The Grapevine

When the weather warms up, you want to soak up all the joys of summer which includes spending your days and evenings outside, often firing up your grill! Have you ever thought about grilling your salad? If you haven’t tried Grilled Romaine with Lemon-Parmesan Vinaigrette, you are missing out on the ultimate summer side dish.

Grilling romaine lettuce completely transforms it. By grilling a head of romaine for just a few minutes, the edges get charred and smoky, while the inside stays crisp and refreshing. Grilling romaine makes it the perfect summer salad and the dressing is just as important! 

The best part? Because this vinaigrette strikes the perfect balance of bright citrus acidity, rich olive oil, and the savory depth of aged Parmesan, this dressing doubles as an incredible summer marinade.

• For Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in a splash of the vinaigrette for a few hours before grilling. The lemon juice tenderizes the meat, while the bits of Parmesan create a gorgeous, savory crust when it hits the grates.
• For Seafood: Brush it onto shrimp skewers or a piece of salmon right before it goes on the grill for a burst of bright, zesty flavor.
• For Grilled Veggies: Toss zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers in the mixture before roasting or grilling.

The secret ingredient is the Cello Copper Kettle Parmesan! This award-winning Wisconsin masterpiece is cooked in authentic copper kettles and aged for 16 months. The copper traditional method gives the cheese an incredibly rich, bold, and distinctly nutty flavor profile with subtle hints of cooked caramel.

Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking to switch up your weeknight dinner routine, this 30-minute grilled romaine salad is a total game-changer. Whip up a double batch of the vinaigrette—one for the salad, and one for your marinade—and get ready to taste summer in every single bite!

The Recipe: https://www.wisconsincheese.com/recipes/3861/grilled-romaine-with-lemon-parmesan-vinaigrettte

Frutti di Bosco Cake

Brand new! Our house-made vanilla cake layered with French cream and fresh berries—raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Light, fresh, and beautifully made for mom (and everyone) to enjoy! 

Mimosa Cupcakes

Celebrate mom with a mimosa cupcake– a traditional, Italian way to celebrate women! This cupcake is modeled after a mimosa flower because the mimosa flower itself symbolizes strength and the beautiful yellow color symbolizes hope. It is a yellow cupcake filled with our homemade custard and decorated with cut sponge cake to look like a mimosa flower

Cookie Decorating Kit

A fun, interactive gift for mom! It is a fun activity to do together and a yummy twist on a homemade gift. The kit includes 6 homemade sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles

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Made to Order Chocolate Dipped Strawberry 

Chocolate-covered strawberries, made to order for Mom!

Join us Saturday May 9th from 9am-2pm at every Caputo’s location for fresh, made-to-order chocolate-covered strawberries. The perfect sweet treat to celebrate the day!

The day comes around each May to make sure the women in your life feel a little extra special, a little more filled with love and gratitude. It’s a day for celebrating the incredible women who have shaped our lives in countless ways – our mothers. Whether she’s near or far, Mother’s Day is a moment to pause and appreciate the unwavering support, endless love, and quiet strength that mothers embody. 

All the gestures taken on Mother’s Day are an opportunity to truly connect and show our appreciation for the many roles mothers play in our lives. 

Every family has its anchors, the individuals who shape generations. For our family, there are two important women who are credited with this job.

Our family matriarch and my grandmother, Romana Caputo, was an absolutely incredible woman. Gone too soon, not a day goes by where we don’t think about her. Nonna Romana embodied the true essence of a woman. She had a fierce love for her family, unwavering support for those around her, and a kitchen that was always working and smelled delicious. Any person who has crossed her path is sure to tell you a memory centered around her cooking skills, generosity, or classiness– a true testament to the woman she was and the values she embodied.  Nonna Romana was well known for her self taught skills in the kitchen, which she would take the time to share with and teach anyone who asked, and her incredible ability to host. She was always there for her husband as his biggest support and made countless sacrifices that helped him achieve his dreams. She was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, and person as a whole. She has left a beautiful legacy and we continue to honor her in every way that we can. Her spirit and her mission lives on through her daughter, Antonella.

Another foundational pillar of our family and business is my mother, Antonella Caputo Presta. She is the heart and soul of our family– a devoted mother and the best nonna, a humble business owner, and a true example of a woman of faith. She does everything she can for her family. She is the voice of reason in all situations, the ultimate comforter, and brings a feeling of home and comfort to us just by being in her presence. Instead of choosing the path of least resistance, she does whatever she can to always ensure everyone else is happy, supported, and cared for. It’s a testament to her selflessness and her quiet dedication to the well-being of those she loves. Her selflessness, humbleness, and hard work are inspiring especially because she does everything quietly without looking for credit or recognition for anything. She is always there for us no matter what we need– a talk, a hug, a meal, or a prayer. She has taught us what it means to be a family. She always leads by example and is a rock for so many.

