Olla Restaurant Opens on Lincoln Road
Miami mexican cuisine is being elevated at OLLA (pronounced oi-ya). Debuting on Miami Beach, the Lincoln Road location will open doors for dinner on Monday, November 28th. OLLA will celebrate the authenticity of Mexican roots and feature the diverse regional cuisines from Oaxaca to Puebla, Yucatan to Veracruz, and beyond while also using modern techniques and global influences. The meaning behind OLLA translates to a ceramic jar used for cooking where dishes will be served in shareable bowls for a family style experience.
Helmed by Chef Scott Linquist of COYO Taco, the concept will focus on the soul origin of Mexico. Linquist is also notable for developing and stewarding the growth of the infamous restaurant brand Dos Caminos through its expansion to seven locations within New York City, Las Vegas, Ft. Lauderdale and Atlantic City. Linquist recently teamed up with entrepreneur Aaron McKown for their recent collaboration on OLLA. McKown said,
“For me, it’s about having passion for what you do and finding people who share that passion. When I met Scott, I knew immediately that we would do something great together so when the opportunity presented itself, Scott was the first and only person I called. I told him that if he’s in, I’m in. The rest is history.”
Linquist and McKown are developing OLLA as a destination driven towards locals with affordable prices while still delivering a superiority experience. Linquist said, “We want to be a place for locals where they can get great food and drinks with a strong focus on quality, value, family and fun!” McKown agrees, “We’re on the locals’ side of the iconic Lincoln Road. There’s a lot going on in this area right now with some really exciting projects planned and we’re literally in the heart of it all. If it’s not already, this will be the area to be in South Beach.”
Centrally located in Miami Beach, the restaurant warm colors in a rustic atmosphere to allure an inviting and unpretentious ambiance to welcome every kind of person. Surrounding the bar is a landscaping mural inspired by the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera painted by Juan Manuel Rozas whose work can be seen at COYO Taco and Kiki on the River. In the middle of the restaurant stands a large communal table in addition to a number of tables seating a total of 69 inside and 36 people outside.
OLLA will use the freshest and best ingredients available to properly respect true Mexican flavors. The menu will begin with Guacamole prepared tableside ($10), Taro (jars), Crudo and Verde (greens) with highlights like Chapulines ($8) marcona almonds, chile morita, Mexican chocolate powder, Erizo ($15) sea urchin, tostadita, asiento, avocado, chile de arbol, red onion, papalo, Ostion ($16) oysters, sangrita verde, tomatillo-cucumber mignonette, lime cured habaneros and a play on the traditional Mexican Caesar ($12) tossed in endive, tijuana style ceasar dressing, white anchovies, croutons and cotija anejo.
Working through the menu, dishes will be served “a la olla” like Huitlacoche ($9) corn “truffles”, wild mushrooms, toasted garlic, chile de arbol, queso fresco, epazota or prepared with Masa (nixtamal) including Sope ($8) sweetbreads, shaved cabbage, avocado, radish, serrano salsa, cotija and will comprise of four variations on Enchiladas with one version called the Marisco ($25) filled with king crab, lobster, cascabel crema, requeson, and toasted garlic.
Larger plates derived from mole, sea and land will come alongside homemade corn or flour tortillas. Some of those selections will encompass Amarillo ($17) diver scallops, cauliflower, red yam, chochoyotes (corn masa dumplings), oaxacan yellow mole, Sepia ($17) cuttlefish, cebollitas asadas, charred serrano, herb salad, epazote chimichurri, Mixiote ($16) lamb shoulder, barbacoa, pasilla recado, salsa borracha and Cochinita Pibil ($17) pig, roasted yucatan style, achiote, traditional garnishes.
The beverage program highlights artisanal spirits and reflects the cuisine while letting the high quality ingredients shine. The bar will maintain an upbeat stamina pouring a multitude of tequila and mezcal alongside custom accompaniments like sangrita, eclectic and rare selections of wine and beer from Mexican and local brewers (think Micheladas). Cocktails will range from a basic Olla-Rita shaken with Caza Dores blanco, sangria and a wide selection of drinks crafted with homemade shrubs.
OLLA will be open for dinner seven days a week with lunch and brunch to be announced. Nightlife at the restaurant will include DJ’s and a late night bar scene with drink specials. Reservations can be made via Open Table or call (786) 717-5400. For more information visit their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @OllaMiami. OLLA is located at 1233 Lincoln Road., Miami Beach, 33139.
