The Natural Olive

Okay, so we’ve all seen those little mall kiosks and strip mall boutique stores that sell just oil and vinegar. We may snicker and say «Jeez, how do they stay open?!», because I get mine by the gallon at Sam’s Club.
With a little arm twisting (my arm), I went into the Natural Olive. Okay, I must admit I totally changed my mind! It was like visiting a nano brewery, except they infuse flavor into oils and vinegar! So many pretty shiny tanks! Samples galore including 15 year old Balsamic!
Although, you can argue that you can alter olive oil yourself to make a dressing, the work has already been done for you and in combinations you wouldn’t think of. My favorite vinegar was hands down the white balsamic with grapefruit. My favorite olive oil was infused with garlic. Super concentrated — enough garlic for an Italian to say, «Hey, do you smell garlic?»
Now, would I pay $ 12.99 for a 200ml bottle? No, not, all the time. But now and then, yes, as a treat or maybe as part of a gift basket for one of my foodie friends.