Spanish Table Seattle & Paris Grocery Newsletter

December 17, 2009

Sharon is SO BUSY stocking wine, beer, cava and French champagne that she asked me to write the newsletter today so here goes….

Christmas week is a time to enjoy great food and wine. We give diets a rest to enjoy rich seasonal foods and indulge our sweet tooth. Whether friends drop in, families come by, or you just snuggle up by the fire, there is time to pay attention to flavors. The deli cases at both The Spanish Table and Paris Grocery are brimming with specialty cheeses and cured meats. Our wine departments are overflowing with the best from Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Greece, France and even Morocco.

Short on time? Shop on line on our new and improved websites!

The Spanish Table wine website is now launched! We’ve got amazing wine values which are arranged by staff pick, by score, by price, and by country. This virtual wine store has everything that you’re looking for from Spain, Portugal, Madeira, or South America. Click The Spanish Table wine to visit the site.

For all food and cookware products, click on The Spanish Table to check out our original and now revamped, website. It’s much easier to navigate and has a plethora of additional items. Now you can shop at home for Spanish food and wine!

GIFTS GALORE FOR FOODIES:

Paella Kit: with paellera that serves eight plus ingredients already packed in a gift box.

Meanwhile, we have oodles of little jars of delicious spreads in both our stores here on Western Ave that can be used to stuff a stocking or fill a gift basket.

S

pecial price on THE SPANISH TABLE cookbook: regularly $30.00 specially priced for the holidays at $24.00.

For those who love Greek food, we just received the How to Roast a Lamb cookbook ($35.00) by Michael Psilakis. Called the “Greek-American Mario Batali” by The New Yorker and best new chef by Food and Wine magazine, this is a must-have Greek cookbook.

Madeira gift boxes: A bottle in a wooden box with two Madeira glasses, $19.99.

By the way, did you catch the column on pairing a Sercial Madeira with charred skirt steak in the New York Times food section this week? Click the hyperlink to read the article, in case you missed it.

Undecided on what to give someone? We have good old fashioned gift certificates available in any amount of your choice.

Just arrived today is a huge assortment of dulces de Navidad: Handmade turrón from Pablo Garrigos. Turrón sin Azúcar if you have dietary restrictions. Pan de Cadiz. Chocolate turrón, mazapanes con chocolate and speaking of chocolate, La Casa pralines are here with filling of Catalan Creme, Pine Nuts & Raisins, Orange, Baked Apple, Tocinillo de Cielo & Lemon Sorbet.

Did I hear you ask what Sharon and I are drinking with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at our house?

On Christmas Eve Sharon loves our tradition of dining on fresh Dungeness Crab accompanied with steamed artichokes, crunchy baguette and lemon mayonnaise. That calls for either dry La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry ($15.99), cold and crisp Santiago Ruiz Albariño ($19.99) or bone-dry, Torre Oria Brut Nature Cava ($16.99).

Then on Christmas day I will insist on pouring vintage Riojas with a menu chosen to match the wines. We all have our priorities. I am thinking of starting with a plate of French cheeses from our annex, Paris Grocery. Then we’ll move onto a frisée salad tossed with a goat’s milk blue cheese (just arrived this week at Paris Grocery) and a whole goose, since finding a suckling pig to roast might be a challenge. The dessert will be pears poached in Moscatel from The Spanish Table cookbook.

The wines: We will be starting with a 2004 Deobriga Rioja ($21.99) and moving onto a 2001 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja ($57.00). These two vintages were rated excellent in Spain will bring tears of joy to the eyes of a lover of traditional wines. Then we’ll wrap it up with Samos Moscato wine from Greece ($17.99).

We have some of the greatest Rioja vintages ever right now, including, but not limited to:

Bordón Reserva 2004 $17.99

Muga Reserva 2005 $28.99

LAN 2001 Gran Reserva: $22.99

Beronia 2001 Gran Reserva $25.99

Viña Bosconia Reserva 2001 ($38.99) R. Lopez Heredia’s extended aging times actually qualify this as a Gran Reserva from any other winery. 93 points Stephen Tanzer

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.

FRENCH CHAMPAGNES HAVE ARRIVED! Champagne Duval-Leroy Cuvee Paris NV ($35.00) One of the best values in Champagnes available right now, and it’s got a Leroy Neiman silk screen of a Paris street scene on the bottle. Pop this open over the holidays with your favorite Franco-phile!

GROWER CHAMPAGNES

The Champagne region in France is dominated by a handful of brand names.

These négoçiants and coopératives produce 80% of the total output in Champagne, yet they own only 12% of the vineyards. They bring to marked a mass produced commodity – a Champagne made in a “house style.” By contrast, “récoltant-manipulants” (or RMs) handcraft their limited quantities of Champage from individual villages and parcels where the inherent qualities of the vineyards imprint themselves into the wines. The following two RMs are outstanding, and represent great values in Champagne values as well.

Margaine Brut Cuvee Traditionelle NV ($45.00) “The NV Brut Cuvee Traditionelle is an exceptional wine at this level. Notes of ash, chalk and crushed rocks dominate this taut, focused Champagne. Medium in body, the wine reveals tons of clarity not to mention significant pedigree. The NV Brut is mostly 2005 juice, with the addition of 40% reserve wines from vintages 2004, 2003, 1999, 1996 and 1994, 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. The relatively high amount of reserve wines undoubtedly contributes to this Champagne’s complexity…Arnaud Margaine’s wines..are Champagnes of extraordinary purity and sheer elegance. Margaine farms 6.5 hectares, 90% planted to Chardonnay, the rest Pinot Noir.”

90 points Robert Parker

L. Aubry NV Brut Champagne ($40.00) Twin brothers Pierre and Philippe Aubry handcraft their Champagnes from 60 individual parcels that comprise 16.5 hectares in the heart of Petit Montagne de Reims. Made of 50% Meunier, 25% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, it is vigorous, crackery, and concentrated. “There’s a nice graininess to the texture, making this lively and defining its bread dough, apple and grapefruit flavors. Turns crisp, but stays balanced, with a dry, mouthwatering finish.”

90 points Wine Spectator

Drop down, drop in, ignore the construction!

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Hours: Monday- Saturday, 10 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Hours: Monday- Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM

The Wines of Jorge Ordoñez

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter

September 4, 2009

We had the good fortune this week to re-taste some of the excellent current releases of esteemed wine importer Jorge Ordoñez, hosted by National Sales Manager Sara Floyd, M.S. And best of all, these wines were poured at two of our favorite Spanish restaurants with memorable foods to match. It was a compelling demonstration of how a well chosen wine enhances food. On Wednesday evening at Taberna del Alabardero (http://www.alabardero.com/seattle/index.html), the meaty Sauteed Pompano with Almonds and Ham, Navarra style, was fantastic with medium bodied and silky 2002 Sierra Cantabria Reserva Rioja ($19.99). Apple tart dessert with cabrales ice cream was divine paired with elegant stone-fruit and citrus flavored Victoria Moscatel dessert wine from Malaga ($29.99).

Thursday at noon found us at Olivar (http://www.olivarrestaurant.com/olivar.html) on Capital Hill. Over three hours, seventeen wines paired with scrumptious tapas served family-style made for a darned good way to spend a rainy afternoon. Grilled scallops with fried shallots and corn salad paired fantastically with minerally and delicate 2008 La Cana Albariño ($15.99). 2008 Botani dry Moscatel from Sierras de Malaga ($19.99)was a perfect match to matchstick slices of manchego and red apple, tossed together with citrus.

We always leave these restaurants with savory memories and the satisfaction of a great dining experience. If you can’t afford a trip to Spain, spend an evening at one of these restaurants and have a taste of Iberia right here at home!

WE WILL BE OPEN ON MONDAY 9/7 (LABOR DAY) FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM.

NEW WHITE WINES

2008 Botani Moscatel Seco, Sierras de Malaga ($19.99) “The 2008 Botani is 100% Moscatel de Alejandria fermented 70% in stainless steel and 30% in French oak. Medium straw-colored, it has an alluring perfume of spring flowers, honey, spice box, and tropical fruits. Smooth-textured, ripe, dry, and mouth-filling, this expressive effort is an excellent match for sushi and Thai food.” 90 points Wine Advocate

2008 Peza do Rei Blanco, Ribera Sacra ($19.99) The region of Ribera Sacra was spotlighted in the July 15, 2009 New York Times and Peza do Rei was singled out as “delicate and distinctive”. Available by special order only, we brought in a case after tasting it. A blend of 70% Godello, 20% Treixadura and 10% Albarino, grown on 8 acres of vertiginous south-facing slate terraces, Peza do Rei is unoaked and intensely aromatic. Lemon peel blends with a touch of tropical fruit in this savory and intensely mineral white. The finish seems never ending. Only 4000 bottles produced. 90 points Stephen Tanzer

2008 Shaya, Rueda ($14.99) Naia was a customer favorite and it was a sad day when we learned that it would no longer be available. Importer Jorge Ordonez has replaced Naia with Shaya, a new project with the Gil family of Jumilla. Produced from old vines, the sandy soils make it possible that many of the vines are over 100 years old and ungrafted. Grassy aromas with complex grapefruit notes, this balanced white is racy with a persistent finish. And the same price as Naia!

