The Grapevine

Bracket season has begun and we have a little bracket challenge of our own! Caputo’s Madness is back! Your favorite Caputo’s items are going head-to-head to see which of our signature items is the winner. 

The rules are simple and the prizes great!

The Basics 

You enter by filling out and submitting your bracket either in store or online by March 21, 2021.

Voting begins on March 22 and you’re in control! Voting is done through social media, so make sure you’re following us to cast your votes!

The brackets will be tallied up and the winner(s) with the most points will receive a $25 Caputo’s gift card and a Caputo’s apron. We can have up to 15 winners total

Each contestant who chose the winning item, but did not win the bracket will win a $5 Caputo’s Gift Card

Get all the info you need and how to enter here! 

Good luck!

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.

When you think about grilled cheese, you probably automatically picture two pieces of American 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! 

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!

Do you make a special grilled cheese? We want to know! Plus you can win money for it! 

April is National Grilled Cheese Month and in honor of it, we want to know how you make your specialty grilled cheese! Share your grilled cheese recipes with us for a chance to win! The rules are simple and the prizes great! 

Click here for all the rules and how to enter!

From Our Family To Yours

March 8th is International Women’s Day. It is the day to honor and celebrate the achievements of women. It is such a special and significant day, that many countries in Europe treat March 8th as Mother’s Day. 

International Women’s Day is all about honoring the strong women in your life. 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. They are the heart and soul behind our company. Their unending support, dedication, and hard work are the foundation of who we are.

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My grandmother and our matriarch, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. She was a beautiful soul with the kindest, most generous heart. It was her mission to make sure others were happy– especially her grandchildren. She would do anything for us, all we had to do was ask. Anyone who had any type of encounter with my grandmother can attest to two things- 1. She was incredibly kind and classy 2. She was the best cook. 

Her self-taught skills in the kitchen were remarkable. Anyone lucky enough to have had a meal prepared by Romana Caputo knows that she went all out, no matter the occasion, and that it may have been the best thing you have ever eaten. Her ability to prepare a meal and make anyone feel like they are a part of the family. She is the inspiration behind our private label, La Bella Romana. It was inspired by her beauty and a way to acknowledge all she did for our family and company. Although gone too soon, she has left a beautiful legacy and we continue to honor her in every way that we can.

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Another pillar of our company is my mother, Antonella Caputo Presta. She often talks about the beautiful spirit of my grandmother, but does not realize that she has those same, incredible qualities that she thinks so fondly of my grandmother for. She is the most selfless, most humble, and the hardest working person I know. She began working for my grandfather at a very young age. She could tell you many stories like driving to Michigan at 3 in the morning with my grandfather to get produce or memories about what those freezing winter days working at our original location on Harlem and Wrightwood were like. She will never look for credit, but there is so much we owe to her. She takes the time to point out all the good others have done and praise others for their accomplishments, but will never draw attention to herself. She has made countless sacrifices and lives her life to make sure everyone around her is happy. She has done so much for us, as a business and as a family, and we would not be where we are today if it weren’t for her. She is always there for advice, a lesson, a prayer, a hug, a meal, and anything else you may need. She always was and still is an integral part of our business and we are lucky to have her as a guiding force.

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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 Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta my role models.

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

Don’t forget to honor the special ladies in your life on this day with a mimosa cake

From Our Family To Yours

The Lenten Season has begun. Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter recognized in the Christian calendar. Those who partake in Lent may follow a number of different rules. One big occurrence during the season is the fasting from meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday until Easter. Although this sounds simple, sometimes you don’t realize how difficult it may be and how easy it is to forget. We’ve got all the perfect meatless options to make Friday meals easy, delicious, and something to look forward to!

