31 replies to this topic

[Encyclopedia Brown]

I guess we will just have to schedule a DR.com lunch at Taqueria Poblano followed by dessert at the Dreamery to check it out, and perhaps a peek into Cheesetique. Cathal ARmstrong seems to think the Dreamery is special enough to put it on his menu, and he sources some of his cheese from Cheesetique.

Cheesetique is a fabulous place. I love how they rate the stinkiness with pictures of noses. I prefer Arrowine in Arlington, and if you fancy ice cream after that, Cassatt's has the same stuff they serve at Scoop Beauregard's (which is fabulous...not custard, though like the dreamery)

[CrescentFresh]

Cheesetique is a fabulous place. I love how they rate the stinkiness with pictures of noses. I prefer Arrowine in Arlington, and if you fancy ice cream after that, Cassatt's has the same stuff they serve at Scoop Beauregard's (which is fabulous...not custard, though like the dreamery)

Aldo at Arrowine is an incredible character. The man really knows his cheese and how to read customers. If I recall correctly, he was a longtime cheese manager for Dean and Deluca in NY. Full of stories, too.

[Waitman]

I rarely get as far out of town as Arrowine just to get cheese, but I found myself in the 'hood the other day to see if Aldo was there (as I had heard).

We used to talk almost weekly when he ran the Cheese Counter at DC's Dean and DeLuca, (don't knw if he was in NYC before that, or not) and he's about the best cheese guy I've ever run into. He remembered me, asked about the kids (they still hate cheese) and sold me some great, obscure stuff. Well worth dropping in.

I hear they have wine there, too.

[alan7147]

I rarely get as far out of town as Arrowine just to get cheese, but I found myself in the 'hood the other day to see if Aldo was there (as I had heard).

We used to talk almost weekly when he ran the Cheese Counter at DC's Dean and DeLuca, (don't knw if he was in NYC before that, or not) and he's about the best cheese guy I've ever run into.  He remembered me, asked about the kids (they still hate cheese) and sold me some great, obscure stuff.  Well worth dropping in.

I agree with you about Aldo. He is one of the few reasons I would venture that far down Lee Highway in to VA.

[Kathy M]

Terrific store! Excellent selection and knowledgeable staff. I enjoyed shopping there for "The Everyday Sommelier," and will go back next time I venture out to the burbs for some Crisp and Juicy chicken.

[Baccala]

Arrowine and Aurelio Cabestrero of Grapes of Spain
present
An Evening of Spanish Wine and Food
at
Taberna del Alabardero

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

6:30 p.m.

1776 I Street, N.W.

Our long-time friend, Aurelio was recently named to Robert Parker's list of Wine Personalities of the Year for 2005. Please join us as he guides us on a tour of Spanish food and wine at the renowned Taberna del Alabardero.

Reception - 6:30 p.m.

Passed Hors d'oeuvres
Croquetas de Marisco - Shrimp and Crab Croquettes
Cucharita de Txangurro - Basque Style Crabmeat
Salmòn Ahumado Sobre Blini y Caviar - Smoked Salmon with Blini and American Sturgeon Caviar
2000 1+1=3 Cava Brut Nature

Dinner - 7:00 p.m.

Ensalada de Cítricos con Mariscos - Fresh Citrus Salad with Seafood
2005 Fuente Elvira Verdejo, Rueda

Atún a la Plancha con Ajoarriero - Seared Tuna with an Onion, Sun-dried Pepper Ragout
2004 Neo Sentido, Ribera del Duero

Codorniz con Crema de Patata Ahumada - Quail with Smoked Potato Cream
2001 Pujanza, Rioja

Costillas de Buey con Setas Silvestres - Beef Short Ribs with Wild Mushrooms
2000 Luna Beberide, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon

Arroz con Leche - Homemade Rice Pudding with a Dusting of Cinnamon
Cucharita de Mousse de Higos - Fig Mousse
2003 Silvano García Monastrell, Jumilla

The price for this wonderful evening of Spanish food and wine is $125 which includes taxes, gratuities and valet parking. Please call Arrowine at 703-525-0990 to make a reservation. A credit card number is needed at time of reservation. A 48 hour cancellation policy is in effect.

