Author: Rosella Presta

Looking for something to do this summer? We have an idea that works for girls night, date night, or even a casual night with friends… a wine and cheese pairing! Whether you’re looking for something to do outdoors or you want to beat the heat and do something inside– this idea works great either way!

Gather your friends, turn on the music, open the wine, and get your night started! But first, you have to take a trip to Caputo’s for everything you need! 

Local or imported, spreadable or chunks, goat cheese, or up for anything… we have options!

Here are 14 Wine & Cheese Pairings for you to try

Spreadable Cheeses: 

Fayette Raw Milk Spreads

All natural RAW milk cheddar cold pressed into a creamy spreadable -full flavor spread. Spreadable straight from the refrigerator! Aged over 100 days for full development of taste, texture, and benefits of raw milk cheddar. Sharp, creamy, and perfectly gritty cheddar with an excellent variety of flavors 

The Cheese: Fayette Raw Milk Spread- Tomato Basil 

The Cracker: Tresors Basil Waffle Crisp

Wine: Chianti or White Riesling

The taste of light fresh herbs paired with this decliosu spreadable cheese and flaky, crispy crackers. Pairing with a light wine to embrace all these delicious flavors!

The Cheese: Fayette Raw Milk Spread- Blue Cheese Cheddar 

The Cracker: Lahvosh rounds

Jam:Can Bech Black Grape Jam

Wine: Merlot or Sauvignon

Pine River Spreads

Wisconsin cheddar blended with an assortment of flavors- crowd pleasers for sure! They can also be heated to make a very flavorful Queso dip! Available in Sharp Cheddar, Smokey Bacon, Port Wine, Garlic and Herb and a spreadable Swiss!

The Cheese: Pine River Spreadable Swiss

The Cracker: Tresors Sea Salt Waffle Crisp

Jam:Can Bech Black Fig Jam

Wine: Zinfandel or Cabernet

The Cheese: Pine River Sharp Cheddar Spread

The Cracker: Tressors whole grain waffle crisp

Wine: Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio

Traditional Cheese

This new Pasture Pride brand of cheeses features organic items. Traditional Wisconsin cheeses HAND-MILKED by AMISH and delivered in chilled milk pails daily to the farm. 100% all natural and organic…..the traditional and old fashioned way! Available in Mild Cheddar, Colby Jack, Muenster, Pepper Jack and Sharp Cheddar. 

The Cheese: Pasture Pride Mild Cheddar

The Cracker: Cranberry Phyllo Crisp

Wine: Chardonnay or Beaujolais

The Cheese: Pasture Pride Muenster

The Cracker: Apricot Honey Phyllo Crisp

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Zinfandel

Ambrosi Italian cheese

Stemming from  Ambrosi Spa in the Castenedolo and Traversetolo regions of Italy, this  Iconic Italian Artisan Cheesemaker has been producing, importing and distributing authentic Italian cheeses since 1942. 

The Millennial Line was designed with a cheeseboard as the central theme. All of these products are Grass fed, and naturally Gluten Free. 

The Cheese: Ambrosi Parmigiano Reggiano

The Meat:  Golfera Finnocciola Salami

Wine: Chianti or Pinot Grigio

24 month Parmigiano Reggiano and a hand cut Parmigiano Reggiano as well. Known as the true King of Cheeses, this cheese is well known for grating, cooking, snacking and many more uses. It pairs well with any red wine or medium bodied beer and never met a salami they didn’t like . The salty nuttiness of this cheese is a must have staple for your fridge and mine!

The Cheese: Ambrosi Grana Padano

The Meat:  Golfera Classic Salami

Wine: SanGiovese or Sangria

Grana Padano- Parmigiano Reggiano’s little sister. This skimmed milk product is aged 16-20 months giving it a sweeter finish to balance out the nuttiness. This cheese pair well with any wine, a nice full bodied IPA and any type of dried fruit, fig or apricots. 

