This past February, Olive & Thyme opened in Toluca Lake, Calif., giving the Valley a new gourmet marketplace with sweet treats and savory meals. The family-owned and -operated establishment is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday, offering its patrons a wide array of cheeses, wines and other gourmet food.
The dessert case is full of signature items, including cakes, chocolates—chocolate bars, boxed chocolates and the Everyday Indulgence line—and muffins, scones, tea cakes, made-from-scratch condiments and more. The cafe was founded by Christian and Melina Davies with Valerie Gordon of Valerie Confections helping to refine the concept with her expertise as well.
“Having been away from restaurants for a few years, I was invigorated by the idea of collaborating with Melina and Christian on everything from the menu and recipes to overall brand development,” said Gordon. “It’s also incredibly exciting to see the entire bakery case filled with Valerie Confections!”
The Davies know a lot about wines, beers and gourmet food and bring their unique spin to the table. Upon entering the Olive & Thyme structure, a friendly, yet chic aura greets you, and the tables are usually bustling with people munching on sandwiches, enjoying a glass of wine or even sipping on a cup of coffee—many varieties available from Intelligentsia.
Eggsalad sandwich at Olive & Thyme
A large wine and beer list makes up the alcoholic beverage selection, including Magali Rose Cotes du Provence, Domaine De La Renaudie Sauvignon Blanc, Felsina Chianti Classico, Hofbrau Original and Kwak Belgian Ale. When thirsty for water, it’s always available to quench your thirst on a central table with glasses ready and ice-cold water by its side.
Assorted cheese plates can accompany the wine choice or the Mezza Platter, which contains hummus, harissa, cured olives, housemade pickles and feta. A standout item on the Olive & Thyme menu is its homemade pita chips, a simple yet delightful addition, perfect with “In the Case” treats like Farro with Roasted Beets or Tuna Salad.
Olive and Thyme BLT Sandwich
Another “In the Case” favorite is the Chicken Bowtie Salad, an incredibly tasteful mixture of pasta that provides a kick in each bite. Not for those not enjoying spice, but if you like your foods well-seasoned, this salad is a great choice for you. Other “In the Case” options are a Salmon Salad, Meatloaf and Lasagna.
The Salads portion of Olive & Thyme’s menu does not disappoint and allows any mouth to be fed with both classic and more unique dishes. A Cobb Salad comes with a spicy Russian dressing, the Chopped Salad consists of cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, celery, pepperonicini, parmesan and an oregano vinaigrette, while the Chinese Chicken Salad does not disappoint with almond, carrot, cabbage, cilantro and sesame soy dressing.
Olive and Thyme's Wedge
The Fattoush Salad keeps diners on their toes and puts together several flavors not regularly seen in salads, including tomato, cucumber, feta, dill, mint & smoky pita chips, all tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
When dining at Olive & Thyme for lunch or dinner, the most popular aspect of the menu will be its delectable sandwiches, each made with fresh ingredients daily. Taking a spin on an old childhood fave, the Grilled Cheese contains blue, fontina & white cheddar with heirloom tomato, and the Grilled Vegetable has goat cheese and a secret sauce. Might not be your mother’s Grilled Cheese, but this offering enhances a comfort food everyone loves.
The Classic Deli sandwich is another sure-fire choice for those who like hearty sandwiches full of meat and ingredients. It consists of mortadella, ham, salami, swiss cheese, arugula and tomato bruschetta, all on a fresh ciabatta bread. Another popular sandwich is the Braised Short Rib with horseradish crème fraiche & caramelized onion on a baquette.
It might be hard to, but save room for dessert after your lunch or dinner and try one of the unique offerings, like the salted chocolate chip cookie or enjoy a rich piece of cake or pie.
Also open for breakfast, Olive & Thyme has an entirely separate menu for the first meal of the day, and its equally as full and inventive with dishes like the Breakfast Hand Pie with ham, egg and cheese in a savory pastry and the Forager Panini with sausage, mushroom, scrambled eggs, fontina and tapatio.
In addition to its cafe, Olive & Thyme has catering services and offers Hollywood Bowl baskets for special occasions in the Los Angeles area. Jars of some of its homemade products can also be bought while in the cafe.
Olive & Thyme is a quaint new area giving those in the Toluca Lake area a place to eat gourmet while also enjoying a refreshing ambiance, adorably decorated and always filled with friendly faces.
For more information, visit www.oliveandthyme.com or call 818-557-1560. The new restaurant is located at 4013 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, CA 91505.