NEW FOODS

ZOE MEATS BACON Those of you that have tasted the Zoe Meats Chorizo will be big fans of Zoe’s bacon. Dry cured and apple wood smoked, these thick meaty slices of bacon do not shrink when cooked like bacons curied in brine. Great for BLT’s!

QUICOS Giant Crunch Spanish Salted Corn Nuts. $7.99/lb

PITTED KALAMATA OLIVES

These kalamatas are fleshier and less salty than our previous batch. They are in a red wine brine. Great for salads, omelets and pasta dishes. $8.99/lb.

CASTELLANO CHEESE

This cheese is made throughout the region of Castillo y Leon from milk coming from Churra and Castellana breeds. It is slightly granular with a compact texture, buttery with rich aromas. It is a table cheese that can be enjoyed alone or accompanied by quince, which accentuates its characteristic flavor. $15.99/lb.

GREAT WINES ON SALE

2004 Emilio Moro, Ribera del Duero ($24.99) Price reduced $5.00! “The reasonably priced 2004 Emilio Moro is a terrific Ribera del Duero aged in equal parts French and American oak prior to bottling. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a projected nose of blackberries, currants, cherries, smoky oak, and crushed rocks. Terrific texture, super purity, an opulent, full-bodied palate, and a long, heady finish suggest it will keep for 7-8 years.” 92 points Robert Parker

2001 Balbas Reserva, Ribera del Duero $32.00, was $38.00 Close out! Made of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, Balbas is concentrated and complex. Sadly, our distributor will no longer be carrying it, so we bought all of the remaining 2001 Reserva, which is drinking beautifully right now. “This spicy red shows an alluring mix of ripe fruit, with more mature flavors of tobacco, leather and cedar. The tannins are well-integrated and softening, while the acidity is still fresh and crisp. Elegant and long. Drink now through 2015.” 93 points Wine Spectator

2005 Numanthia, Toro ($49.00) Price reduced $11.00! Made from 70 to 100 year old vines, aged in oak barrels for 18 months, this wine explodes on the palate with flavors of ripe blackberry, vanilla and herbal notes. “A deep, youthfully brooding bouquet offers dark cherry, blackcurrant, incense and suave oak spices. Spicy cherry and dark berry flavors show an exotic anise quality and slow-building sweetness. This gently tannic, chewy, extremely persistent wine finishes with echoes of oak spice and floral pastille, not to mention excellent vivacity.” 93 points Stephen Tanzer, 92 points Wine Advocate

2001 Finca Valpiedra Reserva Rioja ($18.99) Close out price – was $21.99! Conde de Valdemar’s single estate Rioja, Finca Valpiedra is a spectacular 80 hectare plot characterized by pebbles and limestone. The grapes are hand picked, manually sorted and aged in new French oak for over 12 months. We’ve always loved this Rioja and when the distributor had to close it out, we bought all of their stock. Let this breathe for 20 minutes to release its concentrated black cherry flavors. Earthy with balsalmic notes, Valpiedra has silky tannins and a persistent finish. Wonderful with lamb chops or paella!

NEW SHIPMENT

Clay Portuguese ceramics. Olive serving dishes in assorted styles and colors: brown, white and gray. They make great gifts!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827
Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Paris Grocery

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter                                    Paris Grocery to open 9/25!

The Spanish Table’s newest venture, Paris Grocery, is opening tomorrow (Friday September 25th) at 1418 Western Avenue! A specialty wine and cheese shop with a French mood, Paris Grocery features French-style pâtés and charcuterie, over 40 authentic French cheeses,cheese fresh baguettes from Seattle’s Macrina Bakery and hand-selected wines for less than $30.00 per bottle from all regions of France. Paris Grocery also carries French mineral waters, French and Belgian beers and shelf groceries. And it’s conveniently located just 50 yards south of the Spanish Table on Western Avenue, making it easy to shop at both locations on the same trip!

Why France and why now? If we were prescient, we’d have known that the movie Julie and Julia would spawn enormous interest in French cooking . But Paris Grocery was really hatched during the economic bust last spring. Vacant storefronts were popping up around us like mushrooms after a fall rain. We thought it would be great to have another food shop on Western Avenue and, feeling optimistic one day, decided to open it ourselves.

Our love affair with Spain will never end, but we’ve always had a soft spot for France. We honeymooned in Paris and were absolutely captivated by the City of Light. We’ve returned to Paris many times and never tire of walking the streets until we drop, salivating at cheese shops, picnicking with families in the park and soaking up the history resonating from Middle-Ages architecture. Fortunately, whenever one is about to drop from exhaustion in Paris, there’s usually a wine bar handy with a great cheese plate. Our aim is to bring some of that experience to Seattle. Bon Appétit!

Paris Grocery hours:

Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday 11AM to 5PM. Opening Friday September 25th!

To find Paris Grocery, look for the terracotta awnings at 1418 Western Avenue.

Back in stock at Spanish Table:

We’ve been busy stocking Paris Grocery but haven’t forgotten about The Spanish Table’s shelves. We received 3 shipments this week of products that have been out of stock for some time:

Horchata de Valencia

Basque Guindilla Peppers

Turron: Delaviuda and El Almendro brands: Assortments, Duro, Blando, Torta Imperial, Marzipan

Chocolate covered figs

Hearts of Palm

Rafael Salgado Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Rafael Salgado Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil

FLAMENCO PERFORMANCES

Arte Flamenco, Camino de Luz October 3, 8pm

Rendezvous Jewelbox Theater , 2322 2nd Ave. For more information, contact veronken@msn.com

Carmona Flamenco Saturday September 26th Cafe Solstice For more information, contact www.fanw.org

Ines and Juan Bacan and Arte y Pureza From Spain!

October 11-12, 2009 Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat, Leavenworth Call 1-800-574-2123 for performance or overnight reservations.

One of the most revered artists of Spain’s Gypsy Flamenco community, INES BACAN, joined by her brother JUAN BACAN, will be making their U.S. premier with the stellar flamenco dance ensemble ARTE y PUREZA led by guitarist ETHAN MARGOLIS.

Arte y Pureza’s group (unfortunately without Ines Bacan) will be performing at Taberna del Alabardero, Seattle on October 10, 2009. For information and reservations: 206-448-8884.

Please stop in and check out our new store and be sure to tell all of your Francophile friends!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

From Sevilla to Limoux

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter                                                       October 8, 2009

One of our most memorable trips began in Sevilla, in southern Spain, during the Feria de Abril. We reveled along with the Sevillanos, drinking copas of fino sherry and eating plate after plate of jamon serrano. When we could take no more, we headed north towards Madrid, stopping in Cordoba for lunch. Our hedonistic trip eventually ended in the Languedoc, where we foraged and dined on the rich bounty of southern France.

If ever near the city of Cordoba, do not hesitate to dine at El Churrasco Restaurant. One of the most popular tabernas in the city, the tapas bar showcases coolers full of meat and stacks of fresh vegetables.Cheese The dining room bustles with waiters juggling plates of grilled lamb and fish. One of El Churrasco’s signature dishes is eggplant, sliced, delicately fried and seasoned. We’ve never found vegetables anywhere outside of Andalucía that are so perfectly prepared! Click on El Churrasco’s website link to view their menu: http://www.elchurrasco.com/espanol/restaurante/espanol.htm

Our final stop was in Limoux, France to visit our friend Héléne’s relatives. The Languedoc region is a foragers’ dream, with asparagus and mushrooms growing wild alongside the road, rivers full of fish and pastures full of snails, ready to be gathered. One can live off the land in southern France very, very well. And the village of Limoux is famous for its production of Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wines. Locals claim that fermentation in the bottle was developed here before it was used in the Champagne region.

We were fortunate to be invited to Héléne’s grandparents house near Carcassone for a langorous and memorable lunch. Tossed greens from the garden were followed by fish caught by grandpa, served with mayonnaise made from grandma’s own eggs. A small hen was roasted and served with a sauce of foraged porcini mushrooms. Uncle Andre and cousin Xavier who are winemakers, brought their Corbieres red wines to serve with lunch. A blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache, the wine was so delicious that we brought some bottles home to enjoy in Seattle. Those were the glory days, when security didn’t bat an eye at a few bottles of wine in the hand luggage!

