Setting the Table

Aubergine in Canandaigua NY

By D.E. Bentley –

Life is about connections, and there is no better place to connect than around the table – in the company of family and friends during the  holidays…or anytime.  I recently had the opportunity to sit down and connect with Mary Ellen and Steve West at their new store, in Canandaigua, New York.  Aubergine (which is French for eggplant) opened its doors to the public at the end of October.  Mary Ellen’s passion and expertise when it comes to setting the table are evident, everywhere you look.  Like any excellent host, her focus is on her guests–in this case customers.

Aubergine offers high-end lines of tableware and gifts, with a focus on sourcing products from socially responsible companies and countries.  This is important to both Mary Ellen and Steve, who emphasized during our lengthy visit the importance of supporting sustainable production practices and, most importantly, workers’ rights globally.  They carry a full line of Vietri dinnerware (mostly made in Italy), LSA (Glassware made in Poland), Nicholas Mosse Pottery (Kilkenny, Ireland), Casafina & Costa Nova (Portugal).  They also offer a wide range of affordable gifts, such as cutting boards, candles and candle holders, napkins and napkin holders, seasonal items, and gifts for babies.  Specialty items include Iconic Quilling Cards (Viet Nam, social good program). The couple is also expanding their selection of products from US makers. 

Mary Ellen describes the store as a place to not only buy dinnerware, but also to accessorize your table.  “Think of the little black dress,” she offered, “we are giving the table extra things, to play with pattern and texture, dress it up.” The couple believes that service, selection and their philosophy will differentiate them from the big box stores, just around the corner.  

The store has wish lists, a rewards program (“where small purchases matter”) and gift registries, as well as services for wedding planning.  Response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.  Many people are excited about the store, and they both feel “very supported and welcomed” by the BID (especially Denise Chaapel, who was sending people their way during the recent downtown “trolley” runs) and the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce.  Many business owners have stopped in and offered support as well.  They look forward to being a part of the community and will be hosting a gingerbread creation for the Habitat for Humanity’s Gingerbread House Tour, November 16th to December 28th.

Looking back to my first meeting with Steve West, in 2016, when I interviewed him for an article, I would never have imagined that, three years later, he would be a co-owner of a store.  Then again, with his musical inclinations and interests, it was immediately evident from our first encounter that he enjoys being around people.  Entertaining and beverage arts were also an integral part of his local upbringing.  He was born and raised in Livonia, NY, where his grandfather owned and operated West Beer Distributors for sixty-five years.  For Mary Ellen, bringing people to the table, and setting tables in finery, is a lifelong passion.  From an early age, Mary Ellen would help her mother, aunt and grandmother (both her aunt and grandmother hand painted china) polish the silver and get the crystal out.  For the girls in her family, getting the first dinnerware set, something to be cherished and passed down, was a rite of passage—with a complete set assembled by the time of high school graduation (Mary Ellen’s set is Royal Albert Tea Rose). In thinking now about these disparate yet convergent histories, this new venture, together, seems like a natural destiny.  For both Steve and Mary Ellen, life is about asking the big questions.  Questions like: What do I really want to do with my time? And how can I make a difference in this world, to help make it a better place for all? Steve has answered that question, in part, through his music. This newest venture for the couple, with Mary Ellen as the host, setting the table for that perfect gathering of those near and dear, is all about bringing people together.  

Aubergine is located at 143 S. Main St., Canandaigua. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 9a.m.-8p.m. on Tuesdays; and Sundays 11a.m-8p.m.. For information, call 585-505-0001 or visit them on facebook @ Aubergine Table.