Visiting Olive Moroccan Restaurant At Their New Location In Belper
Published On Wednesday 10 Apr 2024 by Sticky Beak
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As regular readers will know, Olive Moroccan in Belper is one of our regular haunts. The wonderful Jacqui, owner and Chef at Olive, has become a true friend over the years, so we were thrilled when she told us that she was moving to slightly bigger premises just around the corner. Now located at the top of King Street, the new venue will be able to accommodate more diners – this makes me very happy as I think everyone needs a restaurant like Olive in their lives.
We parked the jalopy in our usual place and walked across to Olive, giggling as we saw the first change: a huge blackboard that shares any occasions being celebrated. Proudly written was ‘Happy Birthday and Graduation’ for our very own Fledge, and also Happy 50th Birthday to another lady’s group dining on Olive’s first night in their new home.
Fans of Olive will be relieved to hear that it is still as marvellously quirky as it’s ever been! There are still the mix-n-match crockery and glasses on the tables, those magnificent Moroccan tapestries and mosaics and, best of all, plenty more of the twinkling lights and lamps that give Olive its unique atmosphere.
Our flock of 5 was ushered down to what I call the ‘snug’, a little hideaway a couple of steps down from the floor level that seats a maximum of 8 folk. The seating on the far-side of the tables is a row of cinema seats (complete with cushions for your back, if needed) which totally appealed to my eccentric side, so I snagged one of those! It is a bit of a challenge for taller peeps, but as long as you’re careful you’ll be fine. Having settled in, Jacqui came over and asked what we’d like... a bit of everything, if you don’t mind!
It’s been a while since Jacqui has done my personal fave - Dates stuffed with Cream Cheese – so you can imagine how big the smile on my mush was as I clapped eyes on them. There’s something magical about the comforting warm, softness of these morsels and the contrast of the sweet fruit and gentle tang of the dairy, and I happily popped one after another into my greedy mouth. Quickly following the dates were plates of Stuffed Vine Leaves, Hummus with Olives and Pitta bread, and Spinach Flatbread. We passed the plates around, chatting merrily as we grazed on the flavoursome Mezze dishes.
A whole, baked Brie with bread came out, too, and we all commented on the hint of spice that came from the Paprika garnishing its top. You can’t come to Olive Moroccan restaurant without sampling Jacqui’s delicious salads – even my salad-dodging Man Bird loves them! Mummy Bird and I divvied up the majority of the Beetroot between us from the Beetroot, Orange, Feta and Walnut salad – though we did leave a couple of pieces for the others – whilst Fledge and The Beau busied themselves with the Mujaddara. Jacqui always uses loads of fresh herbs and spices in her dishes, so they taste great, as well as being a feast for the eyes.
Last time we took Fledge and The Beau to Olive, we ate that many Mezze dishes that we didn’t leave room for Jacqui’s tantalisingly good Tagines! #sacrilege #rookiemistake … no such error this time. Bowls of Chicken- and Lamb- Tagines were placed on the table, along with a big dish of Cous Cous, and we eagerly dug in.
In all the times we’ve visited Olive, we’ve never had a bad Tagine – and we’ve had a fair few of them, trust me! Jacqui cooks the meats slowly so that they’re tender and juicy, and melt-in-the-mouth scrummy. Whilst the spices certainly ramp up the flavour factor, they don’t make your lips and tongue tingle, so they’re literally suitable for everybody.
I think that a large part of Olive’s appeal is the fact that it’s cosy, relaxed and laid-back, both in terms of the venue and the food delivery. Each time, our mood is different and the Mezze-style approach of Jacqui’s gives you a massive flexibility; sometimes we have more salads, sometimes we go bonkers for the Flatbreads or the Hummus…it has even been known that we just totally pig-out on everything twice!! Everything is done with a smile and a genuine interest that you have a wonderful experience at Olive; Jacqui is just beyond wonderful, but Josh, Ben and Arlo (her current serving team) are also absolute superstars. The young lads are super-polite and ever-ready for some banter with their guests.
Hot Wings given again to Olive Moroccan on Belper’s King Street: the new location is marvellous. For up-to-date information, visit the Facebook Page, Olive Moroccan Restaurant. Generally speaking, Olive is open on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm - although Jacqui does occasionally run special events on other nights. Take your own alcohol as the venue is unlicensed; Jacqui only charges a small corkage fee, and there is unlimited water available. Ring 07864 953341 to book a table, it’ll be the best decision you’ll make and your friends and family will love you… you can thank me later!
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