The Penguin’s black-ops ninja crew did some deep undercover work for this review. Thankfully, taste testing in complete darkness was one of the crew’s many combat skills.
The unrelenting darkness came courtesy of Olazzo (8235 Georgia Ave), a narrow cave of an Italian restaurant. The place was a study in contrasts. The dark (and I mean dark) bar and dining room, and their cool ambient grooves, suggested something daring, dangerous and alluring.
Compare that with Olazzo’s menu of chicken parmigiana, pasta primavera and lasagna. It was demure, safe, even unimaginative. That’s not to say the food wasn’t good — just not ballsy enough to match its setting.
For example, the mozzarella garlic bread ($6) was neither garlicky nor buttery, nor mozzarella-y for that matter. While the toasted bread loaf was crisp, its flavor came from subdued garlic powder diluted in melted margarine. The cheese on the loaf, while stringy, lacked any creamy flavor.
It was Texas toast, straight out of the freezer case.
Thankfully, the fried calamari appetizer ($8) saved the evening in a big way. The generous serving of tender squid rings had a light, crisp coating and arrived in an absurdly oversized martini glass.
The marinara sauce that accompanied the calamari was straight out of a jar but not offensive in taste. Dip if habit dictates, or enjoy the squid straight up.
Also pulled safely off the supermarket shelf was the house salad’s tart vinaigrette, which lacked any hint of lush, fruity olive oil; and the parmesan cheese condiment courtesy of Kraft Foods. It had parmesan’s salty kick but none of its bold, buttery flavor.
The Penguin’s black-ops ninja crew did most of its work dissecting Olazzo’s entrees. Penguin ninja Jimmy the What What found the penne pasta in his shrimp rose ($15) gummy and overcooked. The dish’s pink sauce — a tomato-based sauce with heavy cream — was thick as glue, he said.
Part-time Penguin ninja Silver Springer said his chicken parmigiana ($14) was moist, though the accompanying penne in marinara sauce was unremarkable. Penguin ninja David also found his spaghetti in spicy marinara sauce unimpressive.
Penguin editor Jennifer Deseo (read: me) performed covert operations on two different occasions, each time ordering a different entree. During her first visit (sans ninjas), the chicken cardinale ($14) was pleasantly rich and creamy.
Soft but not gooey penne was folded into a smooth pink sauce, then tossed with smoky and sweet sun-roasted tomatoes. Chunks of slightly dry chicken in the mix were small down notes, but not enough to endanger the meal.
During her mission with the ninjas, Deseo had the lasagna bolognese ($13), a creamy pile of ricotta cheese and soft noodles that actually contrasted nicely with the jarred pasta sauce. However, the bolognese element — a layer of ground beef — lacked sweet fennel or any other accent.
For dessert, the ninja crew agreed that Olazzo’s tiramisu ($6) was not in line with their ideas of tiramisu. Nonetheless, they enjoyed the moist cake and what they identified as a light, white chocolate frosting.
Deseo enjoyed the large cannoli pastry ($6), which had a light, bright and sweet ricotta filling accented with chocolate chips.
Overall, the service at Olazzo was quick and mostly courteous, though one ninja objected when a server reached over his plate as he was eating, or when his water glass was continuously skipped on the refills. Otherwise, the staff was pleasant and attentive.
Olazzo, 8235 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, (301) 588-2540.
Updated Oct 17, 2007, at 9:12 p.m.
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The place definitely looks good, and is a nice change of pace from the family-friendly blandess of Hellsworth. Too bad about the food, per your report. I did stop to chat with the manager, and FWIW, he’s more than willing to accomodate vegans, even though the menu itself lacks vegan entrees. Still, sauce that tastes like it comes from a jar doesn’t really inspire me to see what they can veganize.
Hey, there’s another new restaurant to the left (I think) of Olazzo. What’s up with that? Also, that new Indian/Nepalese restaurant on Wayne has a banner up — Garh Kabob, or something like that. It’s near the old Bonanza Coins store.
I really don’t *enjoy* being a northern snob… but it just comes out sometimes… What does it take to get a decent italian place outside of the NY area!? Man… we tried that one on sligo across from all the mechanics shops… so cute on the outside.. what a dissappointment inside.
I’ve heard good things about the place on colesville a couple storefronts down from fenton across from city place… we’ve been too gunshy to try it yet though….
this review doesn’t inspire me to visit too many more south of the mason-dixon…
Wow, I sure hope that they get their act together and that your mediocre experience can be attributed to opening week blips.
