Spice Up Your Holidays

All About Food | December 17th, 2015

When I was a kid one of our big things to do around this time of year was to go downtown to the grandiose department store and take in the window decorations and themed displays. They were amazing and probably still are to this day.

The first time I saw the movie the Christmas Story it was like watching a documentary of my life, spooky department store Elves and Santa included. We don’t have a grand old department store downtown, but I am pleased to say we have some great Christmas windows on a couple of my favorite shops.

Those windows just lure you in and as a foodie I was lured by one that will spice up my life and what a great time to do it. Add some exotic oils and vinegars and you are at Pinch & Pour, downtown in the Loretta Building. I hadn’t been there in a while and the day I dropped by, Julie and her team were just putting the finishing touches on an impressive display of spices, oils, and gift packages.

I met proprietors Gregg & Julie Robbins three or more years ago when I did a piece on their store. The store was impressive with their outstanding oils and vinegars and distinctive spices, but since they have added dried pastas, sauces, cookbooks and kitchen gadgets. Back then Gregg outlined their master plan of having a New York-style cheese and cured meats counter. So as Julie and her team were decking out the store Gregg was hauling in his new cheese refrigerator -- dreams do come true.

So now, cheese aficionados, you will be able to satisfy your need downtown at Pinch & Pour and at Luna on South University. If you are stopping at Luna try one of their wines by the glass as you look over their cheese cabinet or better yet stay for dinner as Chef Ryan is producing some very creative dishes.

Pinch & Pour has been a great addition to the downtown scene along with long time favorites Zandbroz Variety, O’Day Cache and C Lizzy’s, all with windows dressed for the holidays. All these shops bring a level of style to our downtown that you could find in the most cosmopolitan cities in the country. All because of the passion and commitment of the owners, all interesting characters in their own right.

I never leave P&P without something for my kitchen. Actually, the last time I was there I was almost out the door. But while the brunette was chatting with Julie, my eye fell on a cookbook and shazam, just like that I didn’t leave empty handed. And neither should you.

IF YOU GO:

Pinch & Pour

210 Broadway N, Fargo, ND

http://pinchandpour.com/

RECENTLY IN

Recently in: