Venice Olive Oil Company

Experience the Essence

Written by Edie Hanson
Photographed by Albertine Ellinwood

Want to discover an easy way to enhance your cooking and take it up a notch? Mike Lamberto and his friendly staff at Venice Olive Oil Company can teach you a multitude of ways that cooks, whether they are beginners or more advanced, can use olive oils and balsamic vinegars to flavor an entire feast. You will be invited to taste and experience an assemblage of naturally flavored balsamic vinegars and a variety of 100% extra virgin olive and gourmet oils. These mixed combinations are sure to inspire your next savory meal, and tasting a “cocktail” using the Tuscan herb olive oil blended with raspberry balsamic vinegar will only tempt you to try some more. Not only are these oils amazingly flavorful, but they also are a healthy alternative to butter and heavy sauces.

Décor de France

Viva la France in Southwest Florida

Photographed by Albertine Ellinwood

Décor de France at St. Armands Circle just celebrated its tenth anniversary by relocating to a new location directly on the Circle. Owner Jeannie Carraway explained that she was excited about the opportunity to move directly to the Circle because of the increased foot traffic, both during the day and in the evenings. She now plans to stay open until 9 p.m. on select nights, at least during season. Meanwhile, she is finding plenty to keep her busy between overseeing the new store and her second location at Bay Street Village in Osprey, which she opened in 2009.

Two Stores where Everyone’s a Winner!

The new owners of the Fifi’s of Venice consignment stores, Russell and Roberta Pettigrove, bring a win-win attitude that flows from the consignor, to the customer, and back to the community. “We are truly a green business,” says Roberta, “since everything is being recycled in one way or another.” Each store offers women’s dresses, coats and jackets, pants, skirts, and cruise wear. Add shoes and handbags to your wardrobe from the Miami Avenue store, or shop for home interior furnishings and décor at the Venice Avenue Fifi’s, only one block away.

Stylish Apparel at a Modest Price

Something unique awaits shoppers at Sandy's Designer Clothing. Those seeking hard to find fashion items may have just entered the shop that has it. Sandy’s specializes in clothing made from natural fibers manufactured in the United States. Women who are hard to fit or need special sizes will delight in finding ranges from XS to XXXL.   

Excellence in Jewelry and Customer Satisfaction                      

Armel Jewelers is not just a store; it’s a destination for exquisite, fine jewelry, magnificent timepieces and unique glass artwork. Located in the Bay Street Village & Town Center on the corner of U.S. 41 and Bay Street in Osprey, adjacent to Shear Paradise and Décor de France, Armel has already celebrated their first successful year in their second establishment. Sharon Pegoraro, Store Manger, says the response has been excellent. "People love the store, its quaintness and the European feel." Upon your arrival, Sharon and her experienced staff will be delighted to show you their stunning selection of some of the world’s most elegant and unusual jewelry creations available.

In both the Bay Street Village store and the St. Armands store, which has been in business over 40 years, Armel offers excellence in value, merchandise, custom design and repair. They are an authorized Rolex dealer for sales and service. Jewelry repairs are done on the premises by Armel’s master jewelers, who boast 60-plus years of combined experience, and they work with the latest techniques, including laser.

Like a vase of colorful, fresh-cut roses tantalizes your senses, Lisa’s Classic Rose boutique entices you with its fresh selection of comfortable, casual clothing for your Florida lifestyle.

Lisa’s Classic Rose is conveniently located in the 300 block of Venice Avenue near the local post office and bank, with ample parking nearby. As you enter and proceed through the eclectic boutique, the attractive clothing and accessories unfold, like petals in a rose.

Originally from Michigan, owner Lisa Vander Wall spent 18 years in the airline industry. “I’ve traveled all over the world and have honed a sense for merchandise of good quality and value.” Lisa prides herself on her vast selections of merchandise and great prices. “I was raised as a bargain hunter. I take that approach with my shop, so I can pass great values on to my customers,” Lisa reveals. “Plus, I always have great sale racks!”