NOE KID ON THE BLOCK. Water Street is welcoming a grocer this spring thanks to the proprietors of California Tacos, an eatery also located on Water Street: Noe's Mini Market and Carniceria.

Downtown Eau Claire is about to welcome a brand new Mexican grocery store. Owned and operated by the family also at the helm of popular local Mexican eatery California Tacos, Noe's Mini Market and Carniceria brings a new kind of deli experience to Eau Claire. Inspired by south-of-the-border style butcher shops, Noe's will occupy California Taco's previous location (which is better known to townies as the old Water Street Deli location), also on Water Street.

Inside Noe's, you'll find a hot food section serving up the made-to-order food the family is locally known for. "The main thing we'll be preparing here will be our carnitas," said Noe Velasquez. Carnitas is notorious for incredible flavors but also methodical, multi-step preparation. "We'll be doing it the traditional way; fried in its own pork fat."

Their deli section will serve up a variety of prepared meats such as chicken, beef, and pork to take home, as well as the spices and marinades used to make them. You'll also find some particularly unique foodstuffs, such as chicharrón (fried pork skins), and a seafood section with spiced shrimp and octopus. They have plans to expand their offerings as well and if the demand is there, they'll acquire rarer deli meats such as lengua (beef tongue).

You'll find fresh produce, tortillas – including some particularly rare varieties, such as purple and blue corn masa harina tortillas – canned and dried goods, pantry staples, drinks, fresh-baked Mexican bread, and more.

Noe's Mini Market and Carniceria plans to be open in the next couple of weeks. Check out their social media pages for more, and when they do open, stop by and pick up a piñata (they've got those too!) to celebrate.

Noe's Mini Market and Carniceria (628 Water Street, Eau Claire) • (715) 514-0505 • noesminimarket@gmail.com