Happy Gyro

Happy Gyro is a month-long pop-up at Komi that offers a $60 prixe fix menu of seven-ish dishes, all made out of vegetables. One is a gyro, naturally, yet made with no meat. A $50 drink pairing is also available. Reservations are available until July 6, 2019. Closest Metro is Dupont Circle.

Zaytinya

Zaytinya us a trendy, fun, Mediterranean mezzes (small dishes – like tapas) restaurant. Great service and the price is fairly decent ranging from $7-11 a plate. Plan to order 5 - 6 plates per couple. Mostly serve Greek and other Mediterranean wines along with trendy overpriced cocktails that use Turkish fruits like apricot, pear, and pomegranate. They also have a patio for summer dining. I have sat inside, in various sections of the large restaurant; each decorated with modern contemporary décor as well as outside on the patio. Even the bathrooms are modern with “floating” faucets and extra private toilet stalls. Closest Metro is Gallery Place.

At Home: Kapnos Kolokithokeftedes

For my next Restaurant Recreations...At Home, try these zucchini fritters, or kolokithokeftedes, as a great appetizer for your Greek-inspired meal.  These fritters are a popular item from Kapnos and Zaytinya, and was recently made at a cooking class by Chef George Pagonis.  He was gracious enough to share the recipe with me, as I remarked these are one of my favorite vegetarian dishes.

Northern Greek Cooking Class with George Pagonis

I've been to the Hill Center DC before, and returned this time for the Northern Greek Cooking Class with Chef George Pagonis. Chef Pagonis is a recent cheftestant on Bravo's Season 12 of Top Chef. This class was advertised about two months before the show aired, but knowing that our area has produced some fantastic Top Chef alums, I grabbed a ticket to this event and asked fellow blogger, Lori - who is also a huge Top Chef fan - to join me. Naturally, she agreed.

Zaytinya Hosts its Sixth Annual Greek Easter Festival

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José Andrés and his team at award-winning mezze restaurant Zaytinya, led by Head Chef Michael Costa, commemorate this event with a two-week festival, which runs from April 20 - May 3, 2014.  The festival will feature celebratory food, cocktails, music and special events. Head Chef Michael Costa will create an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes rich with flavors and ingredients reminiscent of springtime in Greece. The festival kicks off with Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 20th and culminates on Saturday, May 3rd from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM with Agorá, a traditional Greek outdoor market event. The market will feature unique Greek artisanal products, wines, and much more. Live music, Spartan warriors, and complimentary loukamades help make for a very festive afternoon. Admission to Agora is free to the public.

Kapnos

Chef Mike Isabella draws inspiration from Northern Greece to create a menu of spreads, breads, vegetables and other small plates, including his signature wood-grilled octopus at his newest restaurant, Kapnos. Two wood-fire grills with rotating spits and a large oven for stone-baked flat breads service the 160-seat restaurant. Guests enjoy carvings from whole animals that have been spit-roasted all day, including lamb, goat, duck, chicken, and suckling pig.  Closest Metro is U Street.

Zaytinya Hosts its Third Annual Grape Festival

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It’s that time of year to celebrate the harvest season of the most iconic fruit, the grape. José Andrés and his team at award-winning mezze restaurant Zaytinya, led by Head Chef Michael Costa, commemorate this event with a two-week festival, which runs from September 22 – October 5, 2013. This is third consecutive year that Zaytinya is raising glasses to the most cherished fruit of Mediterranean cuisine with many variations of this respected harvest through wine tasting events, dinners, a grape-inspired menu and a handcrafted specialty cocktail.

Kellari Taverna

Grilled whole fish, lamb, steak and other specialty Greek entrees abound at the upscale Kellari Taverna. "The menu starts with dips like melitzana, smoked eggplant with black sesame, and skordalia, and is followed by a unique selection of raw and marinated fish like the signature Greek barbouni, a red mullet soaked in vinegar, rosemary and olive oil. Traditional whole fish is sold by the pound and grilled with lemon and olive oil and herbs. Kellari offers 350 Greek and international wines by the bottle and dozens by the glass – ample choice for pairing up with an extensive menu of contemporary Hellenic fare." Closest Metro is Farragut West.

At Home: Mini Spanakopita Cups

With the holiday season comes many parties that involve wine, hors d'oeuvres, and good company.  If you are hosting, it can be overwhelming to buy and prepare all the food in order to make your party festive, while still entertaining and mingling with guests.  Next on What Micky Eats...At Home, I share a simple finger food appetizer that can be whipped up easily for your next get together. Check out these Mini Spanakopita Cups for a fun Greek bite to add to your party menu.

