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Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars

Con’ Olio is a quaint olive oil and balsamic vinegar shop in the heart of downtown Austin.  After reading about the shop and hearing the buzz on their incredibly fresh olive oils, I decided to pop in and see for myself.

Con' Olio Oils & Vinegars | www.www.thefreshfind.com
Con' Olio Oils & Vinegar
I left the store feeling shocked, satisfied and with an overwhelming sense of happiness.  Not only were the ample amount of tastings unbelievable to my palette, I received the most gracious welcoming from Mariana and the owner, Jeff Conarka.  I can’t put into words how enjoyable my experience was here.
Jeff and his wife, Tabatha, opened the store in 2009 after vacationing in Europe and noticing how delicious the olive oil was.  They pursued their dreams and opened shop to bring the freshest and purest olive oils to their town.  After the store’s success at the Arboretum location, they opened up a second store in the downtown area.
Con' Olio Oils & Vinegar
When I first walked in, I received the immediate welcome and comfort of a local store.  Buying local is not only better economically, but in my opinion, the experience is much more enjoyable.  The heart, the passion and the stories behind each vendor make a product that much better.
The warmth and kindness I received from Mariana made me immediately adore the store.  You could tell she genuinely believed in Con Olio’s products and loved them.  She is one of those people that warm your heart solely with her smile and cheer.
Con' Olio Oils & Vinegar
not to mention her fun penmanship!

When I started tasting, I adored this store twice as much.  Con’ Olio has a variety of olive oils, balsamic vinegars and even truffle oil (yum!).  Why buy these products from the store when you can get them fresh right here?

They had flavors I never even thought could exist, and when Mariana prepared magical oil/balsamic concoctions, I sat there wide-eyed.  The mix of flavors were unbelievable.  At one point, I thought I might have to buy the whole store!

Con' Olio Oils & Vinegars | www.www.thefreshfind.com
Con' Olio Oils & Vinegars | www.www.thefreshfind.com
The flavor that really stood out for me was the Espresso Dark Balsamic.  I could have drank this straight (and I may have actually done this)  I am a coffee lover so with a slight espresso taste, I could put this on anything.  Absolutely anything… vegetables, fruits, even chocolate!
Con' Olio Oils & Vinegar

To my luck, Jeff Conarko walked in as I was exploring with Mariana.  He explained how Con’ Olio’s products are a million times fresher and tastier that the commercial products.  Unfortunately, because of the lack of standards, olive oils may not always be 100% from olives.  They may be mixed with cheaper oils such palm, avocado or sunflower oil.  At Con’ Olio, the oils are pure and imported from all over the world.

Jeff had me smell the olive oil and I was engulfed ingrass and green freshness.  He told me to go home and compare the smell and taste of Con’ Olio’s oil to the store bought ones.  The smell and taste of my olive oil was flat and not nearly as fragrant as Con’ Olios.  I know I won’t be buying my olive oil from the grocery store anymore!
Oil and Vinegar Tasting

Jeff also explained that the most important information to look at is the crush date.  That is the date that the olive was pressed, and even with the most careful storing, it should be consumed within one year from that date.

Blackberry Ginger.Honey Ginger.Peach. Green Chili.Harissa. Blood Orange.Cilantro and Roasted Onion.Persian Lime.Coconut White.Espresso Dark.   Am I making you drool?

They even have a variety of bottle sizes.  I thought the small ones were perfect for me so that it doesn’t go to waste.  However, one week later, I am already 3/4 bottle down!

One of my favorite mixes was Harissa Olive Oil with Espresso Balsamic Vinegar.  I smothered these with my veggies and quinoa and it was absolutely phenomenal.

Espresso Balsamic Zucchini and Quinoa | www.www.thefreshfind.com
Austinites, you must check out this local shop.  Check out either location!
Con’ Olio Oil and Vinegar
Downtown:  215 Lavaca Street
Arboretum: 10000 Research Blvd #130
Pop by the downtown location for a tasting and get some oil and vinegars of choice.  While you’re at it, they also have wine, cheese and fresh bread.  There you go!  Head down to Lake Lady Bird or Zilker Park for a tasty picnic.
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    […] you read my previous post on Con Olio’s, you know that Jeff and Tabatha Conarko own the cutest olive oil and vinegar […]

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