The Cheese: Ambrosi Asiago Pressato

The Meat:  Golfera Spicy Salami

The Jam: Can Bech Peach and Apricot

Wine: Zinfandel or Riesling

 The Asiago Pressato is a semi hard cheese, aged approximately 1 month.The buttery richness will shine through with all of these pairings.

Goat Cheese

The Cheese: LaClare Maple Bourbon Goat Cheese log

The Cracker: Tressors sea salt waffle crisp

Wine: Riesling or Beaujolais

Maple Bourbon goat cheese–This unique blend of Vermont maple syrup and bourbon make this a goat log favorite. Sweet and a little savory are quite the pairing!

The Cheese: LaClare Fig & Honey Goat Cheese log

The Cracker: Tressors poppy seed waffle crisp

Wine: Chardonnay or Merlot

Fig and Honey- Honey and sweet figs are blended together with a clean natural goat cheese to create this match made in heaven. 

From the UK

The Cheese: Belton Farms White Fox

The Cracker: Valley Lahvosh Heart Crackers

Jam: Can Bech Quince and Vanilla Jam

Wine: Cabernet or Chardonnay

Great Britain Cheesemakers- created this all natural, free range grass fed White Leicester cheese. Slightly more mild than its big brother the Red fox. White fox still has a sharp but subtle bite with the much sought after crunch of the calcium crystals that can only develop with proper aging.

The Cheese: Belton Farms Red Fox

The Cracker: Valley Lahvosh Heart Crackers

Jam: Snowdonia Pear or Cognac Spread

Wine: Riesling or Zinfandel

Great Britain Cheesemakers created this 16 month mature Red Leicester-handcrafted and unique with a blend of sweet and savory creaminess and an unexpected crunch from being aged to perfection! Red Fox Cheese is an aged Red Leicester with a cunningly unexpected crunch. It has a russet color and a wonderful rugged mouth-feel with a hint of ‘crunch’ which the cheese has developed through watchful maturation then leaves the palate with a lingering flavor and desire for more!

Happy tasting!

From Our Family To Yours

We’ve reached the longest days and hottest days of the year. Looking for some ways to cool down and stay refreshed? That’s when you head to your nearest pool!

Being in the sun and water all day can take a lot out of you. It’s important to keep your body properly nourished and food is key! Choosing snacks with fresh fruit that will keep you cool and your body happy is a great way to combat the heat! Planning to have a meal poolside? A light dish bursting with flavor is a great route to take.

Getting ready for a pool party? Check out these 4 perfect poolside recipes to keep you refreshed all summer long!

Mango-Strawberry Super greens Smoothie

Full of essential vitamins and nutrients, this delicious smoothie is a great afternoon pick-me-up when you’ve been outside all day. It’s cold, tastes delicious, and will supply your body with some essential nutrients to help you finish your day!

Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=e6d4aa48-2a8e-4a5f-a6fd-b1d1f1edb82a&dishName=mango-strawberry-supergreens-smoothie

Antioxidant Smoothie Bowl

Full of the best fruits summer has to offer, this smoothie bowl is a real treat! 

Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=f71967fd-cbf6-4787-9d5c-162daae582e3&dishName=antioxidant-berry-mango-smoothie-bowl

Banana Wrap

Crunchy granola, creamy nut butter, banana, and sweet honey are all rolled up in this delightful wrap to enjoy for breakfast, lunch or even dessert. They are so easy and provide great protein and nutrients!

Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=776f055e-2501-40b8-8268-df87b213c66d&dishName=banana-wrap

 Lime-Marinated Grilled Salmon Wraps

Full of fresh and light ingredients, these salmon wraps are a great meal option. They are bursting with flavor and taste even better poolside!

Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=88c600c1-d351-4ef3-8173-415340a4138c&dishName=lime-marinated-grilled-salmon-wraps

From Our Family To Yours

This upcoming Sunday is Father’s Day! The day is dedicated to appreciating all the father figures in a person’s life. It is a day to acknowledge all the valuable lessons, laughs, and guidance they have given over the years. Maybe you’re firing up the grill and getting ready for a BBQ or doing whatever dad chooses!  With Father’s Day this Sunday, I can’t help but think of two very important men in my life and in our company. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize my father, Robertino Presta, and grandfather, Angelo Caputo.

My father started working at Caputo’s at a very young age. My grandfather hired him because of his strength– especially his ability to throw and catch watermelon when unloading a truck. His efficiency in unloading the trucks as a teenager is a testament to his work ethic. He never hesitates to step in during any task. He embraces all challenges, coming up with unique and efficient ways to get past them. 

He has helped us and the business grow, including taking us to levels that we never thought were imaginable. Each step and new chapter is still based on the foundation instilled in him by my grandparents and constantly re-established by my mom. 

My dad has taught us the importance of hard work and dedication, always leading by example. His lessons span from how to properly display produce to how to clean tables the right way. 

One of the things I feel most fortunate for is that my father believes in us, sometimes more than we believe in ourselves. He doesn’t make us feel like we cannot handle a situation. He uses his mistakes to encourage us to do the same. He helps to give us the tools we need to succeed and guides us towards the path of success. I have learned so much from not only my father, but my grandfather too. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

This Father’s Day comes with an ache in my heart because of the gaping absence of an incredible man who was not only my grandfather, but an inspiration, another father, and a role model– Angelo Caputo. 

My grandfather and our patriarch, Angelo Caputo, has always been one of my biggest inspirations. He was a true testament of a hard working, dedicated man. Our whole business is built on his blood, sweat, and tears. 

He led a life of hard work and was the strongest man I knew. He was constantly faced with challenges, but never let anything stand between him and his goal. 

He was always there for a story, a lesson, a phone call, or an esspressino date. He took the time to sit with us and pass along important tools and some of his wisdom. From teaching us how to clean up a produce display or telling us stories from his childhood, he was always there for us. The many lessons he taught us are beautiful memories that we will cherish and carry with us forever.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

I am very lucky to have these two strong men as role models. My father and grandfather are incredible people whose sacrifices and hard work have led to many great achievements. I have the utmost respect for these two men and strive to make them proud. 

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures! 

From Our Family To Yours

Busy schedules mean a shorter amount of time for things like meals. You need food on the table quickly so everyone can eat and go to their meetings, practices, or another obligation that comes up. We’ve been there and we believe that you should never have to sacrifice a quality meal for the sake of time. Our rotisserie chicken is a go-to on hectic days like these!

June 2nd is National rotisserie Chicken Day which makes it the perfect time to pick one up and taste for yourself! 

Rotisserie chicken is a chicken cooked on a rotisserie, using direct heat to cook because the chicken is placed next to the heat source. The chickens are put onto rods that rotate to ensure optimal juiciness and cooking. 

You can feel good about feeding it to your family. Our chickens are always fresh and never frozen. There are no added hormones or steroids and they are MSG free. In addition to these benefits, the taste is incredible!

Our chicken is known for its outstanding flavor and juiciness. We season it with a special herb rub. The special seasoning is made with a variety of different herbs and spices to give the chicken a unique and delicious flavor. It is our homemade blend that we took the time to test and develop until we got it to the special blend we were proud to feed you and your families!

We offer three different styles of rotisserie chicken– traditional, Mexican, and jerk. Each different style has a unique flavor profile you can’t get anywhere else!

We love using rotisserie chicken in recipes that call for shredded or pulled chicken. Like these chicken & cheese enchiladas! It’s delicious and simple!

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=e56409f9-a1e8-4ae0-9243-92e36a24b1f3&dishName=chicken-and-cheese-enchiladas

Because the chicken is already cooked, it is one less step for you! Plus, you never have to sacrifice taste for convenience because our rotisserie chicken gives you both! We love to use rotisserie chicken in things like

• tacos
• buffalo chicken dip
• chicken soup
• pulled chicken sandwiches
• tamales
• chicken chili
• … Basically any recipe that calls for shredded chicken

Pick one up and let us know what you think!

