Before I left South Hills Village that day, I stopped in a store that I had never heard of, it’s called Oil & Vinegar. The store is billed as a gourmet culinary gift shop and is outfitted with over a dozen glass globes of imported oils and vinegars, ranging from the sweet pomegranate pulp vinegars, to the savory basil and tomato oils, to the earthy grapeseed oils flavored with herbs and spices. Next to packaged hors d’oeuvres, sits dishes of the liquids and breads to sample. This is a store for a true “foodie.”
“These products are so unique and exclusive,” said co-owner Todd McMasters. “For example, these Bonsecco olives and this type of olive oil, they’re only available in our stores, or from the estate it grows on in Italy. And nearly everything is made preservative-free, and is a quality, healthy food product.”
The item that caught my eye was what the store calls their surprise bags. The price of the bags was reasonable. The one I purchased was $30 and I was guaranteed to get about $60 worth of items in the bag. These bags would make a great gift. My bag included a Honey Thyme dressing; a cranberry vinegar; Biologico, a mild fruity Italian organic olive oil, something called a dipper which is a mixture of herbs and spices; and a small dipping plate. I loved my surprise bag. Also, before I left, I tasted some of the vinegars. They were wonderful and so unusual. My favorite so far was the cranberry vinegar. I look forward to using it in dressings and other recipes.
For next Christmas, please put a visit to Phipps Conservatory on your schedule. I went on one of the last nights and witnessed the beautiful holiday light display. I had not been to Phipps for several years; what a treat!! My only caution is watch where you park, I got a $99 parking ticket.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl
Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier
About Post Author
