Virgins in the Kitchen

Food brings people together. It is the culinary thread that connects us all. To say that Italians are passionate about food is an understatement. Our approach to food is more than utilitarian, we believe food should be more than just fuel for our body—it should be an enjoyable experience. It is with much pleasure that we come to the table. It’s a daily celebration of family, friendships and a reminder of our blessings. Taking time to “break bread” with others is as fundamentally important as the meal itself. We leave the table nourished with our hearts as full as our stomachs!

Each sun-drenched region of the Mediterranean has its own culinary culture with its own set of ingredients and the essential ingredient that runs through the heart of them all is olive oil!

A sacred, age-old food, good olive oil is good for you. Quality Extra-Virgin Olive Oil contains naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols, which act as potent antioxidants, protecting your body from free-radical molecules that promote disease. Containing vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties, extra-virgin olive oil, with its numerous health benefits is a definite boost to your immune system.

I use extra-virgin olive oil to sauté, pan-fry and roast, in dressing greens and vegetables, marinating meat, fish and poultry, and baking delicious desserts. I drizzle it over just about everything, from a simple poached egg for breakfast, to a full-bodied fennel soup for lunch.

Virgins in the Kitchen was founded with the sole purpose of providing opportunities for you to “experience” extra-virgin olive oil through seminars, cooking classes, tastings and tours. As an olive oil sommelier and creator of the OlioWheel (olive oil & food pairing), it is with passion, I share the pleasures of the table as you learn how a little extra-virgin olive oil can fundamentally change the taste of a dish when paired with the right flavors. It is my hope that these experiences will satisfy your thirst for knowledge of this “health and beauty” in a bottle, stimulate your appetite for exceptional olive oils and inspire you to invite virgins into YOUR kitchen!