Featuring magnificent farm-to-table southern cooking, Olamaie first began pleasing diners in the Austin culinary scene last year by hosting pop-up dinners. The success experienced by the restaurant was so considerable that General Manager Ben Hickerson and company moved to open a proper, permanent location. Initially slated to open in the winter of 2013, the restaurant has experienced some delays, but, according to Austin CultureMap, will be opening this coming Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014.
The new location, set to open at 1610 San Antonio Street, will occupy a space more than eight decades old, which we expect to offer a charm complementary to the menu. Set to be open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner service, Olamaie will accept patrons from 5:30 to 10:00 PM.
The restaurant is expected to continue in the same vein of farm-to-table southern classics that first brought chefs Michael Fojtasek and Grae Nonas fame in the Austin restaurant sphere. In keeping with that, it’s been indicated that the menu will focus heavily on a series of rotating meals and specials, changing with the seasons and the availability of fresh ingredients. Boggy Creek Farm and Springdale Farm, Austin CultureMap reports, will be among the local agricultural institutions from which Olamaie will primarily source its produce, meat and other ingredients.
Fojtasek and Nonas, both trained at the Culinary Institute of America, intend to do a bit more with the place then simply serve traditional southern comfort food. Olamaie, which is named after the southern matriarchs of the same name, will also feature a lounge with a bar serving modern takes on classic cocktails. Also available will be a wonderful selection of craft beer and wine.
Texas Culinary school students in the Austin area are encouraged to visit Olamaie to take in what’s expected to be a wonderful addition to the already burgeoning culinary scene.
