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With the Olympic Games beginning this week, let’s raise a glass in the spirit of international competition. To celebrate the event, we have a fantastic deal for our customers. Get 10% OFF when you purchase six or more 750 ml. bottles of wine, including sparkling and champagnes. Our wine department has a large selection from across the USA and an assortment of international bottles. We have it all, from rich Merlots to fruity Rieslings, and everything in-between. Mix and match your favorite varietals or try something new!

As part of Bianchini’s International Food Festival, we are featuring delectable Cheddar cheeses from the British Organic Dairy Company. As one of the founding members of the organic dairy movement in the United Kingdom, the British Organic Dairy Company have paved the way for regenerative farming practices. The farmers work diligently to maintain soil health and never use herbicides or pesticides on the grazing pastures for their free-range herd. British Organic Dairy Company’s award-winning cheddar cheeses are made in Somerset, the birthplace of cheddar. With over 100 years of cheese-making experience under their belt, they’ve honed their skills to create some of the most satisfying cheddars. Each cheddar is specially selected by their graders to deliver the finest organic cheddar available. Stop by our cheese department to find British Organic Dairy Company Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar cheeses, along with a variety of specialty cheeses from around the world.

Join us for a delicious culinary journey celebrating foods from around the world, in honor of the Olympics. This Friday, July 26th, marks the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Over the next few weeks, over 200 countries will participate in thirty-two sports, competing for a gold medal. As part of Bianchini’s International Food Festival, we will have specials throughout the store along with yummy recipes you won’t find anywhere else. Who’s ready for the Summer Olympics?

Did you know that portobello mushrooms are cultivated in over 70 countries, from Europe to North America? Making them the most common and widely consumed mushroom in the world, and for good reason. Portobello mushrooms are low in calories, and rich with 15 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant phytonutrients, including, copper, selenium and B vitamins. This variety of mushroom can be harvested at three different times in its growth cycle, when immature it’s called a white mushroom, while it’s maturing it’s called a cremini, and when fully matured it’s called a portobello. White mushrooms are small and have a mild, earthy taste and firm texture, good for salads. Creminis are a little larger and offer a more intense flavor with a meaty texture, ideal for sautéing and stir-fry dishes. While portobellos have a large cap which is a great choice for grilling and frying. Large portobellos can even be used as patty for burgers, a delicious vegetarian alternative that delivers a satisfyingly meaty texture and rich, brothy flavors.

Grilled Portobello Burgers with Garlic Mayo

A mouthwatering burger that delivers big flavor.

Ingredients

Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons Morton and Bassett chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dark or light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Morton and Bassett garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Morton and Bassett onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Morton and Bassett smoked paprika
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Morton and Bassett chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Morton and Bassett ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Burger:

• 4 portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon chopped chives
• 1/4 teaspoon Morton and Bassett garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 small red onion, sliced, rings kept intact
• 4 burger buns
• 4 lettuce leaves
• Olive oil for grilling

Directions

Combine all marinade ingredients in a small mixing bowl.

Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet. Drizzle marinade over the mushrooms and rub in to coat all sides. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Preheat the grill to high heat.

Stir together the mayonnaise, chives, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Brush grill grates with olive oil. Place mushrooms and red onion rings on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the mushrooms and onions darkened and tender.

Spread the Garlic Mayo on each bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, a few onion rings followed by a mushroom on each bottom bun. Cover the mushroom with a top bun to complete the burger.

Servings 4

It is Ice Cream Week at Bianchini’s! The first true ice cream is said to have been introduced in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that the first recorded recipe of ice cream was written. Stop by your local Bianchini’s and sample some of the most delicious ice cream, then bring home a carton or two and host your own ice cream social. Don’t forget the toppings! Create a yummy sundae, put a scoop on a cone or enjoy it from a bowl with a sweet syrupy sauce. Or pack a cooler with your favorite ice cream and take it outside for a relaxing picnic.

Straus Organic Ice Cream tastings:
Wednesday, July 17th, from 11am-2pm, at San Carlos. Thursday, July 18th, from 11am-2pm, at Portola Valley

Marianne’s Ice Cream:
Friday, July 19th, at San Carlos from 11:30am-2:30pm

Bianchini’s Ice Cream:
Saturday, July 20th, at San Carlos from 11am-1pm

Let Bianchini’s help you create the tastiest menu for the All-Star Game this Tuesday, July 16th. Here are our Five Must-Have foods that make every gameday menu complete.

