Rive Bistro in Westport Celebrates 10 Years With Chef Roland Olah At The Helm

There’s a lot to celebrate at Rive Bistro in Westport. Owner Eric Sierra is thrilled to be celebrating the restaurant’s 10th  Anniversary.  In addition to this great achievement, Sierra who is stepping away from the kitchen recently brought Chef Roland Olah on to take the helm.

After having won a green card in the lottery, Olah left his homeland of Hungary in 2009, along with his position of Executive Chef at the renown Café Erté, to take a chance and pursue a dream in the states. Knowing that he could always return home, he and his wife along with their then young daughter began anew in New York City under the tutelage of Chef Daniel Boulud. Olah would then move to Connecticut to plant some roots. He served as Executive Chef at Martel in Fairfield as well as the now shuttered and well received Brasserie Bruxelles in SONO.

Sierra, an accomplished chef and general manager himself, has led quite the storied life in his own right. The French native was born in Biarritz, France and came to the states after having worked in several Michelin star restaurants. An impressive résumé includes – among many – a restaurant in the Bahamas, and locally La Strada, Il Palio, the Roger Sherman Inn and the former favorite of which he was also an owner, Le Bistro des Amis. 

Rive Bistro’s interior boasts that unmistakable French inspiration with rich warm woods and deep garnet leather. Outside a lovely awning-covered terrace allow diners to enjoy the cool breezes coming off  the Saugatuck River flowing by as they dine en plein air.  While the restaurant’s location and views may seem mesmerizing, the true magic comes from the kitchen. 

No stranger to the cuisine at Rive Bistro, and no stranger to Olah’s talents, I was excited to see what this new partnership had to offer and to see Olah add his signature style and talent to an already accomplished and well received menu. After chatting with the two men we were able to get to the fun part of the afternoon, the tasting!
We nibbled on the Pâté de La Maison (above) , which is a traditional country pâté en croute (encrusted) accompanied with cornichon pickles, Dijon mustard, and toast points as salads were being delivered. 

I quite enjoyed the Burrata with tenderly poached artichoke hearts, Moroccan olives, and a tomato confit that offered a lovely sweet and savory combination giving this typically Italian favorite a unique twist. Enjoy this with the wonderful whole-grain bread from New York’s famed Balthazar restaurant, or enjoy the flavors on their own. 

The watermelon salad with cucumber, feta, mint, basil, and mash lettuces is refreshing treat on a warm summer day. I happen to be a huge fan of feta and watermelon combination, and the addition of the mint and basil was a positive. Mildly sweet from the watermelon, the flavors juxtaposed yet complemented themselves.

Keeping in tune with the sweet and savory combination, the purple and golden beet salad with segments of orange, goat cheese, candied almonds with a beet dressing is another wonderful way to start your Rive bistro experience.

For me the main dishes really stole the show. 

I’m not playing favorites but the Bouillabaisse gets a chef’s kiss from me. If you’re a fan, this is one that should not be missed. It starts with lobster broth as a base that’s punctuated by flavors of saffron and fennel, then add the tender cod, shrimp, Calamari, mussels, and clams, as well as the Yukon Gold potatoes which all just burst with flavors that are layered and complex. Even the potato, ordinarily fairly bland in dishes like this, is incredibly flavorsome.  You’ll definitely want more of that Balthazar bread to dip in – It would be a sin to waste a drop of that heavenly broth.

If you were lucky enough to enjoy Olah’s Branzino at Bruxelles you’ll find yourself in for a treat with a very similar version on the menu here at Rive. Two fillets seared to perfection with a crispy skin and delicate flaky meat, sit atop a refreshing corn salad and a naturally sweet corn purée and a petite cilantro garnish. If you love fish, particularly Branzino, this must be on your radar. I was so happy to see this on the menu.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for something a little more hearty. The Duck Confit with exotic mixed mushrooms, spaetzle and duck jus is an absolute treat. Leg and thigh meat boast the most tender, fall off the bone meat just beneath a wonderfully crip exterior. There flavors here are deep, rich and incredibly complex revealing themselves slowly. 

For those looking for something, meatless, the ricotta gnocchi, house made of course, is accompanied by tender asparagus, fava beans, and grape tomatoes in a white beurre sauce, and shaved Parmesan. Bites of spring, accompanied by pillowy pasta, what’s not to love?

The restaurant also offers delicious and fun cocktails with equally fun names.

What a thrill to have Chef’s signature style added to the bistro’s already wonderful selections.

Rive Bistro is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week as well as a popular Sunday brunch.
Rive Bistro is located at 299 Riverside Ave. - Westport, CT 

(203) 557-8049