Updated: 12/11 – 2nd store.
I happened to walk past Benessere yesterday, but I could only take a quick peek, because I had the dog with me. Though the store has been open a month, I never heard about it, so I sent a friend in today to check it out and take some pictures.
Benessesre is located downtown at 907 SW 9th Ave. They specialize in a large selection of olive oils and various vinegars. For such a narrow range of products, the store is quite large, and has a nice warm feel.
The first section is a large amount “flavored” olive oils in metal European containers, with little spouts for filling the tasting cups or bottles. I’m not big on flavored oils and would rather make them myself, but I am told the samples my spy tried are pretty good. Towards the back you get to an area of pure, unflavored oils.
Each of the oils is accompanied by a sign detailing it’s origins, characteristics and the prices, which are quite reasonable. The staff is very knowledgeable about each product and are able to steer you towards an oil that matches your needs. The little sampling cups are self-server, so you can explore the options at your own pace.
In addition to the oils, they have a selection of vinegars, from the standard cooking types, to different balsamics.
I tried to find a website, or even a phone number to get the store hours, but was unsuccessful. If anyone has this information, drop me a note and I’ll add it to this post.
Two stores:
- Downtown: open daily, 10:00-6:00 Sunday, 10:00-7:00 Monday through Friday, 9:00-7:00 Saturday.
- 907 S.W. 9th Ave. | Portland, OR 97205 | Phone (503) 206-5317
- Website: oilgoodness.com
- Broadway: Open daily – 11:00-7:00 Sunday, 11:00-7:00 Monday through Saturday.
- 1428 NE Broadway St. | Portland, OR 97232 | Phone (503) 281-6389
lilta says
I stumbled in today and had a great experience chatting and tasting with Leland, the owner. Left with bottles of a very clean-finishing Arbosana of Tarragona olive oil (Spanish), a wonderfully toasty French Walnut oil, and a zesty and not-too-cloyingly-sweet Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar. Leland recommends a teaspoon of the strawberry balsamic in fizzy water – sounds delightful, and not so foreign if you’ve been drinking at PokPok/Ping/etc. lately. I got the three bottles for under $40, so while not inexpensive, it’s not exorbitant either. Phone number (from the card) is 503-206-5317.
Alex says
I work just a few blocks from here and though I have not been in one of my co-workers has and was very pleased with the amazing oil she purchased. Later upon trying to market the place to her friends and family with an impromptu visit, found no website or phone number to contact anyone there. When she found the number the person on the other end simply answered, “Hello.”
I sincerely hope that this cool niche business succeeds, but to do so they need to have marketing to get people to their quiet storefront (yes, they are right off a very busy park, next to a very busy Starbucks, but it took me 3 weeks to hear about them an I work yards away!), a web presence wouldn’t hurt, and most importantly answer the phone like a business.
Stumptown Savoury says
Benessere is open every day, but I don’t remember the precise hours. I host classes and directed tastings there on First Thursday at 6pm, Free! The August tasting will focus on Balsamic Vinegars. For store hours or to let them know you’ll be attending the First Thursday tasting, call 503.206.5317.
Chelea says
There is a website http://benessereoil.com/ it is a bit under construction still.
907 S.W. 9th Ave. Portland, OR 97205
(503) 206-5317
Open seven days
10:30-5:30 Monday through Saturday,
11:00 to 4:00 on Sunday.
I went to the store yesterday for the first time and am very excited about the Balsamic Vinegars. They are great on salad. I purchased the White Peach and an olive oil.
Kim says
http://benessereoil.com/
devlyn says
This is a little late, but I had a great time tasting the traditional olive oils and balsamic vinegars there. I’ll definitely be testing out their walnut oil, etc. We’ll actually be doing a live tasting on my show today with donated samples. I’m totally excited. ^_^
Lenna says
Try this website: http://www.shop.oilgoodness.com/