As a cornerstone of the uber-healthy Mediterranean diet, olive oil is frequently heralded as one of the world's "superfoods." Eating olive oil is associated with reduced risk of several cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and stroke. Plus, olive oil tastes good.
Over the past few years, olive oil-centric shops have popped up around the Baltimore area, selling numerous varieties of oil, often alongside vinegars and other food-related gift items.
To help customers navigate the many oil and vinegar options available, and learn how to use them, local shops have begun offering classes and tastings.
"There's a lot of information that's very confusing," says Saleta Cameron, co-owner of Cleo's Fine Oils & Vinegars in Annapolis. "We do what we can to provide education."
You can brush up on your oil (and vinegar) knowledge with one of these options:
E N Olivier
1407 Clarkview Road, Suite 300, Baltimore
410-823-6457, enolivier.com
On the third Thursday of every month, E N Olivier hosts an after-hours event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a local chef or farmer with products that pair well with the oils and vinegars sold at the shop. On March 19, the theme is "spring chicken" with a discussion of "everything you need to know about chicken," says owner Elizabeth Nuttle.
The shop is also available for private events; groups can rent out the store and bring their own drinks, and E N Olivier will provide the food.
For more information about hosting your own event, call the shop. For information about coming Third Thursday topics and other in-store events, visit E N Olivier on Facebook.
Cleo's Fine Oils & Vinegars
Annapolis Towne Centre, 1915 Towne Centre Blvd., Annapolis
410-266-5540, cleosfineoils.com
At Cleo's, customers can acquaint themselves with the nuances of olive oils and vinegars at several different types of events. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month, Cleo's hosts ladies' night, with free product tastings, a complimentary glass of wine and 20 percent off oils and vinegars.
For more intense instruction, customers can book a private Sip & Savor tasting event or join an "open" Sip & Savor party (the next one is scheduled for March 27). The Cleo's team provides food and drink while educating Sip & Savor guests about the products in the store, why olive oil and vinegar are valuable, and how to use them. "We provide education and a culinary experience, and on top of that, it's a very social event," says Cameron. "It's really fun."
Dimitri Olive Oil
1 W. Biddle St., Baltimore
443-869-4933, dimitriolivefarms.com
After developing a following among restaurateurs and at local farmers' markets, Dimitri Komninos and his stepfather, Dimitri Giannakos, opened a permanent shop in Midtown Belvedere this year. The shop carries unfiltered olive oils produced on Giannakos' family farm in Greece, as well as other products, including vinegars, olives and cheeses.
Komninos and Giannakos have plans to host cooking classes in the shop (they also sell sandwiches and paninis made there), and they work with local chefs to organize cooking classes in restaurants and clients' homes.
Customers who want an even deeper look into the world of olive oil can book a 10- to 15-day trip to Dimitri Olive Farms in Greece. The trip offers food enthusiasts the opportunity to immerse themselves in the olive farming culture that inspires Komninos and Giannakos. "I'm very passionate about my olive oil and where I come from," says Komninos.
Secolari Artisan Oils & Vinegars
The Mall in Columbia, 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
443-367-0010, secolarievoo.com
At Secolari in Columbia, owners Barth and Mary de Rosa host frequent events to educate and inspire their customers, including in-store, chef-led cooking demonstrations that are open to the public (often held on Saturdays) and smaller interactive cooking classes held on weeknights.
Secolari also hosts private events at the store, including cocktail gatherings and networking events, providing appetizers using the shop's products and opportunities to taste the oils. Because Secolari doubles as an art gallery, the de Rosas organize art receptions, as well.
Secolari's events are announced via their email newsletter via their website.