by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
American author William Kennedy penned the words:
“Italians ... seemed never to die. They eat olive oil all day long ... and that’s what does it.”
While the words might not be accurate as to any particular nationality’s longevity, a new store at the Landing is offering a way to discover the many nuances of the pressed fruit of the olive tree.
Sherry and Mitch Lyford are the proprietors of River City Gourmet Shoppe, near Sundrez and the Visit Jacksonville information center.
Mitch is a former computer technology manager and Sherry formerly worked for Merrill Lynch.
“I decided it was time to go from stocks to snacks and it’s more fun than I’ve ever had,” she said.
Their first retail store has grown out of a business the couple has operated for several years, “Dips2Go.”
If that name is familiar, it might be because you have seen the product at the Riverside Arts Market, the Fernandina Beach Farmers Market, the Mandarin Art Festival or at other venues and events.
The idea behind the store is to allow customers to sample the products before they make a purchase. That includes olive oil, balsamic vinegar and dozens of other specialty food products in the inventory.
“When you go to a grocery store, you don’t get to taste the oil. When a customer shops here, we want to make sure they’ll be happy with their purchase,” said Mitch.
Sherry said they selected olive oil from Greece that’s available with infusions including rosemary, garlic and basil, plus other olive oils from Portugal and Chile.
The oils were chosen for having a higher flash point than some oils.
“Our grape seed oil has the highest flash point. You can fry with it,” said Sherry.
The shop also carries gourmet salts from around the world and 12-year-old balsamic vinegar. There is a shelf full of local products, such as Minorcan datil pepper sauce made in St. Augustine.
There’s also a shelf of barbecue sauces, rubs, marinades and gourmet wood chips. Locally roasted coffees and fresh herbs are in the inventory, based on availability.
“Our objective is to carry only artisan food products you won’t find in any other store,” said Mitch.
The Lyfords said they chose their location at the Landing because they both grew up in Jacksonville and remember when Downtown was the city’s center of shopping, before stores migrated to suburban shopping centers.
They said Downtown needs more shopping and they want to be part of its revitalization.
356-2466