By, Darlene Mae Nowell O’Connor
Opening New Doors and Offering Fresh Ways to Love Life Around Chautauqua Lake
Thursday July 13th 2023 turned out to be a warm and lovely midsummer day. The morning sky cleared away her clouds and the bright afternoon sun kissed the shores nestled around Lake Chautauqua. As diamonds danced on the crests of gentle waves rolling along the lakes surface encouraged by the wind, it was particularly sunny along Route 394 between North Harmony and Mayville. On this day distinguished civic leaders and inspired entrepreneurs gathered here with many friends for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the Grand Opening of the one of a kind and casually chic, CHQ Marketplace.
The long-standing row of old-style barnboard buildings have recently experienced a renaissance inside and out. Remembered as home to a beloved bookstore and later a creamery famous for purveying local cheeses, they stand today refreshed and redesigned readily inviting guests to enjoy an authentic and uniquely Chautauqua: Dining, Shopping and Entertainment Experience. Each of the four establishments are locally owned and feature the exemplary and uncommon lake life flare that as residents we proudly share.
From the culinary creations of an Artisan Chef, crafted from regionally sourced meat, organically grown produce and served with perfectly paired, locally vintaged wines; to pieces of extraordinary art expertly curated from the collected works of our most talented and celebrated Artists. Music is an additional and indispensable ingredient of the magic made in Chautauqua County and performers from our legendary music scene are often featured here. They provide the classic musical entertainment, as only our local musicians can.
Matthew and Morgan Dinger are the new proprietors of CHQ Marketplace. They also own and operate: Honey Truffle Café, a delightful Air B&B, as well as, the Fresh Market. While they sought to embark on this journey of entrepreneurship, they became reacquainted with the nature of things concerning all aspects of life in New York’s southern tier region. Volunteering at Roger Tory Peterson Institute helped them to do that, as well as, enabling them to meet other innovative business people within our community. Already well versed in the art of fine dining, by immersing themselves in our area’s social fabric, Morgan and Matt became convinced that investing in a business here would be, not only wise but, satisfying. Matthew has garnered extensive experience in restaurant, “front of the house” operations and creative food presentation in addition to kitchen management. Morgan is an artist and as an esteemed level two Sommelier; perfectly pairing wines from local Vineyards with one-of-a-kind culinary delights of Master Chef Michael Burrows, is her specialty. The Dinger’s and Chef Burrow’s agree, the magic in Honey Truffle meals is their use of an authentic Italian, woodburning grill. Their specialty pizzas are baked in an, all tile, Italian gas burning oven and it is as eye catching, as it is efficient. All this combined with unique beverages crafted behind their stunning bar by Rita Svetanics, locally crafted Beer, amazing service and engaging atmosphere creates the perfect ambiance for every dining occasion.
Art Cloth and Craft offers Classy Casual Couture and Carefully Curated original gift Creations featuring pieces of art from the works of local Artists and Artisans. Sister’s, Lauren Edwards and Bobbi Spare, originally brought their talents for design and marketing, organically grown and shared over their lifetimes, together in their first shop in Jamestown. They wanted to bring to customers their unique vision and impeccable taste for: Fashion, Home Décor and Creative Gifts. Having been trained in NYC and employed with high-end design companies, Bobbi is a skilled seamstress and designer. Together with Lauren’s Artistic abilities and decerning eye; they provide: unique, great looking, excellent fitting and long-lasting clothing for all sizes and styles at surprisingly reasonable price points. Soon they will be making available in-house alterations and original creations with a recent purchase of a few commercial sewing machines.
Another Art, Cloth & Craft specialty is one-of-a-kind Jewelry and Accessory items. They are in ample supply, consistently updated and reflective of current trends without being trendy. Bobbi & Lauren choose what they retail based on sourcing, ecological and economic impact and ease of care and market suitability. “Team Work makes the Dream Work” in this family. These Ladies are delightful and practically perfect in every way. I love this shop and I have, as they say, the receipts to prove it!
Last, but never the least, as far as my favorite things list grows, is the Pop-Up Flower Shop owned and Operated by a person very near and dear to me, Kim Carlson. Kim is a professionally trained Florist and one of the kindest human beings I know. I was not at all surprised after being out of the area for many years, to find she had chosen this Artistic and Creative Career. Kim is passionate about people, positivity and her shop, “Pea Pod & Juniper” offers professional and personally designed floral arrangements. Customers can choose to create their own bouquet from fresh cut flowers or have one created by an on-duty designer. Pea Pod & Juniper also offers a variety of curious gift items to choose from and her shop in Lakewood New York, offers full-service floral arranging for all occasions, as well as, delivery service throughout the area.
If you find yourself longing to stay either by the week or the day, Matt and Morgan have a lovely Air B&B and with a reservation they will be sure to, “leave the light on for ya”!
If you have not yet experienced the comfort of casual elegance created by the Chautauqua Chic Lake style Living, a visit CHQ Marketplace is a must. Throughout the Marketplace venues you will discover inspired creations full of colors, textures flavors and flare. You will enjoy lingering in the ambiance as the mysterious and sweetly perfumed air begins to entice your senses leading you from one building to the next. You may be captured by a breeze and invited to sit for a moment outdoors, just to ponder the sky.
CHQ Shops open daily at 10am and the Café “Truffle Honey” is open each Wednesday & Thursday from 12- 9pm; Friday 12-10pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-10pm. Reservations are not required, but appreciated and recommended for the busier weekends throughout the Summer Season.
On behalf of Matthew & Morgan Dinger, Kim Carlson of Pea Pod & Juniper, Sisters of Art, Cloth & Craft; Lauren Edwards & Bobbi Spare and the wonderful individuals making up the “Outstanding Staff” at CHQ, gave expressions of gratitude for each Civic Leader either present or represented for their support, recognition and encouragement in this endeavor. As each speaker expressed in their presentations and as these inventive entrepreneurs also believe, it is imperative that local businesses county wide, support each other and practice equitability and shared responsibility throughout the region in planning for continued success in commerce and tourism. It was fantastic to see local, county and state representatives come to celebrate one of the sweetest success stories in the Southern Tier!