Whenever new neighbors move in, don’t we all find ourselves taking in as much info as we can, trying to glean enough clues to answer the questions, “Are these people cool?” “Will we like them?” So not only do we note what kind of car they just parked in the drive, but we also size up the bumper stickers on it. And we watch with a curiosity bordering on the perverse as various unboxable items from their lives are pulled from the moving van and carted into the house. Oh my gawd! A wagon wheel coffee table! Wait…is that sincere or ironic?
This job was a lot easier when Olive & Thyme opened recently. It’s a combo restaurant and gourmet market that is technically in Toluca Lake, but that’s the fringe of Burbank and close enough for me to consider it part of my stomping grounds.
...ahh, cheese...!
Anyway, it doesn’t fit the usual mold for Burbank, which has long been the repository of chain establishments too numerous–and dull–to mention. Sometimes it’s a chore figuring out where to get something good to eat without driving a considerable distance–or having to make it myself. Himself and I have long pined for a place close by to have a good meal that didn’t involve reservations or too much advance planning.
"secret sauce" and pickles included!
Olive & Thyme fits the bill nicely. We popped in recently to check it out, and I’m happy to report that our first visit won’t be our last. Himself’s grilled three-cheese panino with bleu, fontina and white cheddar, and my Middle Eastern Chicken, a grilled pita filled with chicken and tomatoes and slathered with hummus, harissa and aji sauce, made us both sink into our chairs and lean closer to our table. We made yummy noises, smacked our lips, licked our fingers and purred like milk-fatted kittens. We exchanged bites of each other’s entrées and stole forkfuls of each others sides of kale salad and farro with roasted beets. As we chewed happily we not only took in the decor and ambiance, but we examined the cheeses, charcuterie, condiments, sweets and other delights lining the walls and filling the counters. We planned our next visit, and our next and our next…
This really isn’t a restaurant review. Nor is it a business profile. I leave those forms of information sharing to those who choose to write them. I’m just happy to report that we have a cool new neighbor, one that produces a great variety of good food, carries a dizzying assortment of fine foods to go, has a great vibe and style, and is staffed by friendly sorts who are passionate about what they’re doing.
A happy Himself
What’s not to love?
If you’d like to check out Olive & Thyme, you’ll find it at 4013 Riverside Drive. Right now it’s open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. They’ll eventually be open on the weekends, too.
