Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars

I discovered Fustini’s the first time I discovered Holland, Michigan. A spice store across the street was another new tenant and explained why they liked this location: «We have heated sidewalks!». I shipped a variety case of Fustini’s balsamic vinegars back to central California. They let you taste every flavor in stock. It’s hard to decide on just a dozen. Once I got home I tended to favor the dark, 18 year balsamic, but I’m now down to my real favorite Fustini’s Cinnamon Pear which is also dark. You only need to use a small amount in a salad. Once tossed it goes a long way. I’ll be heading back to Allegan County next month and will probably bring back a few in my suitcase.

Team VP is FODMAP free, which sometimes can make our lives complicated. Part of the challenge we face on top of our FODMAP diet is adding back in flavor from restricted foods we once used in our cooking at home. Garlic, for instance is a big no, no.
We discovered that garlic infused oil was an acceptable option and started to use the brand the supermarket carried and did not question our decision until my Mom gave me a bottle of garlic infused oil after a trip to Holland. The difference was astounding.
This oil is light and fresh and so ridiculously garlicky good. We use it in all our recipes that call for garlic. I just pour some in. I use the oil on pizza crust (GF and V) and just about anything else you could possibly imagine.
We even have converted our parents over to using this oil.
For convenience purposes, I order five bottles at a time online. They ship directly to my house for just under $ 10. We will not be using the supermarket brand ever again.

How can you not check in and taste test the multitudes of oils and vinegars?! We scored extra with the complimentary chicken salad and grape toasts. What’s better than free stuff that tastes amazing?! Friendly staff more than willing to assist in some tough oil/​vinegar pairing and decision making. Stopping in is a must when walking the strip in Downtown Holland.

SUCH a lovely woman helped us out. It was our first time there and she explained how the store worked, their best seller, and left us to sample which is exactly how it should be done. Its an open room with tons of flavors, making tons of opportunities to cook with and test which ones you like! Only $ 12 – 15 for the small bottle.

If only they lived up to their check-​in offer, it’d be a 5 star review.
They have their walls lined with canisters of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Such deliciousness all in one long room, it’s amazing. I do wish they had some tiny pieces of bread that customers could dip into the balsamic vinegar and olive oil, but they might go out of business if that happened. LOL.
It’s a wonderful place to spend a few minutes perusing while you wait for someone, but then again 8^th street is full of places like that.
$ 13 a 200ml bottle, not a bad deal.

If I lived in Holland, I’d be broke. This place is AWESOME.
We popped in while in town and sampled about 20 different vinegars and oils. You can sample everything for no cost, which is the best incentive to come here. They don’t harp on you for trying too many things, like some places do with samples.
I did walk out with two bottles; the strawberry balsamic vinegar and Japanese sesame seed oil. I’ve already made bruchetta with the strawberry balsamic it and it was stupid good. I’m saving the sesame seed oil for our next stir fry dish which I’m sure will be awesome.
Bottles run about $ 15/​each. for 200 mL, which is quite a bit if you use it sparingly. You can also get sampler bottles in the back of the store for cheaper if you’re not looking for as much quantity.

A wonderful flavor shop that has THE MOST unique flavors of balsalmics and olive oils. Truly unique to Holland, and made for an interesting taste in my mouth afterwards :)

Such a fun store! I spent forever in this store, with the huge selection of oils and vinegars. Staff was very kind offering me tons of samples more than I could handle. They also offer recipes to pair with certain oils.

This is the kind of store I am thrilled to see open up in downtown Holland. Having been a resident or visitor to the area for over 20 years, I have seen quite a few changes over the years. Till Midnight and Gastronomy Station used to be good places to get gourmet foods, but, alas, they have folded. Fustini’s, although with a limited product line, fits the bill for the quality oils and balsamics that local foodies crave.
Staffed with friendly and helpful women, there are dozens of varieties to sample. They have posted helpful suggestions for use and pairings next to each oil and vinegar. Flowers, herbs, mushrooms, aromatics, fruits, peppers and more add wonderful depth of flavor to so many of their offerings. They have gift baskets available, and will also clean your old bottles of Fustini’s and refill them at a discount. Wish I lived closer these days. I’m sure I’d be a regular customer.