This little shop is so fantastic, I can't believe they don't have more reviews. Who doesn't use…read moreolive oil and vinegar!? They're two of the most important and versatile staples for any home kitchen, and you don't even have to cook to use them... just dip foods straight into them or drizzle these beauties on top!
I was a bit early for a meeting nearby, so I decided to stop in here and see what was going on since I love anything that has to do with food. I was greeted as soon as I walked in, asked if I'd been there before, and then was given a super quick and helpful tour and how-to handle sampling. I could stay in here for hours mixing oils and balsamic vinegars! There are little pieces of fresh made (in house) French bread with toothpick, and then tiny plastic cups for mixing your oil and vinegars. Since I couldn't eat the bread, I simply tiny cups and took baby sips. Oh man... everything I tasted was absolutely amazing. These are high quality products. Rows and rows of different flavor infused extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, from sweet to spicy to citrusy to earthy.
Some of my personal recommendations are the Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar (so tart and bright), the Blood Orange Olive Oil (fruity in the most subtle and smooth way), the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil (you'll taste garlic, sun dried tomatoes, basil, and more), the Wild Mushroom and Sage Olive Oil (seriously earthy and deep), the Cilantro and Onion Olive Oil (very strong and fresh), and the Black Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar (the taste is so clear, you'll swear you're eating actual figs). Whatever ingredients are infused into the product, you'll taste its authenticity. The Honey Ginger Vinegar was outstanding, as well as the Honey Serrano and Vanilla Balsamic Vinegars. Perhaps a bit too sweet for my liking, but incredible nonetheless.
I had so much fun tasting product after product and being left to leisurely browse. When you find something you know you HAVE to have, ask an employee and they'll fill up your bottle right then and there. It's only $11 for a 200ml bottle, which is a good size (and makes the cutest gift, if you ask me). $16 for 375ml and $28 for 750ml. The prices seem more than fair to me. I also love that you can read about each oil and vinegar to see where the ingredients (fruits, olives, etc) were harvested (Spain, Italy, Portugal?) and see what it pairs well with. They also have plenty of recipe ideas and amazing kitchen/cooking trinkets and accessories for sale.
On top of all this, there is a small kitchen inside Bella Vita, so they make freshly baked bread and a few other treats, like cookies! You'll also find a few gourmet cheeses. I really loved this shop and I'm excited to return. It's the only one there is, so come here or check out their website where you can order their wonderful products online.