I've always wondered about this place on Parramatta Road, and heard the rumours about the aged owner.
A couple of weeks ago, I finally got the courage to step inside the legendary Olympia. I must admit, I was scared, alone in a dark milk bar run by a man known as 'Dr Death' or 'Dracula'. However, when I walked in, he was nowhere to be seen. Then, from behind a stack of boxes at the rear, a frail old man in neatly folded clothes who would have to be at least 80 appeared. I asked him for a milkshake. 'What flavour?' he asked in a heavy Greek accent. 'Caramel' I replied. 'To drink here?' he said, to which I replied 'yes'. 'Three dollars' he replied.
I paid him for the milkshake, and after putting the money into the 1950s era till, he set about making the milkshake. He used one of those old school milkshake makers, and poured the milkshake into an ancient aluminium milkshake cup, and handed it to me. 'Been busy today?' I asked. 'Busy enough to be making money' he replied with a laugh.
I took the milkshake and sat down, and took in the interior of the Olympia. It looked as though it hadn't changed one bit since 1955. 1950s era signage, decor, chocolate boxes and advertising were everywhere, and the entrance sported a large Art Deco mosaic on the floor with the word 'OLYMPIA'.
I drank the milkshake, which was suprisingly good, nice and creamy and the taste of caramel not too overpowering, a bargain at $3, before handing the owner the cup and saying goodbye. As I was leaving, the owner waved and said 'see you later'. He really is a sweet old man.
I strongly suggest everyone come and check out the Olympia while it's still here, the owner will eventually die or retire some day, and then the place will be bought by hipsters who turn it into some 'retro cafe' and charge a fortune for everything. read more