Hello and welcome to our first edition of "Just Off Center" from The Opera House Gifts and Gourmet. We travel the world and our own backyard to bring you fantastic selections to savor and enjoy all year round. Every few months we will bring you news to enrich your life and inform your palate.
—Enjoy, Jan

WINE-A-RITA, It's all in the mix

They are here and going fast.
Cosmorita
This is a refreshing twist on a trendy city classic, with a combination of the cosmopolitan and frozen cocktail. Blend with white wine or vodka. Favorites are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.

Peach Bellinis
Harry's Bar in Venice claims credit for the invention of the Bellini, it is an Italian classic.  Peach Bellini Mix can be blended with your favorite white wine or blend with Prosecco, sparkling wine or Champagne.  May be blended with ginger ale for a non-alcoholic treat.

RECENT CLUB SELECTIONS
Roc Blanco, Tinto Crianza and Bordeaux SupÉRIEUR

The waning days of Summer are the perfect time to enjoy three recent club selections for the warm weather and dinners grilled on the barbeque. The first two from Castillo Perelada, Spain, Roc Blanco and Tinto Crianza are wonderful complements to dining alfresco. Try marinated chicken, grilled to perfection with a finishing touch of lemon juice and serve with summer vegetables. Blended of Xarel-lo (65%) and Muscat (35%). Roc Blanco is from the northeast area of Spain, bordering France to the north, Aragon to the west and the Pais Valenciano region to the south.  These coastal areas generally enjoy a Mediterranean climate. 

The Tinto Crianza is a blend of Garnatxa (38%), Carinyena (26%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), Tempranillo (10%), Merlot (9%), and Syrah (3%).  It is also grown in the northeast corner of Spain.  The vineyard fans out from the coastal town of... Read full story »

DEFINING TASTE
cacao
[kah-KAY-oh, kah-KAH-oh]
The tropical, evergreen cacao tree is cultivated for its seeds (also called beans), from which cocoa butter, chocolate and cocoa powder are produced.

galette
[gah-LEHT]
Hailing from France, a galette is a round, flat cake or tart (sweet and savory) often made with flaky-pastry dough. It is topped with fruit, jam, nuts, meat, vegtables or cheese. Galette des Rois, the traditional cake served during Twelfth Night festivities, often contains a bean or other token, which is guaranteed to bring the recipient good luck.

tannin
[TAN-ihn]
Found in the seeds and stems of grapes, the bark of some trees and in tea, tannin is an astringent substance important in the making of good red wines. It aides long and graceful aging. Young wines may have a noticeable astringency — a quality that diminishes as the wine ages, mellows and develops character.

GOODIES WE LOVE

Wanders
We are pleased to offer these superb chocolate delicacies. Chocolaterie Wanders is comprised of artisan chocolatiers trained in traditional European methods.

Wanders are masters in the fine art of great chocolate, importing their raw chocolate from the finest purveyors. They hand-craft our chocolate truffles and confections in small batches to ensure exquisite taste and freshness.

Wine and Dine Party plate
is IN our STORE NOW

Old world style and new world savvy. Perfect for parties, this convenient and attractive solution for sipping wine, sampling fare while visiting with old and new friends is a must for your next get together.

Party plate is 7" in diameter.

HEALTHY INDULGENCE

It is said that gourmet chocolate is experiencing increased sales, due to the health and wellness trend. While it is true that research shows that dark chocolate, not milk chocolate, lowers blood pressure and is a potent antioxidant, let's be honest — it just tastes great. With its high cacao content versus milk chocolate and its fruity, sour and spicy taste profile, a little bite packs the right punch—without the guilt.

INSTANT GOURMET

Blend herbs and butter to elevate simple pan sauces and dress a steak or chop. Try mixing our Bull Run Rub-Citrus Sea Salt with softened unsalted butter. Save leftovers (if any) in the fridge. Very popular so hurry while supplies last.