Welcome to Isaac Rivera, our new manager! Isaac has been a great asset to our Santa Fe store for the last three years and, ready to live in a larger city, he moved to Seattle this week to take over as store manager. Isaac was a chef at Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant in Chicago, then worked in the wine business, and is, not surprisingly, an avid cook. Isaac is an expert on olive oils — the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper published his in-depth article on the subject. Feel free to ask him for any recipe advice, or help with any food or wine-related questions.

NEW WINES FROM SPAIN

White wines

NV Vilarnau Brut Cava, Penedes ($14.99) Vilarnau is owned by the Gonzalez Byass family and is a crown jewel among their wine producing properties. Vilarnau’s vineyards are situated in the highest area of the Penedes region and the cooler temperatures contribute to a slower maturation of the grapes and higher acidity. Made from 100% estate-grown fruit which is uncommon in Penedes, Vilarnau has aromas of toasted brioche and citrus flavors. Soft mouth-filling bubbles and zesty acidity spill out of the glass and provide a lot of pleasure for the dollar.

2008 Abadal Picapoll, Pla de Bages ($19.99) Spanish Table exclusive!

Picapoll is the Spanish name for the grape called Picpoul in French, which translates to “lip stinger.” That unfortunate translation is not at all discriptive of the Abadal Picapoll which has ripe pear flavors, a rich texture and energetic acidity. Round and full-bodied, Abadal is an elegant white wine with notes of sea shell and subtle mineral notes which make for a clean, interesting finish. This is a great wine to serve in the fall with cheese or rich cream sauces.

RED WINES

2005 Banda Azul Crianza Rioja ($11.99) This silky Rioja has legions of fans in Spain and America. Very traditional in style, Banda Azul spends 18 months in used oak barrels, which give it a refined earthiness. It’s bright red cherry fruit is medium-bodied, balanced by vibrant acidity. This is a great choice for those who like a wine low in tannin and Banda Azul is exactly the type of wine you’d be served by the glass in a Spanish tapas bar.

2007 M1 Monastrell, Valencia ($9.99) From the region of Valencia, M1 is full-bodied and fresh with great concentration. With silky tannins and notes of mineral, it has a smooth and persistent finish with flavors of cacao. Made of 100% Monastrell, M1 is a great choice to serve with a cheese and fruit plate.

2008 Quo Grenache, Campo de Borja ($9.99) Quo is a fruity melange of strawberry and red cherry flavors and a pure expression of Grenache. Dry and medium-bodied with an exotic spicy black pepper edge, it is delicious with spicy Mexican foods, such as carne adovada.

LIMITED PRODUCTION WINES

2004 Roquette E Cazes Xisto, Douro ($63.00) 1000 cases are produced by this venture between renowned Bordelais wine producer Jean-Michael Cazes and Jorge Roquette, owner of the Quinto do Crasto estate in Douro. 2004 was a classic Douro vintage with perfect harvesting conditions. The wine’s name “Xisto” refers to the schist soils in its steep, terraced vineyards. Powerful and opulent, nuanced and complex, Xisto has muscle and staying power. Elegant and supple tannins provide backbone for this rich and lengthy effort.

6 bottles available

RED WINES FROM FRANCE

2006 Domaine Grand Lauze La Mariole Vin de Pays D’Oc ($12.99)

We were thrilled to locate the wines of Hélène’s uncle right here in Seattle! The vineyards are subject to the burning heat of the Midi and the grapes subsequently ripen to perfection. Grand Lauze is biodynamic and the grapes are hand harvested. A blend of 80% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 3% Marselan and 2% Syrah from vines averaging 105 years old, La Mariole is medium-bodied and rich with a hint of smoke. Silky smooth tannins lead into a wonderfully finessed finish. Highly recommended!

2006 L’Archet

Cuvée Occitane, Vin de Pays D’Oc ($19.99) From the Languedoc Roussillon region of France, Cuvee Occitane is a blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan. Loaded with rich, ripe red fruits, it has an earthy character and is deep and voluptuous. Aged 9 months in French oak, it has terrific balance, notes of chocolate and spice, and a lingering, dry finish.

2003 Château Coutelin-Merville Cru Bourgeois, St Estephe ($27.99) This was my favorite wine at our French tasting dinner last weekend! A left bank Bordeaux, it is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, 30% of which has been aged in oak. Concentrated, full bodied, opulent and balanced, it paired beautifully with the rich short ribs and polenta.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

It’s been a hectic two weeks since Paris Grocery opened. We’ve already added more hard-to-find French cheeses and charcuterie, and will be adding additional wines and other delicacies as soon as we are able. Thanks for your support in these early days!

CHEESES

Cone de Port Aubry is a raw goat’s milk cheese and a cousin of the famous Loire cheese Crottin de Chavignol. The cheese is made close to Selles sur Cher and aged for two to three months on rye straw mats in caves, giving a natural mold rind on the outside and a firm interior. The pliable texture of Cone de Port Aubry has a nose of melted butter with an almost dusty earth undertone. The flavors are complex, starting with buttered popcorn and mushrooms, then fading into a pronounced acidity like crème fraiche with a hint of lemon and a subtle finish of hazelnuts. This cheese is hard for me to not swoon over! Wine pairing: Try with a Loire white, such as a Sancerre. SALE $36.99/lb.

Herve Mons Gabietou Aged by one of Europe’s best affineurs! Gabietou contains raw cow & sheeps milk from animals that graze on alpine grass, wild herbs & flowers. Washed with brine made from warm local salt springs, this is sweet & richly complex with a silky creaminess & nut aromas. Exquisite! SALE $29.99, $7.49 per quarter lb.

Gres des Vosges Alsace has exceptionally rich soil & is full of beautiful cherry trees from which the farmers make their own local liquor. Each oval of Gres des Vosges is washed with saltwater & then kirsch which lends a fruity fragrance. Slightly salty with a touch of onion & a luscious texture make this cow’s milk cheese a favorite!

The following cheeses just arrived today via airfreight!

Picadine Chève mini logs

Le Picandou goat cheese buttons

Explorateur

Petit Supin

Crottin de Chève

OLIVES

French Country Olive Mix A colorful blend of green, pink and black olives with Lupini beans and bell peppers. These are tossed in a lively French marinade of spices, peppers and vinegar. Perfect for any gathering!

Picholine Olives The Picholine is the queen of green olives! Crisp, yet tender and slightly salty, these fresh Picholines are unpasteurized and bright.

Fresh Luques Olives These fresh (unpasteurized) French olives are meaty, sweet and crisp. The green flesh is firm, bright and fruity.

Pitted Nicoise-Coquillos Olives This olive is the same variety as the authentic Nicoise, though generally grown in Portugal, Spain and Italy. Its flavor parallels that of Nicoise: rich and faintly smoky. This olive is naturally cured and a key ingredient in Salade Niçoise.

CHARCUTERIE

Goose Mousse Suprème Pâté Made with goose & duck liver, duck & chicken fat with sauternes and topped with aspic and oranges. No artificial ingredients.

Pâté Provençal My favorite pâté. Course spreadable pork liver with herbs de Provence, and sweet and savory spices.

Our first shipment of cured meats and specialty products from D’Artagnan will be arriving early next week! We’ll have sliced Jambon de Bayonne, Wild Boar Bacon, Chicken and Truffle Sausages, Veal Demi-Glace and Foie Gras, just to name a few of the specialty items that are arriving next week.

OTHER PRODUCTS

We have Caviar, Crème Fraîche and French butter in stock now!

Baguettes from Macrina Bakery are delivered fresh each day to both Paris Grocery and The Spanish Table.

WHITE WINES FROM FRANCE

2007 Cuvee Francoise Blanquette de Limoux ($12.99) This festive sparkler comes straight from it’s traditional home in Limoux, France. Cuvee Francoise is fresh on the palate with fine soft bubbles, white fruit flavors of pear and ripe apple. It finishes dry and clean with refreshing acidity. This is great with sushi.

2008 Novellum Chardonnay Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes ($10.99)

Producer Lafage has crafted one of the best Chardonnays we’ve ever tasted, and it’s a very affordable price. 30% is aged in oak on the lees of Viognier which give it a rich creaminess. With flavors of citrus, apricots, apple and toast, Novellum is lush and balanced. “…hints of caramel and brown butter, vanilla and nutmeg. What’s more, there’s a savory saline, mineral streak all the way through the considerable finish of this “little Chardonnay”.

