Of Parmesan and Balsamic vinegar

Cafe Society
1

Somewhat akin to the taste difference between Log Cabin Brownish Sugar Liquid[sup]TM[/sup] and real maple syrup, there’s a vast gulf between great Parmesan and Balsamic vinegar and the similarly-named substances you find in most grocery stores. However, it’s been years since I moved away from a good cheese shop (anyone know if the shop in Eastern Market is still there?) so have no recollection of brand names to look for.

Given the renowned palate of the Dope, I’m hoping a few recommendations can come our way for a good cheese and a good Balsamic.

Hungrily yours,

Rhythmdvl

2

What you want is Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is distinctively identified on the outside of the rind as such like this.

3

Heh, took Parmigiano-Reggiano out of thread title thinking to get more views. Should have known better :smack:

We do get the cheese from what passes as the specialty bin (i.e. not the past aisle with the 4C powdered plastic shavings). But we’re at the whim of the buyer and would like to bypass our quest for a good Italian market (we’ve done that a lot since moving out of the city) and see if it’s orderable online.

4

I was going to say that, but failed to find an image of the specific brand I buy and so didn’t post.

Incidentally, a microplane is perfect for grating it.

5

Says one of the Dope’s resident pilots.

6

In the EU you’re safe when the specific words parmigiano-Reggiano are used, because they’re protected and only apply to the good stuff, but I’m not sure that the same controls apply elsewhere.

For Balsamic, I’ve found Belazu, if you can get hold of it, is just sublime - so thick, it’s syruppy, sweet and delicious. If you can find it, it’s totally worth it.

7

I think you should visit this cheese shop. Especially if you are peckish.

8

I have not tried this but I have read that if you reduce a cheap balsamic vinegar it will approximate a much more expensive variety.

9

No help here but…we hit a specialty store in an Robin Leach kinda town a few years ago. Their thing was basalmic vinegar. Holy shit was the good stuff gooooood. Of course it topped out in the hundred(s?) of dollars per gallon cost range.

10

Saporosa Balsamic is insanely good and easily competes with vinegars twice or 3 times it’s price.