No Trick, Just a Treat

The best part of Halloween to me is all of the candy that is left over after all the little trick-or-treaters have finished their gig for the night.  I always like to buy the Halloween candy that I know I will enjoy afterwards because it is inevitable that you will get way too much and have far more than you would like to have left over after it is all said and done.  Living in our little mountain community over the years, I've learned pretty quickly that the trick-or-treaters spend most of their Halloween evening on Main Street in a much safer and funner environment so our home chocolate supply for Halloween ends up being pretty much zilch!  And, I don't know why but I always find myself desperately wanting some chocolate throughout the Halloween weekend.  Fortunately for me, I get to run this little shop of mine where I am surrounded by chocolate on a daily basis.  And, not just any chocolate, but yummy, hand-made artisan chocolates.  We are a proud retailer of Moonstruck Chocolate - an artisan Chocolatier based in Portland, Oregon, where they handcraft each piece using only the finest ingredients. They pair their own decadent chocolate with fresh flavors found in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and then hand-decorate each piece with intricate care.  My favorite right now is their new Sea Salt Pecan Clusters that are available in both Milk Chocolate & Dark Chocolate.  The balance of salt, sweet, and just a slight richness is just magical! 

My other favorite this time of year is their absolutely delicious hot cocoas.  The cocoas come in a decadent rich Dark Chocolate, Mayan Chocolate (think almond & cinnamon flavors), and of course their fabulous Classic Cocoa.  The cocoas are available in a 9.5oz tin or in individual single packets.  And, the absolute best way to enjoy the cocoas is to mix them with at least 2% milk, or if you have whole milk lounging in your fridge, use that.  It is a wonderful treat on a chilly fall or winter afternoon. 

So, our little "treat" this Halloween weekend is for you to indulge in some fabulously delicious, super-special chocolate.  Come visit us on Saturday, October 29 or Monday, October 31 (or you can come on both days) and we will take 20% off any chocolate you purchase (includes cocoas, chocolate bars, and specialty chocolates).  

Happy Halloween from us to you - have fun, eat good chocolate, & be safe!

Olive Oil Tasting

We have started carrying more and more food items at Bella Vita because you have asked us to and because they really do make great gifts for foodies, hosts/hostesses, and even for yourself when you want to splurge a little.  Our latest intro at Bella Vita is olive oil.  I use olive oil almost on a daily basis because it is such a great, all-around, quite healthy oil to use.  Whether you are sauteing garlic or onions, adding it to pesto, rubbing it on a salmon steak, or tossing it in a salad, it truly is a fabulous oil that I have learned comes in so many different flavors.  And the unique flavors of the oil as well as the differences between virgin, extra virgin, cold-pressed, etc. all make a grand impact on what you are using it in or on.  It's kind of like wine - you experience it more fully when it is properly paired with other ingredients or with the cooking method that you are using.  Crazy, but true!

All that to say.....we have some fabulous olive oils here at Bella Vita, and we would like to share their unique flavors with you.  So, stop by on Saturday, October 15, from 11a-1p and join us for a little sampling.
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Olive Oil Tasting

Saturday, October 15, 11am-1pm

Featuring

 Pasolivo Olive Oils & McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil

Pasolivo Oils are grown sustainably and organically in Paso Robles, CA.  After they hand-pick olives from their orchard, they are crushed within hours in their own olive press.

Pasolivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil

{Award-winning Pasolivo is robust & grassy with a big, peppery finish - perfect for drizzling on rustic bread with sea salt, dressing a salad with balsamic, or roasting potatoes with rosemary}

Pasolivo Lemon Olive Oil

{Made with Pasolivo's award-winning Tuscan blend, their Lemon Olive Oil is a favorite way to dress up roasted asparagus, finish off a seafood pasta, or rub on a chicken before roasting}

Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil

{Made with Pasolivo's award-winning Tuscan blend, their Lime Olive Oil is a fabulous finish for grilled seafood, drizzling on chicken tacos, or tossing with fresh salsa or guacamole} 

McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil is certified organic olive oil that comes from olives that are grown, harvested, milled, blended, and bottled on McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma, CA.

McEvoy Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil

{a complex blend of Tuscan varietals, harvested early & by hand, full-bodied & peppery with hints of artichoke & greens, it's a vibrant finishing oil that inspires moments of pure taste pleasure!}