Favorite Brands

While I would not describe myself as someone who strongly favors brands (I am generally thrifty and prefer to shop around for the best deal) there are a couple of brands that I prefer and will pay a premium for.

My first favorite brand is KitchenAid. More specifically, KitchenAid mixers. I have found out the hard way that when it comes to kitchen appliances, generally you get what you pay for. After literally killing 2 stand mixers in 4 years, I decided to purchase the mixer that my parents own, a KitchenAid Professional 600 Series Mixer. It is incredible and well worth the $350 I paid for it. I swear it would grind gravel into a fine powder if I tried. The engine is outstanding. I can't say that I was surprised by the quality of the mixer. I knew that KitchenAid is known for quality and performance and I have not been disappointed. I am now a loyal KitchenAid customer and will purchase other KitchenAid appliances in the future. The really fascinating thing is that everyone I talk to about cooking or my mixer feels the same exact way about their KitchenAids. I guess KitchenAid's quality products have developed a wide following of brand evangelists. I love my mixer!

My second favorite brand is also cooking related. A couple of years ago a small boutique oil and vinegar shop opened in Manitou Springs and joined the Convention & Visitors Bureau where I work. Our membership manager who is also an avid cook was raving about it so, I figured I would give it a try. The shop is called The Olive Tap and has only 1 location in Colorado, a few other shops around the Chicago area and an online store. Walking into this store is an experience. The air smells so wonderful and the staff is very helpful. But the real star of the show is the amazing varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegar from around the world. Each one has a specific flavor ranging from chipotle olive oil to black currant balsamic vinegar. The store also has a nice variety of other spices for sale. Each oil or vinegar can be tasted using small white cups that you fill directly from the large containers. Once you decide what you want to purchase, a staff member will fill a fresh bottle so that the oils and vinegars don't get stale on a shelf. The prices aren't cheap but the flavors are amazing. Honestly, the Tuscan olive oil is so tasty it makes any marinade, pizza, pasta or sandwich incredible. Surprisingly this normally thrifty grocery shopper, thinks nothing of driving all the way across town and paying $15 for a small bottle of this liquid gold. I know The Olive Tap represents quality, flavor and attention to service. Even after I move away from Colorado, I will continue to order their products online and pay even more to have it shipped to me. I'm hooked! To me, The Olive Tap is a unique company that does markets a very specific product very well. Who knew that a store that sells mostly oil and vinegar could be so successful. It sure is packed every time I go. Feel free to check it out here if you want. The Olive Tap

This video from one of the stores in IL and is a bit larger than our local store.