[Pappy]

Arrowine, and owner Doug Rosen in particular, is an absolute treasure. I completely liken him to Kermit Lynch, and trust him implicitly.

This is not a wine shop for popular-label hunters, Parker-point counters, Napa die-hards, or Aussie fruit-bomb lovers. Instead, Doug seeks out authentic representations of terroir wines from Burgandy, southwest France, and Spain. Most of his recommendations he has sourced himself during his many travels abroad. I have often seen wines first in his store, and then on impressive restaurant wine lists, making me wonder how many wine managers in town are piggy-backing on his finds through their common importers.

Not to mention it's a pleasure to shop there. I've never been able to garner any sympathetic help at Bassin's, despite dropping some pretty hefty sums in there. And although I'm a big fan of Pepe's at Calvert-Woodley, but as many of you know it's a tough environment to browse. Arrowine solves all those problems with a friendly, knowledgable staff and very well-stocked floor.

To me, the cheese counter, cured meats and H&H bagels are just a great bonus. And condsidering how popular these items have become, I would look for Doug to expand his food offerings,

[DLB]

Arrowine, and owner Doug Rosen in particular, is an absolute treasure.  I completely liken him to Kermit Lynch, and trust him implicitly.

I agree, this is a great shop. I have discovered so many different wines by shopping here. I love the monthly six packs

[Waitman]

Aldo at Arrowine is an incredible character.  The man really knows his cheese and how to read customers.  If I recall correctly, he was a longtime cheese manager for Dean and Deluca in NY.  Full of stories, too.

He was the cheese guy at D&D in Georgetown for a couple of years before leaving for Arrowine, always tried to get my kids to eat exotic cheeses they would never go near. Recognizes me whenever I get into that 'hood and drop in.

On another note, I wonder if I'm just missing them or is AW a little light on the little-known $10-15 bargains that make up the bulk of my wine purchases these days?

[Walrus]

Well, we got Bearboat Pinot there for ~$16/bottle -- couldn't be happier

[Erik Ox]

Well, we got Bearboat Pinot there for ~$16/bottle -- couldn't be happier

When did you pick up that Bearboat? I just called over there and they were cleaned out . According to the guy on the phone all of NoVa is out of Bearboat due to an issue with a regional distributor? I may have misheard that, but does anyone have a lead on where I might be able to score some?

[mdt]

When did you pick up that Bearboat?  I just called over there and they were cleaned out  .  According to the guy on the phone all of NoVa is out of Bearboat due to an issue with a regional distributor?  I may have misheard that, but does anyone have a lead on where I might be able to score some?

According to www.wineaccess.com Planet Wine in Alexandria has the '03 for $21/btl.

[ol_ironstomach]

Arrowine has the '03 Hartenberg Shiraz for $19.99. I thought for a moment that I saw Jake do a doubletake at the price when I grabbed a couple of bottles to replenish my stocks, but he swears that it's at least as enjoyable as the '01 that we demolished at the l'Academie dinner.

[mdt]

Arrowine has the '03 Hartenberg Shiraz for $19.99. I thought for a moment that I saw Jake do a doubletake at the price when I grabbed a couple of bottles to replenish my stocks, but he swears that it's at least as enjoyable as the '01 that we demolished at the l'Academie dinner.

I am very glad that I bought a case of that '01 after that dinner and I still have several bottle left. I believe that Joe at Ace has some '01 available.

[DonRocks]

For Steve: next time you go to Bebo have a bottle of 2003 Kurni from the Marche region of Italy. I opened a bottle of 2000 Dal Forno Valpolicella along side of it last Saturday and the Kurni was better...perhaps much better. Note that the Dal Forno was hand carried by me from the winery. In Italy the Kurni is about E 55. A GREAT bottle of wine virtually unknown in the U. S. 100% Montepulciano but NOT the Montepulciano that most people think of. Huge nose, long finish, full bodied, jammy, real depth. Fantastic.

This is the kind of wine that Doug Rosen at Arrowine would go nuts over. Unheard of but outstanding. And, the '04 is even better.

