Olive oil is one of the few foods the French aren't famous for — probably because they produce a relative thimbleful compared to the Italians and Spanish — and probably because much of the best French oil never leaves the continent.

        Frenchman Claude de Bardin and his American wife, Francesca, are trying to change that perception. Under their Les Moulins Dores label, the New York-based couple is importing only the best olive oils from sun-washed Provence region.

        Golden and green-hued, resplendent with luscious fruit flavors, the Les Moulin Dores extra-virgin oils are made from hand-picked olives without chemicals and preservatives. And all bear the highest Appellation d'Origine Controllee (AOC) designation by the French government.

        Fine American restaurants cook with Les Moulin Dores products, but the oils are best experienced as a simple condiment — drizzled over grilled fish, blanched haricot vert (string beans), cheese or crusty bread. In addition to olive oils, the de Bardins import pistachio, walnut and other nut oils, honey tarragon, truffle and other exotic vinegars.

        Les Moulin Dores products are available at Hyde Park Wine & Gourmet, Jungle Jim's Market in Fairfield, Dorothy Lane Market in Springboro and Dayton and from Amazon.com. The Olive oil retails for about $21.99 per 16.9 ounces.

— Chuck Martin

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