Olives
but not as we know them
These look like ordinary green olives. They are in fact nothing of the sort: a likely unrepeatable miracle of fermentation, currently served at the local Zachos restaurant near the lab where I work. When I first tasted this particular batch I could not believe it: the aroma is suede leather followed by oud, and a touch of ambergris. I now understand why olives were an ancient perfumery material. Today I plucked up the courage to ask for a portion to take away. The owner explained they came from Kalamata, where the more famous black ones come from.
Luca, forgive me, I cannot resist: “So’ greche!!” 🤣 If you’ve never seen it, check the Carlo Verdone movie “Borotalco”; the actor Mario Brega is the one that speaks that line.
I might have to take you up on that, not least because I would then be able to say, 'To others he sent vintage Diorella! To me he sent two olives!'