Operation Olive Oil: The Search for Liquid Gold

Yesterday afternoon Adam and I strolled up Agricola, an area which we rarely seem to visit but we love! We really enjoy Sunday afternoon strolls and though we love popping into some of our favourite antique shops, we were anxious to have our first visit to Liquid Gold, the specialty Olive Oil shop in the Hydrostone. Being relatively new to Halifax, we had yet to visit the store and we were excited to go after receiving a gift certificate for Christmas. I was baffled that such a store even existed in Halifax and could not wait! I think that fresh bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping is one of the most underrated and delicious food combinations ever, and I could not wait to see what was in store for us at Liquid Gold.

Upon entering the shop, it can be a little overwhelming. There are stainless steel vats that line the walls with spouts and signs everywhere describing the oils and it is hard to know where to start. However, the staff is super helpful and willing to assist you with introductions to different products and explanations of varieties. There is so much stuff there!!! In addition to little cups and spoons to sample the oils, there are also bowls of little pieces of bread that you can dip into the oils to get a good feel for them.

Before we went to Liquid Gold, Adam and I just assumed that we would be purchasing olive oil with our gift certificate. However, in all the tasting and sampling, we left with none! Liquid Gold really prides themselves on the freshness and quality of their oils, but we were so excited about all the different options that we ended up getting 2 flavoured balsamic vinegars: a Maple Dark Balsamic and a Pineapple White Balsamic. At the last minute we also spotted some specialty oils near the back of the store and were delighted to try a selection of truffle oils. I LOVE truffle oil, and I am always quick to order menu items that contain the succulent seasoning. We got a small bottle of White Truffle Oil and I am so excited to find some recipes to try it with, or maybe even try to recreate the amazing fragrant aioli that comes with the duck fat frites at Bistro Le Coq!

As soon as we got home, we opened up the Pineapple Balsamic to give it a try with some EVOO and fresh baguette and it was amazing! The fresh sweet taste of the pineapple flavouring with the white balsamic was a perfect balance and with the EVOO and bread made an awesome snack. I cannot wait to find more uses for the balsamics and for the truffle oil and to Explore. Eat. Repeat my way through all the oils at Liquid Gold!