by Maria Isabella, Interview by Vicki Todd-Smith
Candice Berthold is a
degreed microbiologist by education…a sales and marketing professional by
experience… and an entrepreneur by choice. Not
to mention she’s also currently pursuing certification as a health and wellness
coach. How did she end up where she is today? “I followed my passion,” explains
Candice. “It certainly wasn’t planned!”
Candice opened her first Mediterranean retail store,
playfully called The Olive and the Grape, in Mentor in 2005. She has grown that
concept to now include two more locations: one at the West Side Market and one in
Cleveland’s Kamm’s Corners neighborhood on the West Side. Not only has she
found success through growth, she’s also been recognized for her quality
products (winning the “Best Sea Salts of Cleveland” award from Cleveland magazine in 2010, for example).
Prior to entering the retail world, Candice taught wine
sensory classes and hosted a radio show on wine — which is a credit to all that her mother and maternal
grandmother taught her. “They were wonderful mentors to me,” says Candice,
“both as great cooks and awesome hostesses. I got my flair for entertaining
from them.”
When asked to describe her perfect meal, she quickly
responds, “There is no perfect meal. There are countless enjoyable meals. I
like variety. In fact, people know me for preparing healthy yet delicious
food.”
Candice was first introduced to LDEI through an invitation
to be a guest speaker at a meeting in May 2010. She gave a presentation on sea
salts and was so impressed that two months later she applied for membership. Today,
Candice serves as chapter vice president.
What does she enjoy most about being
a member? Her fellow Dames and the
opportunity to expand her knowledge.
Learn more about Candice as she shares some fun and
interesting insights about herself.
Of all the
places you’ve traveled, where did you have the best food? I have enjoyed
many excellent meals while traveling. My recent favorites, though, are in
California. Everything tastes so fresh! And, of course, the wine is also
excellent. Which reminds me of my recent trip to Chateau Montelana in Napa
Valley. This was the winery that won the Chardonnay competition in the legendary
Judgment of Paris tasting. I joined their wine club and now have two bottles
sent to me every three months, plus I have options on their reserves as well!
What is your
favorite cookbook? I generally don’t follow recipes. I like to be creative. But my favorite kitchen books that provide
me with both knowledge and creativity include Italian Cooking Encyclopedia, Cooking
with the Bible: Recipes for Biblical Meals, The Flavor Bible, and Molecular
Gastronomy.
What’s your
favorite comfort food? Linguini with Sardinian or Sicilian olive oil,
herbs, fresh tomato, fresh spinach, and good Parmesan cheese.
Any favorite
indulgences? Red wine and dark chocolate.
What’s your
favorite snack? Sardinian music bread and wine, or homemade hummus and pita
chips.
What’s your favorite
dessert to prepare? I like all types of desserts. My current favorite is
angel food or pound cake with a chocolate raspberry filling, drizzled with red
raspberry (or chocolate) balsamic vinegar, garnished with fresh raspberries,
and dusted with cocoa and powdered sugar.
What’s the
biggest cooking mistake you’ve ever made? I once dropped a whole serving
platter of Chicken Divan right as my guests were arriving! Luckily I had plenty
of “extras” in the fridge. I extended the appetizers to a lengthy hour while I
prepared a second batch of Chicken Divan.
What’s one
ingredient you can’t live without? Premium olive oil. And good aged
balsamic vinegar, too.
Name 3 kitchen
gadgets you can’t live without. Silicon spatula, microplane zester, and
garlic press.
What would
people be surprised to find in your kitchen? At least 8 bottles of opened
olive oil (all from different countries). But then again, if you knew my
business, that wouldn’t be a surprise at all.
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