COME TO MARKETS INTERNATIONAL

If you lived in the Cincinnati area during the 1980’s, you remember well the most wonderful shopping area called Markets International, located at 123 Merchant Street in Springdale.  Advertising about the in-door mall announced “Markets International is a … TRIP!”  And it really was!  Strolling around the huge building, you could find yourself in any country around the world.

It offered over 50 shops to choose from starting with 13 restaurants featuring American and International Cuisine, 24 specialty gift shops, And 11 fresh food counters.

The restaurants (all in the center, with the shops surrounding them on all sides) included:  Athens Gyros, Kraut House, Dippity Dog, Elite Ice Cream, Hippo Triple Deckers, Markets International Creperie, Marzetti Salad, Michael’s Steak Bugers, Olympic Chili, Popcornery (any flavor you wanted in any tin of your choice), The Tater Shack, Pick-a-Deli Circus (a New York-style Jewish Deli), Poncho’s Villa (the best Mexican food), A Slice of Italy (fabulous pizza and lasagna, too) and my favorite, Orient Express.  Also featured were several pastry shoppes, including Greek (FABULOUS baklava!) and French.

Among the many specialty shoppes were:

Table Setter – Dinnerware, Glassware and gifts

The Brass Nook – Domestic and Imported Brass, candlesticks, lamps, picture frames, Menorahs and decorative items

The Cheese House – Imported and Domestic Cheese, gift boxes, cheese baskets

Habersham Plantation Country Store – American Primitive reproduction furniture and quality gifts.

Stitchery Corner – Needlework products.  Hat, shawls, capes, caps.

Pottery Street East – A gallery of fine handcrafted stoneware, wood, fiber and gold.  Representing 70 nationally recognized artists.

Overbey’s Emporium – Gourmet cookware, cutlery, gadgets, international food, Coffee , spices, chocolates from around the world.  Frankie and I often took cooking classes there. 

The Key West Shop – Citrus inspired skin care and hand-painted Florida Keys handbags

The Snoopy Shop – Stuffed Snoopy, Belle and Spike dolls with all their various clothes,  Snoopy books, stickers and all things Charles Shultz.

Stuffed Animal  Crackers – The best in stuffed animals.  Geared more towards adults over children.

Davidson’s – Every collectible you ever had or wanted to have.  Everything from Hummels to collector series of plates.

Each time we went to Markets International, Linda and I ended our evening stopped by the French Pastry, where we would each buy two of our favorite treats … White Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz!  They were WONDERFUL!  They are so easy to make, but it’s just not the same as being at Markets International and finishing a perfect day or evening with these.  But still, it;’s great to have the recipe!

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz

 

40 Ritz crackers

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

 8 ounces white chocolate bark

Spread a bit of peanut butter on half the Ritz cracker and top with another cracker to make a sandwich.  Melt the bark in the microwave on low to medium heat, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s melted and smooth. Grab a sandwich with tongs and drop it in the melted bark, turning over a few times to coat.  Add sprinkles if desired and place on wax paper to cool for about 20-30 minutes.  Put in the refrigerator to cool and set completely.  Store in air-tight container for up to one week