In fashion, high-end, bespoke looks can fall into daytime, nighttime or timelessly classic. In the hands of a professional chef, the same careful craftsmanship and curation also go into seasonal fine dining. On Olympia’s west side, The Park Side Café’s brunchy breakfast burritos, carrot lox bagels and midday hand pies are long-standing fan favorites at the restaurant. But when the sun goes down, try their elegant and cozy new dinner service for something truly special.
Dinner Service is Something Special at The Park Side Café on Olympia’s West Side
The Park Side Café welcomes dinner-hour diners every Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. These meals are a collaboration between Chef Justin Kay and Chef Graham Steinruck. “Our inspirations come from seasonal, organic, local produce,” says Steinruck, “especially things that are ethically harvested and minimally processed. It’s like we’re a bistro at night and café during the day.”
Many fresh ingredients showcased come from Wobbly Cart Farm with mushrooms and other hand-collected items sourced by Forage and Farm. “Mushrooms add such wonderful flavor and texture to plant-based and vegan foods,” Steinruck explains. Because of their marinade and spice absorption, they can be used in a delightful variety of ways, cuisines and global flavors.
Over the years, The Park Side Café has become known for their inventive, delicious meat-free products and Steinruck promises that dinner service will be no different. “Carnivores won’t miss the meat but we’re not trying to recreate or replace it,” he says.
Popular items include Steak Frites using chewy grilled and seasoned portobello mushrooms. These are served atop confit fingerling potatoes with a snappy chimichurri sauce. Or make room for ravioli stuffed with cashew mascarpone, green garlic pesto and Egyptian dukkah spice. More of a burger and fries fanatic? Their Jerk-seasoned smoked beet burger is served with a carrot habanero sauce, house-brined pickles and a pillowy brioche bun that’s also made at The Park Side.
Olympia Vegan Restaurant Specializes in House-Made and Local Options
We all know the benefits of shopping and dining locally. But Steinruck, Kay and the Park Side Café team take their meals a step further. They make almost everything in-house from breads and pastas to nut creams and yogurts, fermented items and options that are gluten-free, soy-free and so much more.
“We want people to bring their friends, and all eat together,” says Steinruck, whether enjoying a plant-based cheeseboard, shared plates, salads, pasta, a hearty main dish or decadent dessert. They’re developing seasonal pastas and can add a glass of wine, beer or nonalcoholic beverage to round things out. “Think of these as plays on craveable comfort food that you might not make at home,” he says.
Call ahead if your party is larger than four because nightly seating is limited. Otherwise pick up items to go and enjoy an al fresco picnic at home on the patio, in one of downtown Olympia’s many waterfront viewpoints or curled up on the couch with a book.
Dinner at The Park Side Café Satisfies, Inspires and Keeps You Coming Back (for Dessert!)
For families in a rush, unexpected company or a date-night to remember, all these tasty dinner options are available a la carté for take-out or to-go as well. But don’t forget that the daily menus are very different and currently only available within their designated service hours.
If you’re longing for the many different colors, flavors and textures of top quality, hand-crafted dining, The Park Side Café is sure to become your new favorite supper spot. And favorite morning coffee run, afternoon pick-me-up and brunchy breakfast haven. And did I mention the strawberry-rhubarb shortcake or flourless chocolate torte?
Chefs Steinruck and Kay hope that dinner service grows in popularity so they can continue to add new vegan, plant-based items to its five-star menu and wow both foodies and lovers of flavor and presentation. Follow The Park Side Café on Facebook and Instagram for new items, updates and mouthwatering photos.
If anything you try wakes your inner chef, head upstairs or online to The Rolling Pin Kitchen Shop for a variety of gadgets, cookbooks, gear, advice and even professional knife sharpening. At The Park Side Café, you can experience daytime, nighttime and classic cooking at its finest so let someone else cook today.
The Park Side Café
1909 Harrison Avenue NW, Olympia
360.352.8344
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