I'm not convinced that the Doug Rosen I know would go nuts over what you described. A full-bodied, jammy 2003? He'd pull me by the ear and lead me away from it, I suspect. The mark of a good retailer, knowing his customers' individual tastes, perhaps? No right or wrong here, just saying...

[Joe H]

Several friends and I opened a bottle of the 2003 Kurni (arguably, Marche's greatest bottle of wine) and I/we would put this on par with any $200 wine that I've had in the past several years-yet it's not nearly this expensive. A phenominal wine (true depth and character with a taste that lasts 30 or more seconds on the tongue) that despite the price is an absolute bargain, even at this price. That is my point about Doug Rosen: he typically delivers real value for the price and that is what Kurni is about. This is not an easy bottle of wine to find. But if you can I think you will truly enjoy it. An extraordinary bottle, well worth seeking out.

I thank Roberto and Corrado for introducing me to it. Simply, one of the best wines I've tasted in the past several years. I think enough of it that I've purchased two cases. I can only wonder what Fabio would say about this wine?

[milkmaid]

Beer Tasting Tonight at Arrowine! Perry Soulos will be pouring Pickled Santa, Santa's Butt, Lump of Coal, Very Bad Elf, Criminally Bad Elf, Troeg's Mad Elf, N'ice Chouffe, and Yule Tide. Beer will be discounted during the tasting. While you're sipping your brew, check out the cheese department and taste delicious new cheeses with Cheesemonger, Aldo. Cheers!

[goodeats]

Went and found out that they stopped carrying H&H bagels, fyi.

[milkmaid]

Just to let everybody know, Arrowine has beer and wine tastings every week. On Thursday evenings, from 5:30-7:30, Perry Soulos samples craft beers from all over the world. And for the wine lovers, Arrowine has wine tastings every Friday (5:30-7:30pm) and Saturday (1-4pm). During the tasting, all beer or wine is discounted.

[dcs]

On another note, I wonder if I'm just missing them or is AW a little light on the little-known $10-15 bargains that make up the bulk of my wine purchases these days?

You really need to sign up for their weekly e-mail specials. Plenty of special discounts are offered in that price range, especially when purchased by the case. They seem to go out of their way to cater to bargain hunting by offering quality wines that have escaped wider attention at discounted prices. I have never been disappointed in their recommendations in this regard, and I will rarely spend more than $15 retail for a bottle of wine.

[deangold]

From my few visits, I think they have a small but incredibly well thought out selection of wines in the price range that you can really have a lot of fun exploring. At other famous wine shops I can name, there is a huge selection of sadly banal me-to wines that give the appearance of a wide selection when in reality is is just boadloads of crap. You will not find liquid crap at Arrowine.

Just like with the traditional steakhouse wine list: 150 different California Cabs, all over oaked, over extracted, too young and totally lacking in personality. Is that choice or just show?

[giant shrimp]

From my few visits, I think they have a small but incredibly well thought out selection of wines in the price range that you can really have a lot of fun exploring. At other famous wine shops I can name, there is a huge selection of sadly banal me-to wines that give the appearance of a wide selection when in reality is is just boadloads of crap. You will not find liquid crap at Arrowine.

Just like with the traditional steakhouse wine list: 150 different California Cabs, all over oaked, over extracted, too young and totally lacking in personality. Is that choice or just show?

arrow wine continues to have one of the finest selections of champagne in the area, and the new cork wine store has opened with a pretty fine selection of its own.

[dcs]

The GW Hatchet breaks the story of Arrowine's planned second location at 22nd and K Street in Foggy Bottom targeted for a September opening. Also, in case you ever wondered what it was like to live like a wine guy, this month the fledgling Arlington Magazine had a nice feature on the Rosens' home renovation in Arlington. Sounds like my kinda place.

[DonRocks]

The GW Hatchet breaks the story of Arrowine's planned second location at 22nd and K Street in Foggy Bottom targeted for a September opening. Also, in case you ever wondered what it was like to live like a wine guy, this month the fledgling Arlington Magazine had a nice feature on the Rosens' home renovation in Arlington. Sounds like my kinda place.

