Haute Spot: O&CO. Mediterranean Food Merchant

O&CO, oh my! I recently stumbled upon this gourmet specialties store in Back Bay and what a happy accident it was. Staring at the chandelier of mini olive oil bottles hanging in the window, I fell in love before even walking through the door. For ten years Oliver’s & Company (which goes by the name “O&CO”) has been offering customers a special service: they import the finest olive oils from private, family-owned farms in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal then deliver them to their upscale Mediterranean shops, which number 83 around the world and 5 in the U.S. including Boston’s branch.

O&CO is a shopping experience for both cooking aficionados and beginners alike. The small shop exudes expertise and high standards, with knowledgeable employees and oils that range in price from $20-$60. Within the olive oil-lined walls reminiscent of a wine cellar, you will also find homemade pastas, sauces, desserts, tapenades, and of course the inspiration that started it all–olives.

But O&CO does not stop there. They also sell an impressive variety of gourmet vinegars to be mixed with the tasty oils. With their help I sampled a few combinations and became an instant believer in the quality of their products. I tried one of their best selling pairs: basil infused olive oil with the Premium Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Italy. Other favorites were the White Balsamic with Oregano mixed with the Affiorato olive oil from Sicily. All were delicious and in my humble opinion, could be served alone on a spoon: no salad or mozzarella needed!

O&CO is located at 161 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.8841

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