No, it’s not a furniture polish…..it’s the one component to a healthy Mediterranean diet that I am never without. But never have I seen olive oil in such glory as I did while visiting Golden Isles Olive Oil. This shop is a little treasure trove of deliciousness for any food devotee like myself.
Beautifully designed and merchandised, owner, Paige Funkhouser, has created a tasting boutique where you can let your imagination and taste buds go wild. Not only the best olive oil, it’s rated “Ultra Premium”, but each oil is infused with a natural flavoring and can be poured out through a spigot into three different sizes. At $24.95, the 750 ml bottle is very well priced and I love the smallest 200 ml bottle since it allows one to sample and experiment with various flavors before going on to the larger sizes.
And vinegars…..Paige has an amazing array of flavored balsamics. Put an oil and vinegar combination of your choice together, dip into it with a bit of bread that is always on hand for tasting and imagine the possibilities! I personally loved the Japanese Sesame flavored oil with Honey Ginger white balsamic. The idea of Asian salads and grilled fish or shrimp with this combination has me going!
GIOO was recently awarded “Best Gift Baskets” by readers of Elegant Island Living magazine. I saw a couple of the baskets Paige and her staff assemble and have them on my list for Christmas present ideas for the foodies in our family. What a treat to receive a basket filled with speciality olive oil, vinegar, handmade pasta, olives and other goodies! And baskets ship anywhere in the U.S. for a mere $15.00. That is a deal! One of my personal favorites is the beer bread mix Paige carries…you’ve got to try it!
Whether your taste leans toward the robust, medium or a milder flavor you’ll find it here or one of Paige’s expert staff members will be happy to assist. Just think about combinations like Cinnamon Pear vinegar with Roasted Walnut olive oil….or Juniper Berry vinegar with Mushroom & Sage olive oil for a delicious lamb dish. Any foodie will have found heaven in this place!
Paige welcomes her customers to share the recipes they devise in their own kitchens with her in a monthly newsletter that enters each recipe in a contest for all sorts of wonderful prizes. You won’t want to miss out on the fun and you will want to be sure to ask for a Frequent Shopper Card where ten purchases add up to a free item! Paige has got this going in a big way! I’m wondering if she’d consider private tastings for small groups….hmmmmm….I’m asking!
Golden Isles Olive Oil – 306 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-602-9736 – www.GoldenIslesOliveOil.com
One Response
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
Two more weeks and we’ll be on SSI – can’t wait and I will definitely visit the shop. Olive oil is a staple in our household and I can’t wait to see the different blends.