From Our Family To Yours

Labor Day Weekend is usually considered the end of summer for most people. Kids are back in school, the weather is going to start changing, and schedules are starting to get busy. We can’t let summer go without having another celebration! Create some more summer memories with your Labor Day BBQ.

Grilling is great because there are a variety of items you can grill– meats, fish, veggies, even fruit!

Here are 4 great-for-the-grill recipes! 

Kabobs

Kabobs are a great way to incorporate many vegetables into your dinner without dirtying a lot of dishes. The grill adds great flavors to the protein as well as the vegetables. We also offer pre-marinated chicken and steak kabobs so all you have to do is put them on the grill and enjoy!

The recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=8e85fbfd-f08d-4697-849c-bb942509b56c

Garlic Stuffed London Broil

When you cut into this steak, the garlic and onions ooze out! Your mouth will be watering at just the look of it

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=4fb1175b-e80e-4a11-a456-20f863548af5

Grilled Artichokes 

The grill adds a delightful, smoky flavor to this veggie! With artichokes being at their peak right about now, it’s a great veggie to incorporate into your barbecues! It takes a bit of prep, but is worth it for the taste and nutrients! 

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=67b75425-18e9-4745-8a7d-53e718e06aee

Shrimp Tostadas

The flavor combination here along with the amazing contrast of textures is mind blowing. Lime, avocados, grilled shrimp and crunchy fried tortillas…yes please!

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=b8925669-1c17-4872-bf39-8b6695a44dbf

Want to keep it simple with little prep, but still want tons of flavor? Stop by our meat department for tons of options! A few that we think you cant miss? Any of our homemade sausage, stuffed burgers, marinated chicken breasts, and so many more options!

• 

• 

• 

• 

We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day Weekend. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who are currently serving or have served our country, as well as their families. We especially remember the fallen soldiers who gave their lives to protect us. We remember and we honor today and every day.

From Our Family To Yours

Summer days are ahead. That means long, hot days spent outdoors with your friends and family! While you’re soaking up the summer sun, it’s important to make sure you’re properly nourished! 

The sun can take a lot out of you, so making sure to eat and hydrate regularly is important! If you’re looking for some new recipes to try this summer, we have some ideas for you!

Here are 5 recipes to try out this summer that will make your taste buds do a happy dance! 

Strawberry Mango Popsicle

Popsicles were invented to make us feel like a kid in the summertime! These fresh fruit-filled wonders will make everyone happy. This will make approximately 3 cups of puree, and the size of the molds you choose will determine how many pops you can make. You can also freeze them in an ice cube tray and put them in a drink of your choosing! 

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=b7c7fb19-d903-4369-992c-ee29fd6e1339

Summer Gazpacho

This chilled Southern Spanish soup has spectacular variations, from rustic and chunky, to smooth and elegant. Make this dish by mixing and matching what’s in season or put that abundance of summer garden vegetables to delicious use.

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=a43b0b91-924a-414c-b021-2ed0fd75a92f

Caprese Salad

A caprese salad is a summer must! The fresh ingredients and great flavors make it the perfect salad to enjoy outdoors!  It’s simple, classic, and refreshing. 

The recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=09297e13-7c5a-4b68-945a-c41db91fe944

Raw Berry Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust (Vegan)

Pure summer on a plate, this pie is light, refreshing, sweet and airy. Plus, made of all raw ingredients, free of gluten and free of dairy, it’s ideal for entertaining, especially when you want to please a wide range of palates. The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=feb56163-4e7c-4a3e-997e-dd908bb4fe7e

Tequila Lime Chicken 

Fresh citrus juices, a splash of tequila (save a shot or two for yourself!), and a kick of jalapeño make this a super tasty dish! For the best tasting chicken, start marinating the day before. It’s excellent served hot off the grill or chilled for a hot summer picnic. 

