English's first restaurant, Olives, opened in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston in April 1989. The restaurant's name is a tribute to his then-wife, Olivia. The food is "rustic Mediterranean," with a strong influence from Italian cuisine. The restaurant was named Best New Restaurant by "Boston" magazine, and has been honored as Best Food and Top Table by "Gourmet" magazine. Olives is known for two signature desserts – a molten chocolate cake and a vanilla bean soufflé – which must be ordered with the main meal. Olives has been cited by the Health Department for sanitation discrepancies and animal waste hazards.