I ate at Olazzo (in Bethesda) for the first time last Saturday night for a friend’s birthday get together. It was really delicious. So was everyone else’s plate, which, of course, I had to have a taste of. We had the calamari, the bruschetta and a variety foul, fish and bovine entrees.
I think they will get it together…at Bethesda the service was casual, but fast, efficient and very friendly.
I am sorry to hear your review of this highly awaited restaurant. I would have asked for the check immediatly after seeing anything remotely resembling Texas Toast.
Didn’t all ya’ll get enough tiramisu the night before?
http://www.southsilverspring.org/node/185
Editor’s note: Can anyone really get enough tiramisu? — JD (Oct 17, 2007)
I think Olazzo’s current menu may be enough to draw patrons in the short term. It’s an alternative to the crowded Macaroni Grill.
However, Olazzo should think beyond standard-operational Italian-American grub if it wants to stick around. It’s got to expand its culinary imagination. Watch a little Giada de Laurentiis.
That particular stretch of Georgia Avenue doesn’t have much nightlife (okay, it has no nightlife). This makes it important for Olazzo to evolve into a destination, for it to be more than just a pit stop on the way to Ellsworth Drive.
Admittedly, The Penguin’s black-ops ninja crew had high expectations of Olazzo, heightened further by the dining room’s dark, mysterious decor. Now the restaurant must rise to the occasion.
Evan, we are on a quest to find the best piece of tiramisu in downtown Silver Spring. The winner shall be showered with jewels, the loser banned from Silver Spring for all time!
Jennifer please add that I was mysteriously bypassed the numerous times they came to fill our glasses.
Everybodies glass was constantly refilled with water but mine!
Editor’s note: Duly noted, Silver Springer. — JD (Oct 17, 2007)
I had another thought on what Olazzo could do to become a destination:
Clear all the furniture in the rear dining room, jack some turntables into the sound system, and dance your ass off.
They don’t have to do this every night — maybe just on the weekends. That way, patrons could still enjoy the ambience without the food.
Those seeking genuine Italian in SS should try DaMarco, the place Paul_s_s refers to, on the north side of Colesville immediately east of the ‘to be’ Fillmore. Limited but very nice menu, best calamari I have had (including on the other side of the Hudson River), and nice service. Most important everything is prepared with care and is quite genuine and reminiscent of the very good neighborhood Italian restaurants common in NY. The dinner menu is very different from what is available at lunch (when it is an OK but fairly ordinary lunch place).
Editor’s note: DaMarco’s is on my to-do list. Thanks! — JD (Oct 17, 2007)
Olazzo is my most favorite Italian restaurant in the area- hands down. The sauce is absolutely not from a jar; the chicken is never dry; and the service is never anything short of casual and attentive.. This review is hogwash. The chicken cardinale (add brocolli) is one of the most delicious meals to be found in DC.. and the chicken primavera, which it’s delicious olive-oily sauce, is out of this world. Do yourself a favor and give it a try.. And no, I’m not associated with Olazzo, in any way, shape, or form. I just love the food and am SOO happy they’ve found a home in Silver Spring.
Nicaro is the restaurant opening next door, btw.. http://www.nicarorestaurant.com/index.html
Editor’s note: The author’s association with Olazzo (if any) could not be verified. However, (s)he did provide Olazzo’s email address when submitting this comment. — JD (Oct 18, 2007)
Argh! That Nicaro menu has more dead flesh in it than a George Romero zombie movie. Not even one token vegetarian dish.
Feh. Maybe they’ll be responsive to the meatless among us and add a veggie dish. I’ll let you all know how they respond to my request.
paul_silver_spring, don’t be afraid to try Da Marco on Colesville– you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Granted, it’s a small place and they don’t have a huge menu, but you can at least be assured of a reliable plate of pasta that hasn’t been Americanized beyond recognition. It’s run by an Italian family, and they certainly know how to crank out the homemade fettucine.
The family who runs it are always warm and friendly, but the servers themselves can sometimes be a bit tentative, so ask for what you need (nicely, of course!). The kitchen is rather small, and everything is made to order, so they can occasionally get backed up when they have large parties. It doesn’t hurt to ask in advance about wait times if you’ve got movie tickets.
