Secolari Olive Oil at the Columbia Mall Friday February 14, 2014 was the official grand opening of Secolari, a boutique olive oil and vinegar tasting room located in Columbia’s outdoor area of The Mall in Columbia. Secolari had been in a soft opening for a few weeks but the blue ribbon cutting ceremony included many foods and several wines to enjoy while browsing this unique store in Columbia, Maryland. Bart and Mary DeRosa were smiling broadly as they greeted visitors and cut the blue ribbon. People were greeted as soon as they entered and thanked for coming when they left. We noted that many people were purchasing Secolari products before they left. The name Secolari is Italian and refers to old age. The name was chosen because one of the many interesting facts about olives is that olive trees can live for thousands of years. The olive oils that Secolari has available are all produced in California. Watercolor paintings of all sizes decorate the interior light beige walls. Zina Andresini Poliszuk a local Maryland artist created each of the watercolors. Showcased in silver frames the colorful selections are available for sale. In 2011 Secolari opened an olive oil tasting store on Bethesda Row in Bethesda, Maryland. Secolari is one of the first stores to open in Columbia Mall’s newly expanded open area. Patricia Darragh, Executive Director of the California Olive Oil Council, was on hand to talk individually with people about the qualities of extra virgin olive oil. The Secolari store is the brainstorm of Washington attorney Bart DeRosa. Bart noted that for years he had wanted to have a small business in addition to being an attorney. After a visit to Phoenix where he visited an olive oil tasting room, Bart became enamored with the idea of opening his own olive oil tasting room. Today Bart’s family including his wife Rosa and his daughters are very involved in operating Secolari. Secolari is more than just olive oil tastings. This delightful store also includes an assortment of balsamic vinegars, pastas, sea salts, unique olive wood trays as well as a mortar and pestle. The vast majority of the items available are made in the United States. In the future Secolari will host small events including book signings and presentations.
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OLIVE OIL Descriptions Secolari is a member of the California Olive Oil Council and the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT.) Products Available Olive Oil Blends Vinegars Italian Balsamic Secolari |
