Dos Olivos Market – Harlingen
Star Rating: 4.0
We start todays review by prefacing the fact that Dos Olivos has become one of our top foodie spots in all the Rio Grande Valley. A unique combination of flavors that bring the best of European Spanish roots, good old American Ingenuity, and old-fashioned Texas hospitality into a mixture that’s very much its own: Span/Tex Fusion.
On our travels through Barcelona and Madrid, we learned how to appreciate the staple foods and ingredients of Spain – Meats, Eggs and Fish, Olive Oil, Saffron and Ground Red Pepper.
Since the vast majority of Spain's borders touch some type of water, it's no surprise that fresh seafood of all kinds is available no matter where you go in Spain. In fact, seafood is often a course by itself during both lunch and dinner. Some of the most common varieties include shellfish, monkfish, eel, squid, trout, anchovies, tuna and cod.
Eggs are another crucial part of the Spanish diet, sometimes served instead of fish during the second course of a meal. Cooks prepare eggs in a variety of ways, including omelets. However, a true Spanish omelet, or "Tortilla Española," consists of eggs, potatoes and onions.
The Spanish people enjoy a number of roasted meats, especially pork or chicken. Cured ham, including the renowned delicacy "Jamón Ibérico," is another staple food in Spain, and local lamb meat is always a favorite.
Thus, the ingredients that tie these staples all together: Olive Oil, liquid gold - One of the healthiest fats, and an essential part of the Mediterranean diet. Spain leads the world in the production, processing and sale of olive oil. It’s so nutritious that some people regard a bottle of oil and a loaf of bread as a meal in itself.
Saffron, red gold - Originally from India, saffron was adopted by Spanish cooks, enhancing the flavor of rice dishes, meats and stews. It is an expensive ingredient and must be handled very carefully.
Paprika, Ají, Ground Red Pepper - Christopher Columbus brought it to Spain from the Americas. But it´s the traditional and artisanal methods that make this ingredient unique, its production requires smoking by hand over holm oak logs. A spice rich in antioxidants, essential in other traditional Spanish foods like chorizo, sobrasada and sausages.
But the heart of Spanish cooking remains in its rustic, homespun nature, a legacy of a time when hard-pressed Spaniards had to work the land for everything it would offer. Sound familiar? (wink) 😉
So, what makes Dos Olivos Market fusion of Span/Tex cuisine so appealing to us? And, why we insist that you venture out and make a visit to taste and truly appreciate the essence of American ingenuity in the kitchens that embrace cultural diversity - producing novel recipes and menus that enhance what our great nation is all about.
In sum, a short 15 second TikTok video nor a traditional food review will ever replace what “foodies” already know – why we travel far and wide to discover food that tantalizes our taste buds.
We spent the last three months sampling their menu “Tapas” style and below is our list of dishes that we whole heartedly recommend:
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Barbacoa Doughnuts: Blue Corn Jalapeño Doughnuts, topped with Shredded Barbacoa meat, Cilantro, Chipotle Glaze
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Chicken Karaage: Ultra Crispy Fried Chicken Nuggets coated in a Sweet Chili, Cilantro, Local Pickle, Funky Aioli
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Jamon Croquettes: Smooth Ground Ham coated in breadcrumbs then fried to perfection with a Piquillo Pepper and Manchego Cheese Aioli
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Grilled Chicken Thigh: Coated with Mustard BBQ Cream
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Pork Tenderloin: Covered with Artichoke, Cherry Tomato, Lemon Gremolata dressing
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Dean and Peeler Strip Steak Au Poivre: A New York Strip Steak coated with a Peppercorn Mélange (mixture), and Sherry Cream Sauce
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Ribeye Steak: Marinated in an original Los Olivos Markets Flavor Sauce
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Texas Forges Mushrooms: Wild Mushrooms seasoned with Herbs, Citrus, Shallots
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Truffle Mac & Cheese: A stirred mix of Mushroom, Ham, Smoked Cheese, Baby Kale
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Dressed Bagel: Aerated Cream Cheese, Cured Yolk, “Everything” Spice, House Fermented Chili
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Dos Olivos Breakfast: Cheesy Scrambled Egg, Smoke Shack Poblano Jack Sausage, Tots, Red Chile Pomegranate Salsa
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Belgium Churro Waffles: Topped with Horchata Crema, Chipotle-Chocolate Maple Syrup
Note: This is but a portion of their menu and we definitely look forward to sampling more of their creations - with a menu that offers everyone a chance of enjoying something different, but not too different. Complementing these innovative menu items; Dos Olivos Market also curates an incredible selection of quality food, wine, and beer.
Undoubtedly, this is the kind of family business that inspires just pride. For them, for us, and all those who work hard to endure personal sacrifice to attain success. This is what the American Dream is still about, in action, not just words.
Finally, a quote that embodies the spirit of Dos Olivos Market:
We pride ourselves in making our food fresh and from scratch, that means each dish comes out as it’s ready, in no particular order.
It is our pleasure to serve you…Welcome to Los Olivos - Welcome Home!
