Olive & Antipasto Guide
You are likely to see these delicacies on our olive & antipasto bars. Because each of our stores is unique, offerings will vary based on the capacity of that store's bar.
Capers
- The flower bud of a bush native to the Mediterranean
- Date back to 600 BC
- Pungent flavor adds salty tartness to condiments, sauces
- Also use in salads, pasta dishes and other recipes
Castelvetrano Olives
- From Italy (native to Sicily)
- Meaty, juicy, sweet flavor with notes of artichoke and asparagus
- Use in antipasto trays, snacking
Cerignola Olives
- From Italy
- Largest olive available in US
- They come in black and green
- Exceptionally mild and buttery
- Use in antipasto trays, snacking
Cipolline Onions
- Renowned Borettane onion
- Grown along the Po river in Northern Italy
- Sweet and crunchy
- Great for snacking
Cornichons
- Crisp, tart small pickle
- Made from tiny gherkin cucumbers
- Traditional accompaniment to pates, smoked meats and fish
Dolmas
- The centerpiece of the Mediterranean meze platter
- Prized sultana grape leaves hand-rolled with seasoned long-grain rice, sweet onions, fresh dill and mint.
Feta Cheese
- True Feta containing 80% sheep’s milk and 20% goat milk
- An aged, crumbly cheese with a slightly grainy texture
- Use in Greek salad, in pastries and baking (as in phyllo dishes like spinach pie) or combined with olive oil and vegetables.
- Even great on sandwiches
Kalamata Olives
- The most famous olive from Greece
- Cured in a red wine vinegar brine
- Available with pits or pitted
- Aromatic, full bodied and firm with a rich and fruity taste
- Great in Greek Salad
Mozzarella Cheese
- From Belgiogioso in Wisconsin
- Completely different than “indestructible” pizza mozzarella
- Small mozzarella balls are called ciliegine (Italian for “cherry”); large are bocconcini (“mouthful”)
- Eat within 7-10 days of purchase
- Slice and place atop slices of fresh tomato with fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil.
Peppadews
- From South Africa
- Sweet peppers with a spicy kick
- Use in antipasto trays or for snacking
Picholine Olives
- The most famous olive from France
- Handpicked, brine cured
- Crisp-tender, slightly salty
- Good in salads and cocktails
Roasted Tomatoes
- Red ripe Roma tomatoes picked at the peak of the summer
- Slow roasted for tender texture and intense flavor
- Use on pizzas, with pasta, in salads, blend with hummus, antipasto tray
Tapenade
- Paste of olives, capers and sweet peppers
- Serve with baguette slices
- Add to pasta with chopped fresh tomatoes and fresh basil