So, on this Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to truly appreciate the incredible mothers and motherly figures in our lives for all they do. Happy Mother’s Day.

March 8th is International Women’s Day. It is the day to honor and celebrate the achievements of women. 

In thinking about the meaning of this day, I cannot help but to think of two incredible women who deserve so much praise– Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta. Both women have led a life of sacrifice and foundational pillars of our company.

Our matriarch and my grandmother, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. Any person who has crossed her path is sure to tell you a memory centered around her cooking skills, generosity, or the class she exuded. A self taught cook, she spent hours in the kitchen–  preparing feasts, cookies for weddings or parties, or a simple dinner which was probably the best meal you’ve had. No one who encountered my nonna was left hungry. She loved her family and did everything she could for them, no questions asked. Full of life, it was her mission to make sure all of her loved ones were happy. She did everything she could to lift others up. She was always there for her husband, Angelo Caputo, as his biggest support, his right hand, and his rock through the grueling hours of his hard work. She had the biggest heart and the kindest soul. It is inspired by her beauty and exceptional cooking skills that we get the name of our private label, La Bella Romana. Translated to the Beautiful Romana,  Angelo created our private label as a way to acknowledge all she did for our family and company. Our private label has expanded to different departments in our store– our La Bella Romana Cucina and La Bella Romana bakery– as a nod to her exceptional skills in the kitchen. Although gone too soon, she has left a beautiful legacy and we continue to honor her in every way that we can. Her spirit and her mission lives on through her daughter, Antonella.

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My mother, Antonella, is the rock of our family and a foundational pillar in our company. She has made it her mission to make sure the legacy and work of her parents do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. The same traits that she so proudly uses to describe my grandparents are the very same traits that she embodies, but she calls no attention to them. She is strong, smart, and protective like Nonno Angelo and generous, humble, and classy like Nonna Romana, that is only scratching the surface. She will never look for credit or draw attention to anything she does, but we would not be where we were today without her. She started working at a very young age. She would take early morning trips to Michigan with Angelo to pick up fresh produce at the age of about 9 years old. She can tell you about the freezing days at the original store on Harlem and Wrightwood, the distinct smell of the store that brings tears to her eyes at just the thought of it, or how they would have to hand write the items for the old “register” system. Plus, she could beat anybody in a bagging groceries competition. She values everyone else’s happiness over her own because her whole mission in life is to make sure that those around her are loved, happy, and cared for. She has taught us the importance of family, which I am so grateful for as my siblings are my best friends. She is always there for advice, a story, a prayer, a meal, and anything else you may need. I was blessed enough to become a mother a few months ago and since have become even more inspired by my mother’s strength and resilience as she raised a family, ran a business, and so much more all at the same time, never breaking a sweat.

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I am blessed to have such strong, beautiful women in my life and am so grateful to be able to call Romana and Antonella my role models.

Don’t forget to honor the women in your life on March 8th by picking up mimosa cakes and cupcakes. If you order ahead, you will receive a free Caputo’s cake server! Order here

In honor of International Women’s Day, women shoppers will receive a yellow rose on Sunday 3/8 while supplies last!

Happy International Women’s Day to all the beautiful women ❤️

From Our Family To Yours

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and let’s be honest: flowers are always appreciated, but sometimes edible gifts are the way to go. If you have a foodie in your life, then we have you covered with thoughtful gifts they will enjoy too!

 Made-to-Order Chocolate Strawberries

Nothing says “I love you” like a fresh, juicy strawberry hand-dipped in premium chocolate right in front of you! On Valentine’s Day, 2/14, from 9am-2pm, we will be having dipping stations in our stores! A juicy strawberry dipped in chocolate and topped with toppings of your choice! They are fresh, delicious, and an easy way to show a loved one you care!

Heart-Shaped Pizzas

Forget the fancy five-course meal and the stiff dress codes. Our Heart-Shaped Pizzas are back! We take our signature homemade dough and shape it into a cute heart shaped pizza. This is great to enjoy with your loved one, take one home for your kids, or even pick your favorite toppings and make it an activity!

Heart-Shaped Cakes and Decorated Cookie Cakes

Our bakery team has been hard at work baking and hand decorating Heart-Shaped Cakes. They are the perfect size for sharing (or not). We also have a 12” cookie

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Treat Board

Want a mix? No problem! We will have a novelty treat board in store! This consists of decorated chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate dipped marshmallows, and chocolate dipped krispy treats! All festively decorated and the perfect option for someone who can’t pick just one!

