Beginning tomorrow May 5, Paris-Madrid Grocery will have Padrón Pepper plants for sale. I’ve planted lettuce and tomatoes now that the weather is warmer, but the Padrón plants should not be planted outside until the nighttime temperature stays over 50 degrees. If you’ve never eaten Padróns, you’re in for a treat! 90% of these peppers are mild and very flavorful but one in ten can be spicy. If you like spicy let them turn red before picking and they’ll be VERY spicy. Otherwise, pick them when they are green and about 3-4 inches long. Sauté in olive oil, turning them so all sides blister. Remove from heat, top with sea salt and enjoy with a Spanish beer or glass of Albariño.
The following Saturday May 13, come to Paris-Madrid Grocery for a Paella Cooking Demo & Spanish Wine Tasting. Learn how to make paella at our cooking demonstration in front of the shop, and try a sample when it’s finished. The paella cooking will begin at 12:30 p.m., and samples will be served at about 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., we’ll have an in-store wine tasting of El Coto Riojas with Marc Stotland, regional manager of Opici, the importer of El Coto wines. Cost: $5.00 per person. Don’t miss this popular event!
WINE CORNER:
Anne Sophie Dubois Fleurie “l’Alchimiste Cru Beaujolais 2021 ($27.99) This lovely wine is made from 40 year-old Gamay vines. The grapes are destemmed and aged in neutral French oak, resulting in an elegant and compelling red wine. Mineral-laden with a silky texture, this is a subtle, complex wine that invites another sip. Winemaker Anne Sophie Dubois is a young vigneron born and raised in Champagne and earned her chops in Burgundy. She now owns 8 ha in Fleurie, with old vineyards up to 60 years old growing on granitic soils and is bringing a Burgundian viticulture sense to Beaujolais. Serve l’Alchimiste with lamb, or charcuterie.
Hoppenot Fleurie “Les Moriers” Cru Beaujolais 2021 ($29.99) Another excellent red from the village of Fleurie, “Les Moriers” shows the heartier side of Gamay from Fleurie. Ripe dark fruit aromas have hints of earth. Very balanced with mineral notes, it is medium to full-bodied, structured and with some grip. With a smooth texture, and flavors of black cherry, this wine can be paired with Carne Asada or Wagyu beef.