By Lauren Koblara

It’s the peak of summer and time for farm fresh corn on the cob, juicy berries, and refreshing watermelon. Why not pack up a picnic and head to the beach? I know, you’re thinking that by the time you got through the aisles of hydrogenated this and trans-fat that at the supermarket you’d have wasted valuable sun soaking time. So instead, grab your picnic baskets and head over to Blackstone Harvest, the new fresh foods and deli market in Worcester’s lively Canal District.

Dick Simard and Andrew Dube, co-owners of Blackstone Harvest, had their grand opening back in May, unveiling a pristine interior with exposed brick walls and beautiful tin tile ceilings that were uncovered in the renovation. The quality of the duo’s produce and gift for eye-catching presentation has been evident since the very start, too ~ just take a look at the farmers’ market tables overflowing with colorful fresh fruits and vegetables.

The full service deli offers a large selection of Boars Head products as well as an Italian line of cold-cuts, part of the reason the market has seen a lot of lunch hour business. Patrons can get a freshly made sandwich and choose from a variety of prepackaged cold sides and bottled beverages. If it’s been a rough day (although any excuse will do) and you need a bit of a pick-me-up, check out their case of sinfully scrumptious handmade candies made by a local chocolatier.

Blackstone Harvest also has a line of gourmet pastas for the chef in all of us. If you have kitchen skills you can pair your choice of pasta with a sauce made with Blackstone Harvest veggies ~ and then all you need to do is pick up a bottle of wine. Light a few candles and you have a romantic dinner for two in an instant. A few of those handmade chocolates wouldn’t hurt either.

Mr. Simard says that they have some plans for expanding their selections, including adding a new cheese case later this fall, and maybe creating a small seating area for the lunch crowd. Shop Blackstone Harvest at 192 Harding St. Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 9am to 2 pm.