes were quickly devoured, it’s the strawberry cake that truly steals the show. While a light chiffon cake has its merits, this strawberry cake boasts a satisfyingly dense texture. Each layer has a delightful chewiness and is studded with strawberry seeds, a testament to the use of real, fresh fruit. The soft buttercream frosting is equally impressive, flecked with seeds and chunks of ripe red berries. One bite and you’re transported to the essence of summer, or perhaps, the beautiful promise of spring, all within the welcoming ambiance of Tres Market Foods. For a taste of homemade goodness without the effort, Tres Market Foods is a must-visit.
