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Australian Jumbo Quail…A Different Poultry You Must Try!

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Quail meat is perhaps not often seen in Singapore supermarkets but at The French Grocer, we are pleased to offer this new addition to our poultry section: (https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/australia-game-farm-jumbo-quail-200-230g-pcs-6-pcs-pac-frozen)

This 6-piece pack frozen jumbo quail from Australia weighing in at 200g to 230g each is bred in a cage-free origin. It is low in fat, high in vitamins and is 100% grown in an Australian sustainable farm. This is why the meat is so tender and just mildly gamey. Quail meat has a deep flavour profile, succulent and is a meat that is highly-prized by Australia’s most prestigious chefs. Often used by chefs in simple dishes which grandstand the unique taste of quail. Quails are ideal for healthy living, with a lower fat content and a higher protein and iron content when compared to chicken meat. This means it is also a kids-friendly meat! Add it to your dining table and delight the little ones with this amazing bird.

But how should one cook quail meat to fully appreciate its flavour, given that it can get dry and flaky? The best method is to roast it quickly which results in a seasoned skin while retaining a juicy and succulent interior that surprises with every bite. This also ensures that the meat is moist and evenly-cooked.

For a quick-roast recipe, you’ll need:

  • A jumbo quail
  • Sea salt and black pepper and lemon zest
  • Carrots and celery for roasting in the skillet
  • White wine and chicken stock for the gravy

Before cooking, defrost the quail. Then preheat the oven to 525F (or 274C). Place the quail on a skillet and pop it into the oven for about 7 minutes on each side until it is slightly crispy. After which, remove the quail from the skillet and prepare the gravy over the stovetop. Once ready, drizzle a bit of gravy over the quail. Enjoy!

If It’s Foie Gras, It’s French!

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For Rougié, ducks are quite a story…indeed! In this blog post, we are delighted to share the premium and exquisite foie gras from our trusted supplier, Rougié. These escalopes (sliced pieces) of foie gras are a treat on the dining table for any occasion, with family and friends.

It all started in the land of foie gras (France) in 1875, with the opening of a gourmet shop, which would soon become an epicurean’s favourite. On the strength of its increasingly wide reputation, the firm led by Léonce Rougié and subsequently by his son, Jean Rougié, gained a truly international stature in the 1950’s. Today, Rougié can be found in 120 countries around the world, available to Chefs and gourmets wherever they go. And that’s why we are certain of Rougie’s quality and its brand promise.

Foie gras may seem like an indulgent treat in Michelin restaurants but they can also be easily enjoyed in the comfort of your home. This delicacy is well-rooted in France and has a rich, buttery taste. Above all, it has a delicate profile, which makes it a suitable complement with other foods such as figs, pears, grapes or dates. You can also spread some light fruit jam and compote on it to bring out its delightful texture. Another common way of enjoying foie gras is also to serve it with baguette and a sprinkling of white pepper. Some people may also choose to eat foie gras on its own in order to experience the full flavour that is so rich and decadent!

As with all French food, they go exceptionally well with a glass of red or white! In terms of wine pairing for foie gras, we recommend sweet wines such as Sauternes, Jurançon and even good old sparkling champagne.

This product is cut by hand from the best foie gras and individually quick frozen immediately after harvest. They are easy to prepare when still frozen: All you need is 2 minutes each side over medium heat then add salt and pepper to taste. This way, you’ll keep the delicate flavour profile intact! Get it here at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/rougie-raw-duck-liver- presliced-40-60g-pc-20pcs-1kg-bag-frozen

Wine Pairing With The Parmesan Family of Cheese

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In our first blog article of this month, we shared three very special cheese from Italy that can be enjoyed by themselves, over salads or pasta, and also part of platters for the whole family. In this edition, we will recommend some wines that complement the cheese trio (Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano and Sbiancato Hard Cheese).

For the Parmesan family (Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano), we highlight several wines that are a perfect fit, such as Chianti, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Syrah, Champagne, Prosecco and Riseling. These wines have a dimension and flavour profile that blend into the fruity, nutty taste of these two cheese.

