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By James Combs
It’s a wrap: Marinated Olive Bistro
![Marinated Olive Bistro_MG_9114_ copy](https://lakeandsumterstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Marinated-Olive-Bistro_MG_9114_-copy.jpg)
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Leesburg hidden gem offers a delicious alternative.
People seldom see my adventurous side. One day recently, it was on full display at Marinated Olive Bistro.
Going there wasn’t the adventure; I walked only several blocks. The adventure was finding the courage to deviate from my personality type and order something outside my comfort zone.
I’m glad I did. I discovered that traditional sandwiches on bread have become toast as more and more people prefer their meat, lettuce, and other toppings packed inside a tortilla.
“Wraps are simple and easy, and people can get them fast,” says Christy Stamm, manager of Marinated Olive Bistro. “If they call ahead, I’ll have them ready by the time they get here.”
Marinated Olive Bistro certainly wraps its success around these popular sandwiches. Aside from club sandwiches, soups, and salads, wraps are the only item found on the menu at this restaurant located inside Southern Gardens Galleria in downtown Leesburg.
I ordered the bourbon barbecue chicken wrap, which comes with grilled chicken breast, chunks of pineapple, and melted mozzarella. The accompanying sweet-and-tangy, lip-smacking bourbon barbecue sauce provides a mild kick with each bite. Just make sure to hold that bad boy real tight to keep the sauce from dripping off the tortilla.
My friend went with the classic roast beef wrap, which he said was bursting with fresh ingredients. The lean, thin-sliced beef was topped with crumbly blue cheese, a nice departure from more predictable cheeses. The side of homemade sweet dill pickles were similar in taste to bread-and-butter pickles. His only complaint: too little meat.
All in all, my dining experience at Marinated Olive Bistro taught me a valuable lesson. Going forward, I’ll try to wrap myself in more new and exciting culinary adventures.
James Combs was a pillar of Akers Media Group since its inception in 2008. Over the years, he had the honor of interviewing Lake & Sumter County's most fascinating personalities, from innovative business owners to heroic war veterans, bringing their incredible stories to life. Throughout his career, James earned over 50 awards for writing excellence, a testament to his talent and dedication. In 2021, he was inducted into the Akers Media Group Hall of Fame. Sadly, James passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. His legacy of storytelling and excellence continues to inspire us all.