When the pandemic hit in 2020, jobs vanished, and industries were turned upside down almost overnight. But for some, like Damain Primis, the upheaval became a chance to take a leap and try something new.
A classically trained musician with degrees from Juilliard, Primis is a bassoonist who has performed on Broadway and in concert halls worldwide. When the pandemic halted shows and tours, he pursued another passion: the cuisine of his Greek heritage. With frequent visits and roots in the country and relationships with olive growers around the Mediterranean and South America, he began importing extra virgin olive oils and then creating his own blends. In 2022 he launched Primis Imports.
Now the New York company sells a curated selection of extra-virgin oils and well-sourced pantry items, such as delicate, crunchy sea salt flakes harvested from the protected lagoons of Missolonghi, Greece, and two unique honeys from the islands of Thasos and Milos.
For the olive oils, the company offers a half-dozen, including its standout Everyday Cuvée. Made from early-harvest — or unripe — green olives, the oil has a greenish-gold hue, an appealing fresh, grassy aroma, and a bold, peppery bite that lingers. Blended from olives grown in Chile and Peru, you’ll want to use it simply to dip crusty bread to really appreciate the tastes, or to drizzle over vegetables.
Another, is Pizza Oil, an extra-virgin olive oil infused with cayenne and herbs that delivers a warmth that builds in the back of your throat. It’s perfect for, obviously, drizzling on a slice to add heat, tossing with pasta, or to spice up any dish.
Playful, whimsical labels with olives dancing in red, shiny boots and a booted and a hatted slice of pizza kicking up its heel only add to the charm. (Everyday Cuvée is $25 for 16.9 ounces: Pizza Oil, $25 for 8.5 ounces; Greek Sea Salt Flakes, $10 for 8 ounces; Pine Honey, $19, Thyme & Herb Honey, $22, both 10.6 ounces). The lineup is available at primisimports.com.
Ann Trieger Kurland can be reached at anntrieger@gmail.com.