Their specials on weekend evenings are always a good bet. Some pastas are better than others, but at least they’re not bland and homogenized. My impression is that the food is more Central Italian than Southern Italian/Sicilian, so those expecting garlicky red-sauce Italian might be thrown off at first. Trust me– try the Fettucine Delicate!
(Oh, and they made the Washingtonian’s Cheap Eats list this year:
http://www.washingtonian.com/restaurantreviews/1138.html)
That said, if anyone knows where I can get a good Bolognese sauce– one that has meat as the primary ingredient, rather than tomatoes– let me know! Da Marco doesn’t make one, and I’m beginning to despair. . .
Ok – I just dropped by during early afternoon hours when they were getting set up to say hello and check it out. I plan to come back and actually eat the food and post my comments…BUT…in the meantime, I can say with confidence that the inside ROCKS and has more atmosphere than 99% of the restaurants in Silver Spring. Words that come to mind – creative, unique, fun and sexy. The back reminded me of an underground Italian wine cellar where you know you’ll end up inebriated at some point down the road (read “I can’t wait!!”).
The restaurant is a welcome addition to a section of town that BADLY needs a face lift and new business investment. So with that being said – THANK GOD for Olazzo!!!
I think I have to eat there tonight – my curiosity can only hold out so long.
:-)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jason. You wrote:
I agree with you. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the food as creative, unique, fun or sexy as the decor.
So I just got back from Olazzo and wanted to do a quick write-up before it flies out the window. I’m using bullets because with ADD you gotta get creative ;-)
– The service was very attentive and quick – almost too quick. When you get your salad just 4 minutes after ordering and then your entree 5 minutes later you’re wondering how bored the wait staff are just hanging out in the kitchen. Everyone was really friendly though and the owner came over a few times to see if everything was good. He was really open to constructive feedback on the food so hopefully that will get back to the cook.
– The house salad that comes with every entrée was colorful and fresh although had too much vinaigrette so that the bottom layer was almost uneatable.
– I had the mango salmon and overall it was a tasty and unique dish – especially since mango really isn’t a traditional Italian ingredient. The salmon was crisp on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside. It was a bit too salty yet with the sweet thick chunks of mango it all balanced out in the end.
– The salmon dish came with this mélange of roasted peppers, red onions, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. This was a heavy mix but the flavor and texture won out.
– My partner had the Chicken Cardinale which was penne pasta with chicken and sun dried tomatoes in a “creamy rose sauce.” I tasted it and it was good – nothing unique or fancy – but the standard good Italian dish you expect it to be. Of course – if you put sun dried tomatoes in anything I’m an easy push over.
– We tried the cannoli which was tasted good (yes I know I suck at this descriptive food review thing). The filling wasn’t too heavy which is my usual complaint about this desert and the little chocolate chips were fun (hey I’m from Hawaii so this stuff is still new).
Overall – I’d recommend this place to friends and family knowing that as time goes on the little kinks should get ironed out.
Editor’s note: Thanks for the review, Jason. You just might have a future in black-ops ninja work. — JD (Oct 18, 2007)
Sounds like Olazzo may be a good date-night place. Lords knows the rest of the new SS resturants, even the bars – have turned into families with little kids joints.
I like Sergio’s a lot – near Colesville and Spring St – very nice ambience and wonderful service plus good old Italian cuisine.
My go-to places for Italian is my neighborhood place – Vicino’s and, dare I say it – Manny & Olga’s.
BTW there IS nightlife on that stretch – just look UP at the 2nd floor of Georgia and Thayer after 11pm – even on a school night disco lights are flashing.
Since no one has mentioned it yet, I’m going throw in a recommendation for Sergio’s on Colesville on the ground floor of the Hilton hotel (just before you get to the library). The atmosphere inside is pretty upscale, but the prices are surprisingly low. I’ve liked everything I’ve gotten there, especially dishes that have their homemade pasta. I also remember the tiramisu being quite tasty. The only downside is that sometimes on the weekends, if they’re really busy, you need reservations. I’ve only had that problem once, but I still usually call ahead to check before I walk over there.
Went to Olazzo last night with my wife and had a wonderful meal. The place has totally changed from the dump that was there before.
I had the pasta meatballs…which were probably up there with the best ive ever had. The meatballs were gigantic. The red sauce that came with the meal was very flavorful. I had the meal with linguine (I think it can come with penne). My wife had the clams with red sauce….she was very pleased. Portions were generous and also came with salads.
The only thing I really agree on with the Penguin is that the calamari was a winner. It comes in this giant Martini glass which adds a nice touch. For dessert we had the lemon cheesecake. We both really enjoyed it.