Byblos Deli

Byblos Deli has been a local favorite in Washington DC's Cleveland Park district for over 10 years. Located next to the famous Uptown Theater, Byblos offers a diverse menu of Mediterranean dishes at affordable prices. You'll find chef Marc Adas behind the counter at all hours of the day, making the home made dishes he grew up with in Lebanon. For a real treat, try one of Marc's daily specials - a hearty dish like stuffed peppers or Lebanese meatballs served with rice, a small Greek salad, and pita for only $8.95. Next time you're at the Uptown or the Zoo, or anytime you feel like great Mediterranean food, stop by Byblos! Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

Giorgio's

With over 50 years of combined experience, the Lampros family has spent a lifetime in the restaurant business. From the dining rooms of the most elegant luxury cruise ships to the simplest and most down-to-earth family restaurants, the Lampros family has honed and practiced their profession around the globe. Serving Greek and Italian cuisine, Giorgio's goal is that you don't have to travel (and fight traffic) into the city to experience high quality, freshly prepared, gourmet meals.

Cava

Cava is Greek mezze/wine bar/martini lounge that brings a little more upscale eating experience to Barracks Row.  Replacing the former Marty’s restaurant, prepare to indulge in unique Greek-inspired dishes served mezze style—in small plates, but with portions large enough to share. Cava’s mezze-style dining inspires conversation and laughter at the table. The dim candle-lighting and black and white family photos adorning Cava’s charming brick interior walls creates a dark and mysterious atmosphere that appears far from casual to the local patrons of Barracks Row. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Café 8

This casual and friendly restaurant along the historic Barracks Row offers super flavorful Mediterranean cuisine at unpretentious prices. A favorite of mine, I have gone back again for both lunch and dinner. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Strofi

Strofi Restaurant has been recently refurbished and is hosted in a mid-war house with seating on three different levels and has a wonderful location that overlooks the sacred rock of the Acropolis. Famous for serving Greek celebrities, politicians, and renown artists, Strofi is a fine dining restaurant with a high-class atmosphere. For our last night in Athens, Greece we decided to walk over towards this other area of the city to check out this highly rated restaurant Keith had found.  We did not have reservations (which were apparently needed), but since we arrived early enough for European standards and were just a party of two, we were seated at a lovely table on the third floor in the open air seating with a prime view of the Acropolis. This was the perfect way to end our amazing honeymoon in Greece.

Total Rating: 4.75
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4 

What I ate:

Smoked Eggplant Salad

eggplant spread with onions and garlic

Spinach Pie

spinach and feta cheese baked in phyllo dough

Rooster

in a wine sauce served with pasta

Ekmek with Ice cream

a Greek pastry stuffed with custard cheese

Plus Keith ate:

Pork Filet

served with tomatoes, cheese and peppers

Loukoulos

Last date I was here: 05/24/2011

Restaurant: Loukoulos (http://loukoulos-restaurant.gr/)

Location: Heraklion - Crete, Greece

Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 5, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Located in the heart of Heraklion, Loukoulos is one of the most romantic restaurants we dined at. Serving contemporary Greek cuisine with French influences as well as traditional meals from their wood oven, Loukoulos balances formal and warm family dining with its open courtyard dining experience. This was our last meal in Crete and so we wanted to enjoy ourselves. Loukoulos was the most formal place we dined at, with nice linens on the table, comfortable chairs, and candlesticks. We were offered an amuse bouche of fresh vegetable soup that was both rustic in flavor yet refined in texture and taste. When my entree arrived, I was a little taken aback because I was not used to seeing scallops still in the shells, like mussels. With only a little bit of meat inside, I was a little disappointed with my choice, but it was a very fresh seafood experience. After our meal, we were again offered a complimentary shot of Raki.

What I ate:

Baked eggplant with feta cheese

Zucchini Balls

served with tzatziki sauce

Grilled Scallops

bay scallops in the shell served with lemon

Plus Keith ate:

Dorado

fresh whole fish grilled, served with vegetables

Ippokampus

Last date I was here: 05/23/2011

Restaurant: Ippokampus

Location: Heraklion - Crete, Greece

Total Rating: 4.15
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This charming restaurant is just a short walk from the port and Venetian Fort area. With seating outside, patrons have a great view of the seaside and sunset over the mountains. We were very anxious to try some fresh seafood and Ippokampus did not disappoint. The service was very friendly and prompt. The food was very fresh and flavorful - one of my favorite meals while in Greece. We even considered coming back the next evening, but of course decided we should go somewhere new. As is customary at most Greek restaurants, we concluded our meal with a complimentary dessert and shots of Raki, aka "fire water" - a strong Greek liquor made of fermented white grape skins.

