It has gotten to the point that anywhere you go, shopping is about the same. Every city has the same shops.
Super Sister and I did go to a shopping center in Austin called The Arboretum, and it did have a couple of unique shops – Con’ Olio and Savory Spice Shop. Yes, we do have oil and vinegar and spice shops in the Dallas area, but these two shops appeared to be a little different.
There was a short article about Con’ Olio in the November Texas Highways magazine. In this shop you will find a tasting bar for all the naturally infused oil and vinegars. When we were first offered a taste of the oils and vinegars, I thought do I really want to do this? But, Sweet Mother of Pearl, I did not know olive oils and balsamic vinegars could taste this delicious. Warning: If you taste them, you will want to buy them. 
The oils are imported from around the world and have distinctive flavors. The Chipotle Olive Oil has some heat to it. Doncha think it will be good when making Tex-Mex? I am going to try it.
This Organic Butter Olive Oil can be used in place of butter, and it is much healthier for you.
Many times when reading a recipe (especially from Ina Garten) she will mention to use the best balsamic vinegar you can find. Well, now I know what she means. The vinegars at Con’ Olio are imported from a single source in Modena, Italy (According to the article by Lori Moffatt in Texas Highways). They are made according to a trademark 1,000 year old process. Isn’t that interesting? They also have a long shelf life. In addition to the Aged Traditional Style Balsamic Vinegar, I bought little bottles of the Maple, Cranberry Pear, Chocolate, and Lavender. It will be an adventure to try them.
The shop also has gift items, jams, and mustards.
Next door to Con’ Olio is Savory Spice Shop. This is a chain, but the two shops in Austin are their only shops in Texas. Their spices are ground each week, and you only have to buy the quantity you need. That is good. Sometimes I hate buying a big jar that will take up room in my cabinet.
All of these are BBQ rubs. It would be hard to make a choice.
In both shops, the clerks could not have been nicer or more helpful. Makes shopping fun. See the dried corn? You can put it in salads, cornbread batter, soups or eat it as a snack. Ever-Lovin’ and I tried it in our soup, and it is good. I do want to add it to cornbread. I think I will like the texture.
Shopping at the Arboretum in Austin was fun. Thank you Super Sister.
Blessings to you and yours,
No, these are not paid endorsements. (Who would pay me??) I enjoyed these shops, and thought I would tell you about them. You can order online from both shops.
Love ya,