New Cap Hill Restaurant: Olivar
As reported here, someone is finally filling the empty space left by Coco la ti da. It looks like Chef Philippe Thomelin and his wife, Toni, owners of Olive Tree Catering, are aiming for a July 1 opening of Olivar — "olive grove" in Spanish.
After looking for months, it was love at first sight when they walked into the Capitol Hill location. “I love Capitol Hill,“ Thomelin said. "The neighborhood, the eclectic people living around. And it’s a lovely building, a small space, good enough for me.”
After recently returning from vacation in the south of France, Thomelin was ready to get back into the kitchen and finalize his menu. And although he is a native of France, the chef's long-running love affair with Spain will definitely come through. “The influence is going to be very Spanish," he says. "I have 23 years of cuisine experience and I spent almost half of that in Spain, so it’s something I want to keep. But there will always be some dishes that will come out more French.”
Olivar will feature local and organic ingredients, presented as a variety of small plates as well as some main courses. The menu isn't set in stone, but Thomelin said he will more than likely offer a Spanish omelet with potatoes, carmelized onions, and sherry wine vinegar, “with a slice of chorizo on it for the meat eaters.”
2 comment(s)
d says:
i heart philippe & his sweet family. can't wait for their restaurant to open!!
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 4 2008 @ 3:10PM
Dave Schappell says:
I'm so excited for Philippe, Toni and 'Seattle'! Can't wait to make this part of my regular dining routine -- am sure this will be a success!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 15 2008 @ 6:43AM