Owners Debby Glasgow and Phil Brooks aren’t new to the olive oil business. They opened the We Olive in Belmont Shore in January 2009 and now are happy to have opened one of the first We Olive & Wine Bars at the OC Mix in 2014.

They offer complementary olive oil tasting, American craft beer, wine by the glass,half glass or create your own wine flights. They strive to bring you small artisan olive oil producers from California and feature small boutique wines as well. You will enjoy complimentary olive oil and balsamic with your glass of wine or order one of our delicious tapas plate featuring some of their wonderful gourmet foods.

Here, Phil shares some of his favorite things about We Olive & Wine Bar at the Mix.

 

Q&A with Phil

Q. What is your favorite thing about owning a We Olive?

A. I love interacting with the customers about wine, food, olive oil and gourmet foods. It fulfills my passion for finding small boutique growers and vineyards and introducing them to our customers. Deb adds: Phil is known for getting his customers to relax, laugh, and have a good time! Check out our yelp reviews here.

Q. What are your bestsellers and personal favorites?

A. Our bestsellers are any We Olive bulk oils and vinegars – they definitely have a loyal following! In the wine bar our guests love our Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, our craft beer selection, and our artisan cheese plate. Personally, my favorites are either the We Olive Jalapeno Olive Oil or the most robust olive oil I can find. To drink, the North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner we have on draft is my go-to beer.

Q. What is your favorite recipe or tip to share? Have you received any ideas from your guests in return?

A. Keep it simple, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Cooking is fun, use your imagination and get out of the recipe box. One of our guests told me that when using stainless steel cookware, heat the pan first before adding your olive oil. It’s a great way to get your veggies brown and a crust on your meat or poultry, plus a hot pan keeps things from sticking. For more ideas about our products and recipes, visit our Blog page.

Q. What makes your Costa Mesa store unique?

A. Our location in the OC Mix. There are 32 other small boutique stores and a handful of them geared toward foodies, from the spice shop to the cheese shop and one of the best coffee stores in the OC. The OC Mix has a great ambiance for gathering friends and families and something for all ages. We also have live music on Friday nights and a farmer’s market just outside in the parking lot on Saturdays from 9am-2pm. Happy hour is from 4-6 Mon-Fri and 11-2 on Sundays; $2 off a glass of wine, $1 off beers. We offer a small bites menu and allow outside food from any of our neighboring restaurants. The first Tuesday of each month is our 5-5-5 pairing where we serve a taste of 5 wines, cheeses, and olive oils for just $30. To learn more about our 5-5-5 pairing and all of our special events, visit our Events page.

 

If you’re visiting Costa Mesa, find out more about our neighborhood and the OC Mix here.