Not sure why Jennifer didnt enjoy the place. Maybe reviewing a place in its first couple days after it has been open is not the best time to judge. My wifes father who was in the restaurant business for over twenty years told me it usually takes a few months for a restaurant to settle in.
Judging from last night I dont think it will take Olazzo that long. The place definately has the look of a winner … in our opinion the food lived up to the atmophere.
Editor’s note: Thanks for sharing your experience, Kat! — JD (Oct 27, 2007)
We’ve dined at Olazzo twice now and are really pleased with both the quality of the food and the service. Just had dinner last night at NICARO, two doors down. Again, food and service very good. The lobster fritters are to-die-for. Very nice atmosphere as well. Thanks to both these places for settling in our neighborhood.
Jennifer, you write a blog, admit that you are not a food critic. I ate @ Olazzo with a date. Had a delicious meal and good service, plus a geat time at the bar after the meal. Let Tom Seitsma and those qualified to evaluate food to do their job, For eveyone else … judge for yourself and support a local business that worked hard to bring their addition to silver spring.
Editor’s note: Thanks for your comments, CO. I don’t know what qualifies one to be a food critic, but I do know what I like (or don’t like). I share my restaurant experiences only to give readers one person’s perspective. But you’re right — diners should judge for themselves, as some have in the comments above. — JD (Oct 29, 2007)
I ate at the Silver Spring Olazzo Saturday night and thought the food was delicious and the portions hefty for the price, which is highly unusual in this overpriced town we live in. The atmosphere is really nice and I just can’t say enough good things about the service…it’s one thing to be quick and attentive, but rarely does a restaurant in this area combine those to attributes with warmth and a sense of humor. I say five stars for Olazzo Silver Spring…we desperately need more restaurants like this here.
FYI, Nicaro was open two doors down, too!
After eating on two different occasions at Olazzo, I am glad they’re in the neighborhood. The food is quite good, although not terribly creative; the service (so far) has been great; and the prices are reasonable (also, all the entrees come with a salad. You don’t see that much anymore). I would definitely recommend folks give it a try. For what they do – basic Italian-American dishes, they do it well.
If folks are looking for top flight Italian here are a couple suggestions: Tosca (downtown DC), very good and expensive; Amici Miei (Rockville), in a strip mall, but top notch pasta (home made) and good thin-crust pizza too.
For those of you who’ve eaten at Olazzo: was the restaurant full when you went? I’m curious because I hope that this restaurant can survive.
Thanks.
It wasn’t full when we got there (around 6:30 PM…and raining), but by 8:15 when we left it was 80% full. I’m not sure a lot of people even know it’s there.
Editor’s note: This comment has been deleted. Sorry, Olazzo. No free advertising allowed. — JD (Oct 31, 2007)
FYI — DaMarco’s is related to the Italian deli at Four Corners, and Olazzo’s owners are related to the owner of the deli at Four Corners. Makes DaMarco and Olazzo guys in-laws.
Glad they are here.
Jennifer you do a great job of reporting news in the downton SS area. I read your blog daily to see about upcoming stories and news about the continued development of the downtown area. With that being said I do have a problem with you critcizing locally owned businesses (or any business) in there first days of opening. These owners have invested numerous dollars into an area in which you just reported this week as having numerous storefronts damaged due to crime.
Why review and criticize a new independent restaurant when they initially open? There are countless other restaurants in the area that have been around for years that can be reviewed by your Ninjas. Are you for the devopment of the area or are you trying to dissuade future business owners coming with your ill advised attempt at “Ninja” comedy.
In my opinion the Penguin and the other blog sites fill a great need to the concerned local public about the goings on in the area. The review of this locally owned place was a real cheap shot on your part. Which is very surprising to me and some of the others that read your blog from the neighborhood. What did you do go review it on its opening night?? Anyway keep up the good work(for the most part)and give these critical reviews that you have been doing a second thought.
Chill, winston–I mean JC.
Nowhere does it say Jen and her conspirators went on opening night–what gave you that impression?
Also, Jennifer is not a pro restaurant reveiwer, she’s giving people a heads up on a new place on a BLOG. She’s not allowed to be critical? Your “with us or against us” attitude is disappointing. People can make up their own minds, and have, as is clear if you read the rest of the comments.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, JC.
