Baker & Olive: Tasty, Fun, Healthy Cooking

Like me, some of you may have passed Baker & Olive on El Camino Real in Encinitas and wondered, “Do they sell homemade breads and assorted olives?” I must admit to wondering the very same thing prior to my first visit. 

My first exposure to Baker & Olive was one fueled by curiosity. It turned out to be a bit uneventful as I went into the shop, looked around, wondered what the heck all those silver cylinders of olive oil and balsamic vinegar were all about and left feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused.  Luckily, a friend and talented foodie recently re-introduced me to the Baker & Olive.  She explained all the easy, fun and creative ways I could introduce their amazing selection of infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars to my existing menus and how to create exciting new recipes. Thanks to Gigi of HappyFoods, taste, health and fun cooking were elevated to a new level. 

The shops selection of fresh olive oils (infused, not chemically derived), aged balsamic vinegars and handmade European style breads have met with tremendous success.  Owners Marion and Paul, have caught the wave of the economic crisis and helped many embrace entertaining at home with family and friends. Food enthusiasts come in with menus in hand and are guided to great pairings for salads to main courses and desserts. Even moms have found new ways to entice their children to eat their vegetables!

I recently went in to talk with Sean Fisher, manager of Baker & Olive at the Encinitas location.  As a trained chef, he understands a unique culinary idea when he sees one.  He is now an aficionado of these amazingly infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Sean found that he was not the only foodie chef to be excited about this new, food adventure. In talking with top chefs throughout San Diego County, he found they loved the revolutionary concept of having top quality, unique and flavorful olive oils and balsamic vinegars to add to their cooking regimen. In promoting this new cooking approach and the shop, Sean found enlightened chefs were thrilled to breakout of their comfort zones and embrace these healthy, fun, versatile and delicious ingredients.

Fatty, buttery sauces replaced with healty and unexpected alternative sauces. Key to their excitement was the unsurpassed, high quality of these olive oils and balsamic vinegars. This type of quality was previously unavailable outside of Europe.They love being able to now produce healthy and “wow” dishes running the spectrum from Asian to Italian and everywhere in-between. The only limit to their new cooking experience is their imagination. The possible pairing combinations between these olive oils, balsamic vinegars, food and wine is almost limitless.  Living to eat has a whole new meaning.

If you are in a cooking rut, this is the place to break out of it. Everyone at Baker & Olive want to help you branch out with ease and comfort.  No big words, just great advice.  Experienced foodies and curious novices welcome. 

In talking with Baker & Olive owner, Marion, (of German descent), I was reminded of the great food experiences of Europe being boldly transplanted to Southern California. Europeans embrace food for its freshness, social atmosphere, and healthfulness. As Marion pointed out, “food is to be experienced, not just to fill you up when you are hungry.” The social aspect of experiencing great food with friends and family is core to Marion and John’s philosophy. Marion called it “slow food” as opposed to fast food.  When food is experienced over a slow, long meal you are more likely to really taste what you are eating and actually eat less. It is about quality not quantity. Marion understands the allure of convenience, but shows customers just how fun and easy these flavorful oils and vinegars can be introduced into a meal. Taste is key, not prep time.

Don’t worry about buying these products and never using them. The experienced, former chefs at Baker & Olive walk you through using what you have in your pantry and wise additions for your meal that night or next week.

They want you to feel comfortable and supported.  Friends come in together on a quest of learning to love to cook again.  From a drizzle of oil over a salad to a perfect balsamic over ice cream and fruit, let your taste buds guide you and enjoy a unique sensory experience.

Locations:

Baker & Olive 165 E. El Camino Real #A, Encinitas, CA

NEW Baker & Olive 12925 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley, CA