Marcia Lewis, Co-owner, Rosalie Gourmet Market
Be kind and be yourself ...
Nearly 16 years ago, before Sunday trading and gourmet grocers, Marcia and Norris Lewis opened Rosalie Gourmet Market. Norris’ family grew up around a dairy farm and with fresh vegetables always available from the garden. This desire for high-quality, fresh produce and epicurean products was quite niche two decades ago. But when the pair travelled to Los Angeles, they stumbled upon a unique organic grocer that inspired their own foray into the industry. Rosalie had a delightful village feel at the time, drawing the couple to the area – an ambience that has been maintained over the years. When Marcia and Norris opened the market, lots of young people had started moving to the suburb – locals who have since grown up, had families and are still coming into Rosalie Gourmet Market for cheese and bread. Today, Marcia and Norris have just acquired the space above the market, with exciting plans in motion to transform the balcony-clad shop. The Weekend Edition caught up with Marcia to chat weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
By bringing home some gorgeous cheese and antipasti, sharing a wine with friends or family and turning on some relaxing music.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I love to go on a long bushwalk in the forest nearby and then, because we have a food business, I like to be in-store to catch up with some of our favourite customers. It’s a great atmosphere, as everyone is in a weekend party mode.
How do you like to unwind?
With a good book, a game of tennis or sharing a coffee and a laugh with a friend.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
I like to catch up with current events through the weekend papers, cook up a favourite recipe for family, go for a couple of good walks and enjoy a meal with good friends.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Visit the Judith Wright Centre.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I really enjoy the church service at our local university parish. The atmosphere is great and the music is amazing.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
A picnic with family and a concert.
What are you reading at the moment?
Joanne Harris’ Peaches for Monsieur Le Curé – the follow-up to Chocolat.
What inspires you?
Travel and historical figures.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a teacher (and I was – and loved it).
What has been your greatest achievement?
Staying married for 44 years and having a wonderful family.
What is success to you?
Not being concerned about what people think of you and bringing contentment to those around you.
What are your words of wisdom?
Be kind and be yourself.
Only a local would know … Rosalie Gourmet Market is open anytime from 5:00 am.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … anywhere on the river.
Relax … on the coast at Coolum.
Dine … with good Italian.
Indulge … checking out foodie shops overseas or in Sydney and Melbourne.
Shop … I’m a really bad shopper.
Catch-up … Hundred Acre Bar, St Lucia.
Be inspired … Queensland Art Gallery or GOMA.
