Holiday Gifts: Olive Oil

By JULIETTE ROSSANT What makes for an impressive hostess gift: something totally unexpected, or something completely luxurious and thoughtful? What about both? Can you ever have enough good olive oil? It comes in a bottle - like perfume or wine - but there is usually more of it then perfume, and it lasts longer then an opened bottle of wine. Tuck a bottle, nicely wrapped, under your arm and offer it with a flourish to your host and hostess and you are bound to be invited back again – as long as you behave well. Super Chef recently sampled some excellent olive oils and vinegars from Global Gardens. The company, which grows olives in Santa Barbara, has a innovative gourmet food club: The Olive Revolution. Their California Estate First Cold Pressing Extra Virgin Olive, has a mild, warm flavor and a lovely golden color. It is made with Italian Ascolano olives grown in the St. Ynez Valley. It goes extremely well with California Estate Grown Pomegranate Vinegar. The company suggest that it makes a great reduction glaze – but it is also terrific on wilted greens, salads and anywhere else you use strong vinegar or balsamic. Their Imported Greek 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a cobalt blue elegant bottle, paired with Raspberry Champagne Vinegar in a matching clear bottle would make impressive gifts. The fresh raspberry flavor is pronounced and the olive oil is fruity – almost like you could taste the wild oregano - and a lovely shade of green. Lastly, Super Chef tried a bottle of Global Gardens Signature Estate Blend Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Like wine, it is a blend of three different kinds of olives: Koroneiki, Manzanilla, and Farga. It comes in a tear-shaped bottle, and has a distinctive, slightly bitter taste, that is best appreciated with a piece of good bread. The Olive Revolution is a fun gift for the holidays – or just bring along a bottle or two when you are invited out. If you plan to give a bottle of vinegar, just make sure you pair it with a bottle of oil, or the recipient might get the wrong idea. Previous articles: [Products & Endoresments - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging --> back to Super Chef