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➌ DEMEDICI IMPORTS LTD. Villa Manodori "Artigianale" Balsamic Vinegar ➍
DEVELOPED BY CHEF MASSIMO BOTTURA, owner of three–Michelin star restaurant Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, Villa Manodori "Artigianale" Balsamic Vinegar has all the attributes of a traditional balsamic but with greater use in the kitchen. "This balsamic was created by a chef who wanted to use it in his own cooking and not have to worry about the properties changing when confronted with heat," says Steve Kaufman, executive vice president of DeMedici Imports. "Because it does not turn bitter
when heated, it is very versatile and very well-loved."
Produced in limited quantities, the vinegar is a creative blend of balsamic of a variety of ages from locally grown Trebbiano grapes. While it matures in barrels of oak, chestnut and juniper, the vinegar develops a shiny ebony color, pleasant woody aroma and raisin-sweet, tart taste with a syrupy texture. Villa Manodori can be used in a variety of applications: toss with pasta; glaze grilled meats or vegetables; or even drizzle on ice cream or other desserts. "Because this product was created by a chef for his personal use, home cooks and other chefs value its integrity," says Kaufman. Chef Bottura also produces a Dark Cherry Balsamic aged from local Trebbiano grape must in Vignola cherry wood. Villa Manodori picked up its first sofi Gold in 2000 for Outstanding Oil, Vinegar or Salad Dressing. "We started exclusively distributing in 1999," says Kaufman. "It still sells like crazy and its popularity does not wane. It is a true classic." Suggested retail price: $42–$45/8.4 ounces. Contact: Steve Kaufman, DeMedici Imports Ltd.; 908.372.0965; skaufman@demedici.com; demedici.com.—N.P.D.
FINALISTS
➊ CYPRESS GROVE CHEVRE Humboldt Fog
Contact: Janne Rasmussen janne@cypressgrovechevre.com 707.825.1100
cypressgrovechevre.com
➋ ROGUE CREAMERY Oregon Blue
Contact: Anna Campbell; Francis Plowman; Andy Sothmayd anna@roguecreamery.com; wholesale@roguecreamery.com 541.665.1155 roguecreamery.com
➌ TATE'S BAKE SHOP Tate's Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies Contact: Kathleen King; Jill Jenkins
kathleen@tatesbakeshop.com; jill@tatesbakeshop.com 637.780.6511 tatesbakeshop.com
➍ THE REPUBLIC OF TEA Ginger Peach Black Tea Contact: Eva Wong eva@republicoftea.com 415.382.3443 republicoftea.com
SEPTEMBER 2012 S11
CLASSIC