It’s a season to celebrate both flavor and connection. This week at Ancient Olive Gourmet in Winter Park, we’re planning a unique event that does both.
On Thursday (December 11th), Apertivo Hour will be held in the lovely courtyard of the Park Avenue store. There, under the twinkling lights, guests can sit back, sample a variety of extra virgin olive oils, enjoy light snacks and gain a wealth of knowledge courtesy of olive oil sommelier Sarah Santa.
It’s a term often heard in the wine field, but Santa, who is also a culinary and nutritional consultant, says there’s a lot of overlap in what experts have to say about everything from grapes to olives.
“Olive oil has an ancient aspect, not only its production, but also its nutritional value,” says Santa. “Once you start understanding how to taste it, identify its positive and negative attributes, and how to aerate it, there are nuances in its flavors and different aromas and tasting notes that you need to recognize.”
Santa, who has completed online training as well as broader study in both New York and Italy, will lead the education of guests alongside educator Brad Jones, weaving in reflections on how food connects us to nature, adding depth and meaning to the conversation.
Throughout, the cultural references, terroir, agriculture, distribution and, above all, savoring the pair’s bites lend themselves admirably to the learning process. We encourage you to bring your own wine or drinks to the event. Stemware glasses are provided.
In both skewers and small plates (sneak peek: one is Italian flatbread with lemon-infused olive oil and ginger balsamic vinaigrette), Santa and Jones tell each oil and its underlying story through four sweet and savory bites.
Osteria Estelle, a new Italian-American restaurant, opens Tuesday in Thornton Park.
Santa says this will be the first in a regular series — “Planning for January is already in the works,” he says — and each installment will be inspired by the season.
“We’re all about seasonality, featuring herbs and spices and foods that are growing right now,” Santa says.
The staff at Ancient Olive will be working well into the night, available to answer questions and, of course, tend to the store.
“It’s going to be a very sensory experience,” she said, reflecting on a recent trip to meet with the Italian manufacturers who inspired the event.
“I was so drawn to the romance of slowing down, connecting with friends around the table, and putting technology aside,” she says. “I was really excited because in Italy I haven’t seen many people texting on their phones while enjoying food and wine. The Ancient Olive Courtyard is such a perfect setting.”
It becomes sacred, she says. “It’s a special time to connect and learn something new. We can be entertained and have fun, but while we’re at it, there’s always room to grow.”
Want to lend a hand? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @amydroo or the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join our Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
apertivo hour
An Evening of Olive Oil and Connections will be held Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. $72 per person. Reservations can be made at june-crush.kit.com/products/aperitivo-hour-an-evening-of-olive-oil-connec.
