There are special food and beverage needs this weekend.  Sunday is the Superbowl and whether you’re watching alone or with others, you’ll need food and drinks to get through the 4-hour show.  And don’t forget about Valentine’s Day on Monday, February 14. We’ve got wine and chocolate to help celebrate the day!  We’ll be open regular hours on both days (Sunday, 11-5 and Monday 10-6) so stop in and pick up specialties for the weekend.

Estrella Galicia beerCerveza and chorizo for the superbowl is an outstanding combination.   We’ve got Spanish Estrella Galicia and French Meteor Blanche beers in stock and loads of chorizo to choose from.  Spanish bocadillo breadDepending on the type of chorizo selected, it can be simmered in beer or cider and served warm on bread or buy dry-cured chorizo and make a sandwich.  Both styles are available at Paris-Madrid Grocery

Sandwiches of all types are ideal to serve at a Superbowl gathering or any other informal party.  Gather up ingredients from Paris-Madrid Grocery and let everyone put together their sandwich of choice. Our “torpedo” sandwich rolls and baguettes come frozen, so allow 45 minutes for them to thaw out, or heat in a warm oven.  We suggest brushing Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) or spreading room temperature Payson-Breton French butter on the bread to start, then pile on ingredients.  Some stellar combinations are:
Bocadillo Pata NegraPiquillo Peppers, EVOO and Cured Mahon cow-milk cheese
Jamón Serrano and Manchego cheese with EVOO
Chorizo and Caña de Cabra goat cheese with EVOO
Sliced Lomo or Coppa with French Brie and butter.  It’s excellent served warm!
Sliced pâté, cornichons, mustard on baguette
Canned Spanish Tuna, Anchovies or Sardines with sliced hard-boiled egg and pitted olives
Sliced Jambon de Paris or Saucisson Sec with French butter, sliced cornichons and mustard optional

Piparra PeppersDon’t overlook garnishes, condiments, accompaniments:   Capers, Cornichons, Piparra (pickled) Basque Peppers, Olives and Mustard will take the sandwich up a notch.
Torres Spanish potato chips are fantastic with sandwiches (smoked paprika, cheese, truffle flavors are now in stock).
A flavorful EVOO such as PONS Traditional adds additional great flavor to sandwiches.

French macaroon & JallianceValentine’s Day treats:
Macarons – Made in France, shipped frozen to us.  They thaw out in about 30 minutes and deliver astounding flavor and perfect texture that melts in the mouth.
Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake – Individual fondant cakes that are pure hedonistic decadence. Made in France with Valrhona chocolate, shipped frozen to the U.S.. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes to melt the soft center which flows like chocolate lava when sliced.
Chocolove Chocolate BarsChocolove chocolate bars are back in stock.  High-quality ingredients at great prices in a variety of flavors (with a love poem inside each bar!)
Rabitos – A favorite with just about everyone.  Dried figs filled with chocolate brandy ganache, coated in dark chocolate.  Sold individually and in gift boxes.
Churros and hot chocolate – Pick up frozen “purros” (thick churros) and Spanish hot chocolate at Paris-Madrid Grocery. Sharing churros dipped into thick hot chocolate is a Valentine treat for the whole family!
Sparkling wines – Shop our extensive selection of Spanish Cavas, French champagnes and Cremants.

WINE CORNER:
Boizel 2008 vintage champagneChampagne Boizel Grand Vintage 2008
($94.00) A fantastic price for vintage champagne that spends 8 years on the lees and is sourced largely from Grand Cru sites.   This cuvée is 50% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, and 50% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims.  A unique expression of the vintage, the Grand Vintage is only produced in the best years.  “A skein of fragrant spice unwinds through flavors of plum, pineapple, smoked almond and pink grapefruit zest, firming the well-cut backbone of acidity and the lively, lacy mousse. Offers a crisp, minerally finish. Drink now through 2025” 92 points Wine Spectator   Founded in 1834, Champagne Boizel is one of the oldest champagne houses with the 6th generation now in charge.

RaventosRaventós I Blanc  Blanc de Blancs 2018, Conca del Riu Anoia ($21.99) We finally have one of the top sparkling wines of Spain on our shelf!   Winegrowers since 1497, Catalan sparkling wine makers since 1872, Raventós I Blanc has the longest, documented viticulture tradition owned by the same family in Europe. Pepe Raventós is the 21st generation to farm the property which is now worked biodynamically; in 2012 the winery left D.O. Cava.  In recognition of their singular terrunyo, they created a new designation of Conca del Riu Anoia. An ancient seabed in this area left enormous quantities of fossils, giving the soils and wines a distinctive quality.  2018 Blanc de Blancs is produced from a 40-year-old vineyard with soils of bedrock and pebbles.  A blend of Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada and 5% Malvasia de Sitges, aged on the lees for 18 months.  Aromas of rich brioche on the nose are exceptionally inviting.  The palate offers up white apple notes which are fresh and bright.  Toasty, elegant and mineral-laden with subtle tiny bubbles, this is a sparkling wine of refined elegance and deliciousness.   It’s a superb value at $21.99.

Escaladei Priorat Black Slate Escaladei 2018 Priorat ($22.99) A stunning Priorat with medium-body and an incredible pleasure to drink.  An excellent food wine or sipper, it is fresh with ripe fruit.  Shows great acidity which balances the ripe fruit, hints of earth, Asian spices and tar notes.  This overdelivers for the price and would be excellent with any of the sandwiches suggested above.

Grahams 1994 tawnyGrahams Single Harvest Tawny Port 1994 ($143.00) Serve this with macarons or rabitos for a sumptuous treat!  The 1994 Single Harvest Tawny was blended from outstanding casks of this legendary vintage.  “Toasted sesame, caramel, hazelnut & cinnamon notes lead the way, backed by a caressing feel on the finish, as sandalwood, golden raisin, and bergamot accents chime in. Shows refinement throughout. 94 points Wine Spectator