traditional balsamic vinegar adds a flair to gourmet cooking. A gourmet kitchen without balsamic vinegar is minus a wonderful flavor. Less than twenty years ago, balsamic vinegar was nearly an unnoticeable Tuscany accoutrement. Now, gourmet chefs use it more and more. A couple of drops of the very best balsamic on ripe strawberries, pears, or other fruit is the traditional combination to end a meal.