Are you wanting to get out and experience something wonderful? Here’s a suggestion. Step into Cynara Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Olympia near the Farmers Market for a time of rejuvenation. You can relax while sipping an inspired cocktail and dining on thoughtfully prepared food. Olympia native Christian Skilling’s second restaurant has been open for over a year, but with all the turmoil of late, you might not have noticed. It’s worth your time.
In October 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, Christian opened Cynara. He has been holding fast to create dining experiences that bring comfort to your heart and soul. “My favorite dining experience is like being in a home,” says Christian. “Think of it as an extension of your own living area and more communal at the same time,” he adds. The space is cleanly elegant and neither stuffy nor fussy.
Cynara’s southern facing windows frame the Capitol dome, and the huge windows facing west provide plenty of natural lighting. Some offer peek-a-boo views to the marina, which is just across the street. If you sit at the bar, you can contemplate the wall of spirits. Christian and his bartenders delight in designing specialty cocktails such as Athena’s Chalice, a drink with vodka, cassis liqueur, limoncello, fresh lemon juice, (shaken) then lavender bitters and a lemon twist.
Cynara makes a signature Manhattan with Michter’s small batch bourbon, Foro Amaro, with an orange twist and an amerena cherry. If you aren’t familiar with bitters and amaros, like foro amaro, you might want to check them out. They are alcoholic preparations that can be used as digestifs, but with their intense, herbal flavors, are often added to drinks. Each one is unique. “We have a very educated market here,” say Christian, who strives to exceed people’s dining expectations.
“As a bartender the fun part for me is creating and testing ingredients,” says Kristi Lewis, lead bartender of both Cynara and Iron Rabbit. This list of whiskeys includes over 40 bourbons, almost a dozen ryes, numerous Scotch/malts, and Japanese and American whiskeys from which to select. There is also a long list of gins from Ada Lovelace to Vigilant Navy Strength. Have some fun. “We are definitely a gin and whiskey forward bar, with an extensive collection of amara and aperitifs,” adds Kristi. Chat with the bartender or your server to have your cocktail just the way you like it. If you are in the mood for wine, there are plenty.
Now that you are settled in with your specific libation, consider a snack or appetizer. The trio of grilled rustic bread pieces are sharable and topped with variations of savory and sweet flavors like grapes, basil, chevre and pickled vegetables. There are dips, cheeses and meats, too.
It’s time for your meal selection. You may be enjoying that homey feel, but you don’t have to plan, prep, cook or clean up your dinner. Co-manager Wade Keiffer is partial to the roasted duck leg. The Moroccan stew is tempting. I have a hard time not ordering the cauliflower. It’s a mélange of apricots and pomegranate balsamic with toasted hazelnuts in a scrumptious sauce. The roasted cauliflower sits atop a minty, multi-flavored quinoa salad. See which entrée appeals to you. “We do what we do well,” assures Wade, who has been working in the restaurants for the past 20 years and has been a line cook for 3 years. “I love coming to work,” he says. He takes care of what’s happening in the kitchen and what shows up on the menu. “Compared to the Iron Rabbit, Cynara may be a bit more sophisticated,” he notes. “There may be more technicality in the preparation,” he adds. Both locations serve tasty food.
Wade is also appreciative of the work environment, feeling supported. “I’ve never seen an owner who cares so much,” comments Wade, adding, “Sometimes Christian is in the dish pit washing dishes.”
Kristie handles more of the front of the business end. She loves the guests and wants people to know how important each person is to her. She also acknowledges that these pandemic times have been scary, not knowing what to expect day to day. “We are very concerned about everyone’s health,” she affirms and does all she can to ensure and promote a safe and pleasant experience.
Both Kristi and Wade emphasize that Cynara and Iron Rabbit are scratch kitchens, including the desserts. That means they care about every step of the process before the plate is set in front of you. Feel invited to the hospitality at both restaurants. “There is magic when people are together eating,” says Christian. See what inspired conversations you create.
Cynara Restaurant & Lounge
500 Columbia St NW Olympia
360.764.7326