Pizza

While some people cut meat out for a little during these 40 days, there are many delicious meals you can enjoy! One go to is pizza and our Pizza Fridays are perfect for this! You can have a grab and go 16” thin crust, cheese pizza for only $6! You can turn a meatless Friday night into a make your own pizza night by picking up dough, sauce, cheese, veggies, and everything you need to make your perfect pizza! Maybe even some Nutella for a dessert pizza??

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Recipe to Try: Shaved Asparagus Pizza

Pasta and Soup

Another option is pasta or soup. Soup can warm you up on a cold day and we have a variety of different prepared soup without meat that make mealtime easier for you! Pasta is great because it can be prepared in a variety of different ways. There are a number of different cuts of pasta as well as different sauces that can make each pasta different than the next. A personal favorite is our Supreme Sauce. This is a unique, creamy sauce that is unlike anything you’ve tasted before. It is great for any pasta! We even have a number of different pasta dishes ready in our prepared foods section. Full pans to individual meals can make cooking easy for you! Our prepared foods are made all natural with no preservatives– just like you would at home, but with less of a mess! 

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Recipe to Try: Parsley Shrimp Pasta

Veggies

Veggies! Veggies are a great option because they are good for you and fun to cook with. You can throw them in a stir fry or a pasta. You can make veggie tacos or even an omelets. 

Recipe to try: Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas or Veggie Pad Thai

Seafood

Seafood is also a great option for meatless days! We offer a great assortment of fresh & frozen seafood, imported & domestic. Different fish are filled with omega 3 and vitamins that are great for you. Our extensive fish department will help you find just what you’re looking for. We even have pre-marinated fish which are delicious and hassle free! Fish can be eaten as meals or can be added to different dishes for great flavors– seafood risotto, pasta with clams, or just a simply grilled salmon are all great dishes with lots of flavor! Try our fresh ceviche and marinated octopus salad!

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Recipe to Try: Spiced Salmon with Brown Rice and Spinach

Some meatless recipes to try:

• Green Chili Enchiladas
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Roasted Butternut Squash
• Baked Polenta with Mushrooms
• Chili Tofu
• Cauliflower Picatta
• Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas
• Lime Grilled Salmon Wraps

Stop in for all the perfect meal solutions for those meatless days!

From Our Family To Yours

Are you looking for creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s day this year? Or maybe you’re looking to have a night with your girlfriends and don’t know what to do? Maybe you’re snowed in and looking for something to do. An easy and fun idea is a wine and cheese night!

Spend time with loved ones sampling cheese, sipping on wine, and enjoying extras to bring out all the flavors!

Not sure where to start? Here are some items for your at-home pairing event!

Soft Cheese

Cheese: Délice de Bourgogne, Champignon Mushroom Brie, or Delice De Camembert, soft ripened goat 

Wine: Prosecco/champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio 

Chocolate: Semi Sweet chocolate

Fruit: Strawberries or Raspberries

Why: The creamy and buttery texture of the cheese pairs wonderfully with the bubbly, sharp champagne or the light and slightly sweet notes of white wine. The bitter notes of semi sweet chocolate and the sweetness of the fruit all come together for a delicious tasting!

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Blue Cheese

Cheese: Mild Gorgonzola dolce,  medium Danish Blue, or Big English Stilton

Wine: Cabernet, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Port Wine

Chocolate: Dark chocolate

Fruit: cherries or honey

Why: Blue cheese is known for its big and tangy flavor which is why it is great to pair a blue cheese with a full body, dark, and warm wine that can hold its own to the cheese! The chocolate and fruit brings a sweet and slightly bitter taste to round out the tasting!

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Semi Hard Cheese

Cheese: 12 month Manchego or Emmi Le Gruyere 

Wine: Cabernet, Sangiovese, Chardonnay 

Chocolate: Assorted truffles

Fruit: Apples or pears

Why: The semi-hard, nutty, fruity, and almost earthy cheese pairs wonderfully with a fruity yet rich wine. The truffles and fruit bring around a sweet, crisp, and grainy flavor to the whole pairing. 

