Before you start envisioning vats of every type of olive imaginable, let's set the record straight: City Olive focuses mainly on products made from olives, not on the brinish little fruits themselves. Bad news if you only care about eating olives; good news if you enjoy tasting high-end treats like imported olive oils, tapenades, infused vinegars and sea salts, as well as Spanish sausage, Italian pastas and Greek cookies made with olive oil and wine.

Karen Rose, a former nurse who’s lived in the Andersonville neighborhood for 22 years, opened the compact but inviting City Olive, which is a perfect spot to browse for a bit of self-indulgence. Rose prides herself on the quality of every item in the store and imports goods from Europe, South America and Africa. So whether you're eyeing a pretty serving dish for olives, lotion made with olive oil or a jar of olives stuffed with garlic cloves, you can rest assured she chose it with care.

The shop hosts daily tastings to expand customer palates beyond the tried and true extra virgin.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Rockwood