89 points Wine Advocate

Have a great week and we invite you to come on down and check out our new products!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Explorations

Gomera, Canary Islands

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter October 30, 2009

Explorations

Traveling as wine specialists aboard the National Geographic vessel Explorer for the past 2 ½ weeks, we’ve been following the route of Christopher Columbus and Charles Darwin. Our voyage began in Lisbon and ended in Salvador Brazil, with stops in some of our favorite places: Madeira, The Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. We just got home last night and are still wobbling about on sea legs.

Seattle-based Lindblad Expeditions (http://www.expeditions.com/) invited us to choose wines for the voyage and then come along to educate guests about them. Lindblad has a superb on-board staff of naturalists, historians and professional photographers that speak about history, culture, the natural world and how best to photograph it. Their trips cover the Antarctic, the Arctic, and everything in between.

A week ago we were photographing schools of whales and cavorting dolphins near La Palma, Canary Islands. The Canaries are a group of seven islands less than 100 miles off the coast of Morocco. Just as Cuban refugees flee to Miami, so the Canary Islands attract thousands of desperate Africans each year. The lure of the European Community with all of its opportunities is irrestible, especially when it’s just a stone’s throw away.

Aside from the immigration issue, life in the Canaries moves slowly and residents have a deep appreciation for the islands’ spectacular beauty. One memorable day began in the mist forest of Parque Nacional de Garajonay on the island of Gomera. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the forest sits on a 3300 foot high ridge and divides the island’s wet side from the dry. Two hours of hiking took us through laurel forests, past villages growing bananas on terraced hillsides, and a spectacular cliff-side trail shrouded in mist.

Our guide recommended dining at Restaurant La Placeta in Santa Cruz de la Palma which was excellent. Being Sunday night in the off season, the proprietor had plenty of time to talk about the local wines, how he ended up in the Canary Islands, and the thriving rabbit population in La Palma. We tucked into a terrific rabbit pate as we talked, which was served with a sweet but not cloying tomato jam. What a fantastic combination! The main course was grilled fish and papas arrugadas with mojo sauces, a Canary Island traditional dish, served with El Nispero Tinto Barrica, a local red wine from La Palma.

Now that we’re home, we’ll be getting back into kitchen to recreate some of the tasty dishes we had along the road. Here’s a traditional recipe from the Canary Islands:

Papas Arrugadas (Serves four)

Warning: This recipe uses the traditional amount of salt, which may be overwhelming to American palates used to low sodium. Feel free to adjust to your taste!

8-10 Small New Potatoes

Sea Salt to taste

Add the potatoes to a pot of very salty water (in the past the Canarians used sea-water).

The potatoes should float in the salty-water, if they don’t you need to add more salt.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

Now drain most of the water from the pot and cover the potatoes with a layer of salt.

Turn down the heat and gently shake the pot so that salt crystalizes on the potatoes.

Finally, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a tea-towel for 5 minutes (so that the potatoes turn ‘wrinkly’). Serve with one or both of the Mojo sauces below.

Mojo Picon Sauce

5 cloves garlic

1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

3 small dried nora peppers, rehydrated in boiling water and drained

1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika

1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar to taste

5 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Using a mortar and pestle, mash cumin, garlic, and peppers with salt until well mixed. Add paprika, vinegar and oil, and continue to blend. If necessary, add water until desired consistency is reached. This is delicious served with boiled potatoes, with or on fried fish.

Mojo Verde Sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 teaspoons Sherry Vinegar

½ cup chopped fresh coriander leaves

½ teaspoon of cumin

1 teaspoon sea salt

Water as needed

Process the cumin, garlic, cilantro and salt in a food processor or blender to create a paste. While blending, drizzle in olive oil gradually. Add small amounts of water until the sauce is a thin paste. Add 1-2 tsp vinegar or more, according to your taste. Drizzle over potatoes or fish and serve.

WINE NEWS

Being on board a ship for 13 nights gave us the chance to revisit some of our favorite, inexpensive wines from Spain and Portugal. These wines were all-around big hits with the guests on board, some of whom have placed case orders!

White Wines

2008 Protos Verdejo, Rueda ($10.99) Protos Verdejo has just the right combination of grapefruit flavors and zesty acidity to pair with fish in buttery citrus sauces.

2007 Diamante, Rioja ($10.99) Classic Diamante is a unique wine. Semi sweet, it is made from a blend of Malvasia and Viura grapes. Round and full on the palate, the addition of Viura gives it a crisp, clean finish.

Red Wines

2003 Esporao Alicante Bouschet, Alentejo ($13.99) Balanced and full bodied, this Portuguese red was phenomenal with beef tenderloin.

2005 Evel, Douro ($15.99) One of our perennial favorites, Evel is a blend of the same grapes port grapes. Great with flavorful chicken dishes, it has lift and elegance.

2005 Altos de Luzon, Jumilla ($14.99) 50% Monastrell, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Tempranillo, this hearty red goes down all too easily on a cold, wet night with a plate of grilled lamb chops.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue. It’s currently open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM.

New cheeses:

A Casinca is a classical goat’s milk cheese from the Casinca region of Corsica, where the climate is gentle. Herbaceous, tart, and slightly salty, this cheese has a semi-soft texture that offers a balanced, satisfying finish on the palate.

Tome d’Aquitaine: This aged goat’s milk cheese gets the benefit of washings in Sauternes in the caves of famous affineur Jean d’Alos. The snow-white interior has a dense texture and a delicately balanced, sweet and fruity flavor.

Brebirousse d’Argental: This pasteurized sheep’s milk cheese from Lyon has a creamy, brie-like texture and a faintly sweet finish on the palate. Hints of meadow and hay lend a bit of complexity.

Le Grain d’Orge: From the Basse-Normandie region, this pasteurized cow’s milk cheese is soaked in Calvados according to Norman traditions. A soft-textured, washed rind cheese. Delightfully fruity and milky with hints of mushroom and apple.

Meats

We have a new shipment of D’Artagnan charcuterie, including foie gras, pates, frozen (uncooked) sausages, merguez, puff pastry and many other specialty French shelf groceries. We also now have baguettes from Macrina Bakery, delivered daily Tuesday through Saturday.

Please come on in to one or both of our shops and pick up some wonderful cheeses and fall wines. Best wishes for a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter November 6, 2009

A Visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge, Madeira

Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean 378 miles west of Morocco. A volcanic island, its sub tropical climate and abundant rainfall seem an unlikely place for wine production. But its shelves of terraced land rise up the flanks of 6105 foot Mt. Pico, which on the sunny side of the island provides a climate ideally suited to viticulture.

The urban port city of Funchal is the heart of wine production and retains its 18th century Portuguese charm despite a modern profusion of traffic encouraged by European Union road projects. But when we drove a few minutes away from Funchal on our visit last month, we found peaceful country lanes bordered by New Guinea Impatiens, Hydrangeas, Trumpet Flower and Eucalyptus forests, much the same as it was 200 years ago. Madeira is a verdant garden, nourished by its volcanic soils and ample precipitation.

Uninhabited until 1427, Madeira was discovered and settled by the Portuguese who soon began making wine. By the mid 16th Century it was a refueling stop for ships crossing the Atlantic and its wines were brought on board to prevent scurvy. The U.S. quickly became one of Madeira wine’s principal markets along with England and Brazil. It was a favorite drink of Thomas Jefferson who toasted the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a glass of Malmsey.

Originally a table wine, it was fortified with brandy to stabilize it for long ocean journeys. On one fateful hot voyage to Brazil, a cask of Madeira (called a “pipe”) was accidentally left on board and eventually traveled back across the tropics to Funchal. When the wine merchants tasted it, all agreed that it was much better than when it left! Since then, Madeiras have been aged with the use of heat, and for a time pipes were actually shipped to the colonies and back to replicate that famous voyage. Eventually winemakers realized that they could recreate the tropical conditions of a ship voyage by storing the pipes in the eaves of Funchal’s wine lodges, where temperatures would climb to 45 degrees Celsius.

Madeira has an elegance and finesse not found in other fortified wines. Warm temperatures and evaporation concentrate flavors, and ongoing oxygen contact produce wines that are long lived and extremely stable. Open a bottle today and ten months from now it will taste as fresh as the day it was opened! Volcanic soils give the grapes high acidity which produce wines with a light mouth feel, intensity and a persistent finish.

The canteiro system: slow aging of varietal Madeiras at Blandy’s wine lodge

A glass of Madeira warms and satisfies on a cold, wet night. It’s also stellar served with creamy foods and holiday desserts such as pumpkin pie. Madeira adds richness to sauces and is excellent used in place of wine for deglazing sauté pans.

