It’s not a large restaurant and the configuration is close to how it was as Rafav’s but the decor has changed and is simplified. A few booths remain and there are about 12 tables filling out the restaurant.
We checked out the appetizers and decided on pate with chicken. This is described as a Creole pastry, fried or baked, and filled with chicken, beef, or vegetables. We ordered them fried, with beef, and they arrived very hot and quite greasy. Similar to empanadas, these were better with more flavor. However, they were not served with plates so it was messy eating with grease dripping everywhere.
The Chez Olga signature dish is the gumbo shrimp and chicken served with rice, so we had to try it. Rice arrived in a large bowl accompanied by a small bowl of gumbo in red sauce. Our second dish was the Chez stir fry, a blend of onions and peppers with beef. It arrived in the same manner as the gumbo and they looked almost identical. The chef who served them to us was confused as to which was which. We sorted it out and enjoyed both dishes immensely.
When our order was first taken, we were asked by the very charming Olga to select our spice level, which ranged from 1 to 10. Having never been there before, we played it safe and chose 5, but it wasn’t hot enough. If you like your food quite spicy, 7 or 8 would probably be more appropriate. Overall, everything had big, bold flavors making Chez Olga an interesting option and something different in Grand Rapids.
The website contains their menu along with opportunities to make donations to Haiti.
www.chezolga.com
Ooh - we just ate there for the second time. Loved it!!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for this useful information.Please keep on blogging.I am looking forward to read your next great article..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteApparently those who "love" eating here have never had Caribbean food. Chez Olga has the worst food I've ever tasted. Flavorless jerk chicken, dry red beans and rice that tasted burnt, and the backs of my meat was charred. I will never return, and will just stick to Jamaican Dave's. At least he knows what he's doing.
ReplyDeleteHaving been to Haiti a few times, we have come to enjoy the people and food. Chez Olga's prepares authentic cuisine which is delicious and the service is very friendly. I would highly recommend checking it out, even if you haven't had Haitian/Carribean food before. It may just be your new favorite restaurant.
ReplyDeleteFor me, But not great! :)
ReplyDeleteI had the Creole sampler so I could try several things. It was good! The menu is something different for the area and I want to go back to try more items.
In addition to that, maybe we have different preferences when it comes to taste, coz I've been here a couple of times and tried different meals, i just loved it. I'm crazy about this place! I even took some friends here that were new to GR and they loved it as well. Service can be a bit slow but is friendly and totally worth the wait. I can't wait to go back!
ReplyDelete