Nachos
No watch party is the same without a plate full of nachos. Make it a snack with layers of Bianchini’s Tortilla Chips complemented with salsa, shredded cheese, and guacamole. Or upgrade it to the main course with hearty chili with a heaping helping of pulled chicken or pulled pork.

Hot Dogs and Hamburger
I know, we have a two-fer with this one, but freshly grilled hot dogs and hamburgers go together with baseball like ketchup and mustard. They’re nice on their own, but together they create something special. Add a little relish, chopped onions and tomatoes, and we’re on a whole other level of deliciousness.

Popcorn
The smell of popcorn is nearly irresistible, and it’s the perfect snack to enjoy while watching the game. The combination of salt and butter keeps you coming back. We think it’s easy to claim that popcorn is the real all-star of the game day menu.

Peanuts in the Shell
Nothing says baseball like this salty snack. After a handful, you’ll be singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and cheering on the team to win.

Craft Beer
A must have for any watch party and the perfect paring for all the snacks. We carry a large selection of local, craft and imported beers. We have something for everyone’s tastes.

Bring out the blender and shakers, because we mixing up three of the best summertime cocktails! Wednesday, July 10th, is National Piña Colada Day, Thursday, July 11th, is National Mojito Day, and Friday, July 12th, is National Michelada Day.

The Piña Colada can be traced back to the Carbe Hilton in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, where barman Ramòn Marrero Perez first crafted the cocktail in 1954. A true taste of the Caribbean with its simple combination of coconut, pineapple, and rum. The perfect cocktail for sipping and relaxing.

Classic Piña Colada

Cool, creamy, fruity, and sweet.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. light rum
• 1 1/2 oz. cream of coconut
• 1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
• Pineapple wedge, for garnish
• Pineapple leaf, for garnish

Directions

Pour the rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and lime juice into a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.

Strain into a chilled Hurricane glass with pebble ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and pineapple leaf.

Servings 1

The Mojito may have been created in the 16th century when Francis Drake landed in Cuba to find the City of Gold. Seeking a remedy for scurvy, some of Drake’s crewmen were given ingredients to make tonic using mint, lime juice and sugar cane liquid. Shortly after, a cocktail called El Draque was created, which used similar ingredients to Drake’s tonic.

Classic Mojito

Refreshingly minty and slightly sweet.

Ingredients

• 3 mint leaves
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. white rum
• 3/4 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
• Club soda, to top
• Mint sprig, for garnish
• Lime wheel, for garnish

Directions

Add the mint leaves and simple syrup to a shaker. Lightly muddle. Then add the white rum, lime juice and ice. Place the top on and briefly shake. Add ice to a highball glass and strain the drink over top. (Alternatively, you can begin with pebble ice in the highball glass, then add the ingredients to the glass and swizzle it all together.)

Top with club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.

Servings 1

The Michelada is credited a man named Michel Ésper who was a member at Club Deportivo Postino in San Luis Potosí, Mexico around the 1960’s. Ésper asked for his beer to be served with lime, salt and ice in a cup called a chabela with a straw, as if it were a beer lemonade (limonada). Other members from the club began to ask for beer as “Michel’s lemonade”, over time the name was shortened to Michelada.

Classic Michelada

Tangy, bold, and refreshing with a touch of heat.

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch Morton and Bassett cayenne pepper
• 1 lime wedge
• 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 1 pinch Morton and Bassett ground black pepper
• 1 pinch celery salt
• 1 bottle Mexican lager beer, chilled
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Directions

Pour equal parts of salt and cayenne pepper onto a plate or in a shallow bowl.

Rub the lime wedge along half the rim of a pint glass. Dip the rim into the salt-cayenne mixture.