Here’s an easy and delicious recipe using Madeira:

Chanterelle Mushrooms in Madeira Sauce (Two servings)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

1 cup fresh chanterelles, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup creme fraiche or whipping cream

1/4 cup Feist Full Rich Madeira

1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Heat olive oil over low heat and when warm, saute garlic and onion until translucent. Add mushrooms, thyme, salt and pepper and cook for five minutes, then add Madeira and simmer for another two minutes. Add creme fraiche and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately. This is excellent as a sauce for grilled pork chops or chicken, and would be a great side dish for the Thanksgiving dinner table.

MADEIRA WINES

We have the largest selection of Madeiras in the country. Here are some of our favorites:

Feist Full Rich ($17.99) Aged 3 years, it is smooth, viscous and full bodied. Feist Full Rich is a great introduction to a sweet Madeira as a tasty dessert drink or for use in cooking.

“Full Rich” Madeiras are made from the Tinta Negra grape which is the most widely grown grape on the island. “Full Rich” Madeiras are produced by the “estufagem” process which warms the wine by means of a pipe in the tank filled with warm water.

The most complex Madeiras are made from four traditional varietals (Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey) whose production is declining in favor of the easier to grow Tinta Negra grape. Varietal Madeiras are produced in the “canteiro” method, in which pipes are aged slowly in the warm eaves of Funchal’s wine lodges.

Blandy’s 5 Year Bual ($22.99) Medium sweet, with light caramel flavors and spice. A hint of countryside herbs provides an intriguing background to this smooth Bual. Great acidity and concentration.

Leacock’s 10-year Bual ($41.00) “Very distinctive burnt treacle aroma, followed by concentrated flavors of caramel, walnut, iodine and green tea. There’s grip and length, with power on the back end.” 90 points Wine Spectator

Blandy’s 10 year Sercial ($37.00) Sercial is the driest Madeira and Blandy’s Sercial is a richer style than other brands. With butterscotch aromas, it is a bit sweeter than bone dry. Round and smooth on the palate, it’s flavors of roasted nuts with high acidity give Blandy’s Sercial a light and elegant mouth feel. The finish is lengthy and clean.

FLAMENCO PERFORMANCES Hot on the heels of last night’s passionate flamenco show at Benaroya Hall, Isabel Lopez from Casa Patas Flamenco Company in Madrid is performing at Taberna del Alabardero in Belltown. The Sunday show is sold out, but Taberna has added another show on Monday November 9th at 8:00 p.m. For information, call 206.448.8884.

FLAMENCO DE RAIZ presents RAFAEL DE UTRERA with Eric and Encarnación from Children of the Revolution with special guest percussionist Juanma Lucas

2 shows Saturday, November 7th, 2009 7PM & 9:30PM, Kirkland Performance Center (425) 893-9900

Rafael and Juanma are top level flamencos coming directly from Sevilla, Spain. Rafael is one of the most respected flamenco singers in the world today and will be coming off his current tour with Vicente Amigo. This will be a “flamenco puro” performance with dance numbers and cante jondo(deep or profound song).

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.

New cheeses just in!

Tomme du Segala is produced in small amounts in the city of Carmaux in southern France, this raw goat’s milk cheese has an elastic texture that crumbles slightly. The flavor has hints of olives and grass.

Tomme Crayeuse is a semi-soft raw cow’s milk cheese from the Savoie that undergoes two stages of cave-aging. The final, intensely rich flavor is earthy, with mushroom and citrus notes. Created by one of France’s top affineurs, Max Schmidhauser.

Crémeux de Bourgogne is a cow’s milk triple-crème cheese from a small family of producers in Burgundy. This pasteurized, bloomy-rind cheese has a dense texture and a rich flavor with hints of fresh butter.

Tomme de Savoie is a pleasant table cheese form the Savoie with a distinct raw milk flavor – beefy, hazel nutty and pleasantly milky. With approximately 30% fat content, this is the most creamy ‘low fat’ cheese available. Enjoy with liver-stoked pâtés and light red wines like Beaujolais.

Pavé de Jadis So named because of its shape: pavé is a small paving stone. This fresh goat’s milk cheese from the Loire Valley is dusted with vegetable ash and has a fudge-like texture. The taste is very clean, mild and lemony.

NEW SPANISH TABLE CHEESES

Evora: This small Portuguese cheese (each wheel is only 6 ounces) is made from raw sheep’s milk which is filtered through a mesh lining after being immersed in a salt brine solution. Aged over 60 days, it is made with raw sheep milk and cardoon thistle near the historic city of Evora. Spicy and slightly acidic, it is fruity with a light-yellow color. Because of its slightly higher level of salt, it is well-suited for salads.

We now have Israeli feta!

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

A Spano-Franco Thanksgiving

Spanish Table Seattle & Paris Grocery Newsletter

Oh, tis the season to be so delicous… November 18th, 2009

The cold stinging rain from the dark ominous skies of Seattle has been in full swing since I arrived in the city 3 weeks ago. Yet it’s comforting to know that I can still take pleasure in the little things in life. Early this week we recieved our shipment of Mantecados and Polvorones! Simply, these sweet, flaky, buttery cookies are down right delicous and addictive. The only problem is that there are so many flavors to choose from: Wine, Almond, Cinnamon, Chocolate and many many more. We have individually wrapped flavors for .49 cent or boxes of 12 from $6.99-$9.99. On a second but not a lesser note, turron of all flavors have also made it into The Spanish Table. We have the “Never let you down” Douro and Blando vareties. But if you want to try something new this year, how about, Walnut, Fruit or Coconut turron? Sounds tasty to me! – Isaac Rivera

A French-i-fied Thanksgiving

With the Paris Grocery up and running my creative juices have been flowing. We have tasted countless cheeses, pates and wines in an effort to bring our customers what we think are the best products that represent France and its cuisine. The Paris Grocery is the perfect place to start putting a French twist on your Thanksgiving holiday meal. Below is my French-i-fied Thanksgiving menu that I’m eager to make for my wife and friends. Drop me an e-mail at seattlemanager@spanishtable.com if you would like the recipes for any of these dishes. – Isaac Rivera, Manager

Baked Camembert w/ Black Currant Mustard & Black Cherry Confit

Boudin Bernaise w/ Lentils & Carrot

Duck Confit & Cranberry Beans w/Roasted Chantrells & Tomme Savoie

Nutella Filled Crepes w/Sweet Orange Creme Fraiche

SPECIAL SPANISH THANKSGIVING WINES

Here are our favorite wines to pair with the rich flavors of Thanksgiving dinner:

Juve y Camps Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature Cava ($15.99) Elegant and toasty, bone dry and flinty with beautiful bubbles, Juve y Camps is a stand-out match to stuffing, cheese sauces and meats.

2008 Muga Blanco Barrel Fermented Rioja ($14.99) Slow fermentation in new French oak with 3 months on lees contribute aromas of coconut and vanilla. Citrus fruit and apple stand out against a background of aromatic herbs. Both intense and persistent on the palate, it remains fresh and lively.

2001 Finca Valpiedra Reserva Rioja ($18.99) Close out price on a fantastic vintage! The grapes are hand picked, manually sorted and aged in new French oak for over 12 months. Black cherry, earth and balsamic notes lead into an incredible silky smooth finish.

2008 Vera de Estenas P.G. Bobal, Utiel Requena ($13.99) Made from 100% old vine Bobal, it’s soft texture has fresh black cherry & hints of wild strawberry. Framed by clean acidity, it has low tannins and with a character similar to a young Beaujolais.

2001 Balbas Reserva, Ribera del Duero ($32.00) “…an alluring mix of ripe fruit with mature flavors of tobacco, leather and cedar with a finish that is elegant and long. The tannins are well-integrated and softening, while the acidity is still fresh and crisp.” 93 points Wine Spectator Highly recommended!

2001 Luis Cañas Reserva de la Familia Rioja ($33.00) This is an heirloom Rioja, traditionally styled with select fruit from a great vintage. Elegant and silky, it is a superb companion to any rich holiday recipe. 93 points Wine Advocate, 91 points Stephen Tanzer

SPECIAL FRENCH THANKSGIVING WINES

Rosé d’Orfeuilles sparkling rosé, Loire ($14.99) A terrific sparkler! Dry and elegant with notes of strawberry, this festive bubbly is clean and fresh.

2008 Commanderie de la Bargemone rose ($15.99) We love to quaff a rosé with Thanksgiving dinner and Bargemone is one of our favorites! Minerally, light weight and crisp, this is a stellar choice.

2006 Domaine des Nugues Beaujolais-Villages ($11.99) Tasting of pure & unadulterated Gamay fruit, it is dry and soft with great acidic balance. This could be lightly chilled and served with Thanksgiving dinner.

