Credit where credit is due

Zach from Palermo found my post and commented. For this, I was greatly pleased. The purpose of a blog, after all, is to really dig into information. Kudos to Zach and his folks at Palermo coffee shop here in Camarillo for doing this. I need to state for the record that I still stick to my last post; the latte was weak and the muffin was…blah. But, Zach’s response to me was a thoughtful and business-like one that I appreciate. I’ll be going back to Palermo because of it-and I’ll be either talking with Zach or whoever to find out how to make my coffee a bit stronger, more flavorful. I’m not sure what he can do about the muffins, but that’s OK. I’ll live without those if I can have good local coffee! The important point here is, I was more than pleased that Zach commented to me in such a positive way. Obviously, no one wants their business put down–anywhere–but when it happens, this is the right and thoughtful response. And it will more than likely make me a continued customer.

Onward. James and Manuela have been friends of ours for some time. They are actually the good friends of other friends of ours, Tom and Mary Beth and that’s how we met. James is New York Italian, through and through. Manuela hails from Italy and still goes back to see family every year, bringing the couple’s son James Jr. along at times and leaving James behind when he has to work. Or had to.

Manuela’s cooking has always been astounding, according to Tom and M.B. We got to try some of it in the form of a dessert she made once and it was indeed astounding. But her skills extend far beyond the plate, as it were. Manuela had been taking fresh local Ventura lemons and making her own Limoncello for some time. It was so good, so refreshing and so layered with citrus and freshness that it became the thing people asked for when talking to Manuela about her cooking.

That’s the very short version (and I do mean very short) of the Ventura Limoncello company. Now selling in stores like the Wine Castle among others, James and Manuela have begun their own company creating limoncello that is made from local produce and is about the most delicious apperitif I’ve ever had. My expertise is in wine and even there, you could quibble with me at times. I don’t know limoncello, but I have been reading about it, I certainly do drink it and I’ve spent time understanding the nuances of the drink from the creamy version to the straight liquor version. Both should be kept ice cold in the freezer as so many apperitif spirits and liquors whose flavor is enhanced when served chilled.

I’m always excited when I get to know local folks who are making fresh food and drink products that are so good. I cannot recommend this product enough. No, I get no kickbacks. I’m not a salesman, I’m a wine and food writer–and this limoncello is among the best I’ve ever tasted. Give it a shot.

Posted in Food and Wine