Category: Beer & Wine

DLM Food Explorer Viva Italia

Posted on by Calvin Mayne

On my first trip to Italy some years ago, I was surprised to learn that Tuscans largely ignore balsamic vinegar, and Milanese favor rice over pasta. And right in between Milan and Tuscany you find many recognizable delicacies from lasagna to Prosciutto di Parma to balsamic vinegar in the region of Reggio Emilia. Hazelnuts are a big deal in the north and hot peppers in the south.

You learn that when speaking of Italy’s great food culture, it’s impossible to describe it without putting it in a regional context. Maybe it’s the Italian connection to the land, a long culinary history, or simply local pride. In any case, discovering the regional foods of Italy is both educational and incredibly fun. Over the years, so many of us at DLM have traveled to Italy to discover its food treasures, and we’ve made it a point to bring a number of those back to you.

You see Italy’s influence at DLM in the Italian products themselves, like our Vera Jane’s Extra-Virgin Olive Oil hailing from the hills of Tuscany or our Parmigiano-Reggiano from Modena. Other times, you’ll find its reach in the form of a technique we’ve learned from studying with Italian masters that we then replicate here, such as our DLM Handmade Mozzarella, Naples-Style Pizza, and Tuscan butcher-inspired specialty prepared meats, to name a few. As you can imagine, we could write a book on our passion for Italian food, but for the purpose of giving some focus, we are spotlighting a few regions of Italy that have inspired us the most: Tuscany, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, and Southern Italy, mainly Calabria and Sicily.

We’ll be celebrating Italy all month culminating with our Food Explorer Day taking place May 18. Join us for great fun and good Italian eating on our next stop as Food Explorers…buon appetito!

TUSCANY

FOOD

Vera Jane’s Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (GROCERY), Pane Toscano (BAKERY), Pecorino Toscano (THE DLM CHEESE SHOP), Italian Oven-Ready Meats (MEAT)

WINE

CAPPONE CHIANTI CLASSICO – Count Sebastiano Capponi is a dear friend to DLM, hailing from his lovely Tuscan estate that’s been in his family since 1524! This young-vine Chianti is named for the first ancestor of Sebastiano. It’s 100% Sangiovese, brimming with beautiful fruit and richness.

VILLA CALCINAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA – 100% Sangiovese from the best blocks of old vines near Greve in Chianti. It’s a well-structured wine that’s full of rich black fruits, leather, spice, cigar box notes, and supple tannins.

FONTALEONI VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO – A wonderfully dry, minerally, and extremely pleasing white wine from the surrounding vineyards of the hilltop town of San Gimignano.

CAMPANIA

FOOD

Naples-Style Pizza (DLM WASHINGTON SQUARE & SPRINGBORO), San Marzano Tomatoes D.O.P. (GROCERY), DLM Handmade Mozzarella (THE DLM CHEESE SHOP)

WINE

COLLI DI LAPIO ROMANO CLELIA FIANO DI AVELLINO – A white wine from the Avellino province and a varietal the Romans called Vitis Apiana, vine beloved of bees. It’s dry, lovely, and has hints of pear and hazelnut, floral tones, and a hint of minerality.

EMILIA-ROMAGNA

FOOD

Prosciutto di Parma (DELI), Mortadella (DELI), DLM Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (GROCERY), Lasagna (GOURMET TAKEAWAY), Parmigiano-Reggiano (THE DLM CHEESE SHOP)

WINE

CASALI ROSA DI ROSA RED SPARKLING WINE – Perfect chilled with a plate of charcuterie enjoyed al fresco with its bright raspberry/blueberry fruit and soft bubbles.

LO DUCA LAMBRUSCO REGGIANO – Lambrusco does not exactly excite most after we’ve suffered so many terrible mass-produced and exported representations of this wine. However, Lo Duca is bright, semi-sweet, and has a naturally carbonated essence. Try it in a cocktail.

SOUTHERN ITALY (CALABRIA + SICILY)

FOOD

Cannoli (BAKERY), DLM Gelato (FROZEN), Scalia Anchovies (GROCERY), Marinated Anchovies (SEAFOOD BAR)

WINE

VILLA POZZI NERO D’AVOLA – The Pozzi family is a fifth-generation winemaking family located on the island of Sicily.

DONNAFUGATA ANTHILIA BIANCO – An amazingly crisp, minerally, and vibrant white wine blend from Sicily that’s perfect for light seafood dishes, salad, or poultry.

 

Tiny Bubbles

Posted on by Todd Templin

Occasions to break out the sparkling wine evoke much anticipation and result in special memories for many people, whether celebrating a special anniversary, a new beginning, or a toast at a holiday gathering. “Bubbles” are a happy beverage and they pair beautifully with darn near any dish! We believe that all sparkling wine in any number of varying styles and originating regions can be a magical addition to any meal or event. Here are a few of our favorites!

