20 Mar 08 Vinegar, but not just any old vinegar

Yes, Vinegar. Not any old vinegar though. Balsamic Vinegar no less.

The real stuff only comes from two places – the Reggio Emilia region of Italy, and Modena. Same place as Parmesan cheese.

It’s quite expensive compared to regular vinegar, I hear you ask.

Yes it is a tad more expensive.

There’s Fattoria Estense, which is an 8 year old variety, and comes in a $9.95 for a bottle at surlatable.com

Then there’s the twelve year old version which is great used on top of grilled vegetables and fish, and is $35.95 a bottle, also at surlatable.com

If you’re looking to splash out (although I don’t think you’d want to be splashing this around with abandon), try Acetaia Malpighi Extra Vecchio 25 Year. It has the consistency of engine oil, and a dash in a bloody mary will give it a wonderful and different taste. Find it at williams-sonoma.com at $175