by Nina Welch

Oliver’s Olive Oil & Balsamic Tasting Gallery, 211 Ave. Del Mar, has a new owner, Brenda Kinsman, a 30-year resident of San Clemente and close friend of Bob and Julie Brawner, previous owners for 14 years. 

Brenda says, “I am honored to take over this fabulous business from such dedicated people whom I now call friends, and whom I wish well in their retirement.” 

Brenda had recently closed her gift shop, Just B’cuz, on the 100 block of Del Mar so the timing was perfect. 

The main attraction, when entering this charming shop, are the rows of 15-liter stainless steel dispensers imported from Italy called fustis. Stored and displayed in these striking containers are freshly pressed extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars that customers can taste from the wide variety of flavors. 

“You can even mix them,” said Brenda, who in turn poured her recent concoction of lime olive oil and coconut balsamic in one of the plastic cups used for tastings at the end of the rows. “One can get creative and mix the flavors. I’m having a ball,” she said. 

Brenda referred to one of their featured olive oils called Bruschetta, noting that the supplier goes to Sicily, Italy in October every year to be ready for the harvest on November 1. The freshest of olive oils displayed in the fustis come from Spain, Italy, and Greece, as well as California.

Brenda also continues offering her retro aprons, which are extremely popular and a good fit for the store. She designs the aprons and they are sewn by military wives (ask about her 15% discount for military shoppers). 

Customers will enjoy browsing Oliver’s to find treasures such as gourmet olives, spices, barbecue sauce, cookbooks, cheeseboards, and candles. Local artist’s wares are also available there, which include hand-stamped silver spoons, hand-crafted ceramic bottles and serving dishes, and soap made from Oliver’s olive oil. The Soberdough bread is a fun find as well. The recipe: pour beer, add bread mix and bake. Oliver’s is a perfect shop to grab a last-minute hostess gift or a custom gift basket for a special occasion. 

A San Clemente girl through and through, Brenda enjoys the lifestyle, especially catching the sun going down over the ocean. She looks forward to the summer season and meeting visitors and locals alike. She says, “Please come in, say hello, and taste some oil in this beautiful and fabulous town of San Clemente.” 

It’s evident that Oliver’s will live on with this enthusiastic new owner.

Store Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:30am-6pm. Sunday: 10am-5pm.

www.oliversevoo.com Instagram: @oliversoilsandbalsamics