Back from vacation - fabulous feedback....and ch-ch-changes!

Like most of you, I am returning from a brief summer vacation. As we're approaching our first year in Melrose, I was able to take a few days to unwind and relax (well, as relaxing as a family vacation to Hershey Park can be!). As sad as I am for it to be over - I'm so glad to be back.

To make the return even better, this morning I read this great article which really made me so very happy; this encapsulates what our business model is, and why we want the small wine boutique shop to be an experience - not just an errand. (http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/2010/08/rant-best-advice-on-buying-wine.html)

Labor Day is approaching - and that means Harvest is upon us. This is probably my favorite time of year; and to celebrate - some changes are coming to the Melrose store in the next month....window displays featuring Henriot Champagne is a big switch; if you are an enthusiast of the bubbles and have not yet tried this line - I insist that you try. Speaking of windows, a plan is in the works to pretty up the windows and give us a very classic and unique outside appearance. I'd been hoping to unveil it for Labor Day, but the schedule seems to be slipping on that one..

Hours are changing as well! We are now officially open until 9pm on Thursdays - and look for Sundays to stay open until 7. We know how halftime during football season is always the time that everyone needs to run out and refresh the coolers; or maybe you've got a Sunday dinner plan and forgot that bottle of wine to bring. No worries - we're here for you.

And of course...the inventory. Not sure if you've noticed, but the last three weeks I started stocking Harvest/Pumpkin/Octoberfest beer! Dogfish, Victory, Ipswich, Sam Adams, Shipyard - just to name a few. Who doesn't love a good pumpkin ale, right? We also have Fall Ciders from Woodchuck & Harpoon for those of you looking for something other than traditional beer or wine.

In the wine department - I'm cutting down on some of the lighter Spanish white wines, and re-engaging my South African section. South Africa has some delicious and exciting wines at fabulous prices. The "bigger" wines and higher end (but still not over the top in price) are bulking up as well. It's never too early to think about holiday gift giving!

And then, there's food.... Bread is coming back on Fridays in the next two weeks! I know some of you have really missed that, so I'm happy to announce the return. I've got some great food lines that I found over the summer coming in over the next month - and best of all - they're all LOCAL. Small, artisan food producers are so much fun to find for me - -and you can feel good knowing you're part of supporting our local economy. Buy local, buy fresh -- it's not just a tagline; it's a principle and business model I work hard to follow.

My batteries are recharged - and hopefully, you will enjoy the subtle changes that are going to be happening. My wine shop is your wine shop - and it is a constantly evolving, living thing. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome, and as always - thank you for your support.

Holiday Week....

It's a big holiday week for everyone....and both stores have selections that are perfect for both the Easter & Passover Holidays.

Both stores are offering wines that are Kosher for Passover, including Tishibi Cabernet/Petit Syrah, Tishibi Emerald Riesling, Golan Chardonnay & Cabernet -- and of course, Manischewitz.

Our Melrose location has three tastings this week - and more specific information regarding what we'll be sampling will follow shortly, so keep checking back.

Thursday: Holiday Dinner Sampler, Pt. 1
Friday: Go Green Organic Sampling
Saturday: Holiday Dinner Sampler, Pt.2

We've got chocolates, candies, (even jellybeans!), oversized chocolate peanut butter cups and more for all your Easter gift basket stuffing.

The cheese case will have a fantastic selection, as well as a nice selection of fresh pasta that is available to add to your dinner table.

There's always something new going on in the Melrose shop.... and we're always changing our wine inventory in both locations, so come on by and pick out something that will be just perfect for your holiday table -- or just a quiet evening at home.

What's happening over the next few days...

Okay, so there's a lot going on so my wine recommendations have fallen to the wayside temporarily.

Sunday, we're having a fundraiser for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In conjunction with Melrose Boot Camp, we're sponsoring a shopping day where 10% of our sales from the Melrose store from Sunday will be donated to DFCI via Joy Fay - who is running the Marathon and raising money for this fantastic facility. Unfortunately, in this day and age there is virtually no one that isn't affected by Cancer in some way and in some capacity -- so this is a great way to help contribute to the fight against the disease. So come by on Sunday and know that your contribution will help!

Monday, we will be part of the special that Chronicle is running on wine! So you dont' want to miss out on that...

We've got lots of tastings coming up in the next week for the holidays. I'll post more on that Tuesday.

In the meantime, here's a snapshot of our freezer and cheese case (at least how it looked as of this morning!) -- just in case you'd like to pop in at some point and indulge. Remember, we carry Dom's Sausages, Steak Tips & Ribs!

Domo Arigato.... and more!

This Saturday (tomorrow....) we're having a Sake sampler. Join us from 5-7 as we sample the following varieties:

Moon Rabbit Sparkling
Murai Tanrei
Chikurin Fukamari Junmai
Hakushika Junmai Ginjo
Ozeki Osakaya Chobei Dai Ginjo
Murai Nigori Genshu

If you have always thought sake was only for chinese food -- or meant to be digested warm, you're in for an interesting and pleasant treat!

We've brought new cheese in this week: Three Cream Gouda, Duchess Sara Gouda as well as delicious Applewood Smoked Cream Cheese and Pesto Butter.

Did you know we carry Dom's Sausage Steak Tips & Turkey Tips - as well as Country Style Ribs? They're delicious, and we charge the same amount as Dom's does so you aren't being charged any differently and you don't have to travel to Dom's direct if you don't want to! We also can order custom cuts of meat for you from Dom's, with only three days notice!

Speaking of Dom's as you can see from the photo on our new chalkboard -- we're sampling out Dom's Sausage meats AND having a beer tasting the same evening. You won't want to miss it!

Lots of new wine this week on the racks -- and in all regions! So come on by and indulge a little bit. You deserve it, don't you?

What's new - and what we're tasting!

So, this week - we added some more fun things!
Now available -- Dom's Sausage delicious Steak & Turkey Tips! Available in both Original and Zesty Teriyaki -- and Caesar & Honey Mustard for the turkey. And trust me when I tell you that I've priced them right.....

Also new in the cheese case is Danish Fontina, and Fol-Epi - as well as Mimolette Jeune (young) and Veille (aged). I'm hungry just thinking about it....

Dijon mustard has found it's way to the cheese case....and I'm trying really, really hard to find a good local honey! If anyone knows a resource please share - because it's been quite difficult to find someone who will return my phone call. Who doesn't love a little honey with their cheese?

Tomorrow night, 5-7pm we'll be tasting out some truly delicious wine: Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Vouvray & a Chinon. We'll also be sampling an Argentinan Malbec -- so if you're in the neighborhood.....come on in!

Bring back "Wednesday is Spaghetti Day"....

Tomorrow in Melrose - we're running a special for dinner.

Your choice of a bottle of red wine or white, a bag of artisanal pasta, a jar of imported spaghetti sauce, a wedge of parmigian reggiano and a box of pizelles -- all for under $30.

What take out, when you can take in?

While supplies last!