Getting to Know: Jeanine of Emigh's Market

Emigh's Market not only offers a large selection of locally raised meats, pastas, gourmet sauces and cheeses, but also some great daily lunch specials.

Dixon Patch caught up with market owner, Jeanine Emigh, to ask her 10 questions for this week's spotlight.

1. What is your business?

Our retail store - Emigh's Market, is a specialty store featuring all natural grass fed lamb and beef, organic chicken, free range eggs, gourmet foods and specialty gift items. We are located at 1660 North Lincoln St. Suite A; Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 7 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

2. How long have you been a farming family in Dixon?

Martin's family has been ranching since the late 1800's.  He is a fourth generation rancher in the Dixon and Rio Vista areas. Our son Eric is working on the ranch, our middle daughter Catie works at our store and our youngest daughter Sarah is studying at Arizona State.

3. What is your favorite part of owning a business in Dixon?

Dixon is a close nit city.  We have raised our children in Dixon and run our livestock business in Dixon.  It was only natural for us to open a retail store specializing in our grass fed lamb.  It is nice to know the people who patronize your business by first name and be able to serve them according to their needs.  That is one of the reasons we chose to open our store in Dixon.

4. What does "all natural, grass fed" mean and what is the benefit of eating these types of meats?

The term "all natural" grass fed describes how the animals are raised and fed.  The animals graze on native grasses freely and are not given any added hormones or antibiotics.  We believe it is very beneficial that the consumer knows where there products are coming from, that they are fresh and raised with good animal husbandry.  When you go to the grocery store you don't necessarily know how long the product took to get there and how long it has been on the shelf.  We change our meats out on a weekly basis ensuring the freshess product.

5. You raise the meat you sell in the market right? What is the (simplified) process from grass to your shop?

We raise all the lamb in the Dixon and Rio Vista areas.  We follow the lambs from raising the animal on pasture to processing to putting them on the shelf.

6. What do you do for fun when you're not working?

Fun?  Having two businesses makes it tricky for extra time.  We do like to boat in the summer time.  I (Jeanine) likes to run and golf when time permits.  Martin loves his work so it is also part of his fun time!  We also think it is really important to have date nights and family time. 

7. What is your favorite lamb recipe?

It is really hard to choose just one lamb recipe.  Two of our family favorites are Breaded Rack of Lamb or lamb shanks braised in the crockpot.  The lamb shanks are a easy way to put together in the morning and come home to a great meal.

8. What future plans and events do you have planned for your business?

We will be celebrating our one year anniversary on Friday, November 2nd. We will have items to taste, specials on breakfast and lunch as well as giveaways and bbq tri-tip to take home for dinner to name a few.  We will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on that date.

9. Name 3 things people might not know about Emighs Market.

Our most recent change is that we are now open at 8 a.m. for breakfast serving breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burittos, scones and coffee.  Most people who have driven by and have finally come in are amazed.  The decor is of a European flair, Tuscan looking.  They do not realize we have gourmet cheeses, salamis and many other gourmet food items.  We carry products from Italy, Spain and Portugal. 

We have appetizers and many gift items to choose from.  We were recently voted the best sandwich in Dixon by the Patch!  If you call ahead we can delivery to your business.  We also make meatballs and carry pastas and can pre-marinade or dry rub your meats for you. We carry gelato as well.

And we have recently added a patio for outdoor dining!

10. Do you have daily menu specials?

Yes we do have a lunch menu with breakfast sandwiches, scones and sandwiches, pastas salads, gelato, and daily lunch specials. See photo of our menu.