FOOD! Olio serves it up right
Olio (formerly the European Market) hosted a slew of food bloggers last week, organized by RVA Foodie, Jason Guard. The store was open for other business, but we felt like we had our own private caterers due to the hard-working staff. Owner Jason Savedoff and employee “Q,” were especially friendly and helpful.
Olio (2001 W. Main Street, formerly the European Market) hosted a slew of food bloggers last week, organized by RVA Foodie, Jason Guard. The store was open for other business, but we felt like we had our own private caterers due to the hard-working staff. Owner Jason Savedoff and employee “Q,” were especially friendly and helpful.
White icicle lights in the front window immediately hint at the cozy bistro vibe. A long bar faces the front windows to watch Main Street go by, and several tables and chairs are set up in the front of the store. The space is large enough to seat around 25, with ample space for milling around.
Olio is a bistro/market/caterer and they sell dry goods as well as serve eat-in and take-out gourmet salads, soups, entrees after 4pm, and other fresh items from their cases, including several homemade desserts and an antipasto mix-and-match.
Our blogging group shared an antipasto platter and the Grazing Goat pizza ($12.95), which had Chevre, red peppers, garlic hummus and fresh basil. Normally it also comes with chicken, but ours was made vegetarian. The basil was a fresh touch, and the crust (made with imported Italian flour) had a satisfying texture.
One of Olio’s strengths is their beer and wine selection, priced at retail, not restaurant cost, making it delightfully inexpensive. They have over 40 kinds of specialty and import microbrews. I had a refreshing Pilsner from the Czech Republic served in a frosty mug. My grilled eggplant sandwich ($7.95) with red peppers, artichoke hearts, olive tapenade, feta and greens on ciabatta was one of the most delicious things I’ve tasted in awhile. The sandwich was pressed and the thick bread held it all together nicely.
I only wish Olio was open late so I could make a night of it there with friends for affordable, fresh, and fantastic food and drink in a unique setting. I could definitely see booking that space for another event.
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Holly Gordon
Holly Gordon spends her days working with Richmond’s hearty nonprofit community and her nights singing in a community chorus. She loves her feminist book club, and is always distracted by shiny things.
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