At The French Grocer, we have an exquisite wine corner where you’d find several varieties of the abovementioned wines to pair with the Parmesan family.

Languedoc-Rousillon Moulin de Grassac Red Syrah:

Deep and fruity, this wine is bursting with the dimension of ripe, rich fruits and a variety of spices. Get it here at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/languedoc-rousillon-moulin-de- gassac-red-syrah-75cl

Loire Domaine Villargeau Pinot Noir:

This wine is has notes of ripe red berry and cherry bouquet along with subtle floral aromas. It is round and smooth with rather fine tannins. Get it here at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/loire-domaine-villargeau-pinot-noir-red-75cl

Champagne Baudry Cuvée Privilège Brut:

Made from a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, this champagne evokes a delicate flavour of yellow fruits and white flowers, leaving a fresh sweetness in the mouth. Get it here at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/champagne-baudry-cuvee-privilege-brut- 75cl-nv

The French Grocer Brings You on a Cheese Escapade…to Italy!

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Received the latest edition of our newsletter? You would notice the limelight falls on a wonderful selection of Italian cheese. At The French Grocer, our appreciation of cheese, wine and many other fine foods from France establish the foundation of what we do best. But good food knows no boundaries hence we have a small corner in our shop where we feature the best Italian cheese for your weekend platters!

In this special showcase, we bring to you three very special cheese from Italy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano and Sbiancato Hard Cheese. While some of you cheese aficionados may already find them familiar, why not read on to discover the taste profile of this trio and see how you can pair them with different accompaniments!

Grana Padano:

https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/formaggiaro-grana-padano-dop-cheese-1kg-pc-10-   months

This cheese is made from unpasteurised cow’s milk and originates from the Po River Valley in Italy. It belongs to the Parmesan family of cheese. Containing a fat content of between 39% and 41%, its texture can be considered slightly grainy and crumbly. Flavour wise, it is subtly fruity – easy on the palette!

Parmigiano Reggiano:

https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/formaggiaro-parmigiano-reggiano-cheese-1kg-pc   This is a versatile cheese; you grate it, shred it or shave it on pasta, salads or even fruits…making it a top favourite for fast–and-easy snacks. Parmigiano Reggiano is made

from unpasteurised cow’s milk and also belongs to the Parmesan family of cheese. It has a fat content of about 25.83g per 100g. It has a grainy texture, and a rather nutty, savoury taste. Try this cheese to discover its rich, nutty profile!

Sbiancato Hard Cheese:

https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/sbiancato-italian-hard-cheese-1kg-table-cheese

Hard Italian cheese like the Sbiancato have had their moisture removed through the ageing process and this intensifies their flavour as they continue to ripen. This is a simple no-frills cheese that we have curated from our trusted supplier…try it today!

No-Fuss Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

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Spaghetti and meatballs? We’re on it. This is one of the simplest comfort foods to be enjoyed at home and we’re making it even simpler with pre-cooked meatballs from the French Grocer! Conveniently packed in an 180g format, these frozen pre-cooked meatballs are ideal for a quick snack or heavier meal – just take it out from the fridge to thaw and start cooking!

This lovely product comes from our trusted supplier (Gourmeat) with zero MSG added. It is also prepared in-house salt, spices and natural flavourings…perfect!

And here’s a simple spaghetti & meatballs recipe that you easily whip up at home: Step 1: Preheat your oven to about 420F or about 215C.

Step 2: Start by boiling the spaghetti in a pot of water. Add salt and cook to al dente

consistency.

Step 3: Lay a non-stick baking sheet and grease it with olive oil. Place the sheet over a baking tray.

Step 4: Arrange the meatballs on the tray.

Step 5: Pop it into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes until golden brown

Step 6: Prepare the sauce on a skillet by cooking crushed black pepper, garlic and chopped onion.

Step 7: Add some beef stock into the sauce while boiling. Add herbs of choice.

