Dame Karen Rose shared her story of City Olive, the art of tasting olive oil, and her exquisite selection of the finest estate bottled extra virgin olive oils. Along with her extensive olive oil offerings, Karen also has a selection of locally made artisan products along with responsibly sourced specialty foods. Olives (oh the olives!), Vinegars, Tapenades, Spices, Pastas, and Mustards from around the world complete Karen’s food boutique.

Dame Sharon Olson shared her amazing story of being marooned in South Africa during the Covid lockdown, and her creative way of becoming an essential worker traveling on business. Her essential worker status allowed her to write a story about The Olive Estates of South Africa for Cheese Connoisseur Magazine. Karen became an expert source on the quest for world renowned olive oils. Karen’s virtual connection with Sharon, and her contacts in the United States and London, gave her exclusive access to the finest estates in South Africa.

Karen provided a tasting of an incredible South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Morgenster Estate, one of the many Olive Oil Estates Sharon visited. She very generously donated the food dishes we enjoyed, which she created herself. A highlight was the olive oil chocolate mousse made with a recipe from Dame Laura Frankl. Thank you also to Sharon Olson for arranging the wines with a lovely discount from Veronica Hastings of H2Vino. 

Along with enjoying a much awaited “in person” Dames event, we raised a glass of Storm Point South African wine, a perfect compliment to the olive oil, olives, and array of food offerings.