Canyon Gourmet

Rosé Wine Tickles Me Pink

danlipe — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:55:35 +0000

One of my favorite summertime libations is Rosé Wine. I love that it is crisp and refreshing and it pairs well with just about anything. It is great with fish, cheeses, even nachos. We have some wonderful customers at our shop, and many of them are very well versed on wine, sometimes more than me, but I still find myself having to convince them to give Rosé a chance. I know that many people still think of White Zinfandel (yuck) when they see Rosé, but let me tell you right here, White Zin it is not! Rosé can come from many different grape varietals, there is Pinot noir, Grenache even Malbec. They all bring something different to the table in a subtle yet flirty way.

Rosé is made a few different ways, but the most common way is to allow the red skinned grapes to remain in the juice for a few days to impart that beautiful blushing color. They than press the grapes and than the skins are removed before fermentation, as opposed to left with the juice like they do for red wine.

I think the trend for Rosé is leaning toward the dryer yet full bodied varieties. It is truly satisfying to be able to sip a chilled glass of wine in the summer that is complex and unique rather than light and watery.

I also like the Rhone Varietal Rosé, French Rosé is light and delicate, usually paler in color, I prefer to enjoy it for breakfast… just kidding. But it is wonderful for early daytime celebrations, luncheons, it has a lower alcohol content and is subtle and graceful.

I have to say California is really stepping up with some amazing Rosé , they are unique, complex and diverse, much like the Californians whom produce them. So all I can say is give Rosé a chance! Try it with a grilled artichoke, try it with some aged Spanish goat cheese, heck try it with a steak, you may just love it.

Welcome to Canyon Gourmet’s new website!

danlipe — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:49:20 +0000

We are really excited to share our love of all things food and wine with you. Canyon Gourmet is a fine food and wine shop located in

Topanga Canyon California, where the mountains meet the pacific.

Our goal is not only to find the most amazing, delicious foods and wines but to share our knowledge and passion with you. Whether it is discussing the difference between California olive oils and Italian olive oils or sharing our favorite recipe for macaroni and cheese. We will also use this blog to announce special in store events and specials. So if you consider yourself a foodie, a gourmet, a professional chef, an at home chef, a food snob or you just plain love to eat, enjoy our blog and cheers!

Homegrown Tomatoes Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Pancetta

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 03:16:06 +0000

Every year I have a battle with the ground squirrel’s over my tomatoes. Well actually my peaches, figs and tomatoes. They are ruthless and very smart, and really seem to appreciate my hard work, as they only pick the ripest most ready fruit. When I plan on harvesting on a Wednesday they go out there Tuesday night and feast. This year I decided to try and net my tomatoes, and even though they still managed to figure a way in, I was able to get my hands on some pretty beautiful tomatoes.

I was going to just do a simple roasted tomato with lemon thyme from my garden, but than thought to myself “what makes everything taste better?” The answer was simple, Cheese and Bacon. This is really a easy recipe, but so satisfying. You can take out the pancetta to make it vegetarian.

Homegrown Tomatoes Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Pancetta

4-6 medium size tomatoes

1 10 oz log of ripe goat cheese

Handful of Lemon Thyme or any other thyme

1 package pancetta* an italian bacon

1 shallot

Olive oil

Salt and Pepper

Slice off the tops of the tomatoes, and set the tops aside, scoop out the seeds and veins inside the tomato. In a saute pan brown the shallot and pancetta in a little olive oil, set aside and cool.Mix soft goat cheese and the pancetta mixture in a bowl and add about 2 tablespoons of thyme, I even added the thyme flowers. Lay the remaining thyme in to a baking dish drizzle with olive oil. Salt and pepper the inside of the tomatoes, and stuff with goat cheese mixture. Place tops back on and place them on the nest of thyme. Drizzle with more olive oil.Bake at 375 for about 20 min.

Serve with crusty bread and a light salad for an wonderful lunch or dinner. Serve with poached eggs for a unique brunch.

Enjoy.

Hearthstone, Bokisch, and Campion Wines

danlipe — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:10:47 +0000

Wine rejoices the heart of man and joy is the mother of all virtues.

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1771

The history of winemaking is deeply connected with the history of humankind. The healing powers of wine and the timeless pleasure derived from a glass of great wine have been celebrated in literature, art, religion and many other cultural practices through which we understand and enjoy our lives.

At Canyon Gourmet we’re proud to feature a selection of the finest wines from across the globe. We especially love wines from California’s Central Coast Valley. Fertile and varied soil, ample sunshine, and a temperate climate produced by cool winds and fog rolling in from the ocean, make this region a prime spot for unique wines that reflect a sense of place.

Hearthstone Vineyard & Winery, Paso Robles

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia mountains, Hearthstone winery employs natural farming methods and limited intervention to create innovative, aromatic blends of selected French varietals, such as Cabernet, Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Viognier and Roussanne.

Some of our favorite Hearthstone blends are Hearthstone Pioneer Red, a luscious blend of Syrah and Primitivo. Smooth, and ripe with flavors of wild raspberry and spiced plum, this full-bodied wine makes a wonderful accompaniment to red meat dishes, hearty pastas, full flavored cheeses, and dark chocolate. More on the delicate side, Hearthstone Jubilee (Sangiovese, Syrah, and Cabernet) pairs well with grilled meats and chicken, lightly tossed pastas, and mild cheeses. If you’re thirsting for a sip of summer, Hearthstone Pearl will tantalize your taste buds with kiwi, grapefruit and pineapple. A blend of Viognier and Roussanne, the wine melts like butter on the tongue and tickles with a crisp acidic finish. Try it paired with Honey Dijon chicken, Macadamia Crusted Halibut and Apricot Chutney, or a creamy heddar.

Bokisch Vineyards, Lodi

This small family owned winery handcrafts award-winning Spanish varietals, such as Albariño, Rosado, Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Graciano. The grapes are estate grown and farmed with commitment to sustainability and organics. Bokisch has garnered much attention for their success in creating outstanding wines from lesser-known grapes like Albariño and Roussanne.

Canyon Gourmet proudly features Bokisch Albarino. This gold medal white wine seduces with aromas of ripe guava, apricot, and pear. Medium-bodied, and with a lingering mineral finish, it makes a delicious accompaniment to seafood, mild, creamy cheeses and fruity desserts. If you’re interested in a unique red wine, try Bokisch Garnacha. A bright red and spicy Spanish varietal, it combines a palate of cassis, strawberry and wild flowers with hint of oak and moderate acidity at the finish. It compliments traditional Spanish dishes, such as Tortillas Rellenas, Carne Asada, smoked ham and dry aged Manchego.

Campion Wines, Edna Valley

Winemaker Larry Brooks has dedicated himself to the perfection of one grape: Pinot Noir. Campion Pinot Noirs are sourced from distinctly different appellations. To preserve the purity and natural character of the wines, Campion keeps its output small and limits intervention.

At Canyon Gourmet we love Campion’s Edna Valley Pinot Noir for its delicate balance between fruit, flower and hints of spicyness. This wine makes a wonderful accompaniment to rosemary chicken, grilled salmon, or fresh baguette and mild goat cheese. More on the earthy side, Campion’s Santa Lucia Highlands seduces with flavors of chocolate cherry, black pepper, sage and rosemary. Try it with grilled lamb, Ancho Chili Pepper Chutney, citrus glazed carrots, and roasted dates.