Did you miss last year’s sellout Popcorn Shop ornament? Good news! The Paper House is bringing it back this year by popular demand.

The Downtown Wheaton directory and parking guide is now available! You can pick yours up in downtown businesses, or swing by the Downtown Wheaton Association office at 129 W. Front Street.

Click here to download a PDF of the guide.

Dark Espresso Balsamic Vinegar

This aged Balsamic is amazingly complex with layers of authentic espresso and dark roasted coffee.  It makes a fantastic glaze or barbeque base for pork, beef and chicken.  It is exquisite used in an “affogato float”, which calls for a splash of espresso balsamic to a mug with a couple of scoops of vanilla gelato and filled with coffee.

Champagne Balsamic Vinegar

This new creation is a masterful pairing of French Champagne vinegar with Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy. Clean, tart and crisp, with just the right amount of acidity, this sparkling vinegar marries the best of the Mediterranean. This vinegar is perfect for use in vinaigrettes, marinades, rich pan sauces or wherever a clean look and pitch-perfect acidity is desired.

Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic Vinegar

Our newest flavor, Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic, is clean, crisp and tart and boasts a lovely deep rose blush.  It has an amazingly fruity & complex bouquet that shines in a multitude of culinary applications. Use this vinegar to dress vegetable and fruit salads, in a marinade, a glaze for poultry, with gelatin for a delicious fruit aspic or even in a mixed drink (cranberry pear cosmo??)!

Nocellara De Belice (Italy – November 2010)
Medium-Bold Intensity
Notes of almond and artichoke, well balanced with a creamy smooth mouth feel with moderate pepper taste and clean finish!

Gold Medal Manzanillo (U. S. California – December 2010)
Mild-Medium Intensity
Very fruity and grassy (strawberry notes again!). Thick, creamy (viscous) and smooth – very smooth.
California Mission (U. S. California – December 2010)
Bold Intensity
Very green — grassy and herbaceous, with a pepper bite and a clean finish!

BLEU OLIVE NEWS:

We have changed our hours for this Sunday so that we can enjoy the Bears victory over the Pack!  We will open at 10am and close at 1pm.

Here’s an easy to make, unique savory dish, either use as a side dish, or dessert.  It uses both heart healthy extra virgin olive oil and pro-biotic, aged balsamic together in a cool, quivery concoction?

White Cranberry-Pear Balsamic Gelee with Fruit

2 cups bleu olive White Cranberry-Pear Balsamic Condimento + 1/4 cup reserved
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
1 cup cut up fresh fruit or small berries such bananas, blueberries, lychee, strawberries, raspberries, oranges kiwi etc.
1 teaspoon bleu olive blood orange extra virgin olive oil for greasing the molds

Using the blood orange extra virgin olive oil, grease one large 2 quart, heat resistant casserole/bowl/mold or up to six smaller 6 oz. ramekins, bowls or molds.  Arrange the cut up fruit in the mold/s.  In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of balsamic condimento and allow to sit undisturbed.  In a two quart sauce pan over medium heat, bring the remaining balsamic to a simmer.  Remove from heat and add the bloomed gelatin.  Stir constantly until no granules or sign of gelatin can be seen, and the mixture is completely clear.  Pour the warm  mixture in to the prepared molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

visit www.thebleuolive.com for all the details!

Jeans and a Cute Top Shop will be extending their store hours for the summer months to offer shoppers more time to pick up their favorite pair of jeans or cute top. The new hours will also allow new customers coming into downtown during Vintage Rides to experience this great boutique.

Also extending store hours is The Stork’s Cradle. Mom’s on the go this summer can stop in and pick up something special for their little one or that Mom-to-be can grab something comfy for the new baby bump she’s sporting.

Stop by for great gifts or a little something for yourself at these two great downtown boutiques.

Jeans & a Cute Top Shop

Mon-Wed: 10-6

Thurs/Fri: 10-7

Sat: 10-5

Sun: Closed

The Stork’s Cradle

Mon-Wed & Fri: 10-6

Thurs: 10-7

Sat: 10-5

Sun: Closed

The Dress, by Nicole had their ribbon cutting ceremony on February 4th, and officially opened the next day.  The Dress, by Nicole is a new boutique located at 131 W. Wesley Street in downtown Wheaton featuring an exquisite collection of bridal and special occasion gowns and accessories. “Whatever your occasion, we’re excited to help you find THE dress!”  – Nicole Kurz, President  To learn more visit www.shopthedress.com or call 630-653-3737!