Gnoshing About: Olibea in the Old City

Olibea is next door to Crown and Goose and you can park free in the C&G parking lot immediately across the street.

We were finally able to make it to the most talked about new breakfast spot in Knoxville today. We’re very sad…very sad that it took so long for us to get there! Chef Jeffrey DeAlejandro of the Crown & Goose opened Olibea (a name that comes from a combination of his two children’s names) a while back to much publicity. It is all well deserved. Olibea is a tiny space, but somehow very comfortable. You order at the counter then wait for an open seat to become available…because it gets pretty crowded early on the weekends. Freshly brewed coffee is bottomless and piping hot! Jeff is busy at the pass but makes time to speak to patrons often, and always with a big smile. He told us on this visit that we could look forward to dinner service joining the delicious breakfast service soon! This is great news.

I ordered the breakfast tacos which is made with very fresh corn or flour tortillas and house-made chorizo. It was delicious with the local hot sauces that are provided. The chorizo has just a hint of cinnamon lending the sausage a middle eastern flavor. Mrs Knoxfoodie had the daily special a huge (did I say huge?! Did I stutter?) Short rib and chorizo torta served open faced with rich guacamole and topped with quick pickled carrots and radishes. Outstanding! Fair warning: it might do you well to spy on some of the plates coming out. This torta was gigantic and we could have split it. Made for great leftovers though!

We can’t wait to go back and try some of the other offerings on the menu and check out dinner service as well!