Madeira selectionNight Out on Western AvenueThis Thursday, November 2nd is the second monthly Night Out on Western Avenue event.   Join us and other shops on Western Avenue from 4 – 7 p.m. for special offers and tastings on this first Thursday of the month.   Pick up a passport at a participating shop, get it stamped at each retail location and become eligible for a prize.   Here at Paris-Madrid Grocery, we’ll have Jud Carroll from Premium Port Wines in our shop, who will be explaining the fascinating world of Madeira wines and offering samples of five different styles, varietals, and ages.   We will be open until 7:00 p.m. for general shopping, too!

And also mark your calendars for Friday November 10, when Jud Carroll will return to our shop for an in-store port tasting. The season of fortified wine tippling is coming right up, and these two tastings will help you choose your favorites!

Mexican and New Mexico chile saucesMeanwhile, today is Halloween and the beginning of Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico, which continues until November 2.  We’ve got delicious mole sauces from Mexico (red, black and Cascabel), which can be simply diluted with chicken stock, warmed up and served with chicken, fish or pork.     We’ve also got Santa Fe Ole brand New Mexican red and green chile sauces.    We love these authentic New Mexican sauces on enchiladas or scrambled eggs.  The green sauce,  made from Hatch green chiles, is also stellar on grilled flank steak.

Padron peppersLast call for Padrón Peppers!  Our grower has eked out one last harvest, and it looks like the season finale, unless temperatures suddenly warm up again.   Don’t wait to get some if you’re hankering for fresh padróns!   The end of the season is definitely in sight.

A new shipment of stunning wooden spoons has arrived.   Made in Spain from olive wood, these gorgeous utensils are a pleasure to use.  Durable and practical, just looking at the patterns and sworls of the wood adds to the enjoyment of cooking.   They also make great gifts!    Choose from ladles, salad tossers, spatulas, spoons of various sizes and other items.

MantecadosSpanish holiday sweets are arriving this Friday afternoon, November 3.   Mantecados, Polvorones and other items will be on the shelf by the end of the day Friday.   Get your holiday spirit on!

There are two stellar flamenco shows coming up in November:

Casa Patas from Madrid will be performing at Benaroya Hall on November 16-18.   Details here.

Noche Flamenco from New York will be at Meany Hall on the University of Washington campus from November 16-18 (yes, the same dates!).  Details here.