Balducci’s 2019 Holiday Delectables
Balducci’s is a New York Institution. It is a spot not to be missed on any visit to New York City. The store is a culinary delight all year long but the holiday season brings particularly delectable bounties.
I recently attended the first-ever (and hopefully annual) Balducci’s & King’s Holiday Showcase at Balducci’s flagship store in Manhattan. I was treated to a tasting of chef prepared meals along with their perfect wine pairings.
Balducci’s Holiday Pairings:
Heritage Holiday Turkey-
The holiday heritage bird is the free range Koch Heirloom Bronze turkey. The turkey is fed an all vegetarian diet and raised hormone-free. The turkey is served with a Butternut Squash Gratin that was my favorite taste of the evening.
Paired with either of the following wines:
- Balduccis Rose 2018
- Cristom Pinot Noir Mt Jefferson 2017
Wild Nova Scotia Halibut with Chesapeake Oysters and Chanterelles-
I am a big fan of halibut, but no so much oysters. I was hesitant to try the dish at first but I am glad I did. The halibut melted in my mouth and the oysters were just enough not to over power.
Paired with the following wine:
- Steininger Loisium Reserve Gruner Veltliner 2017
Wonders of Wagyu-
Balducci’s is sourcing two types of Wagyu this season. The wagyu is paired perfectly with roasted mushrooms and shallots with mustard greens.
- Balducci’s Wagyu- hails from Sakura Farms in Ohio. The Wagyu is exclusive to Balducci’s this holiday season. This mouth watering Wagyu comes from legendary Japanese bloodlines. The cattle are slowly fed a vegetarian, hormone-free diet for a minimum of 400 days, resulting in a highly marbled beef
- King’s Wagyu- hails from First Light in New Zealand. Farmer’s in New Zealand raise their cattle grass-fed and free-range.
Balducci’s History:
In 1914 Louis Balducci, an immigrant from Bari Italy, began by selling fruits and vegetables from a pushcart in Brooklyn. In 1946 Louis and his wife Maria opened a fruit stand at the corner of Christopher Street and Greenwich Avenue. Since then the store has lived on in New York City at various locations.
If you are traveling to New York City make sure to put Balducci’s on your must do list. You can thank me later.
Balducci’s is located at 301 West 56th Street in Manhattan. You can find their other locations –> HERE<–
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