When You've Had Enough Of The Mall, Try Olive's East

Restaurant review

Olive's East, 672 Southcenter Mall - across from Bon Marche, Tukwila. 242-6400. All major credit cards, personal checks accepted. No smoking. Takeout is available. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. -------------------------------------------------------------------

Those longing to trade in the shopping rush for a moment or two of tranquility need only to slip into Olive's East, an elegant European tearoom tucked in among the throngs of stores at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila.

A few moments in this Vienna-style dining room, sipping a steaming cup of gourmet tea or coffee while relaxing to soothing classical music, and the shopping-related stress and exhaustion seem to melt away.

"Our philosophy is elegance, restfulness, relaxation and good quality fresh food," explains owner Margaret Harrington, who took over Olive's East 15 years ago.

From the onset, Olive's East is charming and warm, filled with high-backed chairs, oak tables, hanging lamps, wood ceiling fans and mirrors. The menu is equally inviting, a variety of light but satisfying choices that include sandwiches, salads, soups and several hot entrees.

The Seafood Sandwich ($5.25), the Hawaiian, a ham and pineapple combination with cream cheese on raisin bread ($4.95), gyros and a Veggie Sandwich served on whole-wheat bread with cream cheese are a sampling of what's available. The favorite sandwich among regulars is the Turkey Tissell - a turkey, Swiss cheese and alfalfa-sprouts combination served on specialty bread. It was named after former employee Barbara Tissell.

Those looking for something to warm them up shouldn't pass up the Steak and Mushroom Pie ($5.25), a delicious bun-shaped pie loaded with strips of tender steak and mushrooms. The pies, a true Scottish-Welch creation, are made locally by a man who spent several years traveling throughout the region to learn the secrets of the delicacy. A large side salad topped with sunflower seeds accompanies it. For vegetarians, there is the Vegetable Lasagna ($5.25) and Peroshkies - light, flaky pastries filled with spices, parmesan and cream cheese ($5.25).

Unless you're made of iron, it is impossible to skip one of the decadent desserts served at Olive's East.

Triple Chocolate Torte, Cherry Strudel, German Chocolate Cake and Dutch Apple Cheese Cake are some of the tantalizing goodies available. The house favorite is the Turtle Cheesecake - a wicked combination of caramel, fudge, nuts and cheesecake that will send you to paradise with one bite. The only drawback is that this particular dessert is so rich it is difficult to finish in one sitting. My advice is you share one with a friend (the servings are plenty big). Cheesecakes and tortes cost $3.50 apiece.

After your meal, sit back and enjoy one of the many delicious gourmet teas or coffees available.

And on your way out, you can order some tea or coffee beans from the well-stocked gourmet gift shop adjoining the tearoom.

Coffee lovers will be pleased, but tea lovers will be ecstatic. There are dozens of decaffeinated, herbal and flavored teas from which to choose.