I stumbled across a store in Bethesda, MD called Secolari Artisan Oils & Vinegars a few weeks ago.  They have an incredible assortment of Olive Oils, Vinegars, and Pastas many with unique flavor combinations.

Their website is not functional yet, but here is the link:  http://secolarievoo.com/

I tasted through most everything in the store and found several things I liked, including a vinegar called Pacific Spice.  It is sweet and spicy with a very unique flavor.  The tag in the store says it contains Kiwi and Chili Pepper with Ginger, Citrus and “Secret Spices”.  I used it mixed with some Greek Olive Oil to dress some Arugula and it was very good, but I thought it had potential as an ingredient in a dish.

I had a piece of Rockfish that I was going to grill for dinner and I wanted a side dish to go along with it, but it needed to be something I could use this Pacific Spice Vinegar in.  So I made this Tomato and Bean dish…

• 2 cans Cannellini Beans drained
• 1 package small Grape Tomatoes cut into chunks (mine were a mix of yellow and red)
• 1 medium Vidalia Onion chopped
• 5 cloves of Garlic chopped fine
• 12 Basil leaves roughly chopped
• 4 Tablespoons Pacific Spice Vinegar (could substitute Tarragon Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar)
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

In a large, oven-proof pan, I added the Olive Oil and set the heat to medium-high.  When the oil was hot, I added the onions and cooked, stirring frequently until they were translucent.

Next I added the garlic and cooked it, stirring to keep it from burning for about 3 minutes.  I added the Cannellini Beans and mixed them together with the onions and garlic.

I heated this mixture for about 5 minutes to cook off some of the bean liquid.  Next I added the Tomatoes and mixed them gently into the bean mixture.  I let that cook down for about 3 minutes, then added the Basil leaves.

I heated this mixture for another 3 minutes, then added 2 Tablespoons of the Pacific Spice Vinegar.  I pulled the pan off of the burner and put it into a preheated oven set at 400 degrees.  I left the pan in the over for about 6 minutes or until the mixture dried out a little, then removed it from the oven (careful it will be hot).  I poured in the remaining 2 Tablespoons of vinegar and stirred it in.  I let the mixture sit for a good 5 minutes before transferring it to a bowl.

This normal bean and tomato mixture really came to life with the vinegar.  It had a little heat, it had a little sweetness and it was just really good.  We ate every drop of it.  And it was really good with a simple grilled rockfish filet.

Since you may not find Pacific Spice Vinegar unless you live in Maryland, you might try Tarragon Vinegar, it seems like it would be a good substitute.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Tim