In its second year of organizing the Food & Wine Festival, the Isthmus has done a much better job. More wine, more food and more demonstrations have made the ticket price worthwhile. Here are some of my favorite items that are worth trying (and buying) if you see them in stores:
- Lander Jenkins Chardonnay and Silver Buckle Chardonnay, both distributed in Madison by Rutherford Wine Company. I’m not a chardonnay guy at all, but the staff pushed them onto me, and they were both surprisingly not dry, almost Riesling-like.
- Organic sunflower oil from Century Sun Oil in Pulaski. It’s a good replacement for olive oil and has several health benefits. Supposedly, it’s perfect for making popcorn.
- The Morel & Leek Jack Cheese and the Natural 2 Year Sharp White Cheddar Cheese from Renard’s Cheese in Door County. I told the owners that the 2 year is as a good as any five-year cheddar I’ve had. The morel works perfectly with the Jack.
- Chocolates from Roots Chocolates in Wisconsin Dells. I can’t believe I had never heard of them. I enjoyed several different kinds, including the espresso and the Kalli MahTah (salty and briny).
- Wisconsin Amber Cheddar spread from Sugar Brook Farms in Verona. As the name implies, this creamy delight is made with Wisconsin Amber beer from Capital Brewery.
- The French Gimlet at Johnny Delmonico’s. This version uses vodka, St. Germain and fresh-squeezed lime juice.
Tags: Food & Wine Show
