Extra virgin olive oils or aged balsamics over eats like caprese panini, jumbo lobster ravioli and cheesecake? At a new Tarpon Springs restaurant, the answer is yes, yes and definitely.
Inspired by their years spent in Europe while working in the solar business, Gini and Chris Aloise brought a little bit of the Continent back to the States with them last August and decided to open up a restaurant. The couple's intimate Olive The World Bistro — with more than 30 olive oil and balsamic flavors, everything from bacon and citrus habanero to chocolate jalapeño and blueberry — premiered five weeks ago.
Unlike typical European olive oil sampling bars, Olive The World serves a full lineup of salads, pastas, panini and desserts, including a hibiscus cake from Holi-Moli Cheesecakes made in honor of the restaurant’s headquarters at 24 Hibiscus St.
Patrons are meant to pair their food with the bistro’s liquid creations, which are also packaged and sold in 200- or 375-milliliter bottles.
“We created a bistro where you’ve got a tasting experience,” Chris says.
Here's how it works: After one of Chris’ dishes makes its way to a table, patrons visit the row of fusti containers, where the Aloises help them choose the perfect combination of EVOOs and balsamics for their plate.
There’s a selection of Kahwa Coffee, craft beer (mostly from Germany or Belgium) and global wines on the beverage end, and a brunch menu is available on Sundays.
A mix of flea market, thrift store and church bazaar finds give Olive The World its Mediterranean flair; the fustis even sit on inverted flowerpots. Chris’ cousin Mimmo, a painter and resident of Italy, plans to send over some of his pictures to fill the space’s walls, and once the city expands the bistro’s surrounding sidewalk, Gini and Chris hope to offer outdoor seating. They’re looking into hosting wine and beer tastings to complement their items.
As for their concept’s name, it's a reflection of the couple's relationship. When they first started dating in Connecticut, Gini bought Chris a greeting card that featured a mouse and an olive on the front with the words “Olive you” inside. The Aloises, who've now been married for 29 years, brainstormed ideas until Chris thought of Olive The World. They both say they knew it would be the right fit for their multicultural restaurant.
