There’s a new kind of hip restaurant in town and we tried it for the first time tonight. Great menu - very unusual. Wood oven for pizzas and such. Jidori Chickens on a rotisserie. Brownest birds I ever saw.

We went for pizza and something called “Olive Melange”. I was expecting a tapenade kind of thing. What I got was 6 different types of olives in a sauce made of olive oil, citrus, garlic and chilis. Maybe a bit of vinegar but certainly not a brine. Blew me away.

It’s the citrus and the chilis that make it. That and the giant olives, some (“Bella di Cerignola”) nearly large enough to carve. The olives weren’t pitted, which is perfect for an appetizer because you have to eat slowly. Marvelous! I need more of this stuff.

I see Costco carries something called “Olive Melange” and from what I see on the net it’s a fairly common Mediterranean deal. Ever try it? Recommendations?

Interesting
Will watch for it.
Had something similar in a Spanish place in Santa Fe.
It was a Tapa of olives. Different types, some had sauces. Others had stuffings.
It was memorable.

quote:

Originally posted by CHAS:
Interesting
Will watch for it.
Had something similar in a Spanish place in Santa Fe.
It was a Tapa of olives. Different types, some had sauces. Others had stuffings.
It was memorable.

That sounds fantastic!

Loving the concept of this, especially the sauce Steve describes...haven't seen them locally, although we are awash in good, independent Italian restaurants.

quote:

Originally posted by CHAS:
Interesting
Will watch for it.
Had something similar in a Spanish place in Santa Fe.
It was a Tapa of olives. Different types, some had sauces. Others had stuffings.
It was memorable.

What are they stuffed with?

The presence of chilies in the sauce Steve mentioned makes me think it might be a Balkan thing.