The Clinton Township Nino Salvaggio store. How beautiful and welcoming is that?!
Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a mega cool event for bloggers at Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace – one of metro Detroit’s most amazing stores ever (in my humble opinion).
Let me tell you, this store is foodie HEAVEN. Nino’s was love at first sight for my husband and I. Can I just say the man loathes shopping, especially with me, but I can get him to go to Nino’s in a heartbeat. We love the kiosk at the front of the store for ordering our lunch meat (standing in line at the deli counter is no fun), the produce is beautiful and lasts, and we always walk out with a new foodie treat — many of which the people of Nino’s have created in their own kitchen (the meat counter, bakery counter and wine section are phenomenal).
Is Nino’s my go-to store for crackers and tomato soup? Nah, I save those things for the boring grocery stores where I can use coupons. BUT, Nino’s has it going on as far as the good stuff goes, so if you can make room in your budget, DO IT. The store makes grocery shopping so much more interesting!
Part of the event was set-up for Nino’s sommelier Jennifer Laurie and head chef, Pete Loren (yes, a chef – told you they have good stuff), talk about things that are essential for your pantry and kitchen. Here are 5 of my favorite tips he shared that I loved:
1. Invest in some good rugs. Your feet will thank you if you get a few anti-fatigue rugs to go in front of the spots you stand in most – i.e. the kitchen sink and stove. The less pain you’re feeling, the more you’ll actually want to stay in the kitchen.
2. Don’t be afraid of restaurant supply stores. There’s no need to spend big bucks at Williams-Sonoma kind of stores. It’s easy to score things cheap so you have more bowls, spoons, spatulas, etc. for your kitchen.
3. More is better when it comes to utensils. Get a crock and fill it with colorful spatulas, wisks and ladles. Not only will it look as beautiful as a flower arrangement on your counter, but it will be super functional with no need to head to the sink a few times to wash between dishes.
4. Use a thermometer to determine when food is ready. Too often we rely on the recipe to tell us what the time and temp needs to be. Avoid over-cooking and other mishaps by using a thermometer to tell you when your food is done.
5. Crank up the tunes in the kitchen. Listening to music in the kitchen makes cooking so much more fun. (I agree!)
Of course Pete shared tons of other great tips, too. Check out more on one of his recent blog posts here.
Nino’s Chef Pete Loren and Sommelier Jennifer Laurie
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I told you the people of Nino’s rock, right? Well, they have graciously provided me with a $50 gift card to give away to one of you lucky people. Enter away using the Rafflecopter form below. Must live in metro Detroit or be willing to drive {store locations in Troy, Clinton Township and St. Clair Shores}. Giveaway ends May 31st at 12:01 a.m.
Disclosure: I received a goody bag and gift card to attend the event. All thoughts and photos belong to me, however.
I Love shopping at Ninos. They have fresh fruits and veggies. It helps to save time when you order lunch meat and cheese on the computer when you enter the store. I love the variety of meats that are offered. I Love this store.