I found Olive This on Yelp while looking for some place new to go with my family while I was visiting them in Charlotte. We walked in and were greeted by one of the owners who gave us a quick overview of the layout of the store and how to taste the oils and vinegars. My mom didn't seem all that interested at first, but after being forced by my sister and I to try some of the oils and vinegars, she joined in and said several times throughout the day what a pleasant surprise this store was.
The owner who helped us truly loves what she does and her passion and enthusiasm rubs off on you as you sample and browse. She gave us ideas on how to use the different flavored oils, such as using the fruity flavored oils in place of canola or vegetable oil in baked goods for an extra flavor punch. She also suggested flavor combinations that I never would have put together, such as the spicy harissa oil with the sweet tangy strawberry balsamic vinegar. It was sweet and flavorful with just a little lingering heat on the back end.
I was completely ready to buy two big bottles but then I noticed a table in the center of the store with tiny pre-packaged oil and vinegar gift sets. One of these sets was called "Sweet Heat" and was the harissa oil and strawberry balsamic! The smaller bottles enabled me to get the unique combination to try at home and be able to buy another bottle of something else! These sets would be great for hostess gifts, unique holiday gifts, or a gift for yourself. I also got a bottle of the Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar which was out of this world.
If I was forced to say anything bad about this place, it would be that while I was checking out, I noticed a cake stand with little bread squares for tasting the oils and had wished that we knew about that when we walked in. Drinking straight oil out of a little cup feels kind of odd and the bread would have been nice for tasting.
But clearly that didn't bother me too much since I still gave them a 5 star review and I will, without a doubt, come back to shop the next time I'm in Charlotte.