CONTRIBUTED

Whether your taste is bold and vibrant or airy and light, local residents can find the perfect complement to their cooking at Green Gate Olive Oils, which recently opened on Cherokee Road in Pinehurst.

Locally owned and operated by Georgeanne and Keith McDaniel, Green Gate Olive Oils is more than a shop, a news release said - it's an experience.

"Our goal is to provide our customers with the food products and genuine service that inspire their creativity," Georgeanne McDaniel said. "Visitors will be able to learn about oils and vinegars and their many uses."

Customers who visit Green Gate Olive Oils will step into a unique shop blending Mediterranean ambience and Southern charm where they will find not only a resource for quality food products, but also a venue for sharing ideas and engaging with people who are passionate about cooking, a news release said.

"We offer about 40 olive oil and vinegar products," Keith McDaniel said. "Our oils and vinegars are stored in stainless steel containers called fustis, imported from Italy, to preserve their delicate flavors. Once you have selected your favorites, we will bottle and seal them on-site to ensure their freshness and good taste."

At Green Gate Olive Oils, customers may try as many varieties of oils and vinegars as they would like.

"We'll be happy to answer your questions, and we can even make recommendations based on your taste and cooking style," Georgeanne McDaniel said. "We also provide a variety of recipes featuring our signature oils and vinegars to further inspire your selections."

In addition to oils and vinegars, Green Gate Olive Oils offers of a variety of specialty products, including: specialty pastas, salts from around the world, gourmet jams, pestos, sauces, chocolates, olive oil soaps and French linens

"We have selected many unique products to feature in our shop," McDaniel said. "We are certain that you will find something for yourself or to delight the food lover in your life. We will be happy to help you organize a gift basket or bag for yourself or someone special."

Located at 105 Cherokee Road, Suite B-E, Green Gate Olive Oils is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone needing more information can call (910) 986-0880 or visit www.GreenGate- OliveOils.com.