Happy Birthday Olive Oil!

Historians claim that the production of olive oil began about 5000 Bc.  Yesterday, Charleston, Sc's Olive Oil Shop, located at 316 King St had it's first anniversary!  To celebrate, I dropped in on the little shop, and discovered that it is  an amazing source of culinary delights, where you can taste the products before you purchase.La Cucina Italiana reports that extra-virgin olive oil is the most digestible of the edible fats: it helps to assimilate vitamins A, D and K; it contains so-called essential acids that cannot be produced by our own bodies; it slows down the aging process; and it helps bile, liver and intestinal functions.  Most importantly olive oil tastes really good!  So, despite our fried food traditions, locals  seem to be thoroughly appreciating the wonderful shop located on middle King St.I couldn't wait to get home with my purchases, an 18 year old traditional basalmic vinegar, a garlic infused olive oil, and a packet of sel gris from France.  Luckily the recent rains have caused my little downtown herb garden to flourish.  A drizzle of olive oil and vinegar with some fresh herbs is the magic concoction for dipping fresh bread.  I might even make some bruschetta with my new purchases.