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