Foodie Box Love - Chef Companion Box for May 2025

May 2025 - Chefs Companion

The Olive Table

History

Dianne Hinaris founded The Olive Table in 2011 after she and her husband started sharing his family’s extra virgin olive oil with friends.  It was only then that they began to realize how many people had never tasted pure, fresh extra virgin olive oil.  For many years Dianne’s mother-in-law in Greece sent her 20-liter tins of oil from the family farm.  At one point they had more oil than could possibly be consume, so they started giving it to friends or bringing it as a gift when invited for dinner.  The response to the oil was unanimous:  “You should be selling this oil.”  And that’s how it all started…

The Olive Table - Organic EVOO

Imported from Greece

In mid-2012 The Olive Table launched its first product – Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil  – imported directly from our family’s groves in Kyparissia, Greece.  The company is based in Woodstock, Vermont, so we initially started selling to small specialty/gourmet shops primarily in Vermont and New Hampshire.  The olive oil proved so popular, they quickly found themselves exploring new products and markets.

Organic Oil Suppliers in the Family

In 2013 they expanded The Olive Table’s product line with the addition of single estate Organic Early Harvest EVOO and four varieties of Greek honey.  Their supplier for the organic oil is a cousin,  Spyros Kotsovolos, who works exclusively with The Olive Table to bring his oil to the United States.  Spyros is proud of the oil he produces, which is acknowledged as among the best in Messenia, and wants the recognition that large buyers and farm co-ops can’t provide.  The honey is sourced from father and son beekeepers whose family has practiced the art of beekeeping for generations.  They continue to pass the knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next. The Gionis family is so concerned with not disturbing their bees and affecting their honey production that they refuse to wear protection clothing.  They believe this results in the beekeeper being more careful when handling the hives.  They spend much of the year relocating their hives all over Greece to find the densest concentrations of one type of tree or flower, which results in honey with the purest flavor.

Organic EVOO Description

A medium intensity Early Harvest Single Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the mountain village of Christianoupolis in Messenia, Greece, this oil has a perfectly balanced complexity:  fruity with a slight bitterness and a lingering peppery finish.  Early harvest oil, pressed from olives harvested before they are fully ripe, is especially rich in antioxidants and poly-phenols due to the higher level of chlorophyll in the olives.   Cold extracted and unfiltered, this oil features the rich flavor, vivid color and low acidity associated with the Koroneiki olive. USDA Certified Organic.

Enhanced Flavor & Aroma

Because the oil is unfiltered,  it may appear slightly cloudy or there may be sediment at the bottom of the bottle.  This is due to the small bits of olive pulp present in the oil, which only serve to enhance its flavor and aroma.

 

The Truffleist

The Truffleist creates artfully handcrafted truffle products at our headquarters in Long Island City, Queens. We offer the highest quality products, developed from masterfully curated truffle ingredients, allowing customers to create and enjoy exceptional and enticing dishes.

NYC Flavor Influences

Truffleist founder, Jimmy Kunz, was fortunate enough to explore a medley of culinary

The Truffleist - Truffle Salt

experiences at a young age. Growing up in New York City, Jimmy earned an early appreciation of delicious, cravable dishes made up of the pristine classics and humble, culturally diverse cuisines his hometown has to offer. These food moments and memories imprinted on Jimmy, and motivated his commitment to creating remarkable experiences with those around him, communing through the sharing of mind-blowing food. Jimmy began making truffle butter as a holiday gift for friends and family before he was inspired to take his passion to the next level by officially becoming The Truffleist. Like a modern-day version of the street cart vendors who walked a young New York City, Jimmy started out hand-delivering the product to his early customers, personally navigating the City streets by Vespa. 

They are honored to be featured in the dishes of some of New York’s most visionary and celebrated chefs and we think you will love using it your own kitchen!

 

Morelli Pasta

Morelli Egg Pasta

Morelli has been creating gourmet Italian pasta in Tuscany since 1860 and is a family-run company with the 5th generation currently preserving the traditions their ancestors put into place. They utilize an artisanal method of reincorporating wheat germ into semolina to create their pasta with a unique taste and the aroma of wheat. Their pasta also has a high level of Vitamin A and D due to their unusual ingredients.

