Above, left: A must-have for the olive oil connoisseur - Jolly Maffei 5-liter stainless steel storage container, direct from Italy, which keeps the oil fresh by blocking out air and light. This will make any kitchen look serious. $70.00. Center: Huilerie D'Opio extra virgin French olive oil, $26.00. We love the packaging. Right: Sel Marin de Guérand fine grey sea salt, $14.00.................................................................................................................................
After relocating from Detroit to Sarasota, Kelly Kary, an avid foodie, could find no local source for the oils and specialty food items she was accustomed to having available.
So, in 2004 (I can't believe this shop has been here so long and I didn't know about it), she opened Sarasota Olive Oil Company.
In a restored 20s building (originally a movie theatre) in the historic Rosemary District, Kelly offers an incredible selection of olive oils (many organic), and vinegars and pastas from around the world. There is also a coffee and smoothie bar, with fresh panini sandwiches.
What I especially loved on my visit: many varieties of olive oil on tap (bring your own container), sea salts and herbs de provence for purchase by the pound, and the wonderful olive bar. Oh, and best of all, just like the little olive oil boutique I stepped into on a recent trip to Saint Remy de Provence, you can taste-test anything prior to purchase!
If you're close enough to visit, don't wait - go now!
(It's worth the trip from Tampa.) But, if you can't get there, shop online.
What I learned from that visit to the olive oil boutique in Provence: French olive oils tend to be softer with more subtle flavors than the typically more robust Italian vintages. Some taste like grass, some are fruity, some are quite peppery ... and sampling is the best way to decide what you prefer.
.................................................................................................................................
After relocating from Detroit to Sarasota, Kelly Kary, an avid foodie, could find no local source for the oils and specialty food items she was accustomed to having available.
So, in 2004 (I can't believe this shop has been here so long and I didn't know about it), she opened Sarasota Olive Oil Company.
In a restored 20s building (originally a movie theatre) in the historic Rosemary District, Kelly offers an incredible selection of olive oils (many organic), and vinegars and pastas from around the world. There is also a coffee and smoothie bar, with fresh panini sandwiches.
What I especially loved on my visit: many varieties of olive oil on tap (bring your own container), sea salts and herbs de provence for purchase by the pound, and the wonderful olive bar. Oh, and best of all, just like the little olive oil boutique I stepped into on a recent trip to Saint Remy de Provence, you can taste-test anything prior to purchase!
If you're close enough to visit, don't wait - go now!(It's worth the trip from Tampa.) But, if you can't get there, shop online.
What I learned from that visit to the olive oil boutique in Provence: French olive oils tend to be softer with more subtle flavors than the typically more robust Italian vintages. Some taste like grass, some are fruity, some are quite peppery ... and sampling is the best way to decide what you prefer.
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