New goodies for foodies

Shorewood Shopping Center, on the west side of Madison, has scored two new shops that cement the re-invigorated shopping center’s reputation as a primary destination for anyone with a discriminating palate and/or love for quality cookware and kitchen gadgetry.
They are Wisconsin Cutlery & Kitchen Supply, 3236B University Ave., and Vom Fass, located next door. Coupled with Penzey’s Spices a couple of storefronts away, Shorewood Shopping Center is rapidly becoming a very interesting place to browse for products that enhance the “Slow Food” movement and are not readily available elsewhere in the city.
Or, in the case of Vom Fass, not yet available elsewhere in the United States.
Vom Fass is a German-based franchise that sells artisan-produced olive oils, vinegars, liqueurs, wines and other spirits, including single-malt scotches straight from casks. The object is to sample and then take home selected products that are freshly decanted into bottles of various shapes and sizes. Some are especially designed for gift giving.
The array of specialty oils — pumpkin seed to evening primrose — coupled with flavorful balsamic vinegars — raspberry, currant and apple to name just three — make for interesting tastings. Employees are there to assist beginners, and recipes and suggestions are offered through www.vomfassusa.com.
The store is owned and operated by Justin Gibson and his father, David. As a student studying abroad, Justin became a huge fan of Vom Fass, which is readily available in many European cities.
Justin introduced Vom Fass to his father, who formerly worked in community economic development for the University of Wisconsin-Extension. A couple of years ago, the two went to work figuring out how to franchise the company in the United States, since liquor laws are so much different here than they are in other countries.
In December, Vom Fass was launched in Madison, a primary spot for the first one, according to David Gibson, because “Madison offers a very sophisticated, discriminating clientele” for such a concept. The Gibsons hold the master Vom Fass franchise for the United States, which will enable them to open more stores and work with others interested in doing the same.

Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Call (608) 204-0300 for information.