The Penguin is also a small, locally owned, independent business. But it just doesn’t compete with other small publications (eg, The Silver Spring Voice). It has to slug it out with The Gazette and even The Washington Post.
Likewise, Olazzo doesn’t just compete with small independent restaurants. It has to contend with the chains along Ellsworth Drive, and more established, locally owned spots (eg, Jackie’s).
For both organizations, it means survival of the fittest, the law of natural selection. There is no learning curve.
Taking criticism — from food critics, from blog readers — is the cost of doing business.
The great thing about blogs is that as readers, we have the opportunity to offer our own opinions.
Obviously, Jennifer, et al had (or perceived) a very different experienced than some of us others who went to Olazzo. Fortunately, as commander in chief of the Penguin, a purely volunteer effort, Jennifer allows virtually all dissenting comments as long as we are civil (I’ve only been slapped once).
Readers can make up their own minds who to believe or, as most people do, go see for themselves.
Wow, there is a lot of debate here. The criticism given here is off by a long shot. Nothing of theirs is “store bought”, so if you didnt like the garlic bread, which is what it is…bread, cheese and garlic, than u should say that, not call it store bought texas toast, who are you anyways, Tom Sietsema?
The marinara sauce is home made, and actually very tasty, especially compared to dumps such as macaroni grill and mamma lucia.
If what you want is a big city center full of chains, oh yeah, you already got that, well thats what you deserve. Go to chipotle, and macaroni grill and the noodle company and red lobster… because thats what you deserve.
Silver Spring to me, is a dump, and places like jackies and olazzo are trying to make it better, but you are the people who hold it down. If your a damn vegan and the manager offers to make something for you, you should go out of your way to appreciate his kindness for changing what he does for you.
Maybe I should go to macaroni grill and ask them to make me a beef and broccoli and see how they respond.If you dont like the menu choices, too bad for you, change your diet. If you didnt enjoy what you ordered, send it back and get something else, maybe you wont like every item on the menu, that may be a shock to you.
To be a food critic, you must know food! Olazzo is what it is, its not an authentic Italian restaurant because there is no such thing! Have you ever been to Italy? What the hell is an authentic Italian restaurant.
As for New yorkers, your food is the most overrated crap ever, starting with your pizza. There are just more New yorkers with bigger mouths spreading word of how good the food is in New york.
I have been to the best pizza places in NY and for my taste, Ill take two amy’s, matchbox, and Vace over any of them. If you want home made pasta with old school traditional Italian, I would say Il Pizzico is the best, if you want atmosphere with hearty good Italian style food, I would say Olazzo. If you want frozen sauce out of a bag I would say try macaroni grill.
Editor’s note: This comment has been edited for content. — JD (Oct 31, 2007)
Thanks for your thoughts, Ted.
I’m definitely not Tom Sietsema. The Washington Post food critic announces his arrival to restaurateurs, ensuring that he receives the best food and service. Also, his employer picks up the tab.
On the other hand, I do my reviews on the sneak tip so that I am treated as any other restaurant patron. I shell out my own hard-earned (and increasingly scarce) money for what I hope would be a good meal.
What makes Sietsema a qualified food critic? I can’t answer that.
As for my qualifications, I like food. I’m a decent cook. Oh yeah, and I have a background in food microbiology, if that counts for anything.
Well Chaz it doesnt take a Winston to know that her review came out on October 17th and the restaurant opened less than a week before. So whether she went the first, second or third night it opened…its still to early to give a harsh critism of the the place. My point is that there are so many restaurants here that have had the time to serttle in, why not give this place the same benefit.
Jennifer have you made any improvements since you have started your blog? How would you like it if the blogging Ninjas went undercover on you site the first day your website came out. Sound silly? Its the same thing. Only there is alot more at stake when your putting what is probably their life savings into a location.
Im not here to start some argument because i am a fan of your site. But I stand by my assessment that you took a cheap shot at a new business that invested alot of money and time into an area needs improvement. One thing that I dont get is that for all the critism that everyone has for so many of the new and existing businesses…why not start your own..not enough money or guts?
New Yorker I have had alot of good and not so great meals in New York. If you want better Italian why not open a place right next door to Olazzo and put them out of business. It seems like a a great business venture in your eyes. Im sure those guys would welcome the competition.
JC wrote:
I haven’t made many improvements since the original Penguin. Same snarky bullshit. Had ninjas come in and tore me a new one back then, I would have been better for it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
As far as dropping every last dime into a business, that’s exactly what I’m doing. And you’re right — it’s a great financial and personal expense to start a business. That’s why you’ve gotta do it right from day one. Otherwise, you suffer the consequences.
