I remember saying to myself at the start of the pandemic, "If I have enough olive oil and parmesan, I can get through anything." Olive oil compliments so many of my favorite dishes, and it's one of my favorite kind of tastings when I travel. Since making meals at home has become a permanent change in my life, olive oil remains a high pantry priority. Melanie Fowler, Virtuoso's Art Director, definitely relates in the article she wrote below about how she brings the world into her kitchen.

Excerpt below from 4/7/2017 Virtuoso article by Melanie Fowler can be found HERE.

My obsession with food and travel led me to this piece: olive oil and food pairings from around the world. These dishes remind me of places I have been and are simple enough to make at home – and they inspire my future travels. I’m not an olive oil expert, but my suggestion is to rely on your senses. Try a spoonful. (Don't be scared, it’s healthy-ish.) Taste and savor the aroma. If you like it, then it’s a good one – bonus points if it has a cool label. I’m a sucker for cool labels.

I use light olive oil for everyday cooking, such as frying eggs and sautéing vegetables, and save the more complex ones for salad dressing or putting the final touch on a dish. I also like using olive oil from the country whose cuisine I’m cooking: It feels authentic and adventurous. Cooking is all about having fun in the kitchen, reliving previous adventures, and dreaming of the next getaway.

These days, olive oil-aholics like me can join numerous olive oil clubs, such as The Best Olive Oils marketplace, which sends members three award-winning oils over the course of a three-month subscription. Here are some combinations and recipes I love:

Fried Eggs + Spanish Oil

I’m partial to Spanish olive oil. I fell in love with Pons after cookbook author Jeff Kohler recommended it in a Virtuoso Life article – it’s my oil for everyday cooking. A fried egg with crispy edges can only be achieved by using oil, not butter: Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons into a hot pan, crack in an egg, then gently shake and baste its white part.

Greek Salad + Greek Oil

Óleaves is my favorite for Greek salad dressing, which I eat and daydream of finally sunbathing in Santorini.

Beet Hummus + Tunisian Oil

I love the bright color of beet hummus, made with this olive oil from Tunisia. It’s not a bland beige like normal hummus – plus it’s delicious!

Tortilla Española + Spanish Oil

I learned how to make this Spanish staple when I visited my daughter in Vigo last year. I use this oil from Spain.

Burrata + Italian Oil

This is my go-to “impress your guests” Italian appetizer: Burrata con Tartufo, homemade pesto, and charred tomatoes on the vine, drizzled with Olio di Dievole 100% Italiano – Nocellara, an exquisite oil from Italy.

Lemon Aioli + California Oil

This oil from Pacific Sun Farms is bright and peppery. I use it to make Meyer Lemon Garlic aioli, which I spread on paninis and eat as a dip with veggies or fries. Use a Meyer lemon instead of the regular lemon while in season (November through March in the U.S.).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHY USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?

Nine Muses Travel offers a premium experience with flights, guides, drivers, rental vehicles, and the best accommodations to maximize your time, with expert advice on how to get the most out of any destination. We INCLUDE amenities for you at the world's finest hotels, the BEST OF THE BEST!

• Complimentary room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability

• Complimentary daily breakfast

• Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• And more!

Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional suppliers who add unparalleled value:

• Expert guides: artists, historians, naturalists, unique locals with insider tips & insights

• Flexibility with your touring - See and do as much, or as little, as you prefer!

• Custom-designed routings

• Exclusive experiences

• 24/7 real-time support

• Comprehensive travel protection plans

Start planning inspired travel and read more about me and what I can do for you!

Nine Muses Travel designs journeys to inspire artists, arts lovers and the culturally curious.

Danielle Dybiec

Founder & President

CLICK to send a request

CLICK to schedule a call