Balderose Fine Foods Opens Friday

Someone's cooking up an early bird special of the fine foods kind in Fair Haven.

After much anticipation and a few unforseen delays, Balderose Fine Foods Market will open its doors Friday morning.

And an early grand opening it will be — at 6 a.m.

A peek into the front windows of the former Esther's, Corner Room and Gourmet Picnic at River and Fair Haven roads is shows the signs of readiness, but you can also take ownership's word for it.

"Please join us this Friday for our opening," a post on the eatery's Facebook page says. "Doors will open at 6 a.m. Hope to see you all then."

When Patch first spoke with co-owner Bill Dodge, he said the plan was to open sometime in April. A couple of unrealized hitches later, the owners announced a May 4 opening.

But that date didn't pan out because, owner Anthony Balderose announced, "We are waiting on an equipment delivery, which is necessary for the opening, and it's been delayed. I appoligize for the setback and hopefully all of you aren't as frustrated as I am!"

Now, the equipment is in and the store is set to open with the rising of the sun on Friday.

"Oh, I'll be stopping by," Mayor Ben Lucarelli said. "I don't know if I'll be there at 6 a.m. when the doors open, but I'll be there at some point. I wish them the best of luck. People have really been looking forward to Balderose's opening."

Balderose, owned by Chef Anthony Balderose and his wife and two other Shrewsbury couples, specializes in fine food catering and prepared, to-go gourmet meals, sandwiches, salads and specialty food items. Click here for more information on the market.