Laurent-Perrier

A great value, this is from the historic city of Reims, France. Dry and elegant with a nose of bread dough yeast and a long finish.

Schramsberg Brut Rosé

Long the standard bearer of super well-made American bubbly, this is the consummate apéritif. Dry with wonderful strawberry and apricot notes; pairs well with smoked salmon dishes.

Dr. L Riesling

Yes, sparkling Riesling!  A bright, clean sparkling wine that is ultra-charming and super affordable!

Veuve Clicquot Rosé

A French favorite, this is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and a touch of Chardonnay creating a fruity, full-bodied expression of the Veuve Clicquot style and perfect with an oyster platter.

La Marca Prosecco

An Italian sparkling wine that is quite dry and refreshing with dried apple, honeysuckle, and peach fruits.

Gruet Brut

Made in the French-style with a hint of dough mid-palate, this New Mexico favorite is crisp and sophisticated with apple and citrus flavor.

Party Like It’s 1948 at the Food & Wine Show!

Posted on by Todd Templin

In this 70th wonderful year of Dorothy Lane Market, we hope you can join us at the 20th annual Food & Wine Show, happening 7-9:30 p.m. November 1, as this year will be quite a celebration of fine food and drink. We like to think that our Food & Wine Show is the perfect kickoff to a celebratory season to come; and this year is certainly no exception. For one night, DLM Springboro transforms into the stage of a spectacular gustatory experience and it’s hard to believe that it started 20 years ago.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. THIS EVENT IS OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAIT LIST IN THE EVENT THAT A TICKET BECOMES AVAILABLE, PLEASE E-MAIL DLM@DOROTHYLANE.COM.

Taste wines from around the world and from some of the best producers, and talk to knowledgeable sommeliers all the while sampling exquisite chef-driven food prepared by DLM’s best. A ticket to the Food & Wine Show includes an opportunity to taste from a selection of nearly 200 fine wines and beer with a bevy of hors d’oeuvres coming from the kitchen along with 15 food stations. We promise you won’t go hungry!

In addition, we’re adding a fun twist this year as we take a trip back to 1948 with jazz music and by celebrating the dress of the era. So pull out your fancy hat or fedora, satin gloves, peep-toe pumps or oxfords, and double breasted suits. Let’s Party like it’s 1948 DLM style, and celebrate all things food and wine!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. THIS EVENT IS OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAIT LIST IN THE EVENT THAT A TICKET BECOMES AVAILABLE, PLEASE E-MAIL DLM@DOROTHYLANE.COM.

Curds + Hops: Tips for Pairing Beer and Cheese

Posted on by Maritza Cuellar

Most may find that wine and cheese go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Both are two of life’s great culinary pleasures. But on a hot summer day, the taste of a cheese that’s very salty and full of fat will be left hanging on your palate, which begs the question: have you ever considered pairing your cheese with a nice cold beer? Let’s trade in those fruits and tannins for some malts and hops instead, as beer and cheese are natural partners with equally wide ranges of possible flavors.

The first thing to consider when pairing cheese and beer is the same principle that holds true when pairing it with any other food: match the intensity of the beer with the intensity of the cheese. Set aside your doubts—taste is subjective and not everyone’s taste buds are the same. That said, you can’t pair any cheese with any beer and expect pure bliss. Cheers with beer and add a little curd to your hop with these tips.

Lighter Beers are Best with Lighter Cheeses. Pale lagers or wheats tend to pair nicely with lighter, fresh cheeses such as DLM Handmade Mozzarella, burrata, or chèvre. Try this: LIFT from MadTree Brewing Co. paired with a fresh chèvre from Laura Chenel. The crisp and refreshing hint of orange from LIFT marries with the rich-tasting, bright, citrusy tang of the Laura Chenel. It’s like the icing on top of a cupcake!

Stronger Cheeses Deserve a Stronger Beer. My favorite pairings include a decadent blue cheese like our Champignon Grand Noir with a rich stout like Yeti Imperial Stout from Great Divide. The salty and creamy experience of the Grand Noir melds so well with the sweet, smoky goodness that the Yeti has to offer.

Hoppy Beers Lift Buttery, Floral Cheeses. Now, I didn’t forget about you hop-heads! If you’re anything like me, then your go-to is a nice, juicy IPA, like New Belgium Brewing Voodoo Ranger. Match that with the key notes of buttery, floral goodness from the Comté Saint Antoine Gruyère. This is a young cheese with an old soul but somehow an IPA just brings out a refreshing and citrus life that it didn’t have before.

