Olive & Thyme

In the middle of winter even if you live in California, it is almost impossible to go to a restaurant and order something that serves a sweet ripe tomato. Oftentimes they are slightly green, crunchy and flavorless. It is awful. All you want is a great tomato and you're stuck in a rut until late summer.

Olive & Thyme have somehow jumped the hurdle of the bad tomato and even in the dead of winter are able to get delicious, ripe and sweet heirloom tomatoes that taste like they are right out of the garden. These tomatoes, the perfectly ripe avocado, and the flavorful thick cut bacon on lightly toasted sourdough made for an outstanding sandwich. I loved how my sandwich was served with those tiny pickles on a cutting board.

My dining companions both got salads off the menu (as opposed to from the case). The Cobb salad had a beautiful layout and a great slightly spicy dressing, the same ripe tomatoes, gourmet blue cheese, perfectly cooked eggs and chicken. The Chinese chicken salad also had a nice flavorful vinaigrette (although after tasting the Italian dressing I wished I had a salad), grilled chicken, a salad mix and carrots with sliced almonds. All the ingredients were fresh and delicious.

While waiting in line, I noticed a jar of cookies on the counter. The cookies were chocolate chip with sea salt and cocoa nibs. I knew I had to have one but didn't order it right away. Instead, while one person saved the table we took turns walking around the restaurant and looking at all the food and pastries for sale. There were a variety of pastries (salted caramel croissant? Tell me more!), cakes and chocolates. Today being valentine's day probably influenced the selection. They also sell bread, cheese and a variety of spices and honey and things.

Olive and Thyme takes up an unassuming store front on Riverside drive that they've turned into a beautiful cafe and store. There are cases of salads (everything from beats and bulgar to potato), the cheese for sale, a marble topped bar to help the overflow of diners, a communal table and small tables around the edge. If you have a big group you will have to split up unless you can score a spot at the communal table. The only thing Olive & Thyme is missing is outdoor seating, but the way the restaurant is situated it is not allowed on the sidewalk. Otherwise, this is a perfect place for a healthy gourmet lunch for a reasonable price with fresh ingredients.

Olive & Thyme

4013 Riverside Dr

Burbank, CA 91505

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