Dishin': We Want Some More of Olivar's Brunch

Capitol Hill's Olivar is already doing bustling business and getting great reviews, and now Chef Philippe Thomelin is adding brunch service Saturdays and Sundays.

No batter dishes on the menu; this is a Spanish restaurant with French and Italian influences, so look for egg, cheese, potato, and bacon plates.

We like the tortillas (read: omelets) and the salad offerings (especially the classic frisée with poached eggs, bacon, croutons and roasted shallot vinaigrette--two people can split one of these with another dish to make your meal somewhat healthier and lighter), but our favorite is the patatas a lo pobre. Is that poor man's potatoes?

Yes, but they're rich indeed. Pan-fried scalloped Yukon potatoes with fried eggs, chorizo Riojano, and Anaheim pepper pieces for a little heat.

Olivar offers a cozy, delightful atmosphere and a chef who loves what he's doing. The patatas run $10 (the whole menu is $8-10), though best is you can choose any entrée and get drip coffee, fresh orange juice, and an ensaimada (a Majorcan pastry) for a prix fixe of $15 (plus tax and tip).