We will also have plenty of chocolate, personal decorated sugar cookies, wines and more! Caputo’s is your one stop Valentine’s Day shop!

Football season is coming to a close which means the Big Game is here! While the game itself is the main event, let’s be honest… the food is a close second! Whether you’re hosting a massive tailgate party or a cozy gathering at home, having a lineup of delicious and crowd-pleasing food is crucial. If you’re tasked with bringing a dish, then look no further! 

Here are some winning recipes to elevate your football feast:

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A true game day classic is this spicy and cheesy dip. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any occasion where you need a flavorful and satisfying snack. With its creamy texture and bold buffalo flavor, it’s no wonder why this dip is a fan favorite. It pairs great with tortilla chips or even celery and carrots. Tip: you can prep it the night before and bake it right before serving 

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-dip

Giardiniera Corn Dip

A little Chicago twist on a delicious dip. This is a creamy and flavorful crowd-pleaser perfect for parties or a casual snack. It combines the sweet crunch of corn with a tangy blend of mayonnaise and sour cream. Then add our La Bella Romana Giardiniera Relish for extra flavor and just the amount of heat you want. Serve with some fritos scoops and you’re good to go!

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/giardiniera-corn-dip

Beef and giardiniera pinwheels

Beef and giardiniera pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack, perfect for parties or game day gatherings.The combination of tender beef,the vibrant giardiniera, and the melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The spiciness of the giardiniera is balanced by the richness of the beef, making for a truly addictive appetizer. Dip it into our homemade au jus and you have a winning dish!

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/beef-giardiniera-pinwheels

Antipasto Pull Apart Bread

A warm, savory, and irresistible appetizer that brings the flavors of a classic Italian sub into a fun, shareable bread. Tender pieces of dough are mixed with generous amounts of salami, pepperoni, muffaletta mix, and provolone, then baked until golden.

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/pull-apart-bread

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

A great hearty meal on a cold winters night or a perfect addition to all your football watch parties. This is the ultimate comfort food dish with very little work! Our prepared foods department is the ultimate sous chef and allows you to cut the cooking and cleaning time without losing any of the flavor or quality. The result is a creamy, spicy, smoky dish with a buttery crunch on top. 

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese

No time to cook? No problem! Stop by our stores for some ready to go eats or place a catering order and have a hot feast ready to enjoy! Now through Sunday, we have 10% off your catering order! So take advantage of a stress free game day and place your order today!

Looking for a way to win some money while giving back to some great local causes? Look no further! We are officially launching our Queen of Hearts Fundraiser to benefit Project22Nine and the jackpot is officially open for business!

The Queen of Hearts fundraiser is a progressive raffle where the pot only grows each week. 

Here’s how it works: 

 A standard deck of 52 cards plus 2 Jokers is shuffled and placed face-down in individual, numbered envelopes with one goal– to find the Queen of Hearts. You can purchase a ticket for $5, pick a number, and wait for the drawing. Every week, one lucky ticket is drawn to reveal a card from the game board. If it’s the Queen of Hearts, the winner takes home up to 60% of the total pot* — and the rest fuels programs supported by Project22Nine. 

This fundraiser is put on by Project22Nine whose mission is to operate a food rescue program that not only directly reduces waste, but also to address the hidden effects of food deserts, economic hardship, and environmental strain. This organization does this through food recovery, agricultural initiatives, and related community programs designed to bring nourishment and hope to areas in need. Proceeds will also go towards. The proceeds from this fundraiser go towards The Bucket Brigade, Coats for Kids, and Share a Bowl, which provide thousands of meals and essential support to families in need.

This simple and fun game of chance makes a real life changing impact. Want to play along? Buy your tickets, see the rules, and check out the weekly winning number here: https://project22nine.onlinequeenofhearts.org/

*the winner takes home up to 60% of the pot after the cost of programs has been deducted*

If you’ve ever experienced Christmas in Italy, you know this smell: it’s the beautiful, comforting aroma of roasted chestnuts, or castagne, a holiday tradition that is vital to an Italian Christmas. No Christmas dinner is complete without roasted chestnuts!

