February break was just around the corner as I walked outside under the clear, blue sky dotted with clouds and wondered what to do now that I was free from school. The rush of afternoon traffic filled my ears as I remembered a friend mentioning to me recently that a new Korean restaurant had opened in town. With what seemed like an endless amount of time on my hands, I decided to go give it a try. I headed to 2300 N Triphammer Rd, where the restaurant Olé Olé is located a few doors down from Applebee’s.
Upon entering Olé Olé, I was greeted by a wood-styled interior and cozy farmhouse-themed decor. Calm background music contributed to the calm, peaceful atmosphere. Small wooden tables were on either side of the wall. Each table seated about four people. Wooden shelves with little ornaments like bowls and vases lined the walls. The small space and simple decorations gave me a sense of calm after a long day. It was a little before dinner time, and I was the only customer in the restaurant.
Olé Olé is a Korean-Mexican street food restaurant that held its grand opening this past fall. A casual space for dining with friends or family, the menu consists of classic Korean street foods like tteokbokki and gimbap, as well Mexican foods like tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls. They also offer dishes from Japanese cuisine, such as poke bowls and udon noodle dishes.
Most items like rice bowls, burrito bowls, and tacos have various different protein options, including beef, spicy pork, chicken, and shiitake mushrooms as a vegetarian option. The menu also offers a wide variety of gluten-free options, including gluten-free chicken burrito bowls, tacos, K-rolls, rice bowls, and salad.
In order to get an accurate picture of Olé Olé’s many offerings, I ordered a beef burrito, beef K-roll, kimchi beef tacos, and a side of tteokbokki, or spicy Korean rice cakes. These dishes were from a few different categories listed on the menu. In just a few minutes after I placed my order at the front counter, the food was ready at the pickup window. The total came out to 45.74 dollars. I was surprised by how generous the servings were—at around ten dollars each, each dish was more than enough food for a meal. Each plate was also decorated like a rainbow, topped with colorful vegetables and meat.
The burrito and tacos were filled with tender, flavorful beef that melted in my mouth. Stuffed full with braised beef, black beans, cheese, and vegetable toppings, the burrito was moist and flavorful.
Similarly, the tacos were presented beautifully. The plate consisted of three tacos filled with a choice of protein, lettuce, cilantro, jalapenos, and kimchi, pickled napa cabbage that is a staple side dish in Korean cuisine. The meat and vegetables work together to create a flavorful, savory dish that is hearty but not too heavy.
The K-roll, or gimbap—a Korean staple of rice and various fillings wrapped in seaweed—was also delicious. The colorful vegetable and meat filling was brushed with a savory glaze with a slight sweetness that was surprising yet enjoyable.
Listed under “small plates,” I would recommend ordering the traditional Korean dish, tteokbokki as a side or appetizer. Thick, chewy rice cakes with fish cakes were drenched in spicy, salty, and slightly sweet sauce. I really enjoyed this dish but it was a little too spicy for me. If you cannot handle spice, I would advise staying away from their tteokbokki, which is especially spicy, and the kimchi in tacos and other dishes.
Overall, Olé Olé is a quick, easy, yet delicious food option with a calm atmosphere in which to enjoy it. If you visit during lunch, the restaurant will be crowded with workers grabbing lunch. I recommend visiting away from lunch hours for a quiet, calm meal, unless you’re looking for a lively atmosphere. The service was also great; the cashier is friendly and polite and the food is prepared very quickly, making Olé Olé perfect for people who are in a rush and need to grab a bite to eat. I highly recommend this restaurant for going out with your friends or family to share a casual meal.
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