(Fairhope, AL)   The culinary emporium known and loved the past 7 years in Fairhope now brings its artisan oils, blended balsamic vinegars and zeal for the Mediterranean Diet to Mountain Brook, Alabama. The Happy Olive’s newest store will open at Lane Parke October 14^th.

Owners Vickie and Richard Bailey carefully select oils from their travels to olive orchards across Europe. But no olive farm is more special than the one in Northern Italy that’s home to daughter Shayna, husband Paolo and grandchildren – where the Bailey’s evangelical passion for extra virgin olive oil began years ago.  “At harvest time, we shake the olives off the trees into nets just as they’ve done for generations,” offers Vickie. “ The olives are ground that night and enjoyed the next day in the richest flavors you can imagine.  That pure, simple diet of fresh non-processed foods – enjoyed around a relaxed table to savor the experience – changed our lives. We knew we wanted to share the Mediterranean diet and its healthy way of life with not just our friends but everyone. We’re evangelical about olive oil.”

The Happy Olive offers a vast collection of artisan olive oils such as basil, walnut, persian lime, black truffle and more – all carefully selected by region of harvest and quality from Italy, France, Spain and Australia.  Blended balsamic vinegars imported from Italy complement the oils including favorite flavors like cinnamon pear, lavender, fig, grapefruit, and espresso ready for everything from steaks to pancakes, salads and marinades.    Cooking classes, tastings and other events are designed for aficionado or just wanna-be foodie!

You’ll also find gourmet mustard on tap, as Happy Olive is one of a handful of certified mustard sommeliers in the country. Richard trained with the renowned Maille mustard masters  in NYC and Paris, and hand-crafts flavors like wasabi or white wine blended with Happy Olive balsamics and poured from brilliant black crocks custom-designed for the store.  The Happy Olive carries award-winning “America’s Best” Kentucky caviar , and custom-blended spices, teas, jams, sauces and foodie gifts like Mississippi favorite Etta B pottery, French linens, Vin Glase’ wine ware and more.  Private tasting events may also be reserved.

The Happy Olive’s Grand Opening Celebration October 24^th will include tastings, tunes from Fairhope’s Roman Street, caviar, champagne and more – all are welcome! 5-7pm/Ribbon Cutting at 5:30.

 261 Rele Street/ Lane Parke – Mountain Brook.   Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 11am-4pm.  Learn more or shop the webstore: happyolive4.com

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For More Information:
Amy Greer Thompson /Amy Thompson Communications
251.423.7605

The health movement is here to stay. With flavors almost too good to be true, The Happy Olive is so much more than a store. A second act for owners Vickie and Richard, Bailey, they are inspired by their travels – what a delicious journey.

Read full article by Hayley Hill – Access Magazine Mobile/Baldwin

We love to keep a pitcher of balsamic-infused water on the counter…. with a splash of peach, strawberry, or grapefruit that gives water a “wow!”

Light white balsamics are a great addition to water or iced tea, and make refreshing summer cocktails too.  A few ideas here… but use your own imagination. Add a cucumber… mint… or fruit to garnish!

Summer Strawberry Refresher 

• 1/2 oz. Strawberry Balsamic
• 1 1/2 ox. Gin
• 2 strawberries
• 1/2 oz. Agave
• Club Soda

In a tall glass: muddle two strawberries. Add the gin, and stir in agave. Add desired amount of ice and top with club soda. Stir together…. and enjoy.

Peach Balsamic Wine Cooler

• 1 oz. Peach White Balsamic
• 1 oz. Vodka
• 3 mint leaves
• Prosecco

Combine all ingredients in tall glass, pouring the Prosecco last to top off. Leave room for ice to make this wine cooler extra cool!  Bonus points – add a watermelon wedge!

Jalapeno Balsamic Margarita

• Jose Cuervo Tequila Silver
• Triple Sec
• Fresh lime juice & wedge
• Jalapeno Olive Oil

Pour 1 tsp of Jalapeno Olive Oil into highball glass.  Fill 3/4th with ice.  In cocktail shaker add 2oz. of Jose Cuervo Tequila Silver, 1 oz. of Triple Sec, and 1 oz. of lime juice.  Shake for 10-15 seconds and pour over ice.  Serve with straw – important for stirring in oil as drinking – don’t forget the lime!

Balsamic Lemon and and Vodka Cocktail

• 10 lemons, juiced, approx 1 cup of lemon juice
• 3/4 cup super fine sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1-2 tsp. Balsamic Vinegar (try peach, strawberry or raspberry – start with 1 tsp… test it… add more if desired)
• 1 cup vodka (optional)

Combine the lemon juice, sugar and water in a large pitcher and mix to combine.  Add the balsamic to taste. Adjust if needed… add vodka, stir and enjoy.