We just happened on this charming Italian restaurant on our way to another one only a block away. It was the perfect respite after a day in traffic.
At the door we were greeted by the owner, seated, and then well cared for by an efficient and experienced waiter. The house Chianti was wonderful, the olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the table for dipping our bread , superb. And the bread was a perfect, chewy, Italian loaf, served with wonderful olives. We were in heaven and we hadn't even had our entrees yet!
Randy, of course, order the gnocchi , (his very favorite dish) with marinara and I decided on the grilled vegetable sandwich. Heaven took on a new level with the first taste of the gnocchi; which literally melted in your mouth. The sauce was prepared with a hint of cream.; perfect . My sandwich was delicious with grilled zucchini and eggplant, topped with marinara and cheese; but I have to admit I was a bit envious of Randy's dish.
Prices of the entrees were very reasonable, under $10; although I though $6 for a double shot espresso which I ordered with dessert, a bit steep. For dessert we shared a tiramisu which was small in portion for sharing; but classically prepared & wonderful. We are definitely going back.
4th Avenue, Olympia, WA
After years of eating out in Olympia, how we ever missed the Lemon Grass I'll never know. Since we discovered it, we have barely gone anywhere else.
We are working our way through the menu and everything we have eaten is fresh, perfectly seasoned, and skillfully prepared. We love all the curries and the noodle dishes, especially the chow mien, are wonderful .
Prices are moderate. It is very busy, so you may have a bit of a wait, but the kitchen is fast and the service prompt. I almost hate to give this a great review, because it only means it will become a favorite of more people, and we will have to wait a little longer to get our taste buds tap dancing...
One of our customers left me a note to be sure to go to El Olivio when we were in Mazatlan. They left directions that is behind Senior Frog's! Well, after going to every Senior Frogs we knew , and looking behind them for the cafe, we finally happened on when we were looking out the bus window on our way into town.
Unfortunately , we only had four days in Mazatlan this year, and lost two days looking for Olivo, so we only managed to eat there twice. We had lunch one day; delicious salads with perfectly balanced vinaigrettes and wonderful bread. The next day we had breakfast--well, our second breakfast, really--I had their pastry basket (yummy) and Randy had their crepes, which were French crepes with a Mexican flair (delicious). Their espresso bar is well equipped and skillfully handled; a real treat for us Pacific Northwesters, and the dessert case is brimming with beautiful cakes and pastries.
We took a box of pastries back to our friends at the condo, and all agreed they were exceptional. The cafe is shaded by an Olive tree and is a refreshing change from the wild and crazy "Golden Zone" of Mazatlan. Prices were inexpensive.
UPDATE 11/05/07 : I had two wonderful breakfasts and a great light dinner at El Olivo's this trip. I highly recommend the chilaquiles in Verde Sauce. I couldn't stop thinking about the earthy flavors of the verde sauce and perfect handmade corn tottillas; so went back one more time before I left. Serveral of my friends that the crepes; three large crepes with three different fillings and toped with a white sauce. The taste I had was delightful. I can never leave without ordering the basket of pastries (under $5.00) for four wonderully tender puff pastry treats, a muffin (banana and fresh blueberry), and a chocolate muffin.
Our good friend and inspiring cook and host, Will Foster, has graciously written some interesting retaurant reviews for our website. I think you will enjoy these as much as I have. Because Will is an innovative architect by profession, his reviews include an eye for restaurant physical comfort as well as food and service