I’m pleased to bring you a new series here on SaratogaMama exploring some of the “food entrepreneurs” Saratoga Springs has to offer! I recently had the pleasure of taking one of Joe Haedrich’s Saratoga Food Tours. I feel very lucky that Joe agreed to impart some of his vast knowledge and profile some of Saratoga’s finest “food folks”.
Saratoga Food Entrepreneurs: Saratoga Olive Oil
Some of the most special pleasures of Saratoga are gastronomic—the Farmer’s Market, the restaurants and the many food emporiums. Saratoga has its share of food entrepreneurs who bring delightful and unique tastes to the Spa City and we feature them on our Saratoga Food Tours.
Last year saw the addition of one of those special places, Saratoga Olive Oil, thanks to the Braidwood family. Husband and wife team, Barb and Clint with Clint’s brother, Chad opened the doors to their gourmet shop on Broadway in June (just a few weeks after giving birth to their first child, Sophia).
The Braidwoods, both of whom had careers in medical research, traveled extensively in Europe where they discovered “real” fresh pure olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. They were surprised to discover that it was very difficult to buy these products in the US so they found a US distributor in California and decided to introduce our area to the many pleasures of these delicious products.
Saratoga Olive Oil offers dozens of olive oils and vinegar’s—all for free tasting.
They “follow the crush” and only sell the freshest varieties from that part of the world where olives are currently in season. You can enjoy flavors from Australia, California, Spain, Italy, Greece and many other growing regions.
The balsamic vinegar’s offer a special surprise. In fact, after tasting the cinnamon pear, lemongrass mint or dozens of others, it is very difficult to decide which one to take home—so most people on our tours buy several!
Thus far, the Braidwood’s venture has proven to be a great success. Not only is there a constant stream of “tasters” in the store at all hours but their mailing list has grown to the point where online shoppers now account for a significant and growing part of the business. Also, Clint’s brother Chad has opened a new store on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont which is proving to be as popular as the Saratoga shop. Stop by Saratoga Olive Oil and check it out for yourself.
Go! Saratoga Olive Oil Co.
484 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 450-1308
http://www.saratogaoliveoil.com
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Joe Haedrich is chief guide and local food advocate at www.saratogaspringsfoodtours.com where you can experience the delicious and wholesome foods that define the Spa City and chat with the creative minds behind them.
