I just experienced one of the most unbelievable meals at Oleana in Cambridge MA run by chef and owner Ann Sortun who also has a book “Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean“. Rustic, warming, vibrant, calming, and damn tasty down to the minuscule details. Chef Sortun’s creations are inspired from her travels and experiences from France, Spain, Italy, and Turkey for an Arabic-Mediterranean intersection of surprising flavors along with their superb personal staff in a very charming space!

Oleana is located in a quiet residential street side in Inman square with an outdoor porch space many have raved about though my first experience was inside. At first I expected an overly lavish pristine space based on all the reviews and consistency in most high end restaurants in Boston which I personally do not like as much, but Oleana’s was my exact cup of tea. Very casual, a humble friendly staff, and a tiled warming environment in a comfy space as if walking into a village side restaurant bustling full of conversations during a sunset somewhere far away from all the chaos most of us are use to.

The staff initiated the Oleana experience, servicing a few tables while greeting customers with smiles and stories while never seeming to be rushed allowing me to pester them with curious questions about their ingredients and unique flavor combinations (I’ll blame my questions on the cheerful bottle of wine). The menu changes often and the wine list is as diverse as their dishes. Plates were fantastic while the attention to details in sauces, blends, and accents on the sides delighted me the most. I’d usually keep finds like this a secret, but the experience was wonderful and one surely to share with others. I’ll post a pictures of the dishes I tried after the jump. If your in the area, seeking a sensational meal and experience, I say go to Oleana!

More Oleana dish pics at BostonChefs.com

Oleana website

PRET A MANGER
РArmenian Bean & Walnut P̢t̩ with Homemade String Cheese
– Warm Buttered Hummus with Basturma & Tomato
– Fresh Bread assortments

APPETIZERS
– Sesame & Walnut Flatbread, Homemade Mozzarella & Carrot Jam
(unbelivable rustic rich taste. Crunchy, earthy, potent, eye opening! The jam on top was sensational!

– Sultan’s Delight; Tamarind Glazed Beef & Smokey Eggplant Puree with Pinenuts
(simply amazzzzzzzzzzing)

FISH:
-Cod in a Clay Pot with Brussels Sprouts, Hawaij, Israeli Couscous & Zhoug

– Scallops with Creamy Celery Root Semolina, Sage & Apple Caponata
(The scallops were amazzzing and the sauce underneath was a blend of celery and some kind of wheat puree which just rocked! It might seem heavy, but it was light, wholesome, and the bread dipping never stopped! I licked this plate clean!

MEAT:
Lamb Steak with Turkish Spices & Fava Bean Moussaka

DESSERT:
-Nougat Glace with Roasted Quince & Quince Sorbet
(This was incredibly unique.. I’ve never had this flavor before)