The first Canadian location of Oil & Vinegar opened its doors at the Core recently and we stopped in to see what all the fuss is about.
The shop has 40 different kinds of flavoured oil and vinegars, and 11 extra virgin olive oils. Extra virgin olive oil has three characteristics: cold pressed, processed within 48 hours of picking the olives, and has acidity less than .8% or 1%, depending on the source. The extra virgin olive oils at grocery stores tend to be on the high end of this range, whereas the acidity levels are .2% and .52% at Oil & Vinegar.
Try the Bonsecco, a fruity, medium-bodied extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany, the Morgenster, a South African spicy/peppery variety grown by a family originally from Italy, or the Castello Zacro, from the oldest producer in Greece.
In addition to a variety of spreads, tomato sauces and other pantry items, the shop also has grape seed oil from Washington State and a lemongrass wok oil perfect for stir fry dishes.
Owners Arlene Chamulak and Les Archibald suggest you stop in at the end of April for the Argentinean Nouvella, an oil made from the first early pick of the season. Expect it to be super green and grassy in flavour.