➊
➋
LUCINI ITALIA Delicate Cucumber & Shallot Artisan Vinaigrette
LOVE WAS IN THE AIR WHEN RENEE FRIGO AND DANIEL GRAEFF, co-founders of Lucini Italia, went honeymooning in Tuscany in the 1990s and developed an ardor for Italian food. "The mission behind Lucini ("little light" in Italian) is to bring a little light of Tuscany to the United States," says Graeff of the 15-year-old company. Today, the Lucini Italia family of products includes award-winning olive oils, handcrafted vinegars, gourmet pasta sauces, soups and artisanal vinaigrettes including this year's Outstanding Dressing winner: Delicate Cucumber & Shallot Artisan Vinaigrette. Crisp, cool and creamy, this three-time sofi Gold Winner is a graceful recipe blending garlic, parsley and milk that tantalizes American taste buds again and again.
"We consistently seek to create authentic foodie 'wow' moments for those seeking excellent food experiences at home," Graeff says. Even with something "as everyday and uniquely American as salad dressing, we follow the Tuscan food tradition of simple preparation of the best ingredients." Delicate Cucumber & Shallot was created especially for shoppers with little time to cook but looking for a special addition to their meal, Graeff adds.
This Gold winner is one of six Lucini vinaigrettes with original flavor profiles, including Fig & Walnut Savory Balsamic, Cherry Balsamic & Rosemary, Roasted Hazelnut & Balsamic, Tuscan Balsamic & Extra Virgin and Bold Parmesan & Garlic. Suggested retail price: $5.49/8.5 ounces. Contact: Meagan Parrado, Lucini Italia; 305.858.7200; meagan@lucini.com; lucini.com.—L.S.L.
➊ RISING SUN FARMS Fig Balsamic Dressing Contact: Lori Di Betta lori@risingsunfarms.com 541.535.8351, ext. 215 risingsunfarms.com
➋ SOMETHING ECLECTIC, LLC El Verde Sucio "Dirty Green" Roasted Poblano & Green Olive Vinaigrette Contact: Chad Lowcock chad@vintagesauces.com 704.999.7197 vintagesauces.com
S34 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com FINALISTS
SALAD DRESSING