If you’re avoiding people but craving delicious cheeses, cured meats, or ingredients to make cassoulet or paella, now is the time to use our order and pick up feature. Click the orange “Order & Pick Up” button on our website’s home page to bring up a menu of our products. While the list doesn’t include everything we carry, we’ve added more products to make shopping easier. And don’t hesitate to call the shop at 206.682.0679 if you need wine or can’t find an item on the menu; we’re happy to help over the phone!
If you are considering shopping in person, we’d love to see you. As a food handling establishment licensed by the King County Health Department, we’re accustomed to washing our hands thoroughly and frequently. We wear gloves, we clean and sanitize work surfaces and door handles numerous times per day. And at this time of year, unfortunately we don’t have crowds in the store; typically it’s less than ten people at one time. Of course, Covid-19 Virus is serious and we are grateful to live in a city with great health resources. An unfortunate consequence of this outbreak is the fall off in business to shops like ours, along with local bars and restaurants where many people live paycheck to paycheck. Support during this time is even more appreciated than usual, whether on-line or in person!
Our next free wine tasting is this coming Saturday March 14, from 2-4 p.m. Stop in and try some great French wines!
Wild Peaks Chocolate Pralines – A local French chocolatier hand-makes these delicious treats using Valrhona French chocolate, almonds, hazelnuts and a dash of Guerande sea salt. These individual bonbons explode with flavor, and it only takes one to satisfy the afternoon chocolate itch.
Rose harissa is back! Harissa is a key ingredient in North African cooking. This special rose harissa is a paste made from chili peppers and a secret blend of over 40 herbs and spices with the unique addition of rose petals to slightly soften the chili’s kick. This exceptional paste has a myriad of uses: Try a spoonful to brighten couscous, marinate chicken, or serve alongside lamb merguez.
These popular cheeses are back in stock:
Queso Gallego: This soft and creamy cows milk cheese from Galicia is a crowd pleaser. It makes a stellar melted cheese sandwich, you can eat it plain or serve it with honey.
Crottins de Pays: These aromatic and sweet goats’ milk rounds have a firm paste and a tender natural rind. As they age, the paste becomes crumbly and more robust in flavor. They are excellent when warmed on crostini and served on top of tossed spring greens.
Le Père André Camembert: A soft, creamy Camembert from Vosges, this is milder than its Normandy cousin, with fruity undertones and a gentle, earthy nuttiness – its lush texture is the star of the show. A cheese board classic, and a perfect pairing with fresh or dried fruit, nuts and honey. Made with vegetarian rennet.
WINES
Domaine La Bastide Saint-Dominique 2018 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($40.00) Fresh and approachable, La Bastide Saint Dominique offers up subtle notes of raspberry, mineral and savory notes. “Starting the reds with the classic 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape, it checks in as 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre and other varieties, all brought up in a mix of concrete tanks and stainless steel. Its vivid ruby color gives way to impressive notes of blueberries, crushed violets, and spice. With medium-bodied, beautiful elegance and purity, and fine tannins, it’s very much in the style of this approachable, upfront, charming vintage.” 90-92 points Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Asimov’s recent article featured Rioja Gran Reservas. We have all three of these wines in the shop:
2010 Monte Real Rioja Gran Reserva ($36.00)
2006 Faustino Rioja Gran Reserva ($43.00)
2009 La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva ($77.00)