This gorgeous mass of roadside wildflowers was taken on a spring trip to Spain a few years ago. Hopefully, travel to Europe will be possible later this year, if Covid-19 is contained. In the meantime, daffodils are blooming in the whiskey barrels outside the shop, giving signs of spring. Longer days are pushing away the darkness of winter, adding to a lighter mood. Hooray!
We now carry La Fermiere French-style yogurt. Established in the south of France in 1952, La Fermiere now has a facility in New York. Making their sumptous yogurts with whole milk, the milk is sourced daily from dairy farms in Upstate New York. Striving to be as irresistible on the outside as on the inside, the yogurt is packaged in signature glass pots that are reusable and recyclable. The yogurt is made without chemical stabilizers, preservatives, artificial coloring, or artificial flavoring, and no gelatin or high-fructose corn syrups are used. Give these terrific yogurts a try!
A new shipment of Fermin Uncured Iberico de Bellota (raw, acorn-fed Iberico breed pork) meats has arrived. Choose from Solomillo (tenderloin) Secreto (outside the shoulder) or Pluma (end of the loin). These cuts of Iberico de Bellota pork are portioned, vacuum packed, and frozen in Spain; sizes range from 1/2 pound to over 1 pound. To prepare after thawing, season with salt and pepper then grill quickly just until rare. Do not overcook, or the sublime tenderness and flavor of these meats will be lost. Typically, a 1/4 pound serving per person is sufficient because the meat is so rich and satisfying. The flavor is unlike any other cut of meat.
WINE ARRIVALS
Zarate Albariño 2019, Rias Baixas ($22.99) This crisp and rich Albariño pairs wonderfully with shellfish, especially Dungeness Crab, or serve it with the Pasta, Seafood and Cream Sherry recipe shown below. Zarate is made with grapes from the estate’s 35-year-old vineyards, grown in the spirit of biodynamic viticulture. The soil is worked manually, cover crops provide genetic diversity and biodynamic teas are used for vine and soil treatments. The estate uses no chemical fertilizers or herbicides. A minimal amount of sulfur is added at bottling as required for the wine’s stability. Zarate offers up aromas of fresh citrus and rich vibrancy. With wild-yeast fermentation and aging on the lees, this wine offers a chiseled minerality, richness, and tantalizing mouthfeel. Weighty on the palate with briny marine notes and hints of salt, this is a seriously delicious Albariño. “…a vintage with structure and acidity, still very young, a powerful vintage with more of everything and probably a long-distance runner. It’s varietal and clean, characterful, powerful and with a long, tasty finish, vibrant and almost salty.” 92 points Wine Advocate
Nicolas Potel Beaujolais-Villages 2019, Beaujolais ($13.99) We love the bright richness of this red Beaujolais, along with its satisfying texture. With floral notes, hints of mineral, earth, and fresh fruitiness, it shows a superb balance between the ripe fruit and acidity. Very dry on the finish, it is lightweight and lively on the palate. “This structured wine offers red fruits, acidity and a texture that could soften further. It has richness and the potential for opulence.” 89 points Wine Enthusiast
Resalte Vendimia Seleccionada 2016, Ribera del Duero ($17.99) Bodegas Resalte is a boutique winery with vineyards situated across D.O. Ribera del Duero. All wines are 100% Tempranillo; each cuvée is an expression of the vineyard’s particular place. Vendimia Seleccionada comes from grapes grown at the highest area in Ribera del Duero, over 900 meters elevation, with cool nights that preserve aromas and freshness in the wine. Aged 12 months in medium toast French oak, it is an extremely elegant, full-bodied wine with notes of vanilla. Smooth, mineral-laden and focused, it is superb with roast lamb. “This chewy red delivers black cherry, plum and licorice flavors in a dense texture, with firm tannins balanced by lively acidity. Exuberant, yet remains harmonious.” 91 points Wine Spectator
PASTA WITH SEAFOOD IN OLOROSO CREAM SAUCE 4 servings
Seafood marries terrifically with the oak-aged Cream Sherry in this opulent sauce. You don’t really taste the garlic, it just adds an underlying complexity to the sauce with the subtle hint of Cream Sherry expanding the theme. Feel free to substitute various finfish or shellfish in this dish, according to your preference. Serve with a crisp white such as a French Sancerre or Spanish Albariño.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil*
1 Tablespoon Payson Breton French butter*
1 tablespoon Garlic, finely chopped
1/2 pound Large prawns
1/2 pound Sea Scallops
1/8 tsp Saffron strands*
½ cup Oloroso or high-quality Cream Sherry, such as Lustau East India*
½ pound Egg noodle Tagliatelle pasta (we recommend Valfleuri pasta from Alsace)*
1 quart Aneto Fish Broth*
1 cup Half and Half or Cream
1 tablespoon Minced parsley to taste
*available at Paris-Madrid Grocery
Heat oil in a 12 inch or larger cazuela or paella pan.
Cook garlic until soft.
Add seafood.
Heat through, then remove the seafood from the pan.
Add Sherry and broth then bring to a boil.
Add pasta and sprinkle saffron threads evenly over the broth, then return to boil.
Stir the liquid mixture to incorporate the saffron into the broth.
Reduce heat and cook until pasta has absorbed liquid and is al dente (7-9 minutes).
Add Half and Half, reserved seafood, and parsley.
Cook an additional minute or two until incorporated. Serve immediately.
Paris-Madrid Grocery remains open regular hours, 7 days per week for in-person shopping. Our hours are Monday-Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM and Sundays, 11 AM – 5 PM. If shopping inside the store, a mask must be worn as per the recent state mandate to minimize the spread of Covid-19. If you don’t have a mask, we have some available at the check-out counter, along with complimentary vinyl gloves and hand sanitizer. You may also order online for curbside delivery, or call the store with your order at 206-682-0679. To place an online order, visit parismadridgrocery.com and on the home page, click the orange Order & Pick Up button. A product list will pop up; you may place an order and designate a pickup day and time. We will call you for credit card details when we receive the order and you’re set!
We have a designated 15-minute free pickup and load zone in front of our store to assist with quick stops and on-line curbside pickups. The City of Seattle is charging for parking now but only $1.00 per hour. Read here for the latest details about parking in Seattle during the pandemic.