OLIVES
Olives is the restaurant that launched Chef Todd English into culinary stardom. Opened in 1989 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Olives quickly garnered acclaim for its bold, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and convivial atmosphere. The restaurant’s name pays homage to English’s then-wife, Olivia, and reflects the Mediterranean theme that would become a hallmark of his culinary style.
Wikipedia
From its inception, Olives was celebrated for its innovative approach to rustic Mediterranean dishes, earning accolades such as “Best New Restaurant” by Boston Magazine and being consistently ranked as Boston’s #1 Favorite Restaurant by Zagat. The success of Olives not only solidified Todd English’s reputation as a culinary trailblazer but also laid the foundation for his expansive global ventures in the hospitality industry.
CULINARY CONCEPT
Olives’ menu showcased a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, emphasizing wood-fired flatbreads, inventive pastas, and robust meat and seafood dishes. Signature offerings included fig and prosciutto flatbread with Gorgonzola and fig jam, bucatini with Maine lobster and uni butter, and a wood oven-roasted branzino with Gigante beans and preserved lemon. Desserts like the molten chocolate cake and vanilla bean soufflé became iconic staples.
AMBIANCE AND DESIGN
The ambiance of Olives was designed to evoke the warmth and conviviality of a Mediterranean supper club. The dining room featured a stone and steel hearth kitchen, an elevated bar, and plush lounge areas adorned with stone, wood, cork, and hand-glazed art. The décor, characterized by gold and deep brown tones, created a cozy and inviting atmosphere that complemented the restaurant’s vibrant culinary offerings.
RECEPTION AND LEGACY
Olives quickly rose to national and international prominence, celebrated for its creative interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant was honored as “Best New Restaurant” by Boston Magazine, recognized for “Best Food and Top Table” by Gourmet Magazine, and consistently ranked as Boston’s #1 Favorite Restaurant by Zagat. The success of Olives not only solidified Todd English’s reputation as a culinary trailblazer but also laid the foundation for his expansive global ventures in the hospitality industry.
SIGNATURE DISHES
Olives’ menu featured several standout dishes that exemplified its Mediterranean flair:
Olives Tart: A savory tart featuring a crisp pastry crust topped with black olive tapenade, caramelized onions, anchovies, and crumbled goat cheese.
Butternut Squash Tortelli: House-made pasta filled with sweet butternut squash, served in a sage-infused brown butter sauce.
Steamed Clams in Jalapeño Chorizo Broth: Littleneck clams steamed with spicy chorizo, garlic, shallots, jalapeño, and white wine, finished with butter and parsley.
Molten Chocolate Cake: A rich, gooey-centered chocolate cake served warm, often accompanied by a raspberry sauce.
Vanilla Bean Soufflé: A light and airy dessert infused with real vanilla bean, baked to order and served with crème anglaise.
These dishes highlighted Olives’ commitment to blending diverse culinary traditions into a cohesive and memorable dining experience.
Locations:
Charlestown, USA
Bellagio, Las Vegas, USA
Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mexico City, Mexico
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
Virgin Hotel, Las Vegas, USA
Cuisine: Interpretive Modern Mediterranean
Type: Bar-Restaurant-Lounge
Serving: Lunch-Dinner
Design Theme: Modern Elegant Contemporary
Seating Capacity: 180-250
Size: 6000-10,000
Product Mix: 65%Food, 35% Beverage
Price: $$$-$$$$
Reservations: Highly Recomended
Takeout: No
EXPERIENCE OLIVES
MEDITERRANEAN SOUL, MODERN STYLE
INDULGE IN BOLD FLAVORS, HANDCRAFTED PASTAS, AND CLASSIC TODD ENGLISH CREATIONS.