In the Mauritsdwarsstraat, in the heart of Oosterpoort In Stad, you will find a piece of Italy, wrapped in the warm and authentic atmosphere of Olivier la Mensa, Italian for 'canteen'. Here owner Rommert Olivier and chef Stefano Bianco combine their love for Italian cuisine with the cosiness of a traditional Dutch pub.
Transformation
Bianco, half Italian himself, was introduced to cooking by his father, Gigi Bianco, among others. 'In Italy, everything revolves around family and food. A good meal brings people together,' he says. Together with childhood friend Olivier, they transformed a beer café into an Italian eatery, where everyone can now enjoy the authentic flavours of Italy.
The Italian experience at Olivier
At La Mensa, it’s all about pure and honest food. ‘We work with fresh ingredients and love simplicity. A good plate of pasta doesn’t need much, as long as the base is right,’ says Bianco. Olivier adds: ‘We want our guests to feel at home, whether they come for a quick espresso or an extensive meal with friends.’
Signature dish: Pasta alla Stefano
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is Pasta alla Stefano: a creamy pasta with creamy pecorino, freshly ground pepper and a hint of lemon. 'This dish shows what Italian cuisine is all about: quality, simplicity and flavour,' explains Bianco. The secret? 'Patience and respect for the product.'
And while you're there, don't forget to finish with one of the delicious desserts. From homemade tiramisu to the self-invented cheesecake with forest fruits and a base of Bastogne cookies, which gives a Dutch twist to the Italian dessert. There is something for everyone.
Hawaiian Pizza
The most expensive dish on the menu? 'That's the Hawaiian pizza', Bianco says, laughing. 'When guests order that, I come to the table and tell them that this pizza costs 150 euros. But that's more of a joke than that it's seriously on the menu for that price.' Still, he emphasizes that people should be able to eat what they want, despite the fact that pineapple on pizza is 'swearing in church' for some.
He talks about his own culinary background, where as a child he liked to mix different dishes together, something that was not always appreciated in his Italian family. He continues: 'Everyone should just eat what they like.'
Wine and atmosphere
In the meantime, the two are already busy with new plans. Soon they want to create an atmospheric wine cellar where you can enjoy the most beautiful Italian wines. Imagine: an intimate setting with small tables where you can taste wines with a story. 'We want to create a place where people can come together, enjoy and get to know each other,' says Olivier. 'The wine cellar will be a perfect addition to that.'
"We hope that everyone who comes in here feels something of our passion," says Olivier. "Whether you're Italian or from Groningen, good food connects us all."
Curious about the Italian flavors of Stefano and Rommert? For more information, visit the site: Olivier.nl
