A Summery Indulgence

Olive Bistro’s summer menu boasts of fresh veggies, delightfully plated salads, new additions to main course that are pleasing to the eye and high on taste and some delightfully done desserts

Nestled in a corner on the top of a hill by the side of the secret lake that has somehow retained its serenity despite the chaos of the bustling city; dotted with the no longer a common, yet undeniably Hyderabadi sight of the beautiful rock formations is this rustic eatery. The famous restaurant chain ‘Olive Bistro’ founded by the celebrity restaurateur AD Singh is surely making its way into the hearts of the food loving Hyderabadis with its airy interiors, beautiful landscaping replete with cobblestoned pathways, fishing nets and boat and some great Mediterranean food.

In addition to homemade breads, wholesome sandwiches and burgers, wood-fired pizzas and decadent desserts is the all-day dining menu that has recently had a few summery additions to go with the season even while retaining the favourites.

The emphasis is on fresh veggies, not the predictable exotics but the simple homegrown ones like beans and turnip, salads and other dishes that are lighter on the palette and of course the cheeses. The appetizingly done plating brings forth a burst of colours – just the eye candy needed for the season.

Red Wine Poached Pear Salad is one such; the colourfully plated salad served with poached pear mildly flavoured with wine and served with rucola (the fresh and the tangy Mediterranean green leaf) and aged gorgonzola cheese calls out to be demolished. The classic Greek salad made by tossing olives, cucumber, red onion slices, bell peppers, rucola and lettuce dressed with French vinaigrette and finished with feta crumble appetizingly served in a wafer-thin feta phyllo cup and the slow roasted and pureed carrot soup infused with Dill and served with a dollop of cream leaves you asking for more.

While there is a no-cheese pizza for the weight watchers, a foodie cannot resist the unbelievably thin crust sea food pizza that has the interesting combination of flamed bay shrimps, marinated squid rings and harissa rubbed basa for topping. The traditionally cooked lamb tagine with its diced carrot, zucchini and lamb morsels delightfully stewed in tomato sauce; Beetroot risotto Vs risotto milanese, a visually vibrant and tasty duet of beetroot and saffron parmesan risotto and not to forget the juicy and perfectly done paprika scented chicken legs, saffron polenta and ratatouille construct and the smoky flavoured Norwegian salmon steak, chicken and wild mushroom lasagna and the wild mushroom mélange stuffed pan seared crepes – Olive Bisto takes you on a delightful culinary trail that cruises along the Mediterranean; some retaining the classic recipes, a few twisted here and there and each one presented so well that they look delicious to T and taste equally good.

A good meal without a fitting dessert is an incomplete one. And the Classic Italian Tiramisu delectably served in a glass jar and large enough for two servings is the winner hands down. The mildly sweet and perfectly wobbly Saffron & Vanilla Pannacotta served with pink peppercorn & blood orange sauce is another good bet. The five Macaroons too need a special mention here – the pleasing colours, the not so overpowering sweetness coupled with refreshing flavours of lemon, orange cointreau, vanilla bean, red currant and hazelnut are a necessary indulgence.