Olive Oil!

Have you been to A Taste of Olive in West Chester, if you are a local? An entire store of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, with a few other specialties as well. That's right. Entire store. Check out the website; it's an education in oil and vinegar. Every one of them is set up for tasting - lovely dispensers with stacks of small tasting cups.

I think it's interesting that on my first and second trips there I chose the same olive oil without realizing it. There are perhaps a dozen filtered and unfiltered EVOOs from all over the world to choose from, and I clearly know what I like: the Italian Leccino. Yesterday, however, I nearly bought an unfiltered Grecian, but decided I didn't yet need another bottle of unflavored. What did I buy? Glad you asked.

 Aren't they lovely?
Lavender Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Modena, Italy
Grapeseed Oil (Which I used sparingly, for a high-heat sear or when I need a no-flavor-at-all oil.)
Persian Lime EVOO, Tunisia
Honey Ginger Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Modena, Italy
Roasted Sesame EVOO, Japan

Both my sons were with me, one willing to taste a few things, one looking forward to tasting everything. DS1 bought a few things to take back to Virginia. His selection:

Aceite Nuevo, California - an unfiltered EVOO
Golden Pineapple Balsamic, Modena, Italy
A jar of Himalayan Salt. Gorgeous color, eh? A strong salt, to my taste.


DS2  really liked the Lavender Balsamic, and he isn't a huge balsamic fan in general. Last night I made a delicious dressing with it and the lime vinegar for a spinach and walnut salad. Delicious.