I was in Bethesda today for lunch at Cosi on Woodmont Avenue. I had to dodge the construction sites to get to lunch – the new wine store (and wine bar) opening soon – Vino Volo, the completed destroyed parking lot which is heralding the coming high rise condominiums and apartments, the chaos that goes with a major construction site. In the middle of lunch, I realized I also needed something for dinner – and what better than a yummy pot of pasta. Of course, that required a trip to Secolari, Bethesda’s own artisanal olive oil store.
Secolari is an olive oil and vinegar store -but so much more than that! All of its oils and vinegars are cultivated in California. The olive oils are certified extra virgin by the California Olive Oil Council. The extra virgin oils have names like Mission, Arbosana, and Sicilian Blend, but others are flavored with basil, or jalapeño or white truffle. The vinegars are from an organic farm in California while many of the balsamic vinegars come from Modena, Italy. The vinegar’s have enticing names like Pacific Spice, Royal Raspberry, or Blackberry with Roasted Pepper. The balsamic vinegars are even more tasty with names like Dark Raspberry or white peach.
Of course, you need something to put that olive oil on so be sure to pick up some dark chocolate linguine or tomato cracked pepper pappardelle. There is something for everyone in the 60 plus flavored pastas, and some are gluten free!
If you are not hungry there still are treats available like lavender or verbena hand cream or olive wood pieces for your dining room table. Most of the products are made in the United States!
Parking is never easy in Bethesda, particularly with the disappearance of the big parking lot across from Barnes and Noble. You might try to get into the parking lot on Bethesda Avenue next to Nando Peri Peri.
If you would rather shop for a new home or look for a Bethesda townhouse for sale instead of vinegars and artisanal olive oil, please check out my website, www.bethesdahomesforsale.com. Any home that is currently on the market is available right there! Once you have found that dream home, call the Lise Howe Group at 240-401-5577 to make an appointment for a private appointment.
