ATXReview
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If you’ve only heard one thing about Olamaie, it probably has something to do with the biscuits—a not-very-well-kept secret menu item from the first few years Olamaie was in business. These days the biscuits are readily available on the menu, and they’re every bit as good as you might guess—warm, flaky, and probably made with more butter than we’re comfortable imagining. And they’re just the start to what will probably be one of the most impressive hours you’ve had in a while, packed full of modern and fine dining takes on Southern comfort food.
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Just north of the Capitol, Olamaie looks a little bit like it was plucked off the cover of Southern Living magazine. The renovated 1930s bungalow is complete with well-manicured hedges, white wood paneling, and a cute patio where you can sit and sip on sweet tea from a mason jar while chatting about the weather. Parts of it feel frozen in time, but the dining room is decidedly more modern.
Start with a round of buttery biscuits and let them whisper soft, sweet nothings directly into your arteries while you mull over the menu. If you’ve spent time in the South, you’ll see familiar sounding dishes like butter beans and red rice with Gulf shrimp. But you’ll also see things like smoked beef belly with a Poirier's cane syrup glaze, or Hopi blue corn hushpuppies with caramelized onion dip and trout roe, that all feel like Southern classics that are dressed up a little and made more modern. Look to your left to see a perfectly cooked piece of blackened fish over a bed of decadent blue crab rice, while to your right, another plate holds a heaping pile of savory beef tartare on a creamy spread of sous vide egg yolks. The pork chop—brined, thick-cut, and coated in a sweet, strawberry black pepper glaze that chars up nicely—is among the best we’ve ever had.
photo credit: Richard Casteel
The cocktail menu is mostly named after old classic films and albums. Drinks lean towards lighter and more refreshing flavors—with ingredients like cherry tomato-infused vermouth or salted grapefruit cordial—that all further contribute to Olamaie’s old school-meets-new school approach.
A dinner at Olamaie is more than just excellent food and cocktails. It’s an all around comforting experience, with service that feels inspired by the tenets of Southern hospitality—warmth, kindness, and good cooking—all wrapped up in a fine dining package. It won’t be long until you’re the one telling your own stories about biscuits to anyone who will listen.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Biscuits
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Jefferson Red Rice with Gulf Shrimp
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Beef Tartare
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Grilled Pork Chop
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Blackened Dayboat Fish
photo credit: Richard Casteel
Flan