Bonnie: We had been looking for an extra-special product to share with you for the holiday when I received an email from Meagan Parrado, communications manager for Lucini Italia Company. She had contacted me after Hurricane Sandy to see how our Northeast team had made out, and shared that Lucini had a special oil that might be of interest. That’s when we learned of this new Gold Reserve Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil – which is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) infused by hand with edible 23-karat gold flakes. Like the other Lucini EVOOs, the oil is handcrafted on its 16th-century estate in the Tuscan hillside of Bolgheri.
We couldn’t resist! They sent our team a sample of this gold-flecked oil. Instead of cooking, use this oil for dipping or finishing a holiday dish. Just drizzle it over pasta, potatoes, risotto, steaks or a simple tomato salad.
This limited edition (only 500 bottles!) makes a unique hostess gift. It is available only online – and as part of the Bite of the Best community, you’ll receive a 20 percent discount off all Lucini products (except the EcoValue Boxes), with special code BOTB20 from now through Dec. 31, 2012. (You’ll also receive that 20 percent discount on the company’s Delverde pasta.)
We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season!
Bryan: C’mon, it’s time to celebrate! Even if the Mayans aren’t right about Dec. 21st, we’re all supposedly heading off the fiscal cliff anyhow. 2013 certainly seems a-leap-of-faith away. I say we all take a lesson from the orchestra on the Titanic; disaster looming, waters rising, but they just played on, elegance intact. Moral is… don’t panic; maybe even enjoy the “finer things” while we all sink into the ocean!
If I’ve got you thinking about special send-offs for you and yours, well, have we got a treat for you. What’s more holiday decadent (and “end of the world” delicious) than eating gold? That’s right, eating real gold. Some people will tell you that you have to save gold… but heck, the end is nigh, so let’s just eat it instead!
Lucini’s new extra virgin olive oil is just the ticket. Though they’ve put out many a special-edition oil before, this is a particularly special edition. The new 250 mL bottle will cost you almost $40 (compared to $11 for the normal bottle), but it is a truly unique foodie treat. Best described as an olive oil snow-globe, the luscious yellow oil is confetti-ed with 23-karat gold flakes. I can’t think of a more decadent holiday treat, and I must say that it is really an eye-catching table decoration. Gather a few ramekins and just pour some in. Add drops of your favorite vinegar for a dizzying array of colors for bread dipping. Happy holidays.
Eric: Nothing says “I’m extravagant” like pouring gold on your food. You may ask “why?” but if you do, than you might want to question your commitment to being decadent. At $40 a 250 mL bottle, you’d better believe that Lucini Gold Reserve Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil has more descriptive adjectives than your normal, everyday olive oil. The price tag is in small part due to the 23-karat gold floating amidst the golden liquid, but mostly for the sake of exclusivity. This is the perfect holiday gift for the foodie who has everything and wants for nothing! Happy holidays!
I do love Lucini