By Joan Slowey Dellett ~
Looking for a unique gift for that foodie on your Christmas list this year? Or maybe some distinctive treats for holiday entertaining? Food Lube, a fine olive oil and vinegar bar on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, is an excellent place to start.
Kerry Kramer was never a foodie but when she decided a change in careers was due, she remembered the saying on a bookmark her mother had given her: “Do what makes you happy. It’s a wonderful life”. So, with a partner, she began to search for something else. After seeing the popularity of an olive oil shop, they thought that business could be a good fit for them.
With hand-built displays and counters and the support and encouragement of their parents, they started with just olive oils. All the olive oils are extra virgin. Seven of the pure olive oils are pressed from different countries. There are currently 18 different flavors, ranging from blood orange to Tuscan herb and their main specialty oils white truffle and toasted sesame.
Soon, Kerry, now on her own, added flavored vinegars. With no additional sugar added, they were a perfect pairing to the distinctive olive oils. She currently features 18 white balsamics and 11 dark balsamics.
Always looking to improve and expand, Kerry soon began offering other gastronomical delights – dips, glazes, spices, jams, local honey, hot sauces and hot honey (excellent in tea!). There’s truffle zest to sprinkle on your potato chips. Himalayan salt, with 84 minerals plus salt, and Himalayan salt cooking plates. Even Tequila salt shooters! On weekends, samples are put out and you can ask for a free tasting of anything in the store.
Food Lube offers customized gift baskets, perfect not just for the holidays but for bridal favors, hostess gifts and birthdays, too. You can even create a sampler set with 4 or 6 mix and match pieces.
In addition to the shop, Food Lube will also have a table at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar in Convention Hall this holiday season featuring pre-made gift sets so you can “grab and go”. You can also go online or call the shop to order packages to ship anywhere in the USA.
Kerry is always changing things up so she encourages everyone to stop by and sample all the products. In addition to the custom gift packages, she can suggest pairings from their vast selection of balsamic vinegar flavors with ultra-premium olive oils, spices, accessories and great recipe ideas. Food Lube is open 7 days a week with extended hours for the holidays.
Food Lube should be your destination for ultra-premium Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegars that are both delicious and healthy for you, enrich your culinary life and add zest to any gathering. You are invited to taste the difference that truly extra virgin Olive Oil can make!
Food Lube is located at 658 Cookman Avenue in downtown Asbury Park. Reach out to them at 732-361-5631 or visit their website: http://apfoodlube.com/ .