some friends and i saw the forsythe show at BAM and then headed down to olea for dinner. i had passed it many times in the past and always wanted to check it out. a friendly host greeted us immediately but told us there would probably be a 30 minute wait (even the bar bas packed). but, there is a spacious church pew outside, and he served us a bottle of wine while we waited! after about twenty minutes a table opened up. we had a few rounds of delicious tapas (try the turkish cigars and the baby octopus.... the dips were also great). for entrees, some of us (there were 5) had traditional meals (i had the pork- great), but others, not as hungry, had appetizer portions of pasta- the size was just right. the orrechiette was great. for desert we split the chocolate torte and bread pudding, our friendly waitress' favorites. she was spot on. the whole time, there was a guitar player singing in spanish... but not loud enough to interrupt conversation. all the service was super friendly and welcoming! we had an intoxicating (literally/figuratively!) night!
Pros: delicious food, friendly service, beautiful space, LIVE MUSIC!
Cons: a short wait... but it was a Friday at 9:45!
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