Monday, September 01, 2008

Impromptu Gourmet Lunch

Just got back from a morning of errands at El Corte Ingles, Spain's largest department store chain. We wandered around a bit and ended up at the Gourmet Shop on the top floor looking for something that we could have for lunch. There were lots of goodies to choose from but we zeroed in on a small pack of Joselito Gran Reserva ham (supposedly the best ham in the world as their tag line states) along with a chunk of Pont L'Evêque from Isigny Sainte-Mère and two small Picandine Crottin de Chavignol from the perigord region of France.

When we got home, we already had a tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad with fresh basil and some white pizza (just rosemary and Maldon sea salt). All we had to do was open the pack of ham and bring the cheese to room temperature. The ham was indeed delectable (not too salty and melt-in-the-mouth soft) while the Pont-l'Évêque was ripe and ready. Sometimes, the best meals are just things one throws together at the last minute especially when the products themselves are excellent even on their own.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a gourmet lunch indeed! There's nothing like good food to make downtime extra special.

Gourmet Traveller said...

Thanks for checking in Ari! I still had some Pont l'Eveque left so I had some more this evening. It was even better.

Miguel said...

I love Club del Gourmet in Corte Ingles - thats my favorite hangout when I'm there.

And wow that ham looks good. We also have some Joselito here in manila although I dont have it often due to its prohibitive price.

Gourmet Traveller said...

Most of the items in Club del Gourmet are overpriced even for Spain but it's the only place where certain things are available. Joselito ham is a special treat and we couldn't have it all the time either because it is expensive!

Miguel said...

Ya I know its over priced but I just love the place - its so complete....