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=095c48e4-0ca4-445f-acea-9f36e5e6921d

Happy Cooking!

From Our Family To Yours

Getting ready for a summer full of outdoor parties and celebrations? Party planning can be stressful, especially when you have to think of all the details! We all know that the food plays a key role in every celebration which is where we can help you out!

Let us take some of the stress out of party planning and bring a homemade meal right to you! Choosing La Bella Romana catering is a sure way to make any party a success. 

An appetizer, side, entree, or the whole meal… browse our catering menu and pick what works best for you! With a big menu and so many options to choose from, it can be hard to pick! 

Here are 7 items from our catering menu that everyone will love!

1. European Cheese and Olive platter

A variety of imported cheeses and olives, this antipasto tray is great for an appetizer and for picking throughout the celebration

2. Stuffed Zucchini

Pieces of zucchini carved out and stuffed with seasoned ground pork and marinara sauce, it’s a medley of delicious flavors!

3. Octopus Salad

Octopus and sepia are tenderized and marinated, then mixed with celery, carrots, parsley, a special blend of spices, and few more ingredients. This is light, fresh, and will have your guests coming back for more!

4. Pasta with Sausage and Rapini

A true classic, you pick the cut of pasta (we love orecchiette for a true Barese dish) and enjoy the homemade and authentic pasta dish!

5. Artichoke Casserole

Tender artichokes layered with seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and our homemade marinara & mozzarella cheese blend. 

6. Sausage and Peppers

Another classic! Our homemade sausage links halved and mixed with sweet peppers. This dish can feed a crowd and the flavor is unlike any other.

7. Party Cannoli 

No party is complete without a party cannoli! One giant cannoli shell filled with 50 mini cannoli 

Full meals, sides, or individual dishes. Let us be your sous chef!

From Our Family To Yours

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. It is the day to honor your mom and all those who you have maternal bonds with.

I am incredibly grateful to have many strong, beautiful women to celebrate, two of which hold a very special place in my heart, Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta.

My grandmother and our matriarch, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. Although gone too soon, her memory remains. Anyone fortunate enough to have met my Nonna can attest to her warm personality, impeccable style and class, and her unmatched generosity. She went above and beyond for everyone, eager to make sure everyone was served and happy. She had the unique ability to make anyone feel like a welcomed part of the family, mostly through her cooking. Anyone who has had a meal by my Nonna Romana knows that nothing can compare. Her self-taught skills in the kitchen remain a huge part of the legacy she left behind. Her sacrifices and strength are a huge reason why Caputo’s was able to be what it is today and her beauty inspired the creation of our private label, La Bella Romana. She was and still is a driving force behind our family and our business. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Another integral part of the foundation of our family and business is my mother, Antonella Caputo Presta. She is the perfect example of a mother, daughter, grandmother, business owner– really of just a woman in general. Her selflessness, humbleness, and hard work are inspiring. She started working at a very young age and she often shares memories, like what those freezing winter days working at our original location on Harlem and Wrightwood were like and all the hard work that went into it. She takes every opportunity to thank my grandparents for their sacrifices and dedication, but will never look for credit or draw attention to all of her own sacrifices and hard work. She was able to raise her family, run a business, and care for her parents without any complaints. She has done (and continues to do) so much for us as a business and a family. My mom will go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels special and appreciated. She has taken the time to teach us vital skills and life lessons. She is always there if we need someone to talk to, a prayer, or a meal. She never lets an opportunity go by to thank my grandparents or share a story about them to make sure their legacy will live on. One of the most important lessons she has taught is the value of family.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

I am so blessed to have my grandmother and mother as role models in my life. They are everything I hope to be one day. 

