What's New
Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar & Truffle Oil
Updated December 1, 2017
I believe that everyone knows that we support the small retailer, especially when they are offering a unique experience. Yesterday we discovered a new specialty retailer of olive oils, balsamic vinegars and truffle oil; The Urban Vine in Dundas. Yes, real truffle oil, not the products that call themselves truffle oils and when you read the ingredients you find that there are no truffles infused into the oil. Yes Earl got caught once. I keep telling him read the label before you buy!
The beauty of this store is that you get to taste the olive oils, balsamic vinegars and truffle oil before you make a purchase. If you have been a foodie for any time at all it is more than likely that you have purchased an olive oil, possible infused with a herb or spice only to discover on tasting it that it is not something that you can use. Another $20 or more down the drain!
Not only do they have a great selection of both olive oil and balsamic vinegar but the staff is extremely knowledgeable about their products.
We left the store with 4, 200ml bottles (descriptions have been modified from on-line information).
Chiquitita Olive Oil - Portugal - Sweet, Delicate, Pleasant
Originating only very recently in Spain in 1991, this rare new cultivar is a cross between the iconic Spanish Picual and Arbequina varieties. Displays pleasant notes of green almond and olive.
Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar - Rich, Thick, Complex.
Rich, thick and resounds with the complexity of three different chocolates responsible for the depth of its flavor. It's perfect when drizzled over vanilla ice cream, gelato or mixed with fresh berries.
Black Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar - Thick, Ripe, Sweet
This vinegar has a depth of the flavor of figs. It will be excellent drizzled on a cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto for a mouth watering appetizer! We will use it on our spinach salad.
White Truffle Oil - Aromatic, Smooth, Intense
A connoisseur's olive oil. If you like the flavor and aroma of white truffles, then you'll love this oil. It's made in Italy in an artisan fashion without the use of any extracts, the olive oil is smooth, while having an unmistakable intense white truffle flavor.
Primary Use of Balsamic Vinegar
There are a few instances where we use balsamic vinegar without mixing it with olive oil, however for the most part we blend the two together.
Mild Salad Dressings/Vinaigrettes; mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part balsamic vinegar.
Bold Salad Dressings; mix equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Marinades (chicken, pork, beef, seafood, vegetables); mix equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Updated December 1, 2017
Since our original purchase we have added to our balsamic vinegar collection (as well, we have had to restock some of the originals!).
Red Apple Balsamic VinegarAromatic, Delicate, Refreshing
This balsamic has an enticing aroma and a delicate, sweet apple flavour, fruitier than most balsamic vinegars. It adds a refreshing lift to salads, sauces, relishes and vegetables. It is amazing drizzled on pork, chicken or fish. Makes a great vinaigrette dressing.
Gravenstein Apple Balsamic Vinegar - White, Sweet-Tart
The Gravenstein apple is highly prized for its heady ambrosia perfume and crisp sweet-tart cream colored flesh. This white balsamic vinegar marries the complexity of the Gravenstein’s larger than life flavor with a well balanced Premium White Balsamic Vinegar from Italy for a delectable culinary symphony!
Black Cherry Balsamic Vinegar - Sweet, Fragrant, Rich
Rich and sweet Natural Black Cherry concentrate and other natural flavourings are combined with our aged Dark Balsamic Vinegar to produce a sweet, fragrant and very rich tasting vinegar that has garnered rave reviews from our gourmet customers. Enjoy on salads that feature cheeses sucn as feta or blue.