The Olive Gallery Offers a Flavor for Every Palate

Catherine Bucaro likes to cook. That's one reason she was so attracted to the idea of a store that carried only artisan oils and balsamic vinegars. And it was a visit to a similar store that really inspired her to open her own.

"I had visited a store while I was on maternity leave," she said.

The store she visited at Woodfield Mall was very similar to the store she now owns. And she is perfectly happy selling the product she stocks because of its health benefits.

A visit to The Olive Gallery reveals a wide variety of flavors of oils and vinegar on display in stainless steel containers called Fustis. Each of the containers has a spout in the front from which you can sample the oils and vinegars. But what can be overwhelming for someone new to flavored or artisan oils is made user friendly with the help of Bucaro, who is happy to suggest combinations for tastings. And, she stocks recipe cards to give customers inspiration for what they are buying.

"Most of the recipes are mine," she said.

Some of the recipes are not what you'd expect, according to Bucaro. She has recipes for brownies and cakes in the store, as well as savory dishes.

"The recipes have really helped me sell products," Bucaro said.

Sometimes, she has customers who are coming in for one or two particular products - in this case, the chocolate and chocolate raspberry oils.

"It's spread around the whole Weight Watchers community, apparently," Bucaro said.

The Olive Gallery has two locations - the Yorkville location is at 2671 N. Bridge St. and the Plainfield location is at 24123 W. Lockport St.