Nika’s Olive is Branson MO’s Go-To Gourmet Foodie Shop

A good olive oil is like a good wine: equal parts rich and subtle, complex and earthy and, most importantly, a key ingredient in a quality meal. Like good wine, good olive oil can be hard to find—especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Corey and Veronica Dearing are here to change that. The Dearings opened Nika’s Olive, a gourmet olive oil and foods shop, on the Branson Landing in May of 2018. Since then, Nika’s Olive has brought hard-to-find gastronomic goodies to Branson natives and visitors alike.

Veronica, a self-described “flavor geek,” is trained in traditional French cooking. After both of the couple’s children were diagnosed with severe food allergies, Veronica left the culinary field to work toward a doctorate degree in natural health. During her studies, Veronica was exposed to gourmet food with major health benefits—which is where olive oil came in. “Olive oil is extraordinarily high in antioxidants,” Veronica says. “Unfortunately, most of the olive oil we see in the grocery store has been overly processed.” 

Fast forward to the couple’s move to Branson in 2015, after which Veronica opened a location of national franchise The Spice & Tea Exchange on the Branson Landing. The Landing seemed like a natural fit when, a few years later, the Dearings decided to branch out into other gourmet food products.

DIY Oil and Vinegar Pairings

Chilean Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Nika’s Olive offers more than 20 varieties of single-estate olive oils, all of which are available for purchase online. This EVOO, sourced in Chile, offers big and bold tasting notes reminiscent of fresh-cut grass, green tomato leaf, dandelion greens and peppery arugula. Try it in your favorite salad dressing for a bright, zingy dash of flavor.

Wild Mushroom & Sage Olive Oil

This novelty oil contains a tasty, earthy combination of fresh, herbaceous sage combined with an array of wild mushrooms. Although the flavors are bold, it’s extremely versatile; try it on risotto or roasted potatoes, with your favorite kind of poultry or in holiday dishes like stuffing. Our recommendation? Throw it in a spray bottle and give your popcorn a few spritzes.

Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

Chocolate balsamic vinegar might sound a bit unorthodox, but hear us out: This rich, thick vinegar combines three different single origin chocolates for a deep, complex and unforgettable flavor. Try it drizzled on dessert like gelato or fresh berries, or mix it into your chicken mole sauce for a flavorful twist on a classic Mexican dish.