2008 Domaine de la Rochette Pinot Noir, Touraine ($10.99) Light in body, it’s pie cherry flavors and silky tannins have surprising grip. Pinot noir is the ultimate fail-safe food wine and is a great match with a wide variety of foods, which make it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.

IRRESTIBLE CHEESES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Comté, A.K.A. French Gruyère de Comté, is the quintessential cheese for croque monsieur, quiche, french onion soup and fondue. It has small crystalline grains, sweet saline beefiness and an undertone of fruit, nuts and toffee.

Morbier Originally this semi-soft raw cows milk cheese from the Jura was comprised of a morning milking and an evening milking divided by a layer of ash. With aromas like new-mown grass, Morbier has an appealing flavor of nuts and fruit along with a distinct taste of hard-boiled egg and veal sautéed in butter.

Beaufort is “The Prince of Gruyères.” With uniquely Swiss-like qualities and hints of grassy sweetness, Beaufort has a higher butter fat content and a creamier texture than either Gruyère or Comté. It has an excellent melting capacity and is terrific for fondue and serving with saucisson sec and fruit.

Préfére is the name now given to Reblochon which has a creamy, softer-than-brie texture, a nutty aftertaste, and a strong herbal aroma.

NEW PRODUCTS

La Chatelaine Chocolates Located in Montana, the company was created by a Frenchman who longed for the sumptuous chocolates he grew up savoring.

Once we tasted their Parisian Mendiants made of dark chocolate, hazelnuts and orange peel, we simply had to carry them! Also try their amazing Sea Salt Caramels.

Essential for many French recipes, we’ve got Du Puy Lentils.

Spice up any dish with Dulcet Peppery Moroccan Ketchup. It’s especially delicious with lamb.

Frozen Pains au Chocolate – Keep these on hand and enjoy them straight out of the oven on a rainy Sunday morning with a café au lait.

NEW PRODUCTS AT SPANISH TABLE

1880 and El Lobo brand turron

Arroz Cebollo brand rice, 1 kilo and 5 kilo bags

Rosara brand Pulp of Sun-Dried Choricero Peppers

New shipment of Manzano Garcia ceramics just arrived today!

We’re still unloading more great products, just in time for Thanksgiving!

Stop in and check out all of our great new products, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

 Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827

Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM, except

Paris Grocery is closed on Mondays.

Christmas With the Dogs

Spanish Table Seattle & Paris Grocery Newsletter
December 10, 2009

We all have our favorite holiday memories, and mine is celebrating Christmas at my Aunt Lillian’s with her Cocker Spaniels. Blonde Duchess was my favorite, but she was an older dog without much patience for adolescents. After a few minutes of play, the she would signal with a low growl that it was time for us to find other entertainment. We’d head up the creaky stairs to the attic and tell ourselves it wasn’t really haunted. Downstairs, as the adults poured libations, the evenings turned raucous and then we’d all settle down for a savory holiday meal.
Our Christmas dinners always included a salad of oranges, nuts and greens. We’ve taken that classic recipe up a notch and here’s our favorite Clementine Orange Salad recipe from The Spanish Table cookbook:
Boxes of little Clementine oranges from Spain are now in our markets. They are easy to peel and after the segments are dressed with a drizzle of saffron syrup and topped with toasted almond slices, they can be served as a festive salad or as a dessert, the sweetness adjusted accordingly. Serves 6

8 Spanish Clementine Oranges
1 tablespoon PX Sherry Vinegar
1 teaspoon Saffron syrup or orange blossom honey
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Sliced almonds, toasted
Gently toss the segments in the dressing then top with almond slices.
If you haven’t already shopped on our new websites, take a look today! On The Spanish Table wines website we’ve got amazing wine values which are arranged by staff pick, by score, by price, by country. This virtual wine store has everything you’re looking for from Spain, Portugal, Madeira, or South America. Click The Spanish Table wines to visit the site.

For all food and cookware products, click on The Spanish Table to search our original and now revamped, website. It’s much easier to navigate and has a plethora of additional items. Now you can shop at home for Spanish food and wine!
We’ve extended our hours during the holiday season at The Spanish Table beginning Friday December 11th and continuing through December 23rd!
Holiday hours at The Spanish Table: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Sunday hours at The Spanish Table and Paris Grocery: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

GREAT GIFT IDEAS
The Cuisines of Spain by Teresa Barrenechea ($27.99) Explores the regional home cooking of Spain, with pictures and loads of background information about ingredients.
Cook España, Drink España ($24.99) by Mario Sandoval and John Radford A gastronomic tour celebrating the diversity of Spanish food and wine with recipes from Spain’s hottest chef matched with wines from Spanish wine expert
Tapas by Joyce Goldstein ($22.95) Traditional recipes accompanied by an overview of how history has influenced Spanish food.
Jose Andres’ Made in Spain DVD ($31.49) From the PBS series, follow Jose around Spain and then back to his Washington, DC kitchen to recreate authentic Spanish meals.
One Pot Spanish by Penelope Casas ($19.95) Over 80 easy, authentic recipes for soups, stews and braises. Great winter foods!
Sangria pitchers, glass or ceramic
Wine books: We’ve dedicated an entire shelf to the Wines of Spain and Portugal.
Mexican Hand Painted Ceramic Angel candle holders ($38.00)
Kid’s Corner: Plastic Luchadora figures!

NEW SPANISH TABLE WINES 2008 Lícia Albariño, Rias Baixas ($16.99) Racy & zesty citrus flavors have notes of ripe melon laced with minerality. Finishing with impressive length, Lícia strikes the right balance between ripe fruit and acidity.
2004 Rioja Bordón Reserva ($14.99) Established in 1890, Bodegas Franco-Españolas stays true to tradition while coaxing expression and elegance from the grapes. A burst of smoked bing cherry meats earth, balsamic notes and a hint of clove. Silky and supple, it’s fine acidity provides balance and the length finish ends on a high note. A fantastic value for Rioja lovers!
2007 Alto Moncayo ($45.00) This compelling and polished wine is a knock-out! “Complex bouquet offers scents of blueberry, boysenberry, cola, dark chocolate and mace. Broad, sweet dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and power and are nicely framed by velvety tannins. A tangy mineral note gains strength with air and adds vivacity to the long, sweet, spicy finish. I’d drink this alluring wine on the young side for its exuberant fruit character.” 93 points Stephen Tanzer
2007 Alto Moncayo Veraton ($27.99) ” Sexy aromas of red and dark berries, sandalwood, spicecake and fresh rose. Spicy, concentrated raspberry and blackberry flavors are given spine by zesty minerals and pick up a smoky quality with air. Impressively lively for such a rich wine, with strong finishing spiciness and lingering notes of licorice and red berries.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer
Vinhos Justino Henriques Full Rich Madeira gift packs ($19.99). Packed in a wooden gift box, the set includes a 750 ml bottle of Full Rich Madeira and two Madeira glasses. Great value!
IT’S PORT SEASON!
The 2007 vintage ports are arriving, and we have the following four brands in stock:
2007 Porto Rocha Vintage Port ($58.00) Loaded with ripe fruit, Rocha has citrus notes, is medium sweet and balanced. Value priced, it has the structure for long ageing. 94-96 points, For the Love of Port
2007 Grahams Vintage Port ($88.00) Sweet, with a delicious nuttiness and smooth tannins.
Wine Spectator score 96-99
2007 Dow’s Vintage Port ($75.00) Incredibly structured with a seemingly never-ending finish.

Wine Spectator score 94-97
2007 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port ($75.00) 100% foot trodden and very drinkable already with notes of dense roasted nuts, fine grained tannins. Excellent!

Wine Spectator score 93-96

Other brands are available by special order:
2007 Gould Campbell Vintage Port ($55.00; 92-95 points Spectator) 2007 Warres Vintage Port ($78.00; Spectator score 95-98)
2007 Quinta Do Noval Vintage Port($90.00; Spectator score 94-97) 2007 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port($99.00; Spectator score 94-97).
Please let us know if you’d like to order any brands that we don’t have in stock.

PARIS GROCERY NEWS
Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood. It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.
NEW AND DELICIOUS CHEESES
Tome Jacquin: a creamy chevre from the Loire Valley.
Mothais Sur Feuille: a “wrinkly-rind” goat cheese, refined on a chestnut leaf. Sold individually.
Les Truffiardises: Hor d’oeurves-shaped fresh goat cheeses garnished with truffles and berries.
Fougerus: a cousin to Coulommiers, it’s a brie-style cow milk cheese and decorated with a fern leaf.
Bleuet de Savoie: a blue cow milk cheese with very Alpine characteristics- those who don’t usually like blue cheese will love this!

