The Romance of Olivar

September 16, 2009

The Ambience at Olivar\'s

To me, this simple scene of stained-glass window, bottle of Albariño, fresh flowers in a simple vase, and streetscape outside sets the tone at Olivar, a Spanish restaurant located in the historic, and atmospheric, Loveless Building just off Broadway in Capitol Hill.

Green Salad at Olivar\'s

Here’s the Spicy Mixed Greens with Oven-Roasted Tomato, Croutons, and Aged Sherry Vinaigrette, a beautiful symphony of colors, textures, and flavors.

Olivar\'s Beet Salad

And here’s the fresh arugula salad with tender baby beets (in jewel tones of red and yellow), Caña de Oveja (semi-aged goat cheese), and balsamic drizzle.

Olivar\'s Octopus

A daily special of octopus with giant white beans, slender green beans, and a tomato filled with ratatouille didn’t disappoint, either.

Olivar\'s Scallops

But the star dish, among many, was listed as a “small plate” on the menu, although it was plenty enough as an entrée for me: Sea Scallops with Grilled Corn & Artichoke Relish, sauced with spicy, piquant Romesco.

Olivar\'s Lamb

Spencer’s choice–a large plate of Grilled Leg of Lamb with Nectarines, Roasted Garbanzo beans, and Spinach was chewy (in a good way) and flavorful.

That afore-mentioned bottle of Albariño was fruity, yet elegant, with crisp acidity that worked well with the peppery green olive oil and brilliant flavors of all our dishes.

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