What I ate:

Eggplant Salad

smashed smoked eggplant spread with onions and garlic

Mussels

steamed with tomatoes and onions

Seafood Pasta

spaghetti in tomato sauce with mussels, cuttlefish, and shrimp

Plus Keith ate:

Red Mullet

four lovely pieces of fish lightly breaded and grilled, served whole

Giakomis

Last date I was here: 05/23/2011

Restaurant: Giakomis

Location: Heraklion - Crete, Greece

Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This family tavern is hidden on one of the busy side streets within the central market area of Heraklion, Crete. Keith researched and read that this restaurant was one of the best among locals and served both Greek and Cretan cuisines. So we gave it a shot and it was pretty decent. With a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, we sat outside along the main sidewalk drag. After taking our order, we saw the chef pick the fresh lamb meat from his meat counter and immediately pound away and add lemon juice before placing on the grill. Keith immediately exclaimed, "Do you see how fresh that is? This is going to be good!" The dish I wanted to try (chick peas) was not available, but the server was quick to recommend an alternative (butter beans) and so I agreed. I had never had them before and with the tomato stew preparation, they were pretty hearty and filling. I was very satisfied for lunch and this was a perfect stop before continuing with our exploration of the day.

What I ate:

Greek Salad

tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, in olive oil and vinegar dressing topped with Feta cheese

Butter Beans

stewed with tomatoes and onions

Plus Keith ate:

Lambchops

Herb's Garden

Last date I was here: 05/22/2011

Restaurant: Herb's Garden (http://www.lato.gr/amenities/roof-garden.html)

Location: Heraklion - Crete, Greece

Total Rating: 4.35
Food: 5, Price: 3, Service: 3, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Located on the roof top of the Lato Boutique Hotel, the Herb's Garden was our choice for dinner our first night in Crete since we arrived so late. With a small seating area, we were asked to wait for almost 40 minutes until a table opened up. But we ordered drinks while we waited and were seated with the a view overlooking the Venetian Fort and harbor. Offering contemporary Greek cuisine, the food was some of the best we ate and well worth the long wait. Typical, classy hotel restaurant service and quality with reasonable prices - Herb's Garden seemed to be a destination spot for locals looking for a romantic evening out as well. Although limited seating, the food and view rank Herb's Garden among the top restaurants in Greece.

What I ate:

Baked Bread Rolls

filled with smoked eggplant, tyrozouli (semi-hard goat local cheese) & aged balsamic dressing

Grape Leaves

wraps filled with shrimps finished with wine, lemon grass and white tarama (fish roe spread)

Local Orzo

with morilles, porcini & pleyrotous with grated ladotyri (hard table cheese aged in olive oil)

Plus Keith ate:

White Grouper

fillet on the grill with ginger sauce & Greek-casserole vlita (summer greens)

Skala

Last date I was here: 05/21/2011

Restaurant: Skala

Location: Oia - Santorini, Greece

Total Rating: 4.7
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Rated one of the best restaurants in Oia, Skala Restaurant is a secret gem with an amazing view that is overlooked by most tourists. Serving fresh seafood and Greek specialties, Skala has great food and even better prices. We went to Oia side of Santorini to catch the famous sunset, but headed out early to beat the crowd. We ate dinner here overlooking the beautiful caldera. The house white wine was fantastic and at only 8 Euros a bottle, the best I had while in Greece. Since we didn't eat a decent lunch, we splurged on appetizers as well as ate the free desert that came at the end. Overall, Skala was one of the best places we ate at in Greece and I highly highly recommend this restaurant to other travelers. Do not overlook this gem!

What I ate:

Baked Feta

served with tomatoes

Eggplant Salad

smoked eggplant spread with garlic and onions

Baked Cod

served with boiled potatoes and tomatoes

Plus Keith ate:

Fresh Sea Bream

grilled, served whole with potatoes and vegetables

The Dolphin

Last date I was here: 05/20/2011

Restaurant: The Dolphin

Location: Akrotiri - Santorini, Greece

Total Rating: 4.15
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5

Summary: After taking the bus down to the Southwestern part of Santorini to explore Akrotiri and the Red Beach, we stumbled upon this charming seaside tavern. Nothing fancy, but the Dolphin had table seating out on the dock and we were sure they would have fresh seafood, so we gave them a try for lunch and boy were we glad. The Dolphin is sort of in a remote location - you have to walk past a few other taverns and along the beach to get to it. Service was friendly and prompt and sitting out on the pier we had a great view of the bus stop, just in case. The seafood was very fresh and plentiful and the ice tea I ordered was so refreshing after the day in the sun.

What I ate:

Calamari

Greek Salad

tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, with Feta cheese

Plus Keith ate:

Cuttlefish