Fustini's Oils & Vinegars - Ann Arbor, MI

Fustini's - specialty balsamic vinegars infused with natural flavors and oils that will be Rachel Ray's EVOO seem like McDonald's.

Have you ever tasted good balsamic vinegars? I mean so good that you almost feel like you're drinking wine? I haven't either until this past Saturday when my family and I were fortunate enough to discover Fustini's in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown Market after a delicious lunch at Zingerman's Deli (a deli deserving recognition of its own on another day). 

Fustini's carry over 21 different EVOO's and 20+ balsamic vinegars - each of which you can taste test!

When you first walk in you are captured by the bright lighting and little "kegs" that hold each vinegar and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). From traditional balsamics to others infused with natural flavors like Ginger & Honey (which we bought), Cinnamon Pear, and Lavender. It is a foodie and cooks (or chefs) dream!  Did you know that in order to be called a tradition balsamic vinegar (which all of Fustini's is) they MUST be imported from Modena, Italy? The others you may find in your local grocery store is only considered commercial vinegar. Each traditional vinegar must be barrel aged for at least 12 years, Fustini's carry a 18 year traditional balsamic and it is delicious! When tasting the 12 year vs 18 year - the longer aged balsamic was sweeter and smoother. Traditional balsamics must also be made from trebbiano grapes (fresh, fruity, & sweet). 

Fustini's carry over 40 different EVOO's and balsamic vinegars with 4 locations in MI, making cooking fun and gift giving easy!

I curious as to where and how Fustini's got started and was told that the store owner often visited Italy and wanted to bring back a taste of Italy with him. He wanted to share and help cooks incorporate the different oils and vinegars into lives of Michiganders while providing a fun and creative environment in the stores. The best part about the store is every oil and vinegar in there can be taste tested! So try your heart out!  Another neat thing is each "keg" has its own recipe on the bottom to give you ideas on where to start. 

Each "keg" comes with their own recipe (L to R - Specialty product: EVOO infused with white truffles, Ginger & Honey balsamic)

My family and I personally like (after trying about 10 different vinegars) Ginger & Honey balsamic vinegar. It's light, fresh, with a tad of sweetness. We've already tried it on sandwiches (rye bread, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, prosciutto, and ham) and salads. Their specialty product we tried was EVOO infused with white truffle oil, words cannot begin to describe the deliciousness inside that tiny bottle (and it is tiny - in a 1.3 fl oz bottle with its very own dropper meant for salads, on top of cheeses, and eggs). The flavor of the white truffle oil is so concentrated that you only need a couple of drops to make any food you're eating seem like you're eating at the finest restaurant. 

Interested in learning more? Please visit their website at Fustini's or better yet stop by one of their stores, it is definitely worth trying their delicately crafted oils/vinegars. (Ann Arbor, Holland, Petoskey, & Traverse City)