In the end, tasting is believing so don’t take my word for it and try some combinations for yourself. Grab your favorite cheese, try it with a variety of beer, and give it a whirl!

DLM at 70: A Culture of Good Food & People

Posted on by Dorothy Lane Market

People ask what the secret sauce is to DLM. Sure, there’s that touch of gourmet in addition to the everyday infused throughout every department (and no, it wasn’t always that way). There’s the friendly carryout who knows your kid’s name and never hesitates to offer the protection of an umbrella on a rainy day. There’s also the robust network of gourmands from faraway lands and local farmers whose bounty can be found at DLM.

But at the core of everything we do, there’s our history, which we hold near and dear. It’s real and rooted in humble beginnings built on friendship, hard work, and an unwavering sense of community; it’s not perfect, but it’s our history. We are proud of it and it has influenced much of who we are today, 70 years later.

We took a minute to reflect on that history and what has shaped the DLM culture, from cultivating a passion toward exploring good food to growing a family of associates, with many who have been here 25+ years. So take a minute to soak that in with the video below.

And to all of our customers and the community at large, thank you! Please  join us this weekend as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary at our 70th Anniversary Carnival happening 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, followed by our DLM Good Neighbor 5K at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 12.

A Gastronamic Tour de France

Posted on by Todd Templin

The bicycle world’s Tour de France consists of 21 stages over the course of about three weeks in July. While the thought of that spectacle is daunting and exhausting, we like to think of a wonderful idyllic saunter through the culinary landscape of this country that seems to ooze gastronomical finds from every square inch. So, set your own pace and journey to France via a Tour de DLM with these specialties.

CHAMPAGNE
In the great city of Reims, the heart of Champagne, we like to think of bubbles that make any occasion special. Guyot Choppin Brut Champage is tangy, full of fresh apple fruit, and mineral driven—begging for a bowl of clams simmered in white wine. Add a refreshing twist to a salad with Champagne Vinegar by J. Leblanc.

ÎLE-DE-FRANCE
Not far from Paris is the commune of Meaux and the great Brie de Meaux, which is perfect on a warm baguette with a glass of wine, or with a preserve, such as Bonne Maman or L’Épicurien… ooh la la!

GRAND EST
In years past, Strasbourg has hosted Tour de France riders. It’s also home to the wines of Hugel, a family estate since 1639. We’ve had the pleasure of sitting with family members of the estate and tasting their Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gentil, which is a blend of several varietals making it crisp, vibrant, and lively

FRANCHE-COMTÉ
Heading not far south, one comes to the region of France where you’ll find one of the great cheeses, St. Antoine Comté Gruyère, made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. This cheese melts in your mouth, leaving you with flavors that range from dense and smoky to sweet and fruity; cut into small straw-like pieces on a cheese tray or use in a fondue with a splash of white wine.

BURGUNDY
While in Burgundy, one must have the mustard, cheese, escargot, and of course, the wine! The 2016 Côtes Salines Bourgogne Chardonnay is one of our favorites this summer and it showcases the fruit perfectly. Try with a roasted chicken or cheese plate (and include a generous dollop of Edmond Fallot Mustard while you’re at it). Afavorite cheese of ours from Burgundy is the Époisses de Bourgogne, which is a pungent, soft-paste cow’s milk cheese that is simply heaven in a little round container.

SOUTHERN FRANCE
In the south of France is one of the great blues of the world—Le Papillon—and it started as any good French story: love. A young shepherd was distracted by a shepherdess. Forgetting his rye bread and sheep’s milk cheese in the cave of Combalou, he left to pursue the girl. He later returned to discover his meal covered in a blue-green mold. Famished, he tasted the cheese and was delighted. Roquefort was born! Another great, P’tit Basque, is a sheep’s milk cheese from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Enjoy with with charcuterie, fruit, or grilled veggies. Southern France also has so many superb wines, but a great warm-weather favorite is the 2017 Picpoul de Pinet Florensac. It’s minerally, crisp, clean, and perfect for summer entertaining. Other delights that we’d be amiss to not mention include Maison Pébeyre Truffle Mayonnaise founded in a small southern French village in 1897 and Vinaigre de Banyuls.

LOIRE VALLEY
Loire is where many of the fairytale castles of France can be found. We love to pour a glass of La Vigne des Sablons Vouvray, a deliciously dry and mineral-driven wine, with a chilled plate of oysters—simply a magical pairing.

BRITTANY
M. Gilles Hervy Fleur de Sel is a yummy grey natural sea salt harvested from the Atlantic.

