Saratoga Olive Oil Co.

So, quick life update...I'm employed! Yay! After a quick stint without work, I start my job next Tuesday!  Now that I feel a bit more relaxed and know that I will have a steady pay check coming in, I've been doing a bit of shopping.  Not much (don't worry, Mom)... I'm not impulsive or irresponsible, just out purchasing some necessities and enjoying perusing some of Saratoga's locally owned shops.

One of which I had been meaning to stop into for quite some time is the recently opened Saratoga Olive Oil Co. 

This quaint little store is really amazing.  Owner Clint Braidwood opened the space in mid-April, and has created a concept that I have never experienced before.  I visited on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, and was greeted by the owner and his brother who graciously welcomed me and explained the concept of the store and how to navigate my way through the 60+ olive oils and balsamic vinegars.  They have an impressive selection of olive oils from all around the world, ranging from fairly mild to extremely grassy and peppery.  I had no idea that olive oil could be green in color and very spicy...but it was!  They also have flavored oils, with my personal favorite being a mushroom and sage blend. 

After sampling several oils, with bread from the Rockhill Bakehouse, I moved on to the balsamic vinegars.  I really enjoyed the infused vinegars, particularly one with the slightly sweet hint of fig.  I spent a good twenty minutes working my way through different flavors and reading the informative descriptions of each oil and vinegar.

The Saratoga Olive Oil Co. also carries several other oils (walnut and avocado, to name a few), sea salts, olive oil crackers, soaps and lotions made with olive oil and lovely kitchen wares for the olive oil enthusiast.  Everything was reasonably priced and would make perfect gifts for a dinner host or your foodie friends.  I walked out with the mushroom sage olive oil for $12, and cannot wait to try it drizzled over risotto or with pork.

As I was checking out, I chatted a bit more with the owners and they asked me how my experience was...to be honest, it was a bit overwhelming! But in the best way possible. There is just so much to sample.  We discussed having a chalk board for customers when they walk in which acts as a kind of map to guide people through the store.  So, if someone just wants to try light olive oils from Italy, they know where to go.  But I would suggest sampling as much as you can...you may be surprised by what flavors you fall in love with.

Saratoga Olive Oil Co. is located at 484 Broadway.  Check it out!

More information can be found on their Facebook page and in this article from the Saratogian.