Recommended Grocery Store Wine and Cheese Pairings

What’s not to love about wine and cheese? All over the world you will find various kinds of cheese and wines being produced, and with modern-day importing and exporting, we are lucky to have our pick of many right here in the United States. That’s not to say that local North American wines and cheeses are not worth the choosing. We are also benefited by local wineries and cheese farms that grace us with their passion for quality craftsmanship and value. 

But you don’t have to be an enthusiast or connoisseur to create your own wine and cheese pairings at home. Your local grocery store right around the corner is all you need to build the perfect charcuterie tray for your next night in. There are several quick and easy wine and cheese combinations you can go with to ensure you are coupling the right flavors and aromas for the perfect pairing experience.

Continue below to review some recommendations for both grocery store wines and cheeses that perfectly complement each other, and available at Kroger, Trader Joe’s, or Fresh Market locations in Indianapolis!

Downtown Indianapolis Wine Specials
Downtown Indianapolis Wine Specials 317-822-5070

Red Wines and Cheese Pairings

When choosing a red wine, be sure to store it at 60 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the flavor to fully develop. And remove cheese trays from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before serving to allow the cheeses to soften. Below are some easy red pairings to consider.

Cabernet Sauvignon:

🍷 SIMI Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – $20
🧀 Presidente Soft-Ripened Brie Cheese – $6

Merlot:

🍷 Beringer Merlot Founders’ Estate 2010 – $16
🧀 Tillamook Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $5

Pinot Noir:

🍷 Francis Coppola Pinot Noir 2014 – $16
🧀 Red Apple Smoked Gruyere Cheese – $8

Chianti:

🍷 Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti 2014 – $11
🧀 Galbani Mozzarella Fresca Marinated – $6

White Wines and Cheese Pairings

When choosing a white wine, be sure to store and serve at 45 degrees Fahrenheit for that perfect flavorful finish. And remember to remove the cheeses from the refrigerator prior to guests arriving. This will ensure every bite is gentle and pleasing. Below are some easy white pairings to consider.

Chardonnay:

🍷 Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay 2014 – $8
🧀 Dofino Creamy Havarti – $6

White Zinfandel:

🍷 Barefoot White Zinfandel 2014 – $13
🧀 Boar’s Head Muenster Cheese – $4

Riesling:

🍷 Schmitt Sohne Riesling – $14
🧀 Castello Blue Cheese – $9

Sauvignon Blanc:

🍷 Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc 2014 – $15
🧀 Montchevre Chevre Goat Cheese – &5

Pinot Gris:

🍷 Chateau Ste Michelle Pinot Gris – $10
🧀 Private Selection Van Gogh Gouda Cheese – $7

Where to Wine and Dine in Downtown Indy

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our fresh menus and specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis pub and eatery! Visit us on Mondays for ½ PRICE PREMIUM WINES, or Tuesdays for our $3 HOUSE WINES! We have a full bar stocked with all your favorites, including wine, premium liquors, beer, and more. To accompany your glass of wine, you can also order some delicious appetizers and entrees from our lunch and dinner menus! So, if you need a new place to wine and dine with your group, trust English Ivy’s bar and restaurant for phenomenal food, fun, and friendship!

317-822-5070

Tips for Cooking a Delicious Beef Roast

When you want to take credit for preparing the perfect beef pot roast, you have to learn what it takes to achieve it first. In today’s world, there are so many fancy gadgets, cooking methods, and recipes that can sometimes overshadow a perfectly good traditional cut of beef. But when it comes to beef, you really don’t need all the frills to ensure your main course comes out juicy and delicious. Instead, all you need to do is rely on some good, old-fashioned tips handed down by all those talented Grannies. With the right knowledge under your belt, you are fully-equipped to prepare the tastiest and most memorable roast beef your whole family will love.

Continue reading to cover some of the most important tips for cooking a succulent beef pot roast.

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070
Grandma’s Beef Pot Roast Special 317-822-5070

Use a Good Butcher or Cut

The most important part of preparing a great beef roast is to start with the butcher. You want to concentrate on procuring your beef meat through a trusted, organic sheep farmer who will provide any custom cut for a fair price. Farm-to-table, locally-sourced foods have several benefits, one of which being some of the highest quality product around. Ask your provider to remove the bone for easier preparation. If you prefer to shop at your local grocery store, you have organic options, or you can simply opt for your favorite, trusted cut.

Let Your Roast Come to Room Temp

Another important tip is to let the meat rest before cooking so that it can reach room temperature. This supports more even cooking and balanced flavors. Once your meat is at room temperature, spend the first 10 to 20 minutes searing it on all sides using a cast iron skillet on high heat. This will properly seal in all the delicious juices and flavors of the meat while it cooks in the oven.

Get Your Cooking Time Right

When it comes time to put it in the oven, you want to roast it slowly at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of time you roast your beef will depend on its weight. The rule of thumb to follow here is 13 to 13 minutes per pound for rare beef, 17 to 19 minutes for medium, and 22 to 25 for fully cooked. For instance, if your beef roast is three and half pounds, you will want to roast it for at least 45 minutes  for rare, and upwards of 90 minutes for well-done.

Let Your Roast Rest

Once you remove your roast from the oven, allow it to rest for 15 minutes to retain all the juices inside. The temperature of your meat is important, and will range depending on your personal preference. Be sure to check your meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it has achieved the proper internal temperature, which is around 145°F for medium rare and 160°F for medium.

Get Delicious, Homemade Beef Pot Roast in Downtown Indianapolis

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to ask us about our Sunday dinner special, Grandma’s Beef Pot Roast Special! Our patrons continue to beg us for the recipe, but we promised Granny we’d keep it a family secret! Fortunately, all you have to do to enjoy this special dish is join us for dinner on Sunday nights! We are open from 10am-3pm, so come in and check out our menus full of delicious appetizers, cocktails, and more! With neighborhood prices and the nicest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!

317-822-5070