Ole

(773-793-2222)

5413 North Clark Street

I love the Andersonville neighborhood for  its specialty shopping, people watching and of course, dining.  With that in mind, Olé Olé, at 5413 North Clark Street is

particularly pleasant in Summer weather, if you can snag one of only two tables placed at the open French café doors. Otherwise, the restaurant is a bustle of activity in either the bar area, or a second, smaller dining room further back.

           
The menu is Nuevo Latino, where a collection of appetizers and tapas would make a perfect meal. The Ceviche is vibrant with texture and flavor, clearly resonating fresh limes which provide the acid to cook the collection of shrimp, calamari and scallops.

           
Empanadas are noteworthy not only because of their excellent pastry, but for well seasoned fillings, each in balance. There are two sauces, spicy chimichurri and a less spiced,  though hardly bland, green sauce. Elsewhere on the listing of tapas, Queso  de Cabra, or melted goat cheese in basil and tomato sauce comes with toast. The idea is simple, just lather on the cheese and sauce, and enjoy. A pitcher of sangria  is a perfect accompaniment.

           
There’s a raft of other choices ranging from excellent tortilla soup in creamy broth with cubes of white cheese and avocado slices, to a collection of salads, fried potato puffs filled with ground meat or guacamole with crisp tortilla chips. There’s a good contrast of texture in the guacamole.

           
If there is still room for entrees, choices run a broad gamut centered on, but not exclusively Mexican influences. A quintet of chicken selections includes a version stuffed with spinach, bacon and cheese in a chipotle sauce, while a simpler recipe has the poultry marinated in lemon juice. Beef and pork fanciers will not be disappointed with the likes of churrasco style steak or pork loin bathed in a honeyed chipotle sauce.

           
There’s  a wide choice of seafood, even a style of paella. Though not so authentic as some, it’s  good down to the last clam and rice grain. Desserts include flan, tres leches cake and other treats. Expect to spend about $70 a couple or less, plus add ons. Olé Olé is at  5413 North Clark Street and has a K/RATING of 19/20.

AMBIANCE 4/4    HOSPITALITY  5/5   FOOD   10/11