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MY 24 HOURS IN NEWPORT

BRIAN DIRK , OWNER OF AWARD-WINNING OLIVE OIL COMPANY PASOLIVO , OFFERS INSIGHT ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF MAKING LIQUID GOLD AND SHARES HIS FAVORITE PLACES IN TOWN .
BY SHARON STELLO

When visiting some Central Coast wineries over a decade ago , Newport Beach resident Brian Dirk began to mull the idea of investing in some form of agriculture . After doing a bit of research , Dirk and his family found an orchard for sale in Paso Robles , California , and decided to dive into the olive oil business .

The company , which the Dirks purchased in 2012 , has required a significant amount of work , but the payoff has been great : Pasolivo has won many awards for its extravirgin olive oils , including five — four golds and a silver — at this year ’ s NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition , the industry ’ s largest and most prestigious contest . Overall , in 2022 , Pasolivo has garnered a Best in Show , Best in Class and 11 gold medals at various competitions .
Dirk says he believes Pasolivo stands out because the brand ’ s primary focus is quality in all aspects of the business . “ We pick and process our 12 varieties of olives separately , giving us the opportunity to blend and produce the highest-quality olive oil possible ,” he says . “ Pasolivo is one of the United States ’ top award winners in international olive oil competitions . We also are one of the few producers in California that allow customers to visit our ranch and watch our process at harvest time .
“… We welcome visitors seven days a week at both of our Paso Robles locations —[ at the ranch and downtown ]— for tastings . We also offer tours of our milling process at the ranch during harvest . Regardless of which location you visit , and what time of year , our associates can definitely walk you through the entire process of how our oil is made .”
The 45-acre orchard features 7,000 sustainably grown olive trees . Harvested by hand each fall , the olives are milled , cold-pressed and bottled in small batches on-site to ensure freshness . For the flavored oils , the company
Pasolivo ’ s olives are harvested by hand each fall .
co-mills the olives with real fruits and herbs for a bold taste without any artificial flavorings or preservatives .
Notably , Pasolivo makes more than just olive oil , also creating vinegars , artisanal foods , and bath and body products . “ Our Sparkling Citrus vinegar is extremely popular , especially for summertime salads ,” Dirk says . “ The truffle salt is a standout and staple in the kitchen . Our lotions , soaps and body butters are all popular . … Pick your favorite scent and enjoy .”
A Newport Beach resident for more than 30 years , Brian Dirk is originally from Stillwater , Minnesota , but a business acquisition brought him to Orange County . In addition to Pasolivo , he is also president of the Troy Group in Costa Mesa , which focuses on print and digital check and document security options . While he also has a home in Irvine , Dirk spends most of his time in Newport .
“ I like that it is clean , there is access to great restaurants and shopping , and you are close to the water ,” he says .
To help get the Pasolivo brand in the hands of more Newport residents , Dirk says the company may be opening a store in town next year . Until then , it can be ordered online at pasolivo . com .
ISLAND ; COURTESY OF KÉAN COFFEE ; KEITH V / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
TOP ROW : COURTESY OF PASOLIVO ; BOTTOM , FROM LEFT : DYLAN + JENI ; COURTESY OF FASHION
Marché Moderne Fashion Island Kéan Coffee The Wedge
DELECTABLE DINING
For meals that can ’ t miss , Dirk ’ s go-to place is French restaurant MARCHÉ MODERNE in Crystal Cove Shopping Center . “ I frequent Marché Moderne every couple of weeks because the food is fabulous ,” Dirk says .
OPEN-AIR BROWSING
When Dirk needs to get some shopping done , he heads to FASHION ISLAND . “[ This ] outdoor mall … allows me to enjoy the beautiful weather Newport has to offer ,” he says .
CAFFEINE BOOST
For a pick-me-up , Dirk ’ s go-to place is KÉAN COFFEE . “[ It ’ s a ] small , award-winning and family-owned — like Pasolivo — coffeehouse that roasts onsite ,” he says . “ My favorite drink is the Caffé Napoli .”
BIG-WAVE WATCHING
To get a close-up view of action on the water , Dirk stakes out a spot at THE WEDGE . “ This is a great location to watch extreme body boarding ,” he says . NBM
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