November 2008

A clean, well lighted place

Olive Lounge opens in Old Takoma

by Elizabeth Brinkama
photos by Julie Wiatt

by Elizabeth Brinkama

At long last, with the advent of the Olive Lounge & Grill, there is a neighborhood bar in Old Takoma.

No, I haven’t forgotten about Taliano’s, but it’s been almost three years since they mysteriously closed in the dead of night and, if you’ll pardon my triteness, I never felt the “Cheers” vibe there. I found it too dark, too loud and too uncomfortable on many levels.

Not to be forgotten, there is the Takoma Station, arguably one of the best venues for live jazz and a mainstay in Takoma DC for almost 25 years.

However, if you want a relatively quiet evening of conversation, a libation to relax after a long day at work and crowded metro ride home, or a place to make new friends with no pressure, then this is the place for you. Brothers Chris and Nadol Hishmeh have transformed what was once the rather utilitarian back room of Middle East Cuisine into a warm and inviting tavern.

What makes the Olive Lounge & Grill so cozy is the combination of brilliantly colored earth tones on the walls and the striking décor from friend and neighboring business, The Covered Market. With the intricately designed pillows, candleholders inset in the walls and stained glass lamps hanging over the bar, the mood is at once exotic while still exuding a feeling of home and hearth.

The bar features an impressive array of 28 beers with a rotating selection of six on tap. A recent visit found Shock Top Belgian White Ale, light and refreshing, and a most pleasant surprise - Jack’s Spiced Pumpkin Ale - on tap. Regardless of the season, you don’t often find good pumpkin ale being served, let alone on tap, at most watering holes. Though not as deep, the wine selection is equally thoughtful. Knowing the temperaments of their Takoma Park patrons, there are several organic brands in both beer and wine to choose from.

Highlights from the menu include bar food mainstays and a few delicacies you won’t see elsewhere. The Kubbeh-Kibbie is a bite size nibble of spicy ground beef served much like a corn fritter and accompanied by a cool yogurt sauce. The Mezza Platter is the perfect appetizer for sharing with friends. It’s an abundance of garlic-infused hummus, baba ganouj, crispy falafel, grape leaves thinly wrapped over rice with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon, and their very own delectable creation – the Mediterranean dip, which is a blend of roasted eggplant, chickpeas and Kalamata olives - served with basket of pita bread.

For the carnivores in our midst (and you know who you are), the stuffed burger with feta and jalapeno is a must. There are a variety of “stuffings” you can choose from – olives, white onion, tomato, mozzarella, American or pepper jack cheese. However, it is the combination of the feta cheese and the jalapeno that won me over. The burger is moist and with a mild kick, enough to be flavorful without causing distress. The burger is accompanied by what are arguably the best fries anywhere – crispy with just the right amount of grease.

The quesadillas are hearty enough to satisfy most appetites. There is the vegetarian quesadilla chock full of roasted red peppers, tomato, black olives, white onions, and mozzarella cheese. I myself am particularly fond of the barbeque chicken quesadilla with chunks of white meat chicken slathered in a tangy barbecue sauce mixed with mozzarella cheese and white onion.

There are daily specials and a happy hour from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, which includes ½ price appetizers and drafts. Wi-fi is available and you can even plug in your Ipod to share your love of M.I.A. with the masses. Two flat screen TVs also adorn the walls. The kitchen, with its separate bar menu and hours from the main restaurant, is open and serving until 10:30 pm to satisfy late night cravings. Carry out is also available.

Olive Lounge & Grill
7006 Carroll Avenue
301-270-5154
Thursday through Monday 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm
(Entrance in rear parking lot behind Middle East Cuisine & Marks’ Kitchen)