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Olive Mediterranean Cuisine to open in Lucerne
LUCERNE, Calif. – Olive Mediterranean Cuisine will open this month in Lucerne to add more dining options to the first gateway town to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.
A soft open is planned for this weekend with a partial menu, the Grand Opening is scheduled for Jan. 19.
Owner Vitaly Karih is excited to open Olive in the little town nestled between a national monument, an active volcano and a world-class fishing lake.
“It’s good to be 11 minutes from the entrance to the National Monument,” Karih said.
While preparing to open, Karih keenly observes the traffic volume and enjoys the view of the park and lake as passersby inquire about the restaurant.
The brightly colored restaurant across the highway from the popular Lucerne Harbor fishing park will feature a mix of exotic food options from around the Mediterranean with Greek, Eastern European and Middle Eastern dishes, among others.
Karih, who has had a residence in Lake County for around 10 years, said the regional geography is reminiscent of his home of Kyrgyzstan in the Central Asian region where traders and travelers have shared experiences including food styles for centuries along the Silk Way -- from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea.
“We’ve taken the best of the best from generations of shared culture and cuisine,” Karih said.
The initial menu features favorites and more exotic items including appetizers including fresh handmade dolma, hummus and baba ganoush.
According to Tim Cooper, a regional marketing associate from Sysco Foods, the inventory is similar to top local restaurants with all fresh, high quality items.
Entrees include Greek dim sum, kebabs, gyros, shawarma, raman and plav, with organic beef, lamb and pork in addition to meat-free options.
Most entrees are listed below $10 on the initial menu which should leave room for handmade chack-chack with organic honey for dessert.
Karih said that in addition to sit down and take out he’s considering outdoor seating, catering, online ordering and delivery with the new cargo van he bought.
Diners are invited to use tables inside or take their food to go, perhaps to enjoy some kebabs in the park, he said.
Olive will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Olive Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 6232 E. Highway 20 in Lucerne, and can be reached by telephone 707-350-2332, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or click here to find Olive on Facebook.