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Hard Cheese

Cheese:  Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Castello Aged Havarti 

Wine: Chianti, Barolo, Pinot Grigio

Chocolate: Dark Chocolate or White Chocolate

Fruit: Grapes, berries, or pineapple

Why: the salty, granular, nutty, and fruity notes of these hard cheeses pair well with dry and slightly fruity wines. The dark or white chocolate and fruits embody bitter, sweet, tangy, and juice flavors that bring out the range of flavors in the cheese

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Fresh and Soft Cheese 

Cheese: Burrata, Fresh Goat, Fontina Fontal, 

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir

Chocolate: Milk chocolate

Fruit: Balsamic glaze,  strawberries,  or apricots

Why: The soft and fresh cheese brings a creamy, buttery, and rich flavor which tastes wonderfully with a light, crisp, and semi-sweet wine! The sweetness of milk chocolate and tangy and sweet notes of the balsamic, strawberries, and apricots create a well rounded tasting!

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Happy tasting and Happy Valentine’s Day!

From Our Family To Yours

Football’s main event is just days away. In our opinion, the food is just as important as the game itself… the fans have to fuel up too, right?

There are a lot of foods that are tradition while watching– wings, pizza, sub sandwiches, beer, and more! Sometimes it’s fun to put a little spin on tradition.

Maybe for this year’s watch party, you want to show off your cooking skills and make something extra! Not sure what to make? We have some ideas for you! 

Sheet Pan Nachos 

Impress your football-watching crew with super-simple Sheet Pan Nachos. piled high with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and all the fixin’s. Feel free to tweak your toppings.

https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=40a5882b-b269-4e8b-9dcd-9dbf1c445081

Spicy Baked Chicken Wings with Orange Glaze

These crisp-baked, sweet-&-spicy wings are bursting with flavor and a delicious take on the classic wing.

https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=dddcb2d6-83f2-4e64-b991-2f0426f2dfa1

Pulled Buffalo Sliders

Shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and some slaw… a dish that will impress anyone!

https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=872f44e0-7bce-4348-b50d-c34087d7648e

Here are a few more ideas:

• Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower
• Basic Mac and Cheese
• White Bean Hummus
• Chipotle Sweet Potato Wedges

 Love is in the air and that’s because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Valentine’s Day has always been a day to show your loved ones that you care… whether it’s sharing a special meal, going out of your way to send a text or call, or getting a little something– there is plenty you can do to make the one you love feel extra special  February 14th. 

Need some inspiration? Here are a 3 things you can do or give as a token of your love.

Sweets

Does your loved one have a sweet tooth? Chocolates, cookies, pastries, chocolate covered strawberries, candies.. So many opportunities! Our bakery has a variety of Valentine’s Day sweets! We have special cookies and butter cookies decorated with pink sprinkles. We have chocolate covered strawberries. We also have special, heart shaped cannoli cake or a cookie cake. Nothing quite says “I love you” like a sweet from our La Bella Romana Bakery! 

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Flowers

An easy reminder of your feelings is flowers! With all the different bouquets and arrangements, it is easy to find the one that fits your loved one perfectly. Whether you want to order an arrangement or just pick up a bouquet, we have just what you need! 

Flowers are proven to release happy chemicals into the brain because the vibrant colors, the fragrance, and the overall look can bring about a sense of  joy. Flowers are a great way to spread love. We have a wide selection of flowers at each store. You can also call Naperville, South Elgin, or Carol Stream to place a custom order!

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Love flowers, but want to do something a little different that will last longer? Check out our rose globes! In a variety of different colors, round or heart shaped glass, these are awesome! They last for a long time, so this happy reminder will be around for a while.

