Food Adventures with Sheldon – Oliver Garden Restaurant
One thing I dearly missed after moving to the South Okanagan was the charm of a run-down, hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant – those late-night go-to spots my colleagues and I frequented during night shifts in Kelowna.
Oliver Garden Restaurant
“Combo E is for me”
One thing I dearly missed after moving to the South Okanagan was the charm of a run-down, hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant – those late-night go-to spots my colleagues and I frequented during night shifts in Kelowna.
Despite their humble appearance and need for a facelift, our hidden gem served the best Chinese takeout around. Finding that kind of spot here felt like chasing a culinary ghost – until a local reader recommended, I try the Oliver Garden Restaurant and because of that recommendation, I think I finally found the place to fill that void that’s been there ever since I moved.
Stepping into Oliver Garden is like entering a time machine that zips you straight back to the 1980s but in the best way possible. The décor, with its classic Chinese restaurant vibe, is an absolute gem – nostalgic and full of character. It instantly took me back to childhood dinners at my local Chinese spot, where I’d match my birth year to the zodiac animal on the placemat (I’m an Ox) while sipping on a complimentary Shirley Temple that our Chinese restaurant used to give to all kids.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of chatting with the owner, Louis, who squeezed in our conversation between cooking, serving, and taking orders. Louis runs the restaurant as a true family affair: his wife Ivy handles the kitchen, while their sons, Ivan and Lucas, manage orders, drinks, and payments.
Louis shared that he moved to Canada from China 20 years ago, initially working as a server before transitioning to cooking. When the previous owners decided to retire, Louis seized the opportunity to buy Oliver Garden, moving his family from Calgary to keep the restaurant thriving.
Louis explained that while takeout makes up the bulk of their business, the restaurant once offered a buffet. However, COVID-19 restrictions and food waste concerns led them to scrap the buffet in favour of made-to-order meals, which Louis believes taste better anyway and alleviates food waste.
He’s clear about one thing: the menu reflects “Chinese/Western cuisine.” Louis finds it amusing what North Americans expect from “Chinese food,” but he’s unapologetic about serving the dishes his customers love – like crispy ginger beef and sweet and sour pork and as a lover of both of those, I fully support his decision.
For dinner, I was served the largest handmade egg roll I’ve ever encountered—crispy, perfectly fried, and surprisingly not greasy. Next came Oliver Garden’s two bestsellers: the house special chow mein (loaded with chicken, prawns, and vegetables) and crispy ginger beef. Both dishes hit every mark and are absolute must-orders when you visit.
Louis wanted me to extend his heartfelt thanks to the community for their support during the challenging pandemic years. He takes pride in keeping prices below industry standards, making delicious food accessible to everyone.
Of all the menu combos, my pick is “Combo E”—a satisfying mix of Chicken Chow Mein, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Almond Chicken. It’s enough to fill your empty stomach with enough leftovers to savour later, all for under $13.
So, the next time you’re craving Beef and Broccoli, Kung Pao Chicken, or an outrageously large egg roll, give Oliver Garden a call or drop by. Tell them Sheldon sent you!
The Oliver Garden Restaurant is located at 6213 Main Street, Oliver, BC and is open seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., tel. 250-498-2168.
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Sheldon Herman is the author of the international bestselling book The Tortured Traveller: How I Survived The Worst Vacation Ever and has travelled and dined in 60 different countries. Neither the writer nor the newspaper received financial compensation for this article, and the opinions expressed are solely those of the author. If you are a restaurant owner or have a suggestion for a restaurant to be featured, please send an email to [email protected].
Check out the eateries we’ve featured so far:
• DOSA Crepe Café (Osoyoos)
• TacoRiendo (Oliver)
• Oliver Eats (Oliver)
• The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry (Osoyoos)
• 15 Park Bistro (Osoyoos)
• Bharawan Da Dhabba (Oliver)
• The Barn Owl Eatery & Café (Osoyoos)
• The Ditch Café (Oliver)
• Dolchi Thai (Osoyoos)
• Oliver Garden Restaurant (Oliver)
