Paris-Madrid Grocery will be open on Mother’s Day, this Sunday, May 12. Looking for a little something to give Mom? We have gorgeous and functional gifts in all price ranges. A hand-painted vase or colorful Sangria pitcher is beautiful and extremely useful. Aromatic French soaps are practical and will bring a smile to one freshening up. Available in Lavender, Rose Petal, Lime Zest, Sage and Peony. Our tea towel selection has a range of French-theme designs from whimsical Parisian scenes to a Dijon mustard maker. If Mom is a gourmand, she will love one of our top quality Spanish extra virgin olive oils with sherry vinegar, or French walnut vinegar. Salad season is here! An assortment of Spanish, French or Portuguese canned tuna, mackerel, sardines, octopus or other seafood also makes a fantastic and healthy present. Can’t decide? Gift certificates are available in any denomination.
Mom’s Market Day is this Saturday, May 11 from 11-4 p.m. Visit the shops, including Paris-Madrid Grocery, on Western Avenue and enter to win a gift basket (over $300 value). How does it work? Pick up your passport at one of the participating shops. Walk around and get to know all 9 shops on Western Avenue and get a stamp from every store. Write your name, phone number, and email on the back of the passport. Turn in your fully stamped card at the last shop you visited. The winner will be drawn at 4 pm and we’ll contact you to arrange pickup of your prize basket. Participating shops: The Bar Bazaar, Ugly Baby, The Barque Brontes Bakery Cafe, Brooke Westlund Studio + Gallery, Bound by Sky, Red Cedar & Sage, Paris-Madrid Grocery, The Paper Feather, Cobb’s Popcorn.
Paella assortment & equipment: If Mom is a cook, introduce her to paella. Get her the essential ingredients from Paris Madrid Grocery: Spanish paella rice, saffron, broth, Spanish-style chorizo, Spanish paprika, Piquillo peppers, and sofrito. We’ll give you our recipe and she’ll be ready to make this fantastic rice dish. 
To really make this a memorable gift, get her a paella pan and 3-ring burner so she can cook it outside. The 3-ring burners are available in a range of sizes from large family-reunion size, to small, urban terrace size.
And, we’ve scheduled two Paella cooking demos later in May. The first is Thursday, May 23 and the second is Saturday, June 1, both begin at noon. $5.00 per person includes a sample of the finished paella.
New cheeses: Give Mom an assortment of exquisite fromage for Mother’s Day! And pair with Favols Apple & Walnut spread, or L’Epicurien Apple Cider confit with Calvados.
Crottin de Pays: These quarter-pound pound wheels of pasteurized goat cheese have a firm paste and tender natural rind. Aromatic and sweet right now, as they age the paste will become crumbly and more robust in flavor. A very traditional way to serve this cheese is to warm it on toast and serve with tossed fresh salad greens.
Tomme de Chévre Fermier du Poitou. A raw goats milk cheese produced by a family farm in Poitou-Charentes, aged in natural caves to develop its gorgeous natural rind. The eyelet-flecked paste is nuanced, with unfolding flavors of herbs, creamy flavor and tang. With the rind’s crumbly texture, it is a stellar addition to a cheese plate.
Venise Verte – This pressed-paste cow’s milk cheese is named for a marshland crisscrossed by canals (France’s “Green Venice”). The creamy, slightly elastic bit of this cheese evokes lush terroir, with notes of hay, undergrowth and even a subtle floral note. A great choice for an after-dinner cheese course!
Hot Weather Wines: It will be 80 degrees this weekend, so drink something refreshing!
Breca Rosado 2018, Aragon ($10.99) The rich fruit flavors in this wine made it the customer favorite at our rosé tasting last Saturday. It’s made of 100% Garnacha de Aragón, the oldest clone of Garnacha in the world. “This deceptively pale-colored rosé is quite rich, aromatic and dense. Berry, watermelon, spice and vanilla flavors mingle in a plush texture, with just enough acidity to stay focused.” 90 points Wine Spectator, Best Value
Aubry Fils Brut 1er Cru NV Champagne ($45.00) “The NV Brut is pretty, delicate and understated, with hints of dried pear, flower, and mint that are laced throughout. Soft and inviting throughout, the Brut is a great introduction to the Aubry Champagnes. The feminine, gracious finish only adds to the wine’s considerable appeal. Dosage is 5.5 grams/liter. “ 90 points Vinous/Stephen Tanzer Terrific value!