Olympia’s waterfront has a new eatery: Vino Mar Bistro. The soft open is underway
The woman behind the restaurant Valentina’s on Fourth Avenue in downtown Olympia has opened a new business at Percival Landing called Vino Mar Bistro.
It’s in the middle of its soft opening – it opened last Saturday for friend’s and family – which means dinner service only right now, although there are plans to expand hours and the menu, said owner Vanessa Valentina and manager Renzo Herrera in an interview on Wednesday.
The soft opening runs through Saturday, followed by a grand opening on Sunday.
“This is what I like to do,” said Vanessa about her decision to open the eatery, adding that she has worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years and cut her teeth at the Seattle-area restaurant Cactus.
It also was an opportunity to occupy a waterfront site, she said.
“People forget how beautiful Olympia is,” said Valentina.
The business fills a spot once occupied by Dockside Bistro, which closed last year.
The restaurant is described as an “elevated coastal Mexican wine bar,” emphasizing seafood, wine and craft cocktails. The menu will expand, but for the moment diners should expect tapas, entrées and one dessert item.
Some of those dishes:
- Gambas al Ajillo: Shrimp, served with green poblano rice, Spanish paprika, dried pepper and garlic.
- Tiradito De Atun: Tuna, served with torched avocado, cilantro-jalapeno leche de tigre (a marinade), mango, black and white sesame seeds.
- Fish tacos: Pan seared with butter, garlic, onions and peppers, then breaded and served with cabbage, green serrano, cashew aioli and pico de gallo, plus rice.
- Bananas dulces: Fried plantains, with brown sugar buttered caramel. Served with coconut ice cream.
Herrera added that they brightened and opened up the interior of the 1,800-square-foot business.
The restaurant is open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at 501 Columbia St. NW. The main entrance to Vino Mar Bistro is on the waterfront side of the business.
