Central Bottle & Chef Chang

There are plenty of reasons to stop by Central Bottle in Central Square, and soon there will be another significant reason with the upcoming opening of Flour Bakery 3.

First, let me mention a couple things about Central Bottle. Above, you can see a new display rack for gourmet foods at the store, and also note the Sutton Cellars Vermouth on the top shelf. It is back in stock though who knows how long it will last. This Vermouth is exceptional and can make lots of excellent summer drinks.

They also seem to be carrying even more different types of cheeses, including numerous raw milk cheeses. The cheese cases are very compelling and there were plenty of cheeses that I want to try. A nice place to stop at on your way home to pick up some wine, cheese and bread. And some vermouth!

Last week, Central Bottle held another one of their chef events, bringing Chef Joanne Chang to the store. Joanne was on hand to provide four courses of food, basically appetizers and dessert, that were then paired with wines. 75 people were in attendance, a sell-out crowd, and it was lots of fun to hang out and meet new people while savoring some delicious food and wine. And everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and I didn't hear any complaints.

Joanne prepared a few dishes from Myers+Chang, including Thai Ginger Chicken Salad, Scallion Pancakes, and Mama Chang's Pork and Chive Dumplings. These are all dishes I have had before, and enjoyed, and it was no different this time. It was cool though to see people who had never been to Myers+Chang taste and savor the dishes. I think Joanne made a few new converts that night.

With these dishes, three wines were poured, including 2007 Corey Creek Gewurtztraminer (from Long Island), 2008 Domaine de Fontsainte Corbieres Rose, and 2008 Domaine de la Chanteleuserie Bourgueil. There was a touch of sweetness to the Corey Creek, making it a very good pairing for the slightly spicy Thai Ginger Chicken Salad. The Rose was a tasty Old World style Rose, which is a great food wine for many different dishes. The Bourgueil, which is Cabernet Franc, was even good, lacking that green pepper taste I dislike.

Dessert was also provided, a good number of diverse baked goods from Flour Bakery, including cookies, cupcakes, tarts and mousse. Joanne's cupcakes pass my moistness test, and definitely are not dry. With dessert, there was a choice of a Sparkling Wine or a Sauterne. An excellent way to end the evening.

Central Bottle is not a typical wine store, and often emphasizes the pairing of food and wine. Their chef events bring excellent, local chefs to the store. Their weekly wine bar lets you drink wine while snacking on a variety of tasty cicchetti. And when Flour Bakery 3 opens, you will be able to get even more food to go with your wine.