Hidden Hyde Park Gem

Hyde Park Gourmet Food and Wine Delivers Best Selection of Wine and Gourmet Food in the Tri-State Area

Written by Matthew Millet / Photography by Andrew Kung

Quite possibly one of the smallest storefronts in Hyde Park Square, Hyde Park Gourmet Food and Wine far exceeds expectations for service, selection, and uniqueness of both its wine and specialty foods. Since the turn-of-the-century, this location has always been a family-owned local gourmet food and wine shop for the area. Now under the leadership of co-owner sisters, sommelier Evelyn Ignatow and Sylvia Levine, the boutique shop has had a focus on highlighting emerging brands, new food trends and small production, highly acclaimed wines, offering elevated selections to enhance any occasion.

When venturing in, one will notice right away that the selection of gourmet treats is perfect for livening up any dish or to base a new dinner off of completely. Specialty oils - truffle, flavored, spiced, Tuscan, and the like allow for enhancing dishes or great for dipping. A large reach-in cooler with many selections of cheeses is perfect for snacking or to elevate any charcuterie board. OR, seek guidance from Sylvia, the in-house cheese specialist, who expertly prepares charcuterie boards complete for take-home use. Gourmet specialty pasta and sauces also abound throughout the store and are reminiscent of the ethnic aisles of larger grocery retailers. Fine chocolates and dessert bites are also sourced rounding out every aspect of the dining experience. With so many options and delicatessens to choose from the tenured staff are quick to help share their personal favorites and make recommendations for gifting or culinary pleasure.

As you peruse the intimate store, you will notice accompaniments for all aspects of the kitchen or pantry. From the aforementioned gourmet treats, ingredients, specialty foods, caviar, sweets, to stemware and utensils. The gourmet deli is a perfect spot to enjoy a homemade cup of soup, salad or sandwich, or glass of wine outside at the bistro tables. A great source for host gifts or the food connoisseur, Sylvia and her team expertly put together fantastic gift baskets that decorate the tops of the display shelves. Whether it’s a get-well basket or a luxury wine star, the baskets, ideas, and collections are endless for any event and all occasions. Sylvia’s gift baskets have been National award-winning and published in the Gift Basket Review, and become staples for both private and corporate gifting occasions.

Of course, the gourmet treats, fine foods, and gift baskets are important aspects of the boutique store, the real star is the wine selection sourced by level two certified sommelier Evelyn. Known in the industry for her advanced knowledge, Evelyn is quick to source some of the finest vintages and low production items in the industry. With a background in education, Evelyn is happy to help educate all of her clientele on the flavor profiles of the wine selections and often makes pairing selections for their dinner menus. Customer service abounds as staff quickly make recommendations based on the client’s taste and budgets. This allows customers the ability to try new wines with the comfort knowing that they are taking home something they are sure to enjoy.

The wine itself is displayed by region and varietal. Seasonal favorites are typically highlighted, such as rose for the summer. Large-format bottles are also displayed; magnum and double magnum sizes spot the top display cabinets (and remember anything is sourceable with advance notice). When we were in the shop Evelyn was proud to show us the recently rated 100 point Spottswoode Estate Cabernet that she had sourced for a customer. Very rare champagne collections for purchase are on full display, as Hyde Park Gourmet and Wine is one of the largest retailers of the Moet-Hennessy brand of champagnes including Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart, and the Moet & Chandon labels.

As with all specialty stores, it is a recommendation to stop in with some extra time to really browse through the selections of gourmet treats and wine. What makes Hyde Park Gourmet and Wine so special is not just the products, it is in the details that Evelyn, Sylvia, and staff take on, priding themselves on the client relationships built over the last 25 years of business. Service, selection, and the intimate setting make it truly, The Gem of the Hyde Park Square.

Located in the square at 2707 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208. More information at www.hydeparkgourmet.com, 513.533.4329, or info@hydeparkgourmet.com. Open 10-6, Monday-Saturday.