Wendy F.
Yelp
If you read nothing more, know that it was THAT GOOD ... in fact, it was FABULOUS!
While reservations are not required, they're encouraged ... it was so easy on Resy. There's plenty of parking (it's a few doors down from Whole Foods) and lots of seating ... dine outside on the patio, or inside. We chose inside. The interior dining room is clean, bright and tasteful. Tables are spaced nicely. The hostess greeted us warmly and seated us quickly. Our server, Vadim, approached us immediately. The restaurant was well staffed and energetic. (People walking in without a reservation were offered seating st the bar or outside.)
The beverage list seemed small with a handful of signature cocktails but there's plenty of wines and beers to please. (I'm sure 'simple' drinks like bourbon, a spirit and tonic, etc. we're available.) My initial choice was an Aperol cocktail but when Vadir offered that it was kind of spicy, I opted for a glass of a Greek Rose which was lovely. Hub chose Merlot. The pours were decent, and at $11.00 each, quite satisfying.
The menu offers many selections for those diners that like to share, or who want to make a meal of apps and/ or small plates.
We passed over the dips and spreads and soups and salads and went right to the Mezethes (small plates). Joe selected the Octopus ($13.00), served with a small chickpea salad. It was perfectly prepared and beautiful. He loved it. My order of Mussels Saganski ($15.00) was honestly the best presentation and most delicious order of bivalve mollusks I've had in years. Though the mussels were small, they were tender and there were plenty of them, sautéed in tomato, onion, garlic, ouzo butter and feta. I was thrilled when I found a well season, thickish broth (loaded with all the ingredients underneath) that begged to be mopped up with the basket of warm, grilled pita delivered to our table.
I could have stopped right there ... but, there was more to come! Joe had asked Vadim which dish was the most representative of the Greek cuisine. His recommendation of the Pastitio ($23.00) did not disappoint. Two ample pieces of this dreamy classic Greek dish hit it out of the ballpark. (I've made it before, but my 'skinny' recipe did not compare ...lol). Closely resembling lasagna in appearance, there were layers of well seasoned ground beef, ziti, a creamy bechamel sauce and dreamy whipped ricotta. It was divine. My choice, the local fish of the day ($29.00) was golden tile. Soft and buttery, this grilled, perfectly portioned and prepared fish was superb. Served with a melange of sweet corn, zucchini, crispy polenta in a skordalia (thick purée) with a touch of lemon butter, it was fabulous. The courses were served to give us ample time to enjoy each mouthful without being rushed.
We didn't notice desserts on the menu so Joe asked. Vadim rolled off at least 5 which all sounded delish. Though we were quite full, Joe was set on his fave, Baklava. As a practice, I pass on dessert. Heck, I ate almost the whole basket of pita ... lol ... but when I heard one of choices was peanut butter gelato, I just couldn't pass it up. Just when we thought Vadim was coming to our table for our dessert order, we were served a complimentary, surprisingly light olive oil lemon pound cake served over a bright raspberry coulis. Absolutely yum. A lovely surprise, well appreciated and quickly devoured; however, while Joe was stuffed, I had to have that gelato and it didn't disappoint. The order, two large balls of melt in your mouth pb heaven was plenty to share. I was thrilled, quite full and very, very satisfied.
The owner stopped by our table which is always a nice touch. Vadim was attentive and engaging.
Move over, Nico and Langdon's. This new kid on the block has quickly joined your holding on fine dining East of the Cooper. Hurry up ... you'll hug me!