Happy Mother’s Day, Nonna and Mommy, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers and motherly figures ❤️

From Our Family To Yours

As the saying goes “April showers bring May flowers!” This means that our garden center is open and it’s time to start nurturing your home gardens! Watching plants grow and bloom is such a satisfying feeling and something to be proud of.

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and spruce up your home gardens. Our garden center is filled with flowers, vegetables, herbs, and more.. We have everything you need for your home garden!

For decades now, we have been buying from local farms and bringing plants into your homes. Nothing signifies that summer is approaching like walking into Caputo’s and seeing all the fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables ready to be planted at your homes.

If you want to add a little color to your home, we’ve got just what you need– hanging baskets and flowers of all colors, shapes, and sizes! You can really make your outdoor space feel like home by adding colorful flowers!

• 

• 

• 

Make Nonno proud and start your garden! We have tons of different vegetables, fruits, and herbs for you to plant. There is nothing like the smell of fresh mint from your garden. From the infamous Melrose Pepper (arriving soon) to different varieties of tomatoes– come pick out all the veggies you want to grow from home! 

• 

• 

• 

We will be getting more shipments throughout the season including a full load this coming Friday (4/29/22) so our garden center will be fully stocked! 

From Our Family To Yours

I think we can all agree that sometimes we need a meal that tastes like a hug feels. Most of the time, a grilled cheese sandwich can do the trick! It’s the ultimate comfort food for many reasons! Maybe it reminds you of being a kid, maybe it’s the melted cheese (because who doesn’t love melted cheese), maybe it’s the special way you make it. No matter the reason, grilled cheese is classic.

April is National Grilled Cheese Month and we know that for adults and kids alike, you can’t go wrong with  grilled cheese come mealtime! 

When you think about grilled cheese, you probably automatically picture two pieces of sandwich bread and a slice of american cheese, but there is so much more that you can do to make your grilled cheese burst with flavor!  

Want to take your grilled cheese to the next level? Here are 4 ways to make your grilled cheese even better than normal!

1. Add cheese to the outside of bread

Why not make your grilled cheese extra cheesy? Coat the bread in olive oil or butter and add shredded cheese on the outside of the bread for great taste and a delicious crunch. This forms a crispy cheese crust as you grill each side of the bread and serves as an added layer of flavor. You can even use a different type of cheese to complement the inside.

2. Use a special jam or jelly on the inside

A unique way to add some flavor is by spreading a gourmet jelly or jam on the inside of the bread! If you like a little bit of spice, coating the bread with pepper jelly adds a delicious kick of heat. If you prefer sweet, add a fig spread! We have a variety of fig spreads with different flavor profiles so there are plenty to choose from. This simple action completely changes your grilled cheese and makes it even more delicious !

3. Add Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese and grilled cheese both make perfect comfort foods, so why not combine them? If you have leftover mac and cheese, there’s more you can do then just warm it up and eat it the same way. The addition of a creamy mac and cheese to your sandwich will give make for an extra cheesy taste! You can even add bacon for a crunch and great flavor! You can even grab some of our already prepared mac and cheese from our prepared foods section so you don’t have to go through the hassle of making it yourself! The result is a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich in just a few extra, easy steps.

4. Caramelized Onions

French onion soup grilled cheese? Yes please! All the elements of a French onion soup bring a sense of comfort, so why not transform this iconic soup into a grilled cheese… especially because we all know the best part of this soup is the melted cheese on top! That cheese is Gruyere cheese and it makes for a great type of cheese to make the star of your sandwich. Gruyere is known to be great for melting and has a rich, creamy taste! The addition of caramelized onions add a great flavor for an easy and customized grilled cheese!

These are just a few! You can use a specific bread, a mix of cheeses, specialty cheese, or maybe you add extras to your sandwich that take it to the next level! You can add things like mac and cheese, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, flavored olive oil, and more to make your grilled cheese elite!

Grilled cheese is a perfect way to play around and just have fun in the kitchen! So start cooking and just have some fun with it.

From Our Family To Yours