We import chestnuts from a family farm in Italy who we have been doing business with for years. The chestnuts from this area are celebrated for their quality, size, and rich, sweet flavor, and the tradition of growing them runs deep in the local culture. The nuts are picked after they naturally fall from the trees in the autumn season, adhering to centuries-old harvesting methods. They also have peeled, ready-to-eat chestnuts, which are roasted on the farm and vacuum-sealed, making them a convenient snack or recipe ingredient and helping to keep traditions alive without all the work! See more about our chestnuts here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/4VT77SI-Nns?feature=share

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The smell of “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is the quintessential marker of the season and the end of Christmas dinner. In our family, dinner is coming to an end when the chestnuts come out of the oven and we sit around the table peeling and eating the freshly roasted chestnuts. Learn how to simply roast them here

Christmas comes with tradition and a beloved one is the gift of panettone or pandoro! Both Panettone and Pandoro are synonymous with Christmas in Italy and are enjoyed throughout the holiday season, from December until New Year’s Day, and sometimes even until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. Caputo’s is your panettone headquarters!

Panettone is a tall, dome-shaped sweet bread that originated in Milan. It is essentially a fruitcake, but with a unique, light, and airy texture unlike any other. Italy’s other classic holiday bread comes from Verona– Pandoro. Pandoro is a dazzling, eight-pointed star of a cake, literally translating to “Bread of Gold.” 

Many people give the gift of panettone or pandoro throughout the season. Exchanging beautifully wrapped Panettone or pandoro is a cherished gesture of goodwill, shared among friends, colleagues, and family members. It’s a gift that represents the warmth and generosity of the season. You might find it as the centerpiece of a Christmas table until it is ready to be sliced and enjoyed with an espresso or glass of moscato during dessert.

The classic panettone is a light, yeasty sweet bread that has pieces of candied citrus in it. The classic pandoro is known for its simplicity and a buttery, cloud-like texture. While you can never go wrong with the classics, we have a ton of beautiful and different flavored panettone that have all been imported from Italy! Chocolate, tiramisu, pistachio, lemon, or gianduja just to name a few. We even have gluten free options!

If you’re looking to take the panettone gift giving to the next level, purchase a Dolce & Gabbana panettone! In classic and pistachio flavor, the panettone comes in a beautiful tin that features that distinctive D&G Sicilian print and comes with a special bag! After you enjoy the delicious panettone to keep traditions alive, you can keep the beautiful tin as a decor piece.

These make the perfect gift for a loved one, coworkers, teachers… anyone who you would give a gift to! Plus they come in different sizes and flavors which make it a great option.

So stop by Caputo’s and pick up this traditional gift.

 As an international fresh market, we love to celebrate foods from all over the world. For the cheese-lover, October is an exciting month as it is British Cheese Month! October is when many of the year’s finest wheels reach their peak maturity. This makes it the unofficial, and arguably most delicious, time for a true celebration.

Cheddar is King in Great Britain and this goes back centuries. Cheddar cheese actually originated in a large village located in southwest England, a town called Cheddar. The town of Cheddar gave its name to the cheese-making process “cheddaring” and was also the origin of a massive 1250 pound Cheddar wheel presented to Queen Victoria as a wedding gift in 1840

While Cheddar is king, British cheese is a diverse realm. We have over 35 British cheese items directly from England that you can save on all month long! Let’s look at some of the items we will have in store for you to try through the month.

Lye Cross Red Leicester

A handmade farmhouse cheese with a delicate, sweet, and nutty flavor as well as a distinctive red color.  Red Leicester is excellent with caramelized onion jam or a fig jam because the sweetness and tanginess cut through the richness of the cheese. It’s great with crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and juicy pears or with crusty bread, simple water biscuits, or herb crackers.

Dragon Platinum Cavern Aged Welsh Cheddar

This is a high-quality, mature cheddar with a unique flavor profile because it takes aging to a whole new level. The flavor is typically described as having great depth, rich savory notes, and a distinct flinty or mineral quality, with a firm but creamy texture. The aging process in the cave environment adds unique earthy characteristics and complexity. Given its mature, bold, and complex flavor, it pairs best with accompaniments and drinks that can stand up to its intensity without overpowering it.

Long Clawson Windsor Red Cheddar

Its distinct flavor comes from being marbled with a blend of Port and Brandy. It is a mild and creamy semi-hard Cheddar. This infusion adds a delightful blend of fruity, tangy, and subtly boozy notes (from the port/brandy/wine). It has a striking pink/red marbling due to the infusion. This one is firm, creamy, and sometimes a little crumble.

Barber’s Truffler Cheddar

The Barber’s Truffler Cheddar is a luxurious, savory cheese that combines the heritage of traditional English cheddar with the decadent, earthy aroma of black truffle. Sharp, savory, and creamy mature English cheddar (often aged for one year). It is earthy with aromatic notes of black summer truffle, providing an unmistakable “umami” richness. This firm and creamy, with nice crystalized cheddar crunches.

These are just a few of the many cheeses we have. We also have things like clotted cream, crackers, and more! In addition to having them at great prices, we will have demos of these at different stores every weekend through October, so stop in and check them out!