Fig & Olive

For 5 years I worked in Manhattan and one of the perks was surely dining out. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour...I was open. All I required was good company.
Well, one of the favorite lunch spots for me became Fig & Olive, a Todd English chain of restaurants. I love figs and all kinds of olives (well not the ones with the pimentos) so how could I not love this?
To my surprise, and delightn Fig & Olive opened in the 'burbs - in Scarsdale, NY - within a half hour from my house. Now that I no longer work in the city, I recommended this for a dinner out with friends.
Truth be told, I arrived at Fig & Olive after a long, difficult day. "A dirty martini please" were the first words I spoke at the open, bright, long white bar that spanned the length of the place. Hopefully I said hello first, but I can't be sure.
When we were seated, and were given a plate of fresh bread with 3 different dipping oils, I gladly indulged. For those skeptics out there, they actual do differ in taste, and we each had different favorites. The bread was so good, you actually didn't even need to dip.
For an appetizer I got a delicious gazpacho, accompanied by a piece of bruschetta (though by then I'd had my fill of bread!)
As an entree I got the salad I love with tomato, olives, scallions, walnuts, apples, mâché and fresh figs - the flavors are so fresh and I so enjoy the combination of savory and sweet all in one bite. We also shared the haricot vert with sautéed shallots and the sautéed mushrooms. It was a terrific meal.
Whether you're in NYC or Scarsdale, or even at Melrose Place, check it out!