Foodstuffs are varied and numerous, so we are going to start with a few items and add to them as we go along. If you have any favorite brands, please let us know. In early times, oil was a source of unending wealth, and along with salt, has often been credited for the formation of the first cities. Irina and I are oil freaks. One of our favorite pastimes is to go to Williams Sonoma and taste the various oils and vinegars they have.
Olive oil is our favorite type, but truffle oil, sesame oil, and others are great, too.
Urbani White Truffle Oil is the best I've found, but Boscovivo White Truffle Flavored Olive Oil is much less expensive and does an adequate job when preparing red meats or some heavy sauces. I have tried many, and my favorite, bar none, is Aceto Balsamico Di Modena Fini. I have been able to find it only at Williams Sonoma. Of course Digital Chef offers many nice vinegars, too, but not the Fini. Spices Spices drove Marco Polo and the European Age of Discovery.