Restaurant Review: Olive Bistro (European)
Restaurant Review: Olive Bistro (European)
Decor
This is what Pune's been waiting for with bated breath — a charming fresh indoor/ outdoor space, serving creative Mediterranean food in the most exquisite, quintessentially 'Poona' space. Yes, AD Singh's hugely successful bistro chain Olive has just opened at the Pune Club and by all accounts, it's already playing to packed houses. At present open to club members and their guests only, you can also use the restaurant if you have an affiliation from any club in the country. The theme is clearly Mediterranean, more Greek with distressed whitewashed walls, an eclectic blend of furniture which doesn't match, chandeliers and an outdoor fountain, gigantic garden lamps and even an outdoor pizza cabana.
Food
The food is definitely more skilled 'bistro' than 'fine dine' and more French in inspiration which is a reflection of the chef's (Mayank Tiwari) training and experience. Start with a cocktail — the Mandarin mojito is a good bet. Do try the bar snacks — the Middle Eastern style kofte kabab, chicken chermoula and prawns rubbed with house spices were all excellent — perfectly cooked and seasoned. Pizzas are as you would expect and less on the cheese. Salads are something you should indulge in. Do try the beetroot and ricotta with caramelised walnuts. Soups are outstanding; the roasted tomato and mandarin (albeit with a slightly chewy tortellini), seafood chaudiere or chowder (in veg options too) and mouthwatering cold mushroom veloute, silky smooth and drizzled with truffle oil. Main courses are very well presented, much on wooden platters and in classic cast iron dishes.
The filet mignon was perfect — served with creamy spinach and house chips (hallelujah — no fries out of a freezer bag here). The lamb cassoulet is a departure from the traditional French recipe which is a hearty stew of pork, white beans and sausage. The seafood platter is competent — seafood in this city is always a tricky number. For a substantial but quick lunch, do try the choris (Goa sausage) burger! The menu is pretty extensive and you will have plenty of choice even if you come often — sandwich boards, homemade pastas and breakfast too. Jain dishes are thoughtfully marked.
Plus and minus: It's mostly all pluses right now.
Times food guide
Olive Bistro: Poona Club, Bund Garden Road, Camp
Price for two: Rs 1500
Timings: Lunch: Noon-3.30 pm; 4-7 pm (Only Pizzas); Dinner: 7.30-12.30 am
Rating: Food: 4 Service: 3.5 Decor: 4
This is what Pune's been waiting for with bated breath — a charming fresh indoor/ outdoor space, serving creative Mediterranean food in the most exquisite, quintessentially 'Poona' space. Yes, AD Singh's hugely successful bistro chain Olive has just opened at the Pune Club and by all accounts, it's already playing to packed houses. At present open to club members and their guests only, you can also use the restaurant if you have an affiliation from any club in the country. The theme is clearly Mediterranean, more Greek with distressed whitewashed walls, an eclectic blend of furniture which doesn't match, chandeliers and an outdoor fountain, gigantic garden lamps and even an outdoor pizza cabana.
Food
The food is definitely more skilled 'bistro' than 'fine dine' and more French in inspiration which is a reflection of the chef's (Mayank Tiwari) training and experience. Start with a cocktail — the Mandarin mojito is a good bet. Do try the bar snacks — the Middle Eastern style kofte kabab, chicken chermoula and prawns rubbed with house spices were all excellent — perfectly cooked and seasoned. Pizzas are as you would expect and less on the cheese. Salads are something you should indulge in. Do try the beetroot and ricotta with caramelised walnuts. Soups are outstanding; the roasted tomato and mandarin (albeit with a slightly chewy tortellini), seafood chaudiere or chowder (in veg options too) and mouthwatering cold mushroom veloute, silky smooth and drizzled with truffle oil. Main courses are very well presented, much on wooden platters and in classic cast iron dishes.
The filet mignon was perfect — served with creamy spinach and house chips (hallelujah — no fries out of a freezer bag here). The lamb cassoulet is a departure from the traditional French recipe which is a hearty stew of pork, white beans and sausage. The seafood platter is competent — seafood in this city is always a tricky number. For a substantial but quick lunch, do try the choris (Goa sausage) burger! The menu is pretty extensive and you will have plenty of choice even if you come often — sandwich boards, homemade pastas and breakfast too. Jain dishes are thoughtfully marked.
Plus and minus: It's mostly all pluses right now.
Times food guide
Olive Bistro: Poona Club, Bund Garden Road, Camp
Price for two: Rs 1500
Timings: Lunch: Noon-3.30 pm; 4-7 pm (Only Pizzas); Dinner: 7.30-12.30 am
Rating: Food: 4 Service: 3.5 Decor: 4
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