Olive Oil: A Familiar Face in a New Place

Last night I mentioned we were in Eataly (for a fresh loaf of bread).  We were browsing the aisles of olive oil, talking about how hard it was to pick.  We we schooled in the under notes of grass and pepper from the sales person at O&Co last year.  Well, what do you know, he was at Eataly doing a little sampling!  I recognized him from the glasses.  Nicholas Coleman did a few classes for Mario Batali, and apparently created his own role at the mega Italian store/restaurant.  He is the official Olive Oil Specialist.

He told us they have great oils for half the price at O&Co, and you don't need the $7 spout they sell (thanks, we bought one).  These are all Italian olive oils, from a variety of regions.  We tried a great oil that starts out grassy and ends with a nice peppery finish.  It's bold, I guess you could say.  And is great with bread.  So we decided it needed to live at home with us.  

Nicholas runs a class at La Scuola di Eataly.  He takes you on an Italian tasting tour of oils, and you sample some dishes cooked/made with the oils.  Something I'd definitely consider in the future.  

Panettone Time, Already?

We were in Eataly this weekend, and I saw the display.  I read the sign.  Can it be true, is one of my favorite holiday treats already back in stock?  It seems so early, I was just about to embark on my Diet of All Things Pumpkin for the month of October.  Panettone might have to wait a month, but I do love the way the Italians think (see sign below).

A recap of Eataly Panettone from last year:  December 2010 Post
And my sampling of other brands:  More Panettone