Step 8: Place spaghetti and meatballs on a plate and drizzle the sauce over the dish. Step 9: Finally, grate some cheese for that extra oomph!

 

Get this quick-and-easy product here at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/cooked-beef- meat-balls-15g-pc-180g-pkt-frozen

Kaluga Queen Hybrid Caviar

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Caviar may look like a decadent luxury food and choosing the right one may seem like a daunting task but don’t let that put you off. In this article, we share The French Grocer’s Kaluga Queen Crossbreed Caviar that has the distinction as one of the world’s most sought after gourmet foods – the pearl of all pearls! The Kaluga is a type of large freshwater sturgeon capable of growing to sizes of over 18 feet (3m) long and weighing at a maximum of 2,200 pounds (1,100kg). They feed on salmon and other food in the river basin, spending part of their life in salt water. And did you know that an adult female Kaluga can produce up to 44 pounds of caviar?

The hybrid sturgeon is a crossbreed from Kaluga and Amur. The caviar matures from the 8th to 10th year. The Kaluga sturgeon takes up to 20 years to mature and produce its much sought- after caviar. And what do the Kaluga roes look like? They have a glossy light to deep brown or golden hue and the texture is firm and smooth. The flavour profile presents itself as earthy and buttery with a subtle salty note. Very delicate!

As Kaluga caviar is a delicate product, processing methods need to be specific to its requirements. It undergoes the highest sanitation standards at no more than 10 degree Celsius temperature to preserve its natural flavour.

Looking for an easy caviar “recipe”? Good caviar needs very little to shine. In fact, it is best to consume it in the simplest way. The most popular method is to enjoy it on crackers but you can also have it on warm food such as scrambled eggs! Make sure you work on low heat for the eggs and stir constantly, then add whipping cream to make the eggs deliciously soft. Shop for The French Grocer’s Kaluga Queen Hybrid Caviar here: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/kaluga-queen-crossbreed-caviar-50g-tin

Exceptional Vanilla in New Caldonia!

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New Caledonia is a magical destination – in fact, it is literally the heart of the pacific. New Caledonia is vast, unique and diverse French overseas territory with an equally wide variety of alluring landscapes, interesting cultures and outdoor activities. The group of islands look like they came right out of a postcard, bursting with colours and filled with people from all walks of life. New Caledonia is quite simply the travel inspiration that you have been looking for. But did you know that this paradise on earth is also home to some of the most amazing vanilla? That’s why our team at The French Grocer insists on sourcing vanilla beans from New Caledonia, specifically from the island of Lifou!

But what makes this particular vanilla so special? Firstly, the islands are free of agricultural diseases and the producers do not use any pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, they use a special compost that is made of coconut and vegetable. This is why the vanilla harvest is 100% natural, unlike other varieties in the market that may have been contaminated in the planting or harvesting process.

Secondly, New Caledonia’s sun and rainfall amount is just right to provide excellent growth conditions for local vanilla harvesters. The first plantations on the island actually started quite recently in 1993 but today, almost half of all local producers are in the business of vanilla growing. Quite simply, vanilla has become the essence of “natural gold” in New Caledonia!

The vanilla beans on The French Grocer online shop are certified Grade ‘A’ Bourbon Planifolia Beans. They are available in convenient packaging weights from 50g to 250g. Featuring subtle notes of fruits, caramel, cacao and prunes, these beans are perfect for your culinary creations from pastries to desserts. They are even used by Michelin chefs in Singapore for their famed dessert creations! So why not try our vanilla beans at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/lifou-new-caledonia-premium-vanilla-bourbon- planifolia-beans-grade-a-beans

An Exquisite Champagne Just For You

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In this article, we are pleased to present the Roger Coulon Heri-Hodie Brut Champagne that has an exquisite background due to the Coulon family’s fine heritage of viticulture. Heri- Hodie is from a “réserve perpétuelle”, which means it is built over time by adding amounts of wine from each harvest to particular storage vessels. Normally, such a reserve will be set aside for several years for it to become more established so that when it’s ready to be served, it will contain wines from five to as many as 15 different harvests…isn’t that amazing! And this blend combines 60% Pinot Meunier with 20% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir.

