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Ode to the Olive Foodie Friday


Sometimes we go 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to Norway or across the millenia to the beginning of time for the inspiration for a blog post. But sometimes inspiration is just ten blocks away. Yesterday I went thousands of miles and centuries for inspiration for the post and today's post was inspired by a quick stop at Zabar's, my favorite food store, literally just down the street.

I read the post I wrote about Zabar's in April and realized I didn't mention the olive section at all. It's next to the door and usually I'm stepping past it on my way to the cheese or coffee sections. In fact if you had asked me any day before this Tuesday about my liking for olives I would have told you that they weren't a particular favorite food. For no reason I can think of I stopped at the olives. Perhaps it was because I had no special errand to do at Zabar's and I wasn't in a rush. Perhaps it was because it was a rainy day and the store wasn't crowded. Perhaps... I became enamored of the olive assortment and read the descriptions. I decided to buy a small container of the Moroccan mix, an assortment of green and black olives in a lemon and oil marinade.

Like most Americans who grew up in the 1950's the only olives that I made acquaintance with were small, green and had pimentos stuffed inside. We rarely had them in our refrigerator and I never developed a taste for the them. I learned to like broccoli and whole wheat bread, which I didn't especially like growing up, but not olives. But the olives I bought on Tuesday were different. They had a wonderful flavor and as a fan of all things lemon, I was delighted in the taste. I was won over and all it took was a rainy day and a few minutes browsing.

Here's a toast to the olive, and a toast to the foods I think I don't like. This older dog learned a new trick and I am happy to proudly state that I am now an olive eater.

Though most of the time the news in the world seems very grim, but sometimes there are rays of bright light. There was a burst of joyous news in Vermont yesterday. Born yesterday -- I can't resist using the phrase -- was the beautiful Nora, daughter of Julia and Tom, niece of my goddaughter, Jess and granddaughter to my dear friend, K. From her pictures Nora is a complete snuggle bunny and I can't wait to meet her. Let the spoiling begin. I already have a lamb for her that I bought in Ireland, but I think a Madeline doll needs to go with it to Vermont.

We've got glorious summer weather in New York and I am enjoying these sunny days without humidity. They are so rare and so appreciated.

As ever, thanks for visiting. I hope your days are bright and sunny, too. Wishes for a great weekend. 

11 comments

Anonymous said...

Fun to see all the olive varieties. I did not like olives when I was a kid.
Congrats on baby Nora. I know she will adore the lamb.

Becky K. said...

I love olives!
Congrats on the new baby....

TARYTERRE said...

My hubby always got his martini's with a twist, instead of an olive. But I love olive bars without the drink, myself. Those olives look divine.

Sola Scriptura said...

What a fantastic variety of olives. How exciting to have a new baby to visit.
We've had a great sunny week here, but now it's gloomy with rain for the weekend. I hope your sunny days continue!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for hosting another wonderful party!
I hope you had a great weekend!
table-lamps

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Nice you tried it and enjoyed the olives. Reminds me of when my children were young and I'd say try it, you might just like it. Congrats on the new little one. Bursts of joy like that do make us feel good for sure. Hope you have a super Saturday!

Theresa said...

Growing up, we only had olives on the table at BIG family dinners! Mostly Thanksgiving and Christmas! I still do that today, just like my Mama did! When we have a big dinner, I buy a jar of olives:) The green ones with pimento inside! That display of olive varieties look delicious! I need to try some:) Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

BLOGZOOM said...



Indeed, inspiration is something distressing when you're tired or busy. And often the source of inspiration may be very near us.

I've always loved eat olives and so I'm really picky about the taste.

Here in Rio de Janeiro did not see some variety of olives as in your post, there are few markets that sell in bulk assortment of green and black olives preserved and so I found it interesting to see this photo. I am a very curious person, I'd like to try some of them.

Cheers

Susie said...

Buttercup, If you could have had a martini with an olive, you would have learned to like the taste. LOL. I like them and it took time to acquire the taste. Martinis too. LOL. I have tried many different ones, but the little green one with the pimento is still my favorite. xoxo,Susie

Ordinary J said...

My husband and his family love olives very very very much. I don't hate olives but they aren't my favorite foods. I do like them in my salads though. My family-in-law used to take me to Deli and shops like Zabar's all the time. But I'm still learning to like the Bagels and the cold cut sandwiches they love so much.

Nellie said...

What a fantastic olive bar! I would have a difficult time walking by without making a selection myself.

Those are excellent gifts for a new baby! What fun you will have when you are able to meet her!