The Gift of Oil website is the brainchild of Phil Bianchi who spent the early years of his working life working for blue chip food companies, ending up in Athens working for a large olive oil company. There he was inspired by the quality of the Greek olive oils and vinegars which he felt were…
Miscellaneous
One Day Olive Oil Courses
Thanks to popular request I am continuing my one day olive oil tasting and appreciation courses in London and Brighton in 2020. The next courses in London will be held on Tuesday 18th February and Friday 27th March. Brighton dates are open to negotiation anytime between now and late April. I keep the classes fairly…
Great Olive Oil Stories
There are so many great stories about the amazing people in the olive oil world that I have decided to highlight some of them from time to time. Mother’s Garden: The first in the series concentrates on Martin and Maggie who have developed and marketed the excellent Mother’s Garden brand of extra virgin olive oil…
Diary of Tasting Classes
Here are the probable dates for my schedule of extra virgin olive oil tasting classes in London early next year. I will be running another advanced course in February 2019, dates yet to be set. I have also had some interest in courses at the weekend, this might be possible a little later in the year…
Olive Oil for Christmas
Olive oil for Christmas has two meanings – in the food and among the presents. Of course olive oil will be in full use in my kitchen this Christmas, but here I want to talk about extra virgin olive oil as a Christmas present. Lots of my friends and family enjoy first class olive oil…
A Busy Week of Tutored Tastings
I shall be conducting three special extra virgin olive oil tutored tastings at classes in London in the week beginning Saturday 14th October. They are all open to everyone and will be held at The Welcome Italia Exhibition, The Divertimenti Cookery School and the Premises of the Oil Merchant. There are still places available at…
European Evoo Tasting Courses in English
In reply to those of you who are interested in experiencing the tastes and flavours of olive oil in more depth here are details of a number of tasting classes and courses being held in various European countries before the end of the year. Contact the organisers for full details. September Savantes Dublin Master…
The Olive Oil Diet; Book Review
I make no apology for reprinting this book review of The Olive Oil Diet which was published in the internet magazine Medscape. It was written by Dr. Melissa Walton- Shirley MD, a US cardiologist. In it she sums up everything that my co author, Dr Simon Poole, and I were trying to convey. “If you…
Whiskies for weddings
…and why not? A wedding is as good a time as any to drink whisky says whisky afficionado Rosemary Moon. I did not include whisky in the drinks suggestions in my book A Banquest on a Budget but I think maybe I should have done! “I recently read a wonderful piece by a fellow whisky advocate,…
Dates for the Diary
Friday 2nd September, 2016 Olive Oil Tasting and Appreciation Course Venue: Shepherds Bush, London Time: 10.00am to 4.30 pm Details Thursday 4th September, 2016 Publication date for my book Quick and Delicious Vegetarian Meals Thursday 15th September, 2016 Publication date for my book with Dr. Simon Poole The Olive Oil diet Friday 23rd…