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, A NEW SHIPMENT OF D’ARTAGNAN CHARCUTERIE ARRIVED THIS WEEK! Back in stock are Duck Bacon, Wild Boar Bacon, Confit Duck Legs.
Among new items we now have
Pheasant Terrine with herbs, Chicken/Apple Sausage. and Jambon de Bayonne. Jambon de Bayonne is thinly sliced French ham, made in USA with only salt, no nitrates. $8.99 (4 oz).
FRENCH GIFT IDEAS
Dinner napkins with literary quotes ($35.00, set of four)
Culinaria France ($24.95) A virtual encyclopedia of French foodstuffs and wines, explanatory text and recipes with great photos on every page.
The Cooking of Southwest France by Paula Wolfert ($37.50) We’re big fans of Paula Wolfert’s cookbooks which meld detailed information about ingredients with authentic recipes.
The Paris Cookbook by Patricia Wells ($30.00) We used Patricia Well’s guide to Paris wine bars when we visited that city for the first time. An American who has lived in Paris since 1980, this cookbook and gastronomic guide to the City of Light is the next best thing for those who can’t afford a trip to France.

“Cooking French” 2 set DVD ($11.99) Disc One covers the cuisine of Northern France; Disc Two covers Burgandy and Southern France.

Compagnie de Provence organic skin care products. Choose from hand cream, soap, or body lotions made from natural and vegetable products.
Tunisian ceramics with multi colored flower design. We’ve got a whole mix of bowls and serving platters which make beautiful gifts.
NEW FRENCH WINES
TAKE 10% DISCOUNT ON SIX BOTTLES OR MORE AT PARIS GROCERY!
2005 Chateau Bonnet Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux ($9.99) André Lurton’s family has presided over the vineyards of Chateau Bonnet for over one hundred years. Ripe and juicy wild black fruit flavors have structured but accessible tannins. Serve it with a French cheese plate and charcuterie.
2007 Chateau Virgile Costières de Nîmes ($10.99) Concentrated berry flavors with focused aromatics, it is aged exclusively in tank with minimal fining and filtering. 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, it is concentrated and lush, an ideal match for the hearty cuisine of Southwestern France. “A juicy, polished palate of fruit pit, cocoa powder, salt, and herb-tinged cherries leads to a long, subtle finish, made more memorable by stony underlying notes and hints of floral perfume.” 91 points Wine Advocate
Dolin Vermouth Blanc and Rouge ($13.99) Dolin is the last independent producer of Vermouth de Chambéry and they continue to make the authentic product according to the principles which earned Chambéry France’s only A.O. for Vermouth back in 1932. This means production in Chambéry itself, maceration of real plants grown in the region rather than pre-prepared infusions, and the unique addition of sugar as opposed to other sweetening products. Dolin Vermouths are notably lighter, drier and less pungent than their larger commercial counterparts.

We look forward to helping you in the shop as you stock up for the holidays!

Sincerely,
Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.2827
Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 phone# 206.682.0679

Gifts For Gourmands

  
  
Even in my dead-broke college days, I always managed to scrape together a tasty meal. I discovered early on that having a larder full of staples guaranteed a home cooked meal that didn’t bust my budget. And in today’s great recession, a return to frugal eating just makes sense. But dining cheaply can be delicious as well! Here at The Spanish Table our stock of extraordinary and inexpensive grocery items includes dried beans and lentils, polenta, tuna and tomate frito (Spanish fried tomato sauce), cured sausages, pepper sauces, olives, North African spices and Valencian rice. These products also make great gifts for gourmands. Here are three loose recipes that can be thrown together with inexpensive ingredients: 
Polenta: Prepare polenta with grated cheese, top with grilled sausages, tomate frito and serve. 
Curried lentils: Boil lentils in chicken stock or water. Add cooked spinach, salt, pepper, tumeric, ground cumin and coriander to taste. Add a dollop of Harissa hot pepper sauce to make it spicy! 
White bean salad: Toss together cooked white beans and tuna, oil (use the oil that the tuna is packed in), vinegar, salt and pepper. Season with fresh chopped parsley and a small amount of fresh rosemary to taste. 
Spanish Table launches two new and improved websites! 
The Spanish Table wine website is now launched! We’ve got amazing wine values such as 2000 Valduero Reserva, originally $39.99, is now $23.99. 94 points Wine Advocate. Arranged by staff pick, by score, by price, by country, this virtual wine store has everything you’re looking for from Spain, Portugal, Madeira, or South America. Click The Spanish Table wine to visit the site. 
  
For all food and cookware products, click on The Spanish Table to check out our original and now revamped, website. It’s much easier to navigate and has a plethora of additional items. Now you can shop at home for Spanish food and wine! 

  

 

 

Whether you’re taking tapas to a party, giving food gifts or stocking your own larder, these are our favorite staples and a must for the serious cook.
Blanched Marcona Almonds:  Use in cakes and sweet breads.  Or fry in olive oil, salt and eat!
Organic Polenta from Argentina:  Intensely flavored; cooks in one minute.
Olive oil:   We have an extensive selection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) in all prices, including Mas Portell White Truffle EVOO, Miguel & Valentino Smoked EVOO, Mustapha’s Moroccan EVOO, and Clos Mogador EVOO.   Clos Mogador’s olive oil is one of the most buttery, intensely flavored oils we’ve ever tasted.
Vinegars:   Sherry vinegar is essential for making gazpacho and is just plain delicious in salads.  Not limited to just Spanish recipes, many cuisines call for sherry vinegar, especially modern French dishes.
Flavored honeys:  We’ve got Portuguese, Greek and Spanish honeys including plain honey in an earthenware crock, lavender and rosemary flavored honeys. Delicious served over yogurt with walnuts!
Handmade Fig Paste:  This is fantastic with a soft goat cheese such as Caña de Cabra.
Turròn:  In addition to traditional almond and honey flavor, try chocolate turròn with peach & rose.
Los Chileros brand Specialty Popcorn from New Mexico!  Comes in red, white or blue corn. 
Whole, mini wheels of cheese.  These make excellent gifts for lovers of queso, and for serving at a party!    Mini drunken goat wheels, about one pound, approximately $15.00; mini El Trigal Manchego cheese, around 2 pounds, approximately $30.00.    Actual weight and cost varies depending on the size of the wheel.
Assortment of cured meats:  For the pork obsessed, what could be better than a selection of Jamon Serrano, Chorizo, Catalan Butifarra sausage, Linguica, or Morcilla?

 

SPANISH TABLE GIFT WINES   2007 Bodega Colome Malbec ($24.99) “This Argentine red is quite ripe, with nearly exotic plum sauce, braised fig and crushed blueberry notes rolled together, while spice, mocha and incense hints help stretch out the juicy, dense finish…” No 32 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, 92 points 
2006 Concha y Toro Carmenere Peumo Terrunyo, Chile ($26.99)  “Dark in profile, with plum and currant fruit, but very pure, with silky tannins and a long, stylish finish that lets incense, spice and mineral notes play out.”  No. 63 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100, 92 points   
2005 Montecastro, Ribera del Duero ($47.00) “.. it has an alluring bouquet of wood smoke, toast, crushed stone, violets, black raspberry, and blackberry. This is followed by an opulent, full-flavored wine with gobs of spicy fruit, excellent integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and 4-6 years of aging potential. It will be at its best between 2013 and 2025.”   93 points Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator
2006 Mas D’En Compte, Priorat ($40.00)” Vibrant raspberry and cherry aromas are energized by blood orange and baking spices. Fresh red fruit flavors are complicated by an exotic lavender pastille quality and given lift by juicy acidity. An elegant, precise wine that finishes with excellent tangy cut and persistence.”  91 points Stephen Tanzer
2005 El Castro de Valtuille, Bierzo ($34.00) ” Peppery, mineral-dominated bouquet of fresh strawberry, raspberry and blood orange, with cracked pepper and graphite notes gaining strength with aeration. Racy, sharply focused red fruit flavors offer intensity without weight, picking up chewy tannins on the back end…”  90 points Stephen Tanzer, 92 points Wine Advocate

Kopke Rosé Porto ($21.99)  Arrived today, just in time for the holidays!  Not as extracted as a red port, it is fresh and round with notes of  forest fruits and roasted nuts.  Serve alone as a dessert wine, or make a festive Portuguese kir by adding some bubbly.  
2001 was an excellent vintage all over Spain, and one of the best in Rioja since 1994.   The 2001 vintage Gran Reservas started arriving this fall, and they are phenomenal.   Showing more ripe fruit than other vintages, and with characteristic silky tannins, they are the ultimate special occasion food wine.    Subsequent vintages have not matched up to the 2001, so this is a great time to stow some away in the cellar before they sell out!
2001 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja ($57.00) From a top-notch Rioja producer with impeccable standards, the ‘01 Prado Enea, is fantastic.  ” A complex, heady bouquet of dried red berries, sandalwood, rose oil, black tea and licorice pastille. Smooth, focused and gently sweet cherry and raspberry flavors coat the palate, with gentle but integrated tannins providing shape. This silky, seamless wine finishes with a strong echo of candied flowers, spices and minerals.”   93 points Stephen Tanzer  
2001 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Rioja ($60.00) The ‘01 Ygay is so incredible that we stashed a case of this away in our own cellar.  ” Impressively complex bouquet of dried red fruits, tobacco, cedar and potpourri. A spicy, subtly sweet midweight, offering lively redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and very soft tannins. The smoky finish features a strong echo of cedary spice.”  92 points Stephen Tanzer  

 

PARIS GROCERY NEWS

Our new shop features French cheeses and wine, and other foods with a French mood.   It’s located 1/4 of a block south of Spanish Table at 1418 Western Avenue.  