The white-golden colored wine has a very delicate, elegant and fruity Meunier bouquet of red berries. The wine shows remarkable finesse and elegance on the palate and is perfectly round, delicate, very fruity and charming but dry and always stimulating. This is nearly dominated by its Meunier part. Dosed with six grams per liter, this is absolutely delicious and filigreed but with aromatic and well-structured length. So delicate and fruity!

According to Eric Coulon, member of the acclaimed family, “Cultivating our vines is a beautiful and proud tradition. The source of our family’s inspiration is here in our vineyards cultivated with ORGANIC and AGROFORESTRY methods, on the Montagne de Reims.

This is the place where we, Eric, Isabelle and our children, Edgar and Louise, the 9th generation the COULON family, all have our roots.”

What’s more impressive is that the vineyard avoids the use of chemicals, filtration, finning and indigenous yeasts tank the Roger Coulon Champagne among the best of natural wines. Since 2019, the vineyard has also been converted into an organic base, further confirming the Coloun family’s commitment to a natural approach in viticulture.

Curious about this champagne? Discover more at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/champagne-roger-coulon-heri-hodie-brut-75cl-nv

Benja Chicken: Simply Perfect For Roasting!

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Roast chicken is a typical comfort food that we enjoy with the closest of family at home, and because it’s everywhere, it’s also seemingly easy to prepare. However, to have the perfect roast chicken, you’ll need the perfect…chicken of course! At The French Grocer, we are pleased to introduce a new addition to our online shop: Benja Farm raw chicken. Raised without antibiotics, this is a cage-free certified and the world’s first brown-rice fed chicken. We guarantee that no growth hormone is added to the feed and this is also certified by the American NSF International.

From Thailand, this 100% natural product boasts a rich flavour profile. More importantly, it is more tender and juicier than the conventional market’s chicken by up to 55%! The taste is in the pudding so we’ll leave the taste test to you. And below is a quick-and-easy recipe for roast chicken that you can try once you buy the product. Act fast!

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 425F (or about 218C)
  • Clean the chicken by rinsing it on the inside, then pat dry
  • Liberally smear salt and pepper on the inside of the chicken
  • Now stuff the chicken with sprigs of thyme, garlic cloves and lemon slices
  • Brush the outside of the chicken with butter and sprinkle some salt to finish
  • Tie the legs with kitchen string and place onion, carrots and garden vegetables in the pan
  • Roast the chicken for about 5 hours till it’s golden brown
  • Place everything on a platter and carve the chicken to preference before serving

Get the Benja Chicken right here at: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/benja-farm-raw- chicken-griller-1-9kg-frozen

Under The Vine: Our Second Online Boutique!

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Fans and friends of The French Grocer, we have great news for you! Thanks to your loyal support over the years, we have recently expanded into a second online shop “Under The Vine” that serves even more exquisite foods and ingredients from around the world! This site is complementary to The French Grocer as our products are meant to bring the best culinary enjoyment onto the dining table, even in the humble kitchen at home! If you like what you see at The French Grocer so far, we promise you an elevated experience with premium products such as caviar, bottarga, foie gras, truffles and more.

Under The Vine is an online fine grocery shop inspired by the concept of communal dining in a vineyard where good food is always paired with good wine, and of course, a violinist serenading in the background. Fine dining at home with family and close friends needn’t be complicated – just set up the table and leave the rest to us. Because when you eat good, you feel good.

And here’s even greater news! Subscribe now to Under The Vine’s e-newsletter and immediately receive 10% off your first purchase. No minimum order required! Our current best sellers are smoked salmon fillet, Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy, Angus beef ribeye from Australia and N25 Kaluga hybrid caviar – each of them exquisite in their own rights. Fill up your cart with some good products today…but you got to be fast as stocks move quickly! Visit Under The Vine’s online boutique today at: www.underthevine.sg and start making your first order!

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