Posts tagged fine grocer

A few years ago somebody gave me a recipe for rice pudding that they insisted I had to try. The recipe was intimidating and complicated involving double boilers and custard bases, but darn it, I envisioned my rice pudding for dessert and was determined it would be worth the effort. Imagine my chagrin when I realized the recipe called for real vanilla bean. Where on the Gaspé Peninsula was I going to find vanilla bean? If I was going to go through the culinary gymnastics that this recipe called for, I certainly wasn’t going to substitute in some artificial vanilla extract.

The quest for the vanilla bean led me to Le Vert Pistache in Bonaventure. This fine grocer is fully stocked with unique and specialty items, both Gaspesian and imported. The store has since moved from its original location on route 132 to a larger store front at 130 Grand Pré in Bonaventure (right next door to La Pétrie). There is parking available on the curb side directly in front of the store.

Gaspésie Gourmande products are prominently placed near the entrance of this bright and welcoming shop. If you like to make homemade soups and stews I highly recommend you give Bio Jardins Rocher-Percé salted herbs a try. There is also an excellent selection of dried or powdered wild mushrooms from Gaspesie Sauvage.

If you are looking for specialty seasonings there is a wide variety of Spice Hunter’s herb and spice blends; not only are these blends exotic (silk road blend for example) they clearly label the region of origin of these worldly flavours. We have come a long way from salt and pepper folks! The shelves are also fully stocked with organic lentils, beans, peas, rice, nuts, figs and raisins.

Le Vert Pistache carries a varied selection of microbrewery beers including Quebec’s La Barberie and the Gaspe’s own Pit Caribou. You can also find Ferme Bourdages strawberry beverages. If you are in the market for a hot beverage, Brûlerie du Quai coffee beans are available, and there is also a wide selection of loose teas and specialty tea blends.

Looking for condiments you say? The store carries cheese chutneys, bread dipping oils, various vinegars, caramel spreads and Mrs. McGarrigle’s gourmet mustards (I am planning on trying both the wasabi lime and British beer flavours in the not too distant future!)

But, in my personal opinion, the crowning glory of Le Vert Pistache is their selection of over 15 artisan Quebec cheeses. What do I mean by artisan? Artisan cheeses are made fresh from the farm, using time honoured hand-made traditions, by master cheese makers. The store staff are happy to let you sample before you buy, and can cut your cheese purchase to order.

The store currently has a nutrition month promotion; if your purchase (even in cumulative visits) is 60$ or more, you receive a 10% discount on your next store visit. This promotion runs until April 15^th 2012. Visit their website at www.levertpistache.com

So how was that rice pudding you ask? I honestly can’t remember, but it lead me to a Gaspesian store that I simply can’t forget!