Im sorry Jen I thought you were making improvements throughout the weekend.
Restaurants are an easy target why not criticize the police who cant protect our storefronts from wannabee pitching prospects.
JC wrote:
Touche. ;-)
As far as what’s an “easy target”, anything and everything in public view is a target for criticism — cops, politicians, bloggers, etc.
All I’m saying is that you’ve gotta roll with the punches.
Excellent discussion, JC!
Thanks. No hard feelings. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I know that it takes alot of time to start any business which it why I take more issue with the timing.
Also I just saw an article in todays gazzete about Olazzo. It was more of an announcement than review which is what I thought was more appropriate… sorry.
Editor’s note: Don’t be sorry! Like I said, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. — JD (Nov 1, 2007)
For the record, I ate at Olazzo last night and enjoyed it. The service was good, neither fawning nor absent (sat in a booth at the bar area). The chicken cardinale reminded me of great penne roses of the past, the calamari was well-cooked and the batter flavorful (although we could barely see over the rim of the giant martini glass). The prices are comparable to Mama Lucia’s. I’ll certainly be back!
I agree that the atmosphere is a little weird, kind of lounge/sports bar/family dining establishment. But it was entirely pleasant.
Business was pretty slow in there lasst night (maybe just a Halloween lull)–I encourage others to check it out.
Hey Ted, I assume you were referring to me when you wrote, ‘If your a damn vegan and the manager offers to make something for you, you should go out of your way to appreciate his kindness for changing what he does for you.’
“Damn vegan?” You must have meant to write, “Wondeful vegan,” but your fingers slipped on the keyboard. Anyway, to set things straight, I popped into Olazzo on the day it opened, looked at the menu, asked the manager if the restaurant could accomodate vegans, and we told by him quite graciously that of course they could, and all we had to do was ask our serve. I thanked him and told him that my wife and I (we’re both vegans) looked forward to coming back for dinner.
Seriously, Ted, you ought to ratchet down the angry outbursts here. Could lead to heartburn.
He probably meant Darn Vegan or Dang Vegan…or maybe even Darth Vegan (Dick Cheney if he gave up animal products)
Have fun people :)
Maybe damn vegan was harsh, but still I think if a restaurant goes out of their way to accommodate your “special” needs, than you should have been more appreciative of it. I have worked in so many places, where they treat customers like crap, and people still come back.
I think this discussion has turned into something else, if I had come to the Penguin site on the 1st day and saw how lame it was, I may have never come back. It has evolved and as you can see the discussions are vibrant and the site is on its way up with the silver spring district.
Going into any new business, be it a restaurant or anything else and grading it in its embryo stage is unfair and I agree with JC, an announcement of opening would have been more fair, with a critique down the road.
As for supporting local business, that should be a part of your concern also, considering without them the Silver spring penguin would be the run down crappy city/town that you have to go through to get to DC.
As for Tom Sietsema, he does not announce his arrivals, your wrong there. And he goes more than 3 times before writing anything on a place. So yeah, maybe a low budget site like yours where the critic pays for themselves should not be criticizing anything, because people like me have already written you off as any sort of critic.
Nice site though, i prefer it more for the info rather than the I wanna be a critic pieces.
Editor’s note: Thanks for your comments, Ted. — JD (Nov 1, 2007)
Ted, are you reading what I and others have written? You say I shuold have been more appreciate, but I specifically wrote that I was appreciative, told the manager that, and told him that I looked forward to going to Olazzo.
What else should I have done? Consented to have his child?
Anyway, this is Jennifer’s blog and if she wants to tell us what she thinks of a restaurant at any particular time, that’s fine. We can all take her comments any way we want; if we judge from experience that she is a good food critic, then so be it. The reverse holds equally true.
My husband and I had dinner at olazzo on monday night. We were attracted to it because of the 1/2 price bottle of wine on Monday’s sign in the window. To our delight that 1/2 price bottle applies to their entire wine list which is quite nice for its size. We enjoyed our bottle of wine with two entrees the pasta and meatballs and the pasta and sausage. We were looking for comfort food and not being very creative. I thought it was delicious and I appreciated that the pasta was penne and not spaghetti which can cause a messy restaurant experience.
I think for us the place will serve as a great dinner on week nights when noone feels like cooking.
