Olé! Tapas, Sangria & Fun

"Inviting with stylish sophistication and flair, Olé! Tapas Bar delivers tastes and wines reminiscent of the Mediterranean Coast of Spain. Wines, small plates and entrées are perfect for sharing and comparing…all in a dynamic setting with intimate booths, quaint alfresco dining, and at tall tables amidst the electric bar scene. A select wine list features unique and interesting California and Spanish wines; a full bar offers classic cocktails as well as a line of fun, specially created drinks including sangrias, martini’s and other beverages that highlight seasonal produce and current trends.

Designed with European influences, by architect Georgios Apostolidis, the dining room is covered in warm shades of burnt oranges and browns. Three wall murals echo the theme of Olé! with images of Spanish tradition. There is a long sleek bar for cocktails as well as tall bar tables, inviting nooks, cozy booths, a contemporary lounge area and outdoor seating along bustling Ventura Blvd."

- Open Table, Restaurant Reviews


My thoughts: Upon arrival, my friend (a very handsome one) was waiting for my boyfriend, my Grandma and I at a booth with very comfy plush cushioning. Our server was energetic and involved. We ordered Sangria, I ordered the Paella, my Grandma the Calamari, my boyfriend ordered the Placa Caliente (a sampler of 4 traditional tapas) and our handsome friend ordered the Filet a la Pimienta. Our food arrived promptly and it was delicious. The food is really Spanish (not the American version of Spanish food). The place is decorated with Spanich style paintings and a lot of red. The background music was primarily Spanish but on occasion a track of Rock en Español would take over to lighten things up. I'll definitely go there again, next time on a Tuesday to enjoy the Live Flamenco, Cabaret show.

The Happiest Place on Earth

I had family here from Colombia and every Californian vacation with kids (or not) must include a visit to Disneyland. I'm a sucker for that place. I feel the magic, I love the rides, believe it or not I enjoy the food and even though I'm an anual pass holder, I still take pictures and find myself feeling amused by something I had yet not discovered.

How can anybody not like this fascinating place?

Viva Las Vegas

I was in Vegas this past weekend. It stops being very exciting after the third time you go in a year but its still fascinating in a very tourist way. This time we stayed at a condo in a resort surrounded by palm trees, golf courses and lagoon-looking pools. Nothing fabulous but quite comfy and ideal for the group of people in our party. I have family visiting from over-seas and from other states so we did a lot of walking, sightseeing and the activities tourists do. Our itinerary consisted of walking, stopping for pictures, eating, walking some more and stopping for pictures ever again.

I wish I had something exciting to report. Being with my family is a blast but our inside jokes could hardly amuse anybody else but us so aside from strongly recommending that we do one of your meals at the Spice Market Buffet at the Aladdin, I have not much more to say. Next time my dear readers... Next time I'll deliver entertainment that should fall into the same category as a girls-gone-wild video. Promise!

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Exquisite Bistro - What a Place!

"The Scene: Firefly captures the festive romance of a tent wedding. Couples and foursomes sit under the open canopy, basking in the well-placed drama lights, surrounded by a grotto of greenery. The staff treats the guests like family, at times overly friendly, but nonetheless charming.

The Food: This menu shines: The husband-and-wife chef duo deliver modern mixes of fresh, seasonal ingredients with Southern and tropical flavors, often with sparkling results. Highlights include lemony, grilled romaine salad, dotted with hearts of palm and lightly fried artichoke hearts. Crispy cod cakes offer a dense, smoky spin on the classic crab cake. New York strip steak, marinated in a beguiling tamarind sauce, delivers impossibly tender meat. Duck lovers will swoon for breast drizzled with a homemade hot sauce, served with a fried cornflakes-coated leg. There's also lamb and a fruity ceviche."

*Ceci Chavez, CitySearch Reviews Editor

"A little bohemian, a lot Californian. The menu at Firefly Bistro is high-spirited and fun, just like its tent party atmosphere."

*S. Irene Virbila, Times Staff Writer

My Thoughts: Exquisite, flavorful, fulfilling, chic, cozy, ingredients are bought fresh from the farmers market that takes place every Thursday across the street from their lovely establishment, the menu changes to meet each season and they have the best Sangria I've had in Southern California... It's truly a wonderful place. I recommend it and I will definitely visit them again.