Dining at Oliva Bistro Cafe located along Visayas Ave. in Quezon City, I was faced with the nugget of wisdom I have learned in my years of writing about food. "Wrong fusion is confusion", this nugget I learned from renowned international chef Martin Yan when I interviewed him for my article published in Gala Magazine's October Issue. That same idea also echoes when one of my favorite chefs, Mike Tatung
Sarthou told me his belief about serving "Straightforward Filipino dishes".
When presented with restaurant which specializes in diverse cuisines, fusion may be the first thing that comes to mind, well at least for me. Prior to visiting Oliva Bistro Cafe, that was what I expected. But meeting chef Kannan, I learned that while Oliva focuses on Indian, Italian, Singaporean and Filipino cuisines, it does not incorporate each element, but rather, it holds a strong grip on its origins. Clearly there's no fusion at Oliva, only celebration of the beautiful cultures expressed through palatable dishes.
Chef Kannan who is married to a lovely Filipina named Denden was born in India, immersed as a chef with impressive exposure to Italian cuisines, and have worked in Singapore for a time. This clearly state that diverse cuisines at Oliva wasn't randomly picked on a whim, but it mirrors an interesting history of the man behind Oliva.
There couldn't be more apt way to start a delightful lunch at Oliva than to whet one's appetite with Roti Prata with Curry Sauce (Php 80). Tear into this soft and slightly fluffy unleavened bread and dip it into the curry sauce and you would know that it was only minutes away when it was cooked. Spiciness level of the curry sauce can be adjusted as requested.
Chef Kannan's take on Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip (Php 180) was also a beautiful starter. While the sweet savory glaze was very apparent, it did not posses an overwhelming power which I normally dislike in Buffalo wings. It has just the right amount of flavor as you bite on it, allowing the meaty taste of the chicken shine through.
Chef's Wife Salad (Php 195) can be passed of as the usual salad that most of restaurants I have been to serve, but lo and behold, this one is way way better. Fresh crisp romaine with slices of tender grilled chicken, caramelized walnuts, ripe mangoes and grapes are the usual bunch that goes together but what made this salad extra special was the dill dressing where it was tossed. This is one of the dish that one should not miss when dining at Oliva.
Upon seeing Spinach and Mushroom Cannelloni (Php 195) on the menu, I knew right off the bat what to order. I love how it was presented which can be disguised as usual lasagna or baked macaroni, but once you dig into the bowl, you'll be surprised to see tubes of pasta boasting of spinach and mushroom with generous amount of meaty sauce and melted cheese. Even the foccacia bread that went with it tasted so good.
Pasta Oliva (Php 135 Solo, Php 195 Sharing) may appears dauntingly bland but do not be deceived for this simple pasta is loaded with intricate flavor meant to be savored. The olive oil and the garlic contributes to the flavor of the al dente pasta, while the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers and parsley gives the dish different dimension in flavor.
For our mains, we had the Classic Italian Beef Shank Stew or Osso Bucco Milanese (Php 325). The fall-of-the-bone tenderness of the meat with the fatty marrow peeking through the bone was remarkable. Add to that thick savory sauce carressing the chunks of meat, and you'll be good to go.
Although I rarely order fish when dining out, Oliva's Pesto Crusted Baked Salmon Fillet (Php 325) was well worth the try. The freshness of the salmon coupled with then distinct taste of pesto was a beautiful combination that both fish lover or not can be enjoyed. Served with Pasta Oliva or Butter Parsley Rice, this baked salmon dish is perfect combination for almost anything it will be served with.
One of their best sellers is the Butter Chicken Masala (Php 230). Simple looking dish but really big in flavor. Level of spiciness can be adjusted per request so I am pleased to have enjoyed it mildly spicy. It's bright orange color may not look palatable at a glance but its combination with the tender chicken breast is just a different level of beauty.
Oliva Bistro Cafe also offers line of drinks but despite the enticing choices, I find their Iced Milk Tea (Php20) more fitting to some of the dishes we devoured. It's not the usual milk tea with an intention to overkill you with excessive sweetness. I love how I could still taste the distinct flavor of brewed tea leaves while being caressed with the creamy component of milk. Their signature drinks is the Oliva Iced Tea (Php 65) made with special tea leaves sourced from India.
Truth be told, I was surprised that along Visayas Ave. there is this hidden gem of culinary abode that is way too impressive. Everything I have tried on the menu is impressive. Despite the fact that it is quite far from I reside, I wouldn't mind taking the long travel again if only to taste the other dishes that the very talented Chef Kannan has to offer.
Indeed, there is no fusion at Oliva Bistro Cafe. Based on what I have feasted on, every dish hailing from different country stayed to its origin in terms of taste. No confusing fusion, only celebration. And with that, I am looking forward to visiting Oliva Bistro again to enjoy other dishes on their menu.
Moreover, I think now is the best time for you my dear readers to visit Oliva Bistro Cafe because in line with the upcoming holiday season, they are now selling goodies such as homemade crostinnis and assortment of dips (Garlic and Herb Cheese, Tomato and Basil, Mushroom Pate, Basil Pesto). These goodies can be a perfect gift to your foodie loved ones or it can also be part of your holiday festivities by serving it to your guests.
Also, Oliva Bistro Cafe has an on-going Eat-All-You-Can Pasta Buffet. For only Php 295 per person, you can get to choose your pasta, condiments, sauce, and their chef will gladly prepare it for you. This promo started last November 24 up until November 30, 2012. Available from 11am to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm only. For reservations, call 990-5342.
Oliva Bistro Cafe
Unit 101, G/F, #77 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City
contact no.: 990-5342
website: www.olivabistrocafe.com
facebook page: www.facebook.com/olivabistrocafe
