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| A view of the groves |
“Former Detroit auto industry worker becomes olive farmer”
Isn't that a headline for the ages? Lucky for visitors to the area, That's exactly what Perry Rea did. After a period of study in Italy, the Rea family (wife Brenda and four and a half kids - Brenda was expecting)
moved to Queen Creek (southeast Phoenix), planted olive trees and began their
own business eleven years ago. Now, Queen Creek Olive Mill is a thriving concern, selling three
grades of excellent quality olive oil, flavored oils, tapenades, and lots of
other goodies, including beauty products (Olivespa) as well as edibles.Olive oil lip balm, how do I love thee? Here in the desert, humidity is hard to come by – even in this fertile area, prunes not only grow on trees, but humans can turn into one with very little effort. The new line, created by one of the Rea kids, is fabulous.
Take the tour to find out how olive oil is made, the
processes, differences in quality (you may never go to Safeway again), and how
to really taste the stuff (hint: you warm it up before you swish it around). The Rea family has also published a pretty and practical take on Italian cooking with plenty of EVOO, of course.Then order at the counter and wander out to the front shaded area to enjoy a tasty, inexpensive Italian-inspired meal among the groves: lunch every day, dinner on weekends. The Estrella pizza is sublime, the warm olives a meal in themselves. Good-sized portions, casual atmosphere and…most European of all… no tipping unless you force it on the busboys. It’s no wonder the Olive Mill has grown over the years and remains a local favorite.
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| We tried to leave some food on the plates, but it wasn't easy |
Queen Creek Olive Mill
25062 S. Meridian Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-361-9860
https://www.queencreekolivemill.com/
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