The gourmet olive oil- and balsamic vinegar-tasting bar is one of a kind.
"I love to cook and I know there are a lot of people that like to cook, and this is just a way to spice up an everyday salad or chicken that they have never experienced before," Great Lakes Olive Oil Co. owner Elyse Lee said.
The business opened in Frankenmuth's River Place just before the new year and features gourmet olive oil and balsamic vinegars from around the world.
"Blood orange, basil, lemon, a tuskon herb, garlic and some of our balsamic flavors - raspberry, fig, vanilla, chocolate covered coffee bean," Lee said.
Most bottles cost around $15. Lee says that price tag comes with a handful of health benefits. "For olive oil, it's about reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, everyday digestion."
Lee is only 25 years old. She decided to open for business after stumbling upon a similar store in Minnesota. "Outside of Minneapolis, on one of the river towns. I was there visiting family and walked out of the store, and said, hey, this would be a great idea to do in Frankenmuth."
The concept is taste it before you buy it, just as you would at a wine event. With over 40 varieties to choose from, you simply grab a bottle, pour it out and then go for it.
"You're welcome to sample as much as you like, and if there's something you like, we can bottle it on the spot," Lee promised.
