My dinner assignments were chocolate chip cookies, croissants, dinner rolls, French baguette and flowers.

I ordered the croissants from a fundraiser and hoped I could pick up the rest from “MY” new grocery store, Elm City Market. I am a Market “member,” but it is open to the public. Although prices are the same, as a member (you can buy in for $200 and hope for profits someday down the road), you may get some discounts.

I was in luck! Although the store sells many organic and local origin items, it also has mainstream brands… like the Pillsbury pre-cut chocolate chip cookies I needed. I also picked up local Chabaso dinner rolls and baguettes and two bouquets of burnt orange tulips at $6.99 a bunch from their wide variety of flowers.

In wandering the aisles, I liked that they offer grains, meat and cheeses in small quantities for single folks. Another highlight is the meat and seafood department, something downtown was lacking. The deli department carries pre-made items, such as beet salad and macaroni & cheese – handy when entertaining without time to cook.

Downtown workers looking for another lunch break alternative will be happy to find a soup, salad and dessert bar, along with indoor seating.

The pet department offers mostly organic type pet food, with Paul Newman the most recognized brand. No Friskies to be found. But of course I can walk a block away to Rite Aid to get that, so between the two stores, I think I will be pretty well set!

Pricewise, it’s on a par with Stop & Shop, also offering the 5 cent refund if you bring your own tote bag. Although at Elm City market, you have an alternate option of donating a wooden nickel – yep, wooden nickel – to an area non-profit,  rotating periodically. Last month was Solar Youth, Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen and Common Ground public school.

Although I’m a walker, they do validate 1 hour parking at the 360 State garage (enter on State St), and they accept manufacturers coupons, as well as offering their own.

Elm City Market, 777 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510; 203-624-0441. Open Monday-Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.

– Special correspondent Robbin Seipold