Press

Valentine’s Day MSNBC.com 2/5/06

New York Times – Christine Mulke 11/6/05

Portland Tribune – Anne Marie DiStefano 4/7/06
"On the Rocks" - link »

Portland Tribune – Liz Gadberry 4/28/06
"Taste of the Nation" - link »

New York Times Style – Jane Black 5/7/06

Food & Wine magazine
"Hottest new restaurants in the world" - link »

Flavor online (Winter 2006)
"Welcome to Club Med" - link »

SF Downtown (Sept 2005)
"Portland: Great Escapes"

Portland Monthly (Nov 2005)
Chef’s Choice: Favorite Dish
Reader’s Choice: Best Mediterranean

Esquire (Nov 2005) "20 Best New Restaurants"
Upon entering Olea in Portland's bustling Pearl District, I was immediately delighted with its huge industrial windows, big kitchen, and approachable staff—a convivial spot to drop in to for a drink. But when I sat down at a spacious, well-set table in the ninety-seat dining room and started feasting on chef Scott Shampine's food, I knew I had found a winner.
While you could graze here forever on little plates of spiced olives, grilled dates, and arugula-topped focaccia, it's better to go whole hog on Shampine's lusty orecchiette pasta with an oxtail ragout scented with espresso; a lobster tart in truffled cream; sizzling, crisp-skinned, spit-roasted breast of duck with grilled melon, honey, and pistachios; and unremittingly rich braised bacon with green apples, lentils, and currants. Every dish is immensely satisfying, and you can eat better here for less money than at any other new restaurant on this list.
—John Mariani