7 minute read
On the Circuit
Honoring Italian Heritage
Denver entrepreneur AJ Vezendy imports olive oil
by Tony Ricciardelli | photography by Lisa Crates
People cook for enjoyment, and people cook for relaxation. Some cook to stay healthy, and some cook to be creative. AJ Vezendy cooks for all these reasons. He knows that quality food equals well being. He seeks purity and freshness in the ingredients that go into culinary efforts, and he remains true to the family cookbook and the Italian culture passed from grandmother to mother to son. “I remember taking a Home Economics class in fifth grade, says Vezendy. “From that point, I became food conscious, learning recipes and cooking techniques from my mother and grandmother. I learned how to choose the best ingredients and how to preserve the authenticity of Pugliese cuisine.”
Vezendy has strong opinions about food habits and distinguishing the difference between available ingredients versus the best ingredients. “Food represents culture,” he says, “it’s important we educate ourselves on how our food is grown, harvested, and processed. The means vary, and the information we’re provided on labels is often unclear and misleading. My Italian family includes generations of food provisioners, exporters, and family-owned markets. Food has always been a mainstay in their livelihood.”
Vezendy had seen the Italian olive groves located in Gargano, a sub-region encompassing northern Puglia, and Vieste, the seaside home of his ancestors, where resident olive growers still bring their harvests to the local mill for pressing. He had witnessed the process first-hand during several trips to Vieste beginning when he was a boy. He knew very well the Olivieri Estate and the local olive variety known as Ogliarola Garganica, and he knew that the excellent olive oil produced in this region of Italy wasn’t exported to the United States. Consequently, in 2020, Vezendy contracted with Lino Olivieri, and started his olive oil import company, Mariella & Grace, in honor of his late mother, Maria Grazia.
Interestingly, Vezendy’s recent venture is a notable leap into fresh territory. He studied Materials Science and Polymer Engineering at Penn State, and he worked in the materials industry for more than two decades. “Twenty-three years is a long time to stay in one industry,” he says, “and you begin to wonder if there is anything else out there. About three years ago I left my job and started my own company, AVEE, LLC, where I offer consulting services and materials sourcing to manufacturers. The company keeps me solvent, while I watch where the olive oil business takes me.”
an olive oil expert
Vezendy has become an olive oil expert, offering insight into the legitimacy, the processing, and the packaging of olive oil. “For example: Many olive oil manufacturers and sellers use the phrase ‘cold first press’ to indicate a superior product. This is nothing more than an outdated marketing term. The term ‘Extra Virgin’ is a technical category indicating that the olive oil has been extracted in the absence of heat (below 27°C) as per international olive oil quality standards. Therefore, the term ‘cold first pressed’ is unnecessary if already labeled as ‘Extra Virgin.’”
According to Vezendy, “once picked, olives must be processed within hours by mechanical or other physical means under conditions, including thermal conditions, which prevent oxidation and alterations of the oil.” He emphasizes the best time to consume extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is right after it’s processed. “Look for a harvest date on the label and choose a harvest date that is as recent as possible. It’s good practice to consume EVOO within a few months after opening it. If you’re buying olive oil according to the ‘Best By’ date, that reasoning doesn’t apply. Without knowing the harvest date, the ‘Best By’ date is meaningless.” He describes his extra virgin olive oil as “full-bodied, buttery, with hints of pepper, almond, vanilla, and wild herbs.”
Vezendy hopes to visit Vieste every year for the fall olive harvest, to enjoy the beauty of a small town on the Adriatic Sea, and to spend time with family and friends.
For more on AJ Vezendy and his company Mariella & Grace, and to learn more about choosing quality olive oil, along with a recipe for Focaccia Barese, go to www.mariellaandgrace.com. Olive oil from the 2021/2022 harvest will be available in February. Pre-ordering is available on the web site.
A NEW YEAR!!!
Compiled by Bek Mitchell-Kidd
From hikes and live theatre to art shows and home shows, we’ve got the list to start your New Year off right by exploring all of the wonderful experiences the lake area has to offer.
ACTIVE
The 22nd Annual Polar Bear Metric Century Ride (Jan. 8) Ride 50k or 100k during the return of the Rocky River Road Club tradition that benefits Ada Jenkins Community Center. 10 a.m. $30 per person with pre-registration (minors ride free with parent). Ingersoll Rand Campus, Davidson. www.rockyriverroadclub.org
Davidson College Basketball Men vs UMASS (Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.)
Women vs Dayton, (Jan. 30, 1 p.m.) John Belk Arena, 200 Baker Drive, Davidson. Ticket prices vary. View the full schedule: www. davidsonwildcats.com
Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge Hike (Jan. 27) Take advantage of this unique chance to hike the sunny prairie crossings and trails that are not open to the public. Expect to trek through the woods on moderately difficult terrain with some rocks and patches of tall grass. Bring comfortable hiking shoes you trust to get you through approximately three miles in two hours. Ages 11+. Free. 2 – 4 p.m. Register at www. mecknc.gov/ParkandRec
ARTS + LEARNING
Baby Sign & Sign Storytime (Jan. 3) Engage your little one with new sights and sounds through books, songs, signs and rhymes. Parents/ guardians will learn sign language to use with stories and songs to enhance your child’s communication skills. Free 10 a.m. Online event by the Mountain Island Library. Zoom registration required 24 hours prior. www.cmlibrary.org
Fibers & Frames (Through Jan. 22) A multi-disciplinary exhibition featuring a husband-and-wife team. Terry and Sue Ruhs combine his love of painting with her passion for quilting for an unforgettable art experience. Mon,-Thurs. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. from 9 a.m.noon. 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. www.cainarts.org sound of black as a conceptual entry point into conversations about identity, race, and masculinity. His paintings, large-scale blacklight sculptures, and video installations draw inspiration from history, popular culture, and daily, personal meditations. Van Every Smith Gallery, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson. Check website to confirm winter hours: www.davidsoncollegeartgalleries.org
The Bluegrass Jam (Jan. 12) Featuring an all-star cast of pickers from the Lake Norman region and hosted by the talented BK Keedy. All pickers are welcome to join in on the fun so bring your instrument. Free. 7-9:30 p.m. Old Town Public House, 21314 Catawba Ave Cornelius. www.drinklivemusic.com
Greater Charlotte Home + Landscape Show (Jan. 28 – 30) Find the latest products and services for your home and landscape: builders, remodelers, contractors, building materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage solutions, all kinds of plants, landscape displays, kitchenware, home accessories and so much more. Adults: $9. 12 and younger: free. Ticket discount online. Fri. 2-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 NC-49, Concord. www.charlottehomeandlandscapeshow.com
THEATRE
Frozen JR. (Jan. 28 - 30) Enjoy this tale of true love and acceptance between sisters. When faced with danger, Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Fri and Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 3 p.m. See website for ticket prices. The Green Room Community Theatre, 10 S. Main Avenue, Newton, www. thegreenroomtheatre.org
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Jan. 28-Feb. 6) This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life. Presented by The Connie Company. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson, See website for show times and ticket prices.www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org