NORMANDY
Pierre Biscuiterie French Butter Cookies have been made in the French Countryside since the 19th century. Another sweet delight from this region is one of our favorite whipped creams in a can, Isigny Sainte-Mère

HEY, HEY! Rosé: And Everything Else Pink That We Love

Posted on by Jessie Kuhn

You just have to stop and listen to really know what’s abuzz in the food world. What’s in season? What’s tickling the curiosity of chefs? And what’s delicious right now? I had the pleasure of being involved with a conversation like that with all of the brilliant directors here at DLM, whom I greatly admire and respect. They make DLM shine in so many ways, including forming valuable relationships with passionate food and drink purveyors near and far. They aren’t afraid to stop and smell the roses (or taste that latest French cheese, in some cases).

We were thinking about this time of year and the food, drink, and even flowers that are surrounding us. As we spoke about the local strawberry bounty, wild Copper River King Salmon (yes, it’s here), and brilliant blooms, our minds swirled with the color pink—also the color of rosé—and all its glory.

Local Strawberry Sensation
“There’s something about local strawberries that just makes me smile,” says Michelle Mayhew, Produce director at Dorothy Lane Market. We’re excited this year to feature the bounty of new Love Local friends, the VanMeter family. Their strawberry farm is located on 100 rolling acres in Clarkson, KY, and is a labor of love for the whole family. “Danny and Trish want to teach their children values of hard work, so they are all involved with collecting the fruit of their labor,” says Michelle, noting that Danny is a member of the Strawberry Grower’s Association of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.

Alaska Copper River Wild King Salmon Makes its Splash
Alaska Copper River Wild King Salmon is one of the most sought-after salmons and it’s finally here, coming to us fresh from Alaska. ‘”I’m Coming Home’ is the tune played by Mother Nature beckoning the return of the fish to the headwaters of their birth,” says Jack Gridley, VP of Meat & Seafood. Its prized flavor is attributed to the high Omega-3 oil content as the fish builds up fat to give them energy to travel the long spawning journey up the Copper River.

Fleur to Adore
May started strong with Italian Heather, and with each week, even more splashy blooms have continued to fill our stores. And then, just when we thought it couldn’t get much better, our locally grown bouquet season really kicked into gear. It’s easy to see why there’s so much fleur to adore!

Rosé all May
“It’s like springtime in a bottle,” Todd Templin, VP of Beer, Wine, & The Cheese Shop, has been known to say of the sure as the sun arrival of rosé to our stores each spring. We look forward to its bright fruits, crisp acids, and generally dry finish. The mere mention of rosé, aka the pink wine, elicits many smiles.

The Makings of a Rosé Picnic in 3 Steps

Posted on by Todd Templin

Pink wine, aka rosé, always elicits a smile this time of year because it’s springtime in a bottle! With bright fruits, crisp acids, and generally dry finishes, they’re perfect for an impromptu gathering on the patio or better yet, a picnic! Grab a picnic blanket, pour some rosé, and add these DLM favorites for a perfect springtime spread.

Step 1: Pick the Wine

  • Terra d’ Oro 2017 Rosé: A blend of Grenache and Nebbiolo that’s delightfully dry with nuances of orange blossom and strawberry.
  • Kim Crawford 2017 Rosé: A New Zealand find with a dry finish that we couldn’t resist that’s bursting with red berry fruit and a tinge of watermelon!
  • Charles & Charles 2017 Rosé: Blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Counoise.
  • Bieler Père et Fils Rosé from Provence: Full of bright floral and citrus tones that just make you happy!
  • Bierler Family Daisy: We couldn’t resist this daisy among the Rosés! Primarily Pinot Grigio with a bit of Riesling, Muscat, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Step 2: Choose Your Cheese 

  • Brie de Meaux: From the town of Meaux, in the region of Brie located just east of Paris, this cheese has wonderfully full  lactic tones with a mottled, soft-ripening bloomy rind and earthy aroma.
  • Société Roquefort: Having emerald-green veining and a creamy, moist texture, this sheep’s milk cheese is complex and rich making it perfect with a slice of pear and baguette.
  • Comté St. Antoine Gruyère: Melts in your mouth with a flavor range from dense and smoky to sweet and fruity!

Step 3: Don’t Forget the Accompaniments 

  • Rustic Bakery Sourdough Flatbread: Organic and baked by hand with natural products, these flavorful crackers are perfect for cheese and wine pairings.
  • DLM French Baguette: with a crispy crust and light airy interior and tasting just as if you were at a Parisian café, these baguettes are hearth baked everyday from scratch.
  • Les Trois Petits Cochons Cornichons Piquants: The perfect punch of sweet and spicy baby Gherkins from one of our favorite purveyors!
  • Les Trois Petits Cochons Charcuterie: Already sliced and ready for your charcuterie board, The DLM Cheese Shop has an assortment of Saucisson Sec aux Cepes, Saucisson Sec aux Herbes de Provence, and Chorizo.

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