Old World Imports, a specialty gift shop and first of its kind in Northwest Arkansas, is owned by entrepreneurs with vision.
With their vision to bring fresh, natural, organic, artisan olive oil to Northwest Arkansas, Dave Beatty and Krista Steele opened their shop on North College Avenue in summer 2014.
Old World Imports recently moved into shared space with Ease Arts Pottery. Walmart's new Neighborhood Market will open soon next door, which is expected to introduce the shop to new customers and bring foot traffic.
Old World Imports opened with the intention of providing high-quality extra virgin olive oil and pure balsamic vinegar to Northwest Arkansas. The selections at Old World Imports expand well beyond the pure varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The founding flavors, including the house balsamic, are still staples and top sellers at the shop. Pure balsamic vinegar is offered in white and dark, and the vinegars are rated by stars for the level of sweetness and viscosity, with four stars being most acidic and 25 stars being the sweetest. The balsamic vinegars have no artificial flavors, preservatives, corn syrup or caramel color.
The white balsamic vinegar can be used as a base for any of the edible-grade, flavored essential oils, co-owner Dave Beatty said. Edible flavors include lemon, wild orange, grapefruit, oregano, rosemary and lavender. One to four drops of essential oil will flavor a small bottle of 25 star white balsamic vinegar.
The selection at Old World Imports evolves constantly. There is special attention paid to seasonal cooking and dietary trends. The orders for the shop reflects the customer's demand to provide "more flavors, all the time," according to Beatty.
Sampling is part of the shopping experience at Old World Imports. The olive oils are balsamics are "try before you buy," with bottles available for sampling.
The owners of Old World Imports work adapt their product lines and offerings in store to customers' needs. Recently added items include Randy's Local Free Range duck and chicken eggs; Gina's Salsa and local oak, hickory or cedar firewood sold by the bundle or by the rick.
Gift baskets are also available and are priced accordingly as they are typically custom-made with hand-selected products.
Old World Imports is also a featured stop on the Hogshead Tours, which highlights breweries, wineries and local-cuisine hot spots in Northwest Arkansas.
The shop is available for private, after-hour tasting parties where guests can have an intimate atmosphere for a tasting experience. More information is available by calling (479) 445-6844.
NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 01/08/2016