By Saadia Ahmed
Olive and Thyme Review – Gourmet Food in LA
Founded by Melina and Christian Davies, Olive and Thyme is a gourmet café located in Toluca Lake, a city in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. They serve breakfast from 8am to 11am, lunch from 11am to 4pm and dinner from 5pm to 9pm. They also offer a brunch from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays. I have been there a few times for dinner and it is slowly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in Toluca Lake!
My most recent visit was indeed a very pleasant experience especially since I got to try their new dinner menu and had the opportunity to meet the owner and self-trained chef, Melina, who was very friendly and welcoming. She informed me that she used to be a film producer; however, cooking had always been a hobby of hers and therefore, she started the restaurant about five years ago.
The new dinner menu of the café offers a wide variety of share plates or starters ranging from deviled eggs, a hummus plate with pita bread and three different types of hummus and organic fried chicken. I started my meal with the lamb meatballs. This appetizer included three soft and chewy meatballs mixed in a tasty tomato sauce with two pieces of crunchy bread.
The entrees include a selection of salads, steak, roasted chicken and seafood. I ended up ordering the steak frites topped with herb butter. I substituted the house made French fries with roasted corn on the cob mixed with butter, spices and parmesan. The steak was cooked medium and was moist and juicy. The corn was warm and the seasoning was spicy and flavorful.
After finishing my entrée, I decided to check out the bakery, which includes choices from various cookies to cakes, croissants and muffins. The white chocolate toffee cookie immediately caught my eye. Since the cookie was soft, thin, sweet and chewy, it seemed I made the right choice!
Not only is the food delicious but the ambience of the restaurant is also very inviting as you are greeted by nicely decorated furniture including white marble tables and brown, wooden chairs. Olive and Thyme also has a bar, a small bakery and an outdoor seating area. They also sell stuff from local vendors such as cookbooks, hand soaps, candles and oils.
If you are ever in Toluca Lake and are looking for a satisfying meal while enjoying a pleasant atmosphere, I highly recommend Olive and Thyme!