Cook a meal

Cooking a meal together and sharing laughs, conversations, and maybe some wine is a great way to make memories and spend time with your valentine. You can stop by our seafood department or meat department to pick up some main course items… surf and turf anyone? 
If you want to cook together, but need some ideas on what to make, here is a few that we are looking forward to testing out  

• Baked Bocconcini and Gnocchi in a Rich Tomato Sauce
• Chicken Breasts With Orange-Balsamic Glaze
• Crispy Baked Salmon with Avocado Remoulade

Head to The Recipe Rack for some more ideas

From Our Family To Yours

In the winter and especially right now, it is important that we take care of our bodies and strengthen our immune system. You can take supplements and vitamins, but what you consume also has a big effect on your body function. There are many foods that will naturally help your body stay strong and boost your immunity. 

Your immune system protects your body from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances and toxins that may enter your body. Your immune system has the ability to  distinguish between good blood cells and bad blood cells, and a healthy immune system helps to fight off the invaders. 

There are tons of foods that you can incorporate into your diet that are full of vitamins and nutrients you need. So if you’re looking for some easy foods to add into your diet to help your body, we can help you! 

Here are 6 of our favorite immune boosting foods… and some recipes to make them!

Citrus

Citruses like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, clementines, and more! These are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in increasing the production of white blood cells– the blood cells that help your body fight infections! A good way to get your vitamin c boost is to drink our fresh squeezed orange juice! Squeezed fresh daily, we put the oranges in our juicer, and transfer to the bottles… that’s it! No additives, just fruit! It tastes delicious too

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Recipe to try: Orange Superfoods Bowl

protein packed, fiber-filled, and immune boosting

Ginger

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatories are important because inflammation can have a negative effect on your immune system. Ginger also is a rich source of antioxidants. 

Recipe to try: Ginger Garlic Veggie Stir-Fry

Broccoli 

Broccoli is filled with vitamins and minerals. There are vitamins A, C, E, fiber, antioxidants, and more! The properties in broccoli boost the antioxidant and enzymes which help combat free radicals! 

Recipe to try: Ginger, Almond, and Garlic Broccoli

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate and cocoa have an important antioxidant called theobromine in it. This can help to boost the immune system and protect your body. 

Recipe to Try: Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Berries

Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are high in antioxidants. Eating a bowl of mixed berries will do great things for your immune system! 

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Recipe to try: Berry Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust

Fish

Fish is high in Omega 3 Fatty acids which are vital to increasing the activity and strength of white blood cells. They are also a great source of vitamins, known to contain vitamin A and B, and are a good anti-inflammatory.

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Recipe to try: Lemon Baked Salmon with Asparagus

We hope everyone stays healthy! 

From Our Family To Yours

The weather is getting colder and we’re getting cozier. In the winter months (and especially now), there are nights when all you look forward to is staying in with a fire going, a blanket, some good music, and comfort food! What’s the ultimate comfort food? A warm bowl of soup! 

January is also National Soup Month, so it’s the perfect time to explore the varieties of La Bella Romana soup we offer! We have a full line of soups– vegan, vegetarian, broth, cream, hearty, and nostalgic– we have it all! Some of our recipes are original recipes going back over 20 years. You can get the same soup your mom or nonna would make with flavors that will transport you right back to their kitchen. 

Our soups are made in-house. We use all natural ingredients, no preservatives, and no additives so you can feel good about what you’re eating! We use real cream, fresh vegetables, our homemade sausage, and meat prepared by our meat department. 

Here are just a few of some soups we offer

• Chili (awarding winning and will make your taste buds do a happy dance)
• Cream of Chicken
• Minestrone
• Vegan Butternut Squash
• Chicken and Dumpling
• Clam Chowder
• Cream of Broccoli
• Lentil
• Beef Barley

and so much more! Check out all of our offerings in store in our prepared foods section!

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A customer recently made a vegan meal using our new vegan butternut squash soup! This customer used the soup as a sauce and added protein+ penne pasta, spinach, and topped with salt and pepper for a delicious looking meal!

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Let us know what soup you’re trying first in honor of National Soup Month!

From Our Family To Yours