Glenn G.
Yelp
You ever had one of those amazing meals years (even decades) ago and then over time that experience becomes an amazing memory of a meal... but then you finally return with high expectations only to be let down a bit.
I've eaten here a few times in the early 2000s and have left with nothing but great experiences but I have finally returned (20 years later).... and although not bad, it just wasn't up to par.
To begin, I was surprised then parking lot was valet only (AT LUNCH TIME) even though the parking stalls are right there; you actually drive past empty stalls to arrive at the valet. I know the place gets busy in the evening so I get it but lunch time had plenty of empty stalls.
Onto the meal.... the first serving of HUMMUS is complimentary but after that first serving it'll cost you. The hummus is surprisingly not served with pita... but instead served with a bread loaf; the hummus was very thick (almost hard) and the flavor was good, not great (I was hoping for great).
We started our meal with an order of Melitzanosalta and Smelts...
The MELITZANOSALTA is a DIP made from baked eggplant, onions, garlic and lemons.... remember it's a DIP...
The waitress asked if we wanted pita for dipping; I assumed she asked because maybe there were other choices (like the bread from the hummus); naturally I said yes to the pita.
Apparently, they charged us for the pita... the dollars aren't the issue, but it's a DIP that comes with nothing but a spoon. Why would you sell a DIP with nothing to DIP; at least it did taste good (with the pita I ordered).
The SMELTS were Ehhh... They didn't taste fresh; not saying frozen but more like it was prepared and cooked earlier and reheated now.... not saying that was done; just felt that way. Not very good.
For our main course, my wife had the Chicken Greek Salad and I ordered the Chicken Shish-Ke-Bob (I was torn between this and the Moussaka)...
My wife's CHICKEN GREEK SALAD looked good; traditional greek salad with lettuce, olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, green peppers, onion, tomatoes and their house dressing. The salad looked very good and dressing was excellent but the large cuts of tomato were mushy (again, felt like cut way earlier and not just not good).
As for my CHICKEN SHISH-KE-BOB, the large cuts of chicken were cooked perfect (tender and moist inside with a light char on the exterior); and the green pepper, onion and tomato were great and served over a bed of rice.
Overall, my memories of Greek Islands Taverna were much better than how it actually is...