Shauna Steigerwald reports:
At The Spicy Olive, newly opened in West Chester, customers can sample fresh olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars before they buy them.
The Spicy Olive, newly opened in West Chester, sells 20 varieties of olive oil, plus vinegars, spices and more. Photo provided.
Three longtime friends — Melanie Cedargren, Lynn Altonen and Theresa Banks — opened the shop at 7671 Cox Lane, near Dewey’s Pizza, in late August and will hold a grand opening this Friday through Sunday.
At the Tuscan-inspired shop, they offer 25 varieties of olive oil, including plain options and flavors such as organic basil and Persian lime; 20 different balsamic vinegars, with options such as espresso and blackberry ginger; spices and rubs; and decorative dishes. They’ll eventually stock other complementary items, such as pastas, pasta sauces, fresh bread, olives, jams and jellies.
Oils and vinegars are sold in three sizes (2oo mL, 375 mL and 750 mL), with prices ranging from $11-25. Olive oils are sourced from both hemispheres based on the olive harvest to ensure freshness.
“I traveled to Italy in 2006 and tasted fresh olive oil for the first time and said, ‘what have I been buying at the grocery store all these years?’” Cedargren said of the inspiration behind the store.
The Spicy Olive sells gift baskets, and a meeting room is available for private parties/tastings. Cedargren hopes to eventually add cooking demos.
Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call 513-847-4397 or visit www.thespicyolive.com.
