{"id":76132,"date":"2025-12-08T22:15:06","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T22:15:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/76132\/"},"modified":"2025-12-08T22:15:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T22:15:06","slug":"apertivo-hour-hits-the-ancient-olive-in-winter-park-dec-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/76132\/","title":{"rendered":"Apertivo Hour hits The Ancient Olive in Winter Park Dec. 11"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018Tis the season for celebrating both flavor and connection, and at The Ancient Olive Gourmet of Winter Park<\/a>\u00a0this week, they\u2019re putting together a unique event that accomplishes both.<\/p>\n

On Thursday (Dec. 11), Apertivo Hour will take over the Park Avenue shop\u2019s lovely courtyard, where, beneath twinkling lights, guests will enjoy slowing down, sampling an array of extra virgin olive oils as they enjoy light bites and lots of education, courtesy of olive oil sommelier Sarah Santa.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a term heard more often in the realm of wine, but Santa, who is also a culinary nutrition consultant, says there\u2019s quite a bit of overlap from grape to olive for professionals to impart.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are the ancient aspects of olive oil, the nutrition side, as well as its production,\u201d says Santa. \u201cThere is nuance in its flavor and different aromas and tasting notes to recognize as you begin to understand how to taste it, to identify positive vs. negative attributes, to aerate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Santa, who has done training both online as well as more extensive study in both New York and Italy, will lead the charge in guests\u2019 education alongside educator Brad Jones, who will weave in reflections on how food connects us to nature \u2014 adding depth and meaning to the conversation.<\/p>\n

Throughout all, cultural references, terroir, farming, distribution and, best of all, tasting paired bites, beautifully aid in the learning process. Guests are encouraged to bring their own wine or beverage to the event; stemware will be provided.<\/p>\n

With both skewers and small plates (sneak peek: one will be an Italian flatbread featuring lemon-infused olive oil and ginger balsamic vinaigrette), Santa and Jones will help tell the story of each oil and its foundation through four bites, sweet and savory.<\/p>\n

New Italian-American restaurant, Osteria Ester, opens Tuesday in Thornton Park<\/a><\/p>\n

This is the first in what Santa says will be a regular series \u2014 \u201cplans are already underway for January,\u201d she says \u2014 with each being inspired by the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll really lean into seasonality,\u201d says Santa, \u201cfeaturing herbs and spices and foods that are growing right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ancient Olive staffers will work into the evening that night, as well, available to answer questions and, of course, tend the shop.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a very sensory experience,\u201d she says, reflecting on her recent trip to meet with makers in Italy, which in part inspired the event.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was so taken by the romance of slowing down, connecting with friends around the table and pushing technology aside,\u201d she says. \u201cI didn\u2019t see many people in Italy on their phones texting while enjoying food and wine, and that got me so excited. The Ancient Olive\u2019s courtyard is such a perfect setting.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s going to be sacred, she says, \u201ca special time to connect and learn something new. We can be entertained and enjoy food, but there\u2019s always room to grow while doing so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram\u00a0@amydroo<\/a>\u00a0or on the OSFoodie Instagram account\u00a0@orlando.foodie<\/a>. Email:\u00a0amthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. For more fun, join the\u00a0Let\u2019s Eat, Orlando Facebook group<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Apertivo Hour<\/p>\n

An Evening of Olive Oil & Connection will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday; $72 per person. Reservations are available at june-crush.kit.com\/products\/aperitivo-hour-an-evening-of-olive-oil-connec<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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