These products will make any Francophile very, very, happy.

Fleur Verte: This fresh, creamy goat cheese is festively adorned with thyme, tarragon, and pink peppercorns and has clean, lemony, and boldly herbaceous flavor.
Époisses: Brillat-Savarin dubbed this “The King of All Cheeses.” And the man knew his cheeses! This famously pungent, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy has a distinctly earthy flavor and an irresistibly gooey texture. It will convert you into a stinky cheese lover!
Monin Pumpkin Spice and Maple Spice syrups: Made with pure cane sugar, these versatile syrups add a splash of holiday flavor to coffee, hot cocoa,  or a warm-you-up cocktail.  Try them in whipped cream for topping seasonal desserts!
Le Pére Pelletier Sel du Boucher (Butcher’s Salt): Fleur de sel with rosemary, thyme, sage, and marjoram.  Packaged in a handsome wooden box, it makes a terrific gift!
Christmas Lima Beans: These gorgeous, red- and white-marbled beans from Cassoulets USA make a stunning and healthful, addition to your holiday spread. These beans hold their intricate coloring even after cooking. Make Christmas Lima Bean Soup with D’Artagnan duck bacon, wild mushrooms, and chopped chestnuts.
Charcuterie:  For the Francophile pork obsessed, these cured products are wonderful on a party table and also make great gifts: Rabbit sausage with prunes, Toulouse Sausage, Pork and Wild Boar, Chicken and Truffle.   We also have Duck Salami, Smoked Duck Breast and Cured Pork Bellies.

 

 

PARIS GROCERY WINES    10% discount on six bottles or more at Paris Grocery! 2007 Domaine des Domaine des Ouleb Thaleb Syrocco, (Morocco )$17.99  Alain Graillot, a highly regarded Crozes-Hermitage producer, met the owners of Thalvin while cycling through Morocco.  The family has made wine for decades on the black tirss soils near the high elevation town of Rommani. Graillot decided to team up with them to produce this rich syrah.  Lush, and with juicy ripe fruit, it has balance and verve.  This was terrific served  with braised rabbit in mustard sauce! A great gift for bicyclists who like full-bodied red wines.    “Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone-filled finish”  No 3 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of 2009, 95 points   2005 Vieux Telegramme Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($31.99)  The second wine from Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe is awesome and drinking beautifully now! “Ripe, with nice kirsch and raspberry fruit backed by darker hints of applewood-smoked bacon, plum sauce and dark licorice. Juicy and long on the finish, this stretches out nicely.”   91 points Wine Spectator     2007 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe “La Crau”, Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($85.00) 3 bottles available

FLAMENCO PERFORMANCES December 5th  8pm   One night only!! Al Cante Vicente Griego Al Toque Ricardo Diaz Al Baile Savannah Fuentes                Veronica Barrera Rendezvous Jewelbox Theater 2322 2nd Ave. $25 in advance,$30 at the door Tickets are limited to 60 available at www.brownpapertickets.com http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/91558     Have a great week and we’ll see you soon!   Sincerely,   Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners The Spanish Table, 1426 Western Avenue, Seattle WA  98101  phone# 206.682.2827        Hours:  Monday- Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM  Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM   Paris Grocery, 1418 Western Avenue, Seattle WA  98101 phone# 206.682.0679  Hours:  Tuesday- Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM  Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM, except Paris Grocery is closed on Mondays

Historical Travels

August 27, 2009

In a land filled with castles dating back to the middle ages, Spain’s fortress of Peñafiel is clearly one of the most remarkable. Fortified in 1307, it stands atop a narrow outcropping and was declared a National Monument in 1917. Shaped like a ship, it’s crenellated walls are 700 feet long and stand guard over the Duero River valley.

In 1927, a group of eleven wine growers formed a co-op in Peñafiel named Ribera Duero. From the beginning, the vision was to produce high quality wines without the use of chemicals or irrigation from low yielding old vines. The 1929 World Exposition in Barcelona awarded Gold Medals to Ribera Duero’s wines, beginning a long history of prestige and recognition. In the 1980’s the winery agreed to rename themselves Bodegas Protos, and allowed the new denomination of origin to take the name Ribera del Duero.

But back to the castle. In June, we visited Protos’ amazing cellars which are carved into the hillside right underneath the fortress of Peñafiel. No air conditioning is needed here, with consistent temperatures year-round. Today, 270 wine grower/owners make up Bodegas Protos. The wines are so highly sought after that the entire production is allocated, even though four million bottles per year are made. The grapes are hand harvested and sorted so that only whole healthy grapes go into the fermentation tanks. French and American oak barrels are used for up to 3 years maximum and grapes are still harvested from low yielding old vines, without the use of chemicals or irrigation. But success has its price. Bodegas Protos has outgrown its romantic and natural cellars and was in the process of moving into a new state of the art winery across the street when we were there. However, their commitment to quality and maintaining the highest standards remain unchanged.

NEW PRODUCTS *** BACK IN STOCK ***

Ybarra brand Anchovy Stuffed Olives in 350 gram cans!

Turkish Mulberries – in Istanbul, they are served for breakfast on yogurt.

Lebanese Alcohol free beer

Green Sultana raisins

Mulberry syrup – Great for making cocktails

Arrope (grape must reduction), try ours made of Palomino and Moscatel grapes.

Mitica Sweet Tortas de Aceite Artesana These sweet crispy thin flat bread breads from Seville are made with olive oil and sugared. They are the perfect accompaniment with your morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening desert. $4.19 each

Castelvetrano Olives are back in stock! These vibrant green olives are buttery, fleshy and mildly crisp with just the right amount of salt and no bitterness. 7.99/lb.

Roncal comes from the rich alpine sheep’s milk of the legendary Lacha and Aragonesa ewes. These herds graze in the high Pyrenees near Navarra. Made from raw milk and ripened slowly over the course of several months, this rustic and semi-soft cheese has a wonderful nutty and olive flavor with a moist smooth texture. $22.99/lb $5.75/quarter lb.

THE WINES OF BODEGAS PROTOS

2008 Protos Rosé, Ribera del Duero ($9.99) Made of 100% Tempranillo which is cold macerated for 16 hours to preserve the expressive red fruit aromas. Strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavors are perfectly balanced with crisp acidity in this delicious dry rosé.

2008 Protos Verdejo, Rueda ($10.99) Fresh aromas of grapefruit are complimented by lush citrus notes. Protos Verdejo has vibrant acidity with notes of green apple and a persistent finish. Absolutely refreshing!

2006 Protos Roble, Ribera del Duero ($14.99) Protos Roble is produced from 100% Tempranillo and aged 5 months in new American oak. Initial blueberry notes deepen to black fruit flavors, with an edge of licorice and fine minerality. Great with paella!

2005 Protos Crianza, Ribera del Duero ($31.00) 2005 was a stellar year in Ribera del Duero and produced wines of intense concentration. Protos Crianza has oak aromas combined with enticing ripe black fruit. Seductive and full bodied, its balanced berry toast flavors move seamlessly into a long, smooth finish.

SPANISH WINE DINNER

Join us at Taberna del Alabardero for a selected tasting of Jorge Ordonez wines, on Wednesday Sept. 2nd, 6 p.m. Special attendance by Sara Floyd, M.S. who will talk about the five wines, each paired with a separate course. $75.00 (tax and service charge not included). For reservations and information: 206.448.8884, for more details, click this link:

http://www.alabardero.com/seattle/2-September-09Jorge%20Ordonez%20DinnerWEB.pdf

Have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Sharon Baden and Steve Winston, Owners

Spanish Table