Olive: an urban dive

Housed in a historic 1938 Wympee's Hamburger shop, Olive: an urban dive

is amazing and well worth the stop! 

The Wympee diner opened in 1938 and became a

 part of the fabric of many Daytonians’ lives before it 

closed in October 2009. 

And now it lives again...fabulously!

Olive epitomizes the urban dive concept: It’s unassuming, laid back... 

and has an atmosphere that is genuinely unique in our city.

 Olive is the most sustainable restaurant in Dayton and

 goes to great lengths to reduce garbage, to compost 

what food doesn't make it to the table, and to remain energy-efficient. 

So, in other words, the thought that went into this place really 

can’t be overstated.

Two of my oldest and dearest friends and I 

have lunch each month to catch up and share a few laughs.

 This month we thoroughly enjoyed Olive!

How can you not love a restaurant whose motto is:

"Local over import, labor over convenience and 

service above all else...we chase chickens.

 When we say free range we mean it!"

Their menu consists of traditional and their own interpretations

 of Mediterranean cuisine including:

 Greek, Spanish, Italian, French, Moroccan and 

Turkish influences...but 

 there are burgers and regular American food as well

 with them sneaking in the healthy wherever they can! 

 All the ingredients are local, fresh, organic. 

Everything is made in their tiny kitchen 

and is recycled, composted and ecologically sound.

Even the flat ware...go ahead. Toss it into 

the compost!  They dare you!

So fresh...they don't have a can opener or a micro wave. Nope.

Olive is serving  the best grass-fed beef, sushi-grade tuna, 

outstanding risotto, and fresh, local vegetables.

The wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable, 

the proprietress warm and welcoming,

 the food was excellently prepared. 

What's not to like? Not a thing!

I had to try the Cream Soda...so good! 

My friends each chose the fresh squeezed lemonade

and a "sunny little pot of tea" respectfully. Each raved about them.

I also hear their french press coffee is to die for...

They put a unique twist on standard items - 

I had the Tuscan Grilled Cheese on ciabatta bread 

with pancetta, pesto, balsamic marinated mozzarella and tomato. 

Amazing! Add a cup of spicy sweet potato soup and a salad of

 spinach & field greens in a fig balsamic dressing...oh my.

My friends chose the mayo-less chicken salad on locally baked 

croissants with Havarti cheese and tomato. 

They could not have been more pleased!

And did I mention the sweet potato fries with 

home made ailoi for dipping?

Olive has many delightful desserts but we each chose one

 of the Jeni's Ice Cream flavors

they carry. Olive is the only local place to feature Jeni's,

 a Columbus based company, and it is decadent and oh so good.

If find yourself in the Dayton area, run, as fast as you can, to Olive!

You will not be disappointed!

To learn more about Olive: http://olivedive.com/index.html

Warmly,

Susie Q

Restaurant Week

It's Restaurant Week in the Dayton area again!

Twice a year many area restaurants offer an array

of their special dishes in a 3~4 course meal for only $20.09! Of course, next year it will be $20.10 but I digress...*smile*

It is a less expensive and fun way to try places you have yet to visit or re-visit an old favorite! And as an extra dividend, part of the restaurant's proceeds go to area charities!

Our first restaurant choice of the week...Carver's in Centerville.

At Carver's we (Bill, Mom, Grace, Dan and I each had a different meal, as is our tradition, so we could *sample* one anothers dishes! I had a sirloin strip so tender and so well seasoned and grilled it should have been illegal! Roasted veggies, a salad of field greens, goat cheese, tomato and other goodies in a pinot noir vinaigrette were other delicious elements of my meal (We each had a different salad or soup and different dessert and yes! We sample those too!). My feast ended with a yummy creme brulee. *sigh*

Last night saw our group, plus my friend Terri, at Coco's Bistro.

I began my meal with the crostini, topped with grilled tomato and garlic and dollops of goat cheese, it was then drizzled with balsamic vinegar. A salad of baby greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and crispy Asian noodles with yummy dressing followed, served with warm, crusty bread.

For my entree, I chose the New Mexico Shrimp and Pasta.

I ended the meal with a chocolate mousse filled with chunks of chocolate and topped with dollops of creme fraiche and drizzled with melted dark chocolate.

It is always fun to dine out with family and friends...and we always enjoy Restaurant Week! Looking forward to the next one!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Restaurants

Uh huh. I like eating out. I admit it. We do not eat out as often as my brother thinks we do (waving to Jim) but probably more than we should. But we love to try new places, haunt old favorites and sample the cuisine of far away lands. We have a favorite Thai place, a small Indian haven & several good Chinese restaurants. We enjoy one small Mexican place in particular, one particular local seafood place and a little French inspired bistro. We just love a few of the locally owned restaurants who utilize the fruits of Ohio farms. Several spots are well known for their organic products and the delicious and inspired ways in which they are used. We also enjoy many of the chain restaurants that are here in our area. Of course, there is nothing like a Taco Bell burrito or the french fries at McDonald's from time to time but that is a different story....I love the decor of restaurants. Small or large, chain or locally owned, each one is unique and interesting. One of the things I promised myself I would do this year was to snap a few pictures each time we ate out. So a few people look at me and wonder why I am shooting the restaurant ceiling but I just smile and look like I know what I am doing. Or at least I try! I thought I would share some I have taken recently.... Our weekend was quiet and nice. Shopping, good food, family , friends, church and watching movies at home, snuggled under a warm quilt. It is raining and due to turn to snow later tonight. Brrr....a damp and cold night. I think I will make some hot chocolate and return to that quilt....let's see. What movie will it be tonight? Have a wonderful week dear friends!

Love and hugs, Susie Q