July 22, 2008

Olive to Tell

Olivar Restaurant Opens

Lust, lavish appetites, and apertivos: These are the stuff of memoirs and Hemingway novels.

No wonder the sun also rises on Olivar.

Opening today in the historic Loveless Building, the cozy bistro makes the perfect escape on a summer evening. Spanish accents, French influences, and fresh Northwest ingredients combine for plates such as lingcod with olive tapenade and strawberry tomato or cazuela with bomba rice.

With French-trained chef Philippe Thomelin (Olive Tree Catering) in the cocina, count on rotating menus and Spanish traditions like small plates.

Linger over lavender crème brulee and regional wines, while pretending to be an expat.

But feeling write at home.

Olivar, 806 East Roy Street (206-322-0409 or olivarrestaurant.com).