After years of using wheat germ, Morelli has managed to create pasta with its extraordinary, unmistakable flavor. An intense wheat aroma is released during cooking and the water turns slightly green because of the presence of fresh wheat germ. …it is different …it tastes good even when served with just a trickle of oil.  Morelli’s pasta is something else!

 

Jule’s

New Jersey Roots

If you grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey during the 60's, 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s, there’s a good chance you went to Jule’s restaurant on Westside Ave, where the co-founders father served up more dinners than anyone can count. This Italian American institution was a family owned and operated “red sauce joint” known for all the classics – towering lasagna, spaghetti & meatballs, and of course, chicken parm.

Red Sauce Perfection

If you weren’t lucky enough to have eaten at Jule's Restaurant, don’t fret, you can now

Jule's Spicy Red Tomato Sauce

experience the “red sauce perfection” in this month’s Pasta Lovers box. Laura & John Vitelli channel their father’s recipe into each and every jar of Jule's Tomato Sauce; simmering premium ingredients in small batches for a taste that’s just like homemade.

Punch up your pasta dishes, liven up chicken parmigiana; use Jule's Tomato Sauce for homemade pizza, soups, casseroles, shakshouka, or as a chili base. Like homemade in a jar, the possibilities are endless—and always delicious.

Classic Spicy Tomato Sauce

The Classic Spicy tomato sauce tastes like it's homemade and has just the right amount of heat. Made with a special mix of red pepper flakes, it's a spicy twist on our wildly popular Classic Red sauce. Ready to use and full of bold tomato flavor, our arrabbiata sauce is the perfect addition to any meal. Classic Spicy tomato sauce is a must-try for those that like and added kick. 

We love it for its clean label, no added sugar, Non GMO, vegan, gluten free and dairy free, it’s a classic for ALL.

Jule's Tomato Sauce and Family dinner night

 

Di Bruno Brothers

A Taste of Tradition, A Passion for the Extraordinary

Di Bruno Brothers Parmesan and Pecorino Crostini.

Di Bruno Brothers opened their doors in 1939 in Philadelphia - and have encouraged guests to explore new cheeses and specialty foods they otherwise wouldn't see in a common grocery store.

Today, they are a 4th-generation family operated business and have become an integral part of Philadelphia's culinary history, expanding from its humble beginnings in the Italian Market to multiple locations in and around Philadelphia area.  

The Flavor Experience

For the lovers, the loyalists, and all those out there that can't think of anything else...but in cheese! We've found your match, your partner in cheese, and your one and only. I introduce you to the exquisite Parmesan & Pecorino Crostini.

 

Hellenic Farms

Premier Greek Importer

Hellenic Farms is a USA premier importer and supplier of Hellenic products of excellence. They work directly with a network of artisan producers and suppliers, to source the finest quality food products from all over Greece. Hellenic Farms has built a Catalog of Products that showcase the very best of Greece. Their aim is not only to bring local expertise of Greek premium products to a wider audience, but to educate customers on the health benefits of the Greek products and Grecian Gastronomy!

Helenic Farms Sweet Red Pepper and Graviera Cheese Spread

About the Founder Vivianna Karamanis

Vivianna Karamanis comes from a lineage of foodies: her paternal grandfather owned the only bodega in the village of Armolia, Xios, where surrounding villagers would come to shop. Her maternal grandparents were and still are Mastic farmers, a unique natural resin that only grows on the island of Xios. Vivianna always knew that really good, all-natural, traditional food existed in Greece, after all it is where democracy, philosophy, and the Olympics began!

Bringing Greece to the USA

The journey into all things Greek began when she decided to leave a hectic life in New York City and follow her heart to Greece. Vivianna has always found it challenging to find great Greek foods at the local grocer, so in 2013, she decided to make it her mission to reintroduce the American table to Hellenic products of excellence!

Sweet Red Pepper and Graviera Cheese Spread

A spread of sweet red roasted peppers w/ PDO Cretan graviera cheese made from sheep & goat’s milk, with capers, herbs & spices in Greek extra virgin olive oil.  Unique & amazing taste!  Enjoy this delicious & unique spread as part of your healthy Mediterranean diet.

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