Inspiring things to do in Prague { other cities }
DISCUSS THE DEAL
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATION
Oliva Restaurant
The bright, cheery interior space at Oliva is the perfect place to enjoy food infused with the sun itself. With the entire menu at your fingertips, you’ll be able to enjoy 3 fabulous full courses for two (2) people! {View Menu}
- Enjoy any entree, main and dessert from the normal a la carte menu all touched by the spice and sensibility of the Mediterranean.
- Can be used any time during normal operating hours.
- Valid for two (2) people; all-you-can-eat specials not included.
- Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
- Vouchers are valid for 17/08/2012.
Tereza Maxová Foundation
- "To enable each child to live in a safe and loving family environment" { learn more }
the frame
All about the olivePointless, but fascinating, olive facts!
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
The owners of Oliva love the olive so much, they not only named their restaurant after it, but use the food to inspire nearly all their recipes. But how much do you really know about the olive?
Native to Asia Minor, the olive spread from Iran, Syria and Palestine to the rest of the Mediterranean basin 6,000 years ago. It is among the oldest known cultivated trees in the world--it was being grown on Crete by 3,000 BC and olives have been found in Egyptian tombs from 2,000 BC. The olive culture was spread to the early Greeks then the Romans, who brought the olive with them as they extended their realm.
Ask most people what kinds of olives there are and they’ll answer black and green. That is a simplification however, as the varieties and forms are numerous: kalamata, nicoise, sevillano, plus oil-cured, brine-cured, lye-cured, pitted, unpitted, stuffed, and unstuffed.
What exactly is the difference between green and black olives anyway? In reality, not much. The only difference is ripeness. Unripe olives are green and fully ripe olives are black. When it comes to eating them, in the case of olives—fresh is not best. Olives from the tree are unbearably bitter and inedible; they must be cured before eating.
MORE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
Decorated in cheery greens, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Oliva will have you dreaming of tree-clad Mediterranean shores almost the minute you walk through the door. A love of good food and wine led owners Svetlana and Peter Červenka to open this lovely restaurant inspired by the humble but oh so tasty olive, and the food they serve is filled with the flavours of the lands in which these miniature fruits grow.
But don’t take our word for it; you’ll get to explore the fresh and creative menu for yourself as you assemble your very own three-course Mediterranean feast including an entree, main and dessert of your choice. Will you go for the roasted Portobello mushroom tossed with tabouleh and served with spicy coleslaw? Then again, the lamb curry with cilantro and yoghurt served with basmati rice sounds heavenly. As does the crème brûlée! Be prepared for some tough decisions – everything looks so good!
Oliva’s wine list is concentrated on vintages from around Europe. From Italian reds to French whites – no matter your choice, there will be wine that suits your meal in much the same way the warm climate of the Mediterranean suits the vines that grow there.
The Červenka’s have been inspired by many cuisines, including those from France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Morocco, and Lebanon. Their attention to detail, an emphasis on freshness, and a liberal use of olive oil makes Oliva’s food a true stand out.
Oliva is a relaxed and lovely restaurant and a definite favourite amongst those who have been. If you don’t know Oliva yet, now is an excellent time to make her acquaintance!
- Address:
- Oliva - restaurant & café
- Plavecká 4
- 128 00 Praha 2
- Tel: +420 222 520 288
- info@olivarestaurant.cz
