So you’re craving Italian food, but Frank’s not covering it, and you can only take so much pizza. Well, don’t underestimate Oliveri’s. The restaurant itself may not be brand new, but behind owner Mike Clare, the family-owned joint is always looking for ways to step up what they’re doing. Be it by using fresh, wholesome ingredients, crafting dips and sauces (including their vodka sauce with white onion, prosciutto, bacon, and pecorino cheese) in-house, or serving innovative dishes, you may be surprised at what you’d find at Oliveri’s.
And they really care about the food. Emily Daniel ’18 had this to say: “Hearing Mike talk about his passion for food and his love for cooking made my day. He said that almost every important event in a person’s life – birthdays, weddings, holidays – involves the sharing of food, which is really beautiful.”
A few members of the Spoon Colgate team recently had the opportunity to try out some of Oliveri’s classics and newer bites. Check below for the low-down on a number of items on the Oliveri’s menu, and a couple “secret” items!
(Secret menu items marked with *)
Garlic Bread
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Rebecca O’Neill ’19: “Olivieri’s does garlic bread to a tee, adding the perfect combination of garlic and spices.”
Sarah Durlofsky ’19: “The garlic bread is really good and super soft. Definitely a must-have anytime you are at Oliveri’s, and it can be paired with pasta or pizza.”
Garlic Knots
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Rebecca: “The cheese stuffed inside of these knots is a total game-changer. And you have to dip them in the homemade ranch dressing.”
Mallory Shaner ’18: “They were extra cheesy, but not as garlicky as I was hoping.”
Sarah: “The garlic knots were amazing! A little salty and the cheese is super gooey. Really good appetizer to share or to eat after Fraturday.”
Italian Spring Rolls* (Ham or Pepperoni)
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Eliza Jacobs ’19: “The spring roll that was a mixture of a Chinese egg roll with pizza toppings on the inside. It was filled with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni with an outer crispy shell. I would recommend to all pepperoni lovers!”
Mallory: “So yummy!”
Mac and Cheese Bites* (Served with Ranch)
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Sarah: “The Mac and Cheese bites were bomb. They are technically off the menu, but if you ask for them they will make them. Also, the ranch side they come with is amazing and homemade.”
Emily Daniel ’18: “The Mac and Cheese bites were awesome, and I think the fact that they’re not on the menu made them even better.”
Mallory: “Awesome, but heavy on the fried. The homemade ranch is awesome.”
Eliza: “AMAZING!! They were warm, crispy on the outside, and filled with cheese that melted as you bit into it!”
Rebecca: “EVERYONE MUST TRY. These fried and cheesy balls of joy will be your new favorite post-Fraturday snack.”
Rice Balls
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Eliza: “I had never tasted a rice ball before, but it was filled with flavor and warm rice on the inside and fried on the outside. The crispy outer shell was the perfect combination of crunchy and soft food.”
Mallory: “My favorite.”
Utica Greens
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Mallory: “This has a bit of a kick to it.”
Emily: “I loved the unexpected spice in the Utica Greens; they were good on their own, but even better when spread on garlic bread!”
Rebecca: “These are crispy, unexpectedly spicy, and overall AMAZING. Probably not the healthiest way to eat vegetables, but would definitely recommend.”
Vodka Rigatoni
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Rebecca: “This is one of the best vodka sauces that I’ve had in a long time. It has perfect texture, an awesome flavor, and very good Instagram potential.”
Mallory: “Really awesome vodka sauce, and the rigatoni was al dente!”
Vodka Chicken Parmesan Sub*
Photo by Mallory Shaner
(Note: According to Mike, this dish was invented when a Colgate football player requested one. After the student-athlete ordered the Chicken Parm with vodka sauce, his friends got wind of it, and word spread from there.)
Eliza: “DELICIOUS sandwich with toasted bread and fried chicken topped with mozzarella on the inside. Amazing when dipped in marinara sauce!”
Mallory: “The vodka sauce is something that stands out again. Interesting combination, but loved it!”