New Arrivals – January 2022
Posted by estiator at 11 January, at 14 : 56 PM Print
A coast-to coast glance at some of the industry’s newest additions
Santa Rosa, CA
ZIMI ON MISSION
eatzimi.com
Chef Dino Moniodis grew up spending summers on Chios, working in his extended family’s tavernas. He’s tapping that experience with Zimi on Mission, his third Northern California venture. Zimi on Mission is “part Greek deli, part pizzeria, and part Nona’s kitchen,” according to Sonoma Magazine. “Zimi, meaning dough, shows that pizzas are certainly their bread and butter, with Greek-inspired toppings on their twice-cooked crusts. But the scratch-made dolmas, flaky spinach spanakopita, and pasticcio…along with daily specials, really hit the mark.”
Bethesda, MD
MELINA
melinagreek.com
After years cooking in upscale kitchens across Greece, Aris Tsekouras is running the kitchen at this suburban Maryland newcomer. His bosses: Ted Xenohristos, Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ike Grigoropoulos, the founders of the fast-casual Mediterranean chain CAVA. Sprawling over 3,593-square feet, Melina represents a big bet for the trio; reviews have been good for its nouveau-Greek menu, including kleftiko with kefalograviera cheese, honey-based cocktails like the Bouboulina (mezcal, roasted beets, lime, honey syrup, and fennel), and sweets including house-made bougatsa.
Atlanta, GA
THE GREEK PIZZERIA AND GYROS
thegreekpizzeria.com
Johnny Gianoulidis, who owns Atlanta’s Kafenio restaurant and Parkgrounds coffee shop, opened this Greek-accented pizzeria last month. According to its web site, “The Greek will offer freshly cooked updated Greek pizza, gyros, starters, salads, espresso service, and draft beer. The focus [is] on clean, fresh and upbeat cuisine and attitude.” Spanakopita, dolmades, Greek salads, and baklava keep the menu firmly grounded in Greek flavors
Edgewater, NJ
TAVERNA VERANDA
tavernaveranda.com
If the Veranda name sounds familiar, it’s because partners Constantine Youssis, Moutaz Ali, and Aldo Mo operated one in Manhattan’s West Village for a few years. Now, they’ve converted a former bank with water views into Taverna Veranda, where executive chef Nestor Moina is offering plates such as lamb burgers, falafel-crusted salmon, lobster gyros, and spinach pie rolls. Despite a host of Greek restaurants nearby, Youssis told a local blog that as “an elevated Mediterranean taverna experience…food, service, cocktails, ambiance, and the view will set us apart.”
Glastonbury, CT
TAPAS TO GO
tapasgo.com
As the name implies, this tiny yellow storefront is a to-go version of Tapas, a beloved Greek restaurant that happens to be owned by the father of Tapas To Go chef Zach Vetter. “It made sense to try this venture, to do what I do best, not worry about a bar, patios, staffing, overhead,” Vetter told a local newspaper. “The times have changed. With the current climate, this just feels right.” Along with flatbreads, Vetter is offering platters like chicken in phyllo, spanakopita, marinated kebabs, and a Greek sampler with chicken kebab, lamb patty, and tzatziki.
Birmingham, MI
MÀRE MEDITERRANEAN
maremediterranean.com
Vaccines seem to have emboldened big bets on destination restaurants. This 6,800-square-foot seafood spot in an affluent Detroit suburb comes complete with a waterfall and hi-tech video wall. Seafood is sourced from Greece, Italy, Portugal, and elsewhere in the region; the straightforward menu boasts Greek touches like saganaki shrimp, Greek salad, and baklava ice cream. Fish at Mare Mediterranean will be on display for diners to select. Customers will also choose a preferred cooking method, such as grilled, baked, or pan-fried, a local news site reported.
