Olive Bar & Kitchen

Critic´s Review

• Buzz: 4 / 5
• Service: 0/5
• Decor: 3.5 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

This one is definitely for the night bird! Now in two locations' -in Pali Hill and also the Mahalaxmi Race-course - you got to go to the trend-setting Olive for at least one nightout. Olive continues to rock. In both, the buzz is so palpable that you could cut it with a knife and pop it into your Martini glass. Feel the buzz, nurse a drink at the wrap-around bar. Of course, that's if you can get to the bar counter to get your drink. At Olive - in the Mahalaxmi joint as well as Khar - the bar wraps around the indoor and outdoor areas. On Saturday nights they're packed with long-legged babes and guys with six-pack abs, and the air is moist with air kisses and perfume. Sound levels are deliciously over the top, even standing room is at a premium. Sit outdoors or indoors and enjoy the high-ceilinged, very Mediterranean feel of the Pali Hill Olive or the rustic one at Racecourse. Tipple on a Fresh Fruit Margarita, Fresh Watermelon Martini, Sweet Lime Mojito, Spiced Monk or a Cucumber Martini, and munch on Chicken Espatada, Norwegian Smoked Salmon and Chef Max Orlatti's Italian spread. The Espatada range has been widened; choose from Imported Lamb, Salami, Mortabella to Mushroom or Parmesan Cheese. There is a flea market and gourmet bazaar every last Tuesday of the month in Pali Hill. Go for the Sunday Wine Picnic (Mediterranean spread). Turn to the restaurant section for more details. Mahalaxmi branch is open for both lunch and dinner (noon to 4pm, 8pm to 1am). High tea is served between 4pm to 7pm in which you can have paninis and pizzas. Sunday Brunch (Rs.1,850 plus tax) too. P.S. An insider's tip: Thursday is the night when all Olivers turn up here to meet each other.