Gourmet Food is classy and elegant cuisine that is great for dinner parties and entertaining guests. It is rich in flavor, delicious, and provides a beautiful aesthetic. In addition, gourmet food baskets are an excellent choice for gifts to family and friends. There are numerous types of gourmet foods ranging from simple cheese and crackers to smoked meats and smoked salmon. Deciding on the perfect gourmet food depends largely on your palate as well as the desired presentation.

With its smoky and buttery taste, smoked salmon is always a favorite and tastes wonderful in any variation. The Norwegian Smoked Salmon is for those who wish for a strong, smoky and intense flavor. Produced by the Norwegians, generously trimmed portions of salmon are hand-cured with a mixture of sugar and salt and slowly smoked. The result is a filet of velvet-smooth texture, a smoky and subtly salty flavor, and a beautiful peach color. For those with the most discerning palates, the Balyk Cut is the most exclusive and desired salmon filet.

Furthermore, The Hot Smoked Norwegian Salmon is not only intense, but also provides a very rich and flaky texture that melts in your mouth. The Hot Smoked Salmon can be served as a main dish or an appetizer and is very different from its chilled counterpart. Due to its hearty nature, this salmon is much thicker and much more filling that the Norwegian Smoked Salmon.

In contrast, the Scottish Smoked Salmon is tender, delicate and smooth. Categorized as the most popular salmon in the world, the Scottish Smoked filet is less smoky and more subtle than the Norwegian cuts. Characterized by its orange-pink color and delicate flesh, the Scottish Salmon can be reserved for some of your finest entertaining.

In addition, the little known dill- rubbed Gravadlax Scottish Salmon is listed as a favorite with many gourmet food stores. This delicacy is becoming increasingly popular throughout the gourmet food circuit. The salmon is marinated in a unique mixture of salt, sugar, and dill that is hand-rubbed, cleaned, and slowly smoked, creating a rich and unparalleled flavor. Suggested pairing is a dill mustard sauce.

Although there are numerous varieties of gourmet food, wine and cheese pairings have been timeless and classic parts of the gourmet food family. In addition, they are a sophisticated addition to a salmon appetizer or meal. With over 350 types of cheese offered by many food stores, the options are limitless. However, following some simple suggestions on appropriate pairings will ensure that your cheese board is stylish and memorable.

Some of the most popular gourmet cheeses and their wine pairings include: Swiss with Anti Spumanti, Blue with Port, Boursin with Gewürztraminer, Brie with Sweet Sherry, Mild Cheddar with Chardonnay, Strong Cheddar with Cabernet, Feta with Beaujolais, Gouda with Riesling, Havarti with Bordeaux, Muenster with Zinfandel, Provolone with Chardonnay, and Gorgonzola with Sauternes.

A dinner party is not complete without a little dessert. There are numerous selections of desserts and chocolates to choose from. Dessert provides a decadent ending to the evening. Although it is difficult to go wrong with any type of dessert, some of the most popular include: chocolate truffles, German marzipan, tarts, cheesecakes, and mousses.

Gourmet food is a rich, silky, and decadent way to host a party or send a special gift. Some of the most popular foods include: smoked salmon, wine, and cheeses. Providing an array of these items will not disappoint even the most sophisticated palate.