My wife and two year old daughter and I ate at Olazzo tonight. The service was warm and friendly though it took a long time for our entrees to arrive. The house salads were no-frills but good: a simple bed of lettuce with some cucumber, red onion, and a tangy vinigrette. The entrees were nothing to write home about. Lasagna Bolognese was heavy and too salty and the veal picatta was large leaden, rather than thin and light as a good scallopini should be. We skipped dessert as our daughter was getting antsy.
Three more positive notes: the interior rennovation is fabulous and almost made me stop piniing for the prior tennant, the Half Moon BBQ, the wine list seemed good, and the prices are reasonable.
When we left the bar and front room were teeming with people talking and having a good time. Although the food was middling, this place is a great addition to the commercial strip along Georgia Avenue and a higher quality alterantive to Macaroni Grill and Mama Lucia.
I hope that the stores along Georgia Avenue can continue to serve Silver Spring’s diverse socioeconomic community. Right now the strip between Thayer and Silver Spring includes Olazzo, Nicaro (another high end restaurant that recently opened) and the boutique clothing store. The strip also includes a pawn shop, a radio shack, a wig store, a paint store, an art supply store, and some down home mexican and salvadorian joints. This strikes me as a good mix.
What really needs a shot in the arm is the other side of Georiga Avenue between the same blocks.
I also ate at Olazzo tonight. The calamari was very good. Very tender pieces of squid served on a bed of lettuce in an oversized martini glass. I had one of the specials of the day- tilapia with risotto and some sort of marsala/mushroom sauce. I didn’t particularly care for the sauce- too thick and it overpowered the tilapia. What I could taste of the tilapia was good and the risotto was also good. I did not care too much for the house salad. As “David” mentions above, the salad was served with a tangy vinigrette and I thought that it was a little too tangy for me. The cannoli, however, was very good.
The service was good and the wait staff was friendly. The place, however, is TOO DARK. One of the joys that I have when having a meal is to actually see what I am being presented with. I could barely see the food on my plate. Also, they have a hi-def tv in the back with a video image of a fireplace with a roaring fire. In front of the tv is an actual fireplace grate. Very tacky looking. Drop the roaring fire image and bump up the lighting.
Overall, I did have a good experience at Olazzo. I do need to say that the group that I was with were contemplating whether to dine at Olazzo or Nicaro. The major factor in us selecting Olazzo were the prices and the food selection. Nicaro is very expensive and the exotic dishes on the menu just didn’t appeal to us. Also, Olazzo was packed with people while Nicaro’s had about 2 people at the bar and maybe 2 couples in the dining area. I would like to see Nicaro prosper but I fear that the prices that they are charging may be outside the range that most people who frequent Silver Spring are willing to pay. I am glad that Olazzo and Nicaro are in the neighborhood and hope that both will be successful businesses.
The fake fireplace is intentionally tacky and meant to be tongue-in-cheek. They have the same thing in their Bethesda restaurant and I think it’s a great way (in this uptight town) to say lighten up.
We went to Olazzo’s last night and had a good time. First, it’s very accomodating to us damn vegans (there were four of us). Second, I love that the interior looks like a place for grown-ups and avoids the, “you can clean baby barf off it really easily!” decor of most of the Hellsworth Drive dumps. I also liked the tacky fireplace video.
To be honest, having been a waiter myself, the waitstaff there seems a little green, but they were friendly and responsive, which is what really counts. I look foward to having this place around for a long time.
“Damn Vegans”, i should put that on a t-shirt and sell it! Anyways, Jen can write what she wants, I just wont be here to read it anymore….
Editor’s note: That’s your prerogative, Ted. — JD (Nov 7, 2007)
Some of the comments on this thread boil down to making a truckload of excuses for a local business simply because its local. Sorry, but for me personally at least, I’m going to patronize resturants that serve me a great experience well worth my money. And if that means going to a chain rather than a local business, so be it.
You clearly had an agenda. The mozzarella garlic bread, red sauce, and salad dressing are all homemade. The martini glasses are epic. The rose sauce is their most popular sauce. It’s an amazing restaurant with delicious food. You should be ashamed of yourself and your 10th grade journalism class writing skills. You and your lack of talent hide behind an awful lot of adjectives and terrible comparisons.
Editor’s note: Thanks for your comments, Alexa. I’m sure my tenth-grade journalism teacher appreciates your thoughts, too. — JD (Nov 12, 2007)