Not sure Doug qualifies as your everyday "wine guy" - Arrowine has got to be one of the most profitable wine stores in town. The prices on wines are reasonable (and the wines themselves are expertly selected, with plenty of interesting bottles at the low end of the price spectrum), but I don't think I've ever seen more expensive cheese or dry goods in my life, anywhere. I guess it's been about ten years since Doug took over from Matthew Tucker (who in turn took over from Ann Bertha), and he and Shem have turned Arrowine into what seems to be an insanely successful business. I never understood why they bothered to run Living Social deals; this expansion might explain the need for a cash infusion. Also of note: a very high staff retention rate.

[RWBooneJr.]

The license application notices have been up for a couple of weeks. It is next to the Starbucks on 22d (same building), between K and NH. It seems like an odd location to me, though I walk past it everyday and will probably shop there from time to time. Also in the neighborhood, the Wine Specialist has relocated to 20th between L and M and is terrific, with a great staff. I'm not sure if it is the same owners as before.

[mr food]

Not sure Doug qualifies as your everyday "wine guy" - Arrowine has got to be one of the most profitable wine stores in town. The prices on wines are reasonable (and the wines themselves are expertly selected, with plenty of interesting bottles at the low end of the price spectrum), but I don't think I've ever seen more expensive cheese or dry goods in my life, anywhere. I guess it's been about ten years since Doug took over from Matthew Tucker (who in turn took over from Ann Bertha), and he and Shem have turned Arrowine into what seems to be an insanely successful business. I never understood why they bothered to run Living Social deals; this expansion might explain the need for a cash infusion. Also of note: a very high staff retention rate.

and the store itself gets fairly warm during the summertime. I would be wary of buying anything that' has been sitting on the shelves for a while. That said, his email sales can be excellent values at all levels.

[monavano]

Livingsocial deal $25 for $50 at Arrowine.

[DonRocks]

Livingsocial deal $25 for $50 at Arrowine.

I hate to say it, but this has got to be one reason why their cheese is so damned expensive.

Ten dollars gets you a little sliver of cheese! It's very frustrating to me because I *love* their store, but get tired of subsidizing coupon gropers (yeah, yeah, I know, I can buy one for myself, and I suppose I will).

[VikingJew]

There's another deal going on Living Social, so another chance to susidize the coupon gropers.

I'm sure if match up their monthly cheese/charcuterie special with the voucher, you can get a pretty good price.

Or you can do what we usually do, and treat it as buy one get one free deal for epoisses.

[DonRocks]

There's another deal going on Living Social, so another chance to susidize the coupon gropers.

I'm sure if match up their monthly cheese/charcuterie special with the voucher, you can get a pretty good price.

Or you can do what we usually do, and treat it as buy one get one free deal for epoisses.

 

Damn it, Arrowine, this is your one flaw.

 

It is not worth buying cheese here *unless* you have a coupon. And that kills me because I want to support them (and do, regardless of overpaying, essentially subsidizing the coupon crowd).

[SeanMike]

Damn it, Arrowine, this is your one flaw.

 

It is not worth buying cheese here *unless* you have a coupon. And that kills me because I want to support them (and do, regardless of overpaying, essentially subsidizing the coupon crowd).

 

That's my problem. I want to support local businesses but I don't feel like buying LS/Groupon/etc. is the way to do it.

 

On the other hand, that means I can't spend as much, or, in the case of Arrowine, I keep putting off going there until I see something like that. I just need to be reminded to go!

[darkstar965]

Agree about the expensive cheeses and meats.  But, that aside, I was reminded today of the reasons why Arrowine is a unique place worthy of support:

 

- Said cheeses and meats are varied, high quality and narrated by tenured staff who know the product (tragically differentiating)

- the wine collection and value to consumers, as has been well covered up thread

- their decision early on to support the best baguette baker in the area

 

and....

 

- after the good bakeries (Heidelberg, Randolph) are closed on a Sunday at 1pm, Arrowine sticks it out until 5pm, which is key when you're scrambling to do your part contributing quality apps and wine for an annual Oscars party and didn't plan ahead.  So, thanks Arrowine.

 

P.S., The Italian Store is actually open an hour later than Arrowine on Sundays; until 6pm but, their great sandwiches aside, they're just not the same as Arrowine when it comes to charcuterie and wines imho.