Since I first discovered Olive’s in Manhattan two years ago, it stayed in my mind. From time to time, I’ll mumble wistfully about how lovely it will be to have a place like this SoHo take-away.
I love the open kitchen that takes up more than half of the shop and how you can watch the busy production line from over the counter during the lunch rush.
I love the paraphernalia dotted around the shop so there’s always something to see while your order is being prepared. Especially the cookie house!
I love how space is utilised yet the place does not feel cramped, just full of life.
I love the handwriting on the chalkboard and the simple packaging of the sandwiches and salads waiting to be picked up. The mix of old and new, the way shop cards and menus are weighed down in a beans-filled basket, and of course, the red bench outside the shop.
That I’ve never ate anything from there is beside the point. If I was an overly sentimental literature student, I’d probably say that I am already full from the visual feasts that provide such sources of delight and nourishment to my spirit. Truth is, I happened to be stuffed from breakfasts on both of my visits.
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P.S. Lo-Fi New York coming soon!
Yen: Recently I’m really into eating tinned fish for breakfast. So easy!
Graziella: I guess the products will always be dearer overseas due to shipping, taxes, duties and things like that. But once you try some of them, you might be hooked… Garlic fried rice sounds really good, by the way.
KD: I agree, I just love how I can get away with things just by using a Polaroid camera to capture it.
raq: Just the things we need at the moment, right?
tasha: It’s a Norwegian Elkhound. Looks very similar to other dogs in the Spitz family.
enc: In what form did you consume your highly processed soy protein?
Samantha: Is their face shorter? I really like how puppies have a more “compressed” face.
read me…: Yes, I really like enamel because you can use it on the stovetop, in the oven and in steamers. Easy to care for too. Out of your list, I’ve not eaten at St John or Rochelle but plan to sometime in the future. Bistrotheque was completely off my radar though, looks like a fun place, one more for the list!
Vicki: I imagine some chilli and lime will balance out the strong flavour of sardines nicely. Some fried onions will be a nice addition to the sardine and egg combinatioon too but then it won’t be a whip-up-in-30-seconds breakfast then. Do you eat your freeze-dried berries ice-cold in the muesli? That is the first time I’ve heard of it, I have to admit.
bollett: I really like the white Hockney but they will be so used up in dirty London so I went for purple instead. They are really easy to wear with everything. I’ve already gone through two pairs and I don’t usually go through shoes because there are quite a few pairs to rotate around. As for the lecture, I was there indeed (AB wasn’t). I enjoyed it, especially the contrast in approach and results from the two speakers. I just appreciate opportunities to learn.
Thom: Congratulations! Is it still easy to get 600 film? I was wondering if I need to stock up, more…
thea: I have the same problem as you, so I thought I should get the daily protein requirements out of the way first thing in the morning.
andrew (via contact form): I keep hearing how disappointed some people were to have missed the talk at the V&A, what a shame. Especially for you since you were on the grounds on the same day. I’m not sure what the plans are for transcripts or videos but hopefully your voices will be heard. If another occasion like this crops up again though, I will let you know.
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Oh, I love Olives! I stop by there when I’m in the neighborhood and have a coffee and a little something to stave off the beast. In an area that is overwhelmed by pretentious and overpriced eateries, it’s such a charming escape.
I’m excited for you Low-Fi New York edition!
Olives is indeed quite lovely! I have had their sandwiches and parfaits and they’re sooo good!!! The only thing I would suggest is if they could provide an area for patrons/customers to eat their yummy food. They have this cute bench outside, but it accommodates only so many people.
your new york is so similar to my new york! it’s heartbreaking! olive’s was one of the only places that i found a good (yes, actually good) espresso in america. the ice tea and cookies were pretty fantastic too. many happy memories of a little break between apc and marc jacobs shopping spree…! can’t wait for lo-fi!
Oh my, I’ll have to check them out when I go to into the city tomorrow. I’ll make sure to have something extra delicious in your honor ;-)
hi tommy, in fact i’m heading towards NY next wed! if ur lo-fi NY is up this weekend would be great for me to have a look and idea of where to go and what to do in NY! thanks!
Oh this makes me want to go back to New York even more! I have been twice with family when I was younger, but I want to go back and discover all the ‘real’ New York things and get a real taste for the city, rather than from a tourist’s point of view.
OH MY I love Olive’s too!! Bistrotheque is great and you really must go – weekend Brunch and it’s a good opportunity to visit Broadway Market too if you haven’t been which has some cute things. One other place I really like, but don’t get to often is the Table http://www.thetablecafe.com/
oh, and one more… The Regency Cafe in Pimlico http://kandpreadme.blogspot.com/2008/08/regency-cafe.html
not the greatest cuisine in the world, but excellent cafe food & setting.
The berries are freeze-dried in the sense they are actually dehydrated I think, a process that preserves them dry anyway, so they’re not literally frozen. I don’t think my teeth would be very impressed with frozen berries! So the milk mind of re-hydrates them a bit and sweetens them. Waitrose do a meusli with them already in, it’s nice, but you do get stray berry seeds in your teeth!
That place looks nice, the cookies look great. A bit busy and cluttered and bustling though, not a relaxing lunch!
ciao tommy, i really like your blog. you take beautiful photos. you have an incredible sensibility , a guide for my next trip.
Definitely stock up. After 2009 it will be lean times indeed, and then the end is near…
Hi tommy, I love this place! Dean and I discovered it when we were on our honeymoon in may this year, delicious food and lovely interior.
In the form of a Tiger’s Milk Bar. I love those things. I eat them in lieu of candy now. Are you familiar with them?
http://www.tigersmilk.com/
i always “tapau” from olives when im in nyc too!!!
the pictures are so well taken!