Pamplemousse Reading

I was invited to a private event at Pamplemousse in Reading. They bill themselves as "A European inspired Gourmet Grocery" and are located close to the train station in Reading. Despite living in the next town over, I had no idea that they existed but I'm glad they were brought to my attention.

There is ample free on street parking and the store is bright and inviting.

They, of course, make all the food in-house and are serving sandwiches daily from 11 am - 06 pm in their Reading location. Here are some of the spreads that are available, I really liked the Hummus and the Bacon Blue. The Dirty Gun Martini, far right, wasn't bad either.

Of course, there was Cheeses and in abundance. All that I tried was the right consistency for eating, but I especially liked the orange runny one in the middle. Sorry, didn't write down the name.

Charcuterie was also present and all was delicious. The duck pate was a favorite of mine, not made in-house, but their chicken liver mouse is. There are some pickled artichoke hearts hiding in there as well. Both the mustard and the chutney is prepared on the premises.

All their sandwiches were available and The Cuban was outstanding, "No need for a 90-mile swim or raft ride to experience the greatest sandwich north of the Bahamas! Filled with our housemade beer pulled pork, smoked ham, Gruyere cheese, local Maitland pickles, and mustard pressed on a Cuban roll". The pulled pork is slow cooked in beer and then shredded and was absolutely delicious. I also tried the Smoking Goat. "The bacon (from Benton's smokehouse in Tennesee) is on top of local Capri goat cheese, with housemade tomato jam, and fresh arugula pressed on a baguette". This might have been on the sweeter side for me but was still very tasty.

An extensive beer selection is available, including local craft beers. You also have the option of making up your own six pack from the cold beers in the cooler.

The wine selection is even bigger and they have a wine tasting in both locations on Saturdays at 2-4.

Plenty of cheese are available. Also, check out their catering offerings HERE. 
Everybody in the store was extremely friendly and helpful and I also met a lady who makes salt out of Gloucester. Who knew? You learn something every day.