Oct 14, 2012

Store TrekBy Karen TopakianNoeValleyVoice.com

Noe Valley, CA – Olive This Olive That, a new shop tucked away on Vicksburg Street near 24th, is modeled after a wine-tasting bar. Before you buy, the shop’s owners want you to come in and sample their olive oils and balsamic vinegars, so you can appreciate their distinctive differences.

“We really want people to taste,” says Janell Pekkain, who with partner Mary Kucel opened the shop on June 14, in the spot formerly occupied by First National Nail. “To really be able to understand extra virgin, you need to be able to smell it. It should have a wonderful aroma as well as a good flavor.”

Ready for tasting are 20-plus flavors of extra virgin olive oil, many imported from the Mediterranean or countries in the southern hemisphere. There are single and blend varietals—Chilean Arbequina, Greek Koroneiki, California Frantoio—and oils infused with citrus or herbs like basil and rosemary.

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