Current: olive oil & balsamic vinegar from O&Co
A few years ago, a good friend of mine bought me one of my most favorite birthday presents ever: really good olive oil and balsamic vinegar from well-known Di Palo located in New York’s Littly Italy (Grand and Mott). Actually, that same year, another good friend of mine bought me a delicious Spanish olive oil from another NYC institution, Despaña (Broome between Lafayette/Centre). These are very good friends of mine who CLEARLY know the way to my heart (food and crafts for anyone taking notes).
I think at this point, everyone cooks with olive oil and has something basic in their cabinets (I like the ones from Trader Joe’s and Whole Food’s 365 brand…not too pricey and good for cooking. I’ll also always have a decent balsamic vinegar around for vinaigrettes. TJ’s has a good one and there was one that I liked from Whole Foods that I can’t remember off hand, but it was moderately priced -$9 or $11 and, frankly, I bought it because I liked the packaging. I’m a sucker for nice packaging. Or maybe I’m just a sucker.). I had never had it in me to splurge on some really good stuff for dipping. Well, I have turned a new leaf and from that birthday on, I will always have some good quality oil/vinegar in my kitchen. I don’t use it to cook with, but solely for adding a touch of flavor on foods (pastas - just after plating, caprese salads etc.) and dipping delicious, warm, crusty bread. mmmmmmm.
I happened to be in Grand Central a couple months ago and after passing it for years, finally decided to stop into the olive oil store, O&Co (http://www.oliviersandco.com). It had taken me a couple years to savor through my delicious birthday presents and I finally got around to getting myself some new tasty treats. The store is wonderful and there are samples of pretty much everything. I bought La Cravenco Olive Oil - it has a lightly fruity taste and finishes with a peppery kick in the back of your throat (on sale!) and the most delicious aged balsamic that is so sweet and thick and has a lovely mild tang that is making my mouth water as I type (this one never goes on sale). As you can tell by the photos (sorry, crappy iphone photos…but at least it’s something!), I’ve already dug into both of them and am realizing that I need to stop at the store tonight to pick up a fresh baguette because I think this will be my dinner all the while realizing that I wish it was my lunch too. Le sigh.
