Halkidiki Olives by Pillar Grove Estate

I’ve become addicted to Pillar Grove Estate’s olives. I always have a couple of jars at home — one ready to serve to guests, and one to send home with them, because they inevitably love them as much as I do.

Pillar Grove products aren’t grown in Canada, of course, but they do have a great Canadian connection. Born in Greece, George Pananos studied chemical engineering in Canada, and then stayed, working in Alberta’s oil and gas industry. When he retired from his engineering career here, he decided to plant olive trees on land he inherited from his father. Now he splits his time between St. Albert and Greece. As for his retirement? He’s busier than ever, he says, with a full range of award-winning Pillar Grove olive oils and olives (stuffed with red pepper, garlic, lemon, almond or simply plain). Halkidiki are the type: big, meaty olives loaded with juicy, fruity flavour.

Halkidiki Olives by Pillar Grove Estate | Italian Centre Shop | $11.50