Pour the lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, black pepper and celery salt into the pint glass. Pour in the Mexican lager. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Servings 1

Join us in celebrating National Blueberry Day, one of the most nutritious and delicious food holidays of the year. Held annually on July 8th, this little fruit is put centerstage for everyone to enjoy. Blueberries were first domesticated in the 1800’s by the indigenous peoples of North America consumed them for food and used them for medicinal purposes. Did you know in 1999, blueberries were named a superfruit? This prestigious label was given due to blueberries containing high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and natural fiber. Studies have shown that consuming blueberries can help reduce inflammation, support bone health, heart health, promote blood clotting and protect against certain types of cancers. Enjoy blueberries fresh or frozen, morning, noon, and night, as a healthy snack, added to a salad, or baked into a sweet treat. Be sure to check out our blueberry recipe collection, and celebrate National Blueberry Day with your favorite recipes!

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Comfort food doesn’t get much better than macaroni and cheese, and Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac and Cheese earns its name. Since 2003, Beecher’s has been serving their signature recipe in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, becoming a crowd favorite in no time. What sets “World’s Best” apart is the cheese. The simple recipe starts with a generous serving of Beecher’s Flagship and Just Jack cheeses, a sprinkling of a few select seasonings for bold flavor, and swapping out the traditional elbow macaroni for penne pasta. The result is a mac and cheese that’s perfectly cheesy and ultra-creamy, a real treat for your senses.

Beecher’s Mac and Cheese

Pure cheesy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

The Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 7 oz. Beecher’s Flagship cheese, grated (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 oz. Jack cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Morton and Bassett chipotle chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Morton and Bassett garlic powder

The Pasta:

• 6 oz. penne pasta (about 3 1/4 cups)
• 1 oz. Beecher’s Flagship cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
• 1 oz. Jack cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Morton and Bassett chipotle powder

Directions

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes, until sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

Add Flagship and Jack cheeses to the pan. Sprinkle salt, chili powder and garlic powder over top. Stir for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, and all ingredients are incorporated. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch baking dish with butter or oil.

Cook the penne for 2 minutes less than package directions. Rinse the pasta under cold water and drain.

Pour the pasta into a large bowl and pour the cheese sauce over top. Stir until the pasta is well coated.

Transfer the pasta to the baking dish. Sprinkle both cheeses and then the chili powder over top.

Place into the oven uncovered to bake for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Servings 4

The Top 10 Spices for Grilling

1) Black Pepper
The bold flavor and piercing heat of black pepper makes it a truly essential spice. Black pepper pairs wonderfully with the smoky and charred flavors that can only be accomplished from grilling over a flame.

2) Onion Powder
The great thing about onion powder is that it blends beautifully with just about everything grilled. Onion powder can deepen the overall flavor and add a subtle amount of sweetness to the dish.

3) Cumin
Cumin is considered a heat-free version of black pepper within the spice realm. It delivers earthy, super savory notes with an almost gravy-like quality and meaty richness. An ideal seasoning for flame grilling.

4) Garlic Powder
Universally loved by BBQ enthusiasts and pitmasters alike, garlic powder is a must-have for grilling. Equally delicious on meats and vegetables, garlic powder elevates any dish with its vibrant, aromatic flavor.

5) Smoked Paprika
There is nothing quite like the flavor of smoked paprika. It’s big, bold, warm, woodsy, slightly sweet with a touch of spicy heat, and of course smoky. Add a pinch to liven up your favorite dishes.

6) Oregano
Strong and herbaceous with a slight peppery note, oregano is a delightful addition to your seasoning selections. The earthy flavor cuts through the richness of grilled meats and adds a level of sophistication to vegetables.

7) Crushed Red Pepper
Crushed red pepper is a seasoning staple that can add a nice amount of spice. Great when used in a brine or marinade or as a finishing touch to add fruity heat, subtle sweetness, and a hint of smokiness.

8) Rosemary
Rosemary is typically described as earthy and woodsy with subtle notes of lemon, mint, and pepper. Excellent when added to a marinade or sprinkle over your meats or vegetables while cooking to add robust, herbaceous flavors.

9) Turmeric
Potent and peppery perfectly describe turmeric. This yellow-orange spice is great in marinades and sauces, when you want to add an earthy flavor to your dish. Combine with cumin, garlic, or red chili flakes to take the taste up a notch.

10) Thyme
Thyme is aromatic with a beautiful balance of mint, citrus, herbal, woodsy, and floral notes. Season your savory dishes with a pinch or two of thyme to add a bit of peppery and sweetness.

Try these grilling spices at your next cookout and be sure to check out our barbecue recipe collection for many delicious ideas.

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