Black Friday shopping and olive soaps

Friday is the holiest of all American holidays: Black Friday. If you’re committed to putting your cheek to fellow-bargain-shopper jowl on this crowded day, at least go to local stores. And if you’re shopping for cooking supplies and sundry, head to Melissa Guerra at the Pearl Brewery (200 E Grayson, Ste 122). The Pearl is offering holiday specials starting Friday, offering discounts and gift packages at Melissa Guerra, Twig Book Shop, Adelante Boutique, and other stores in the former brewery.

If you’d rather escape town during this frenzied holiday weekend, San Oaks Olive Orchard in Elmendorf has a tour and soup special on Saturday. On these Souper Saturdays, you’ll get a tour of the olive orchard and a lunch of savory soups for $10. This Saturday they’re serving Portuguese caldo verde and green chili corn chowder. No reservations are required. Lunch is anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Surely someone on your list would appreciate olives for the holidays. Also available in the gift shop: olive leaf jelly ($7), oil leaf tea ($8), or — for the more adventurous — olive leaf tea and oak moss soap ($6.50).