Well, I’ve probably consumed about 2 cups of olive oil today. Between the 2 olive oil companies, we tasted 10 different blends and had a tasting lunch and tasting dinner featuring the products. It was fascinating to try the different types of oils on different types of food. Even though they were all extra virgin olive oil, the blend of olives, how they were made, and where they were grown made an incredible difference on the palette.
One of the companies, Frantoio Gaudenzi, grows their olives in a beautiful grove high above their facility. They took us up there, which was a bit of a hairy ride in a van loaded down with heavy suitcases, and at the very top was a beautiful church. We got to take pictures and then headed down to a local restaurant for lunch. As each course came out, they told us which oil would go best, then proceeded to douse whatever was on our plates with the oil. It was super tasty, especially the celery soup which is made from special black celery that is grown locally.
So…….3 oil companies down…………5 more to go!!!!!!!!
On hotel for the night, is absolutely incredible. We’re staying at a HUGE castle perched at the top of a mountain. The interior is decked out with medieval swords and suits of armor. My room has a red velvet door with a giant padlock on it and although I’m slightly concerned that it might be haunted, I have it better than Sue, whose room used to be the dungeon!
We’re going to be eating here at the Castle with the owners (two women) from La Mola olive oil company who we visited earlier today. Afterward, we’ll be having drinks to wish 3 of our group members farewell. They will be departing from Rome in the morning.
For me, the trip is only halfway over. We’ll be picking up 3 new buyers tomorrow, then heading off for 10 more days of tastings. On our next leg, we will head down south into Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata.
Ciao!
Megan
After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America with her Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts Degrees, Megan joined the family business and opened Palmer’s Bakery & Palmer’s Catering. Megan loves cooking & entertaining, dancing, gardening, skiing, and spending time with her daughters and husband.
