The Athenian restaurant culture; A creative tavern
If we say that in the Athenian culture coffee is a sacred entity, than food is the epitome of self-respect. In other words, no self-respecting Athenian or Greek for that matter takes food lightly. We eat because we enjoy the flavors, the experience, and most importantly, the process. Rarely do restaurants double-book their table reservations because eating is not an end in and of its self. We eat because we love food; we eat as a form of entertainment; we eat to enjoy the company of friends; we eat so we can talk. This is most highly demonstrated in the common food style of a tavern (taverna, as we say it), which is centered around the mezethes (small plates of food shared by the entire table). This form of eating encourages the tasting of various plates, eating slowly as to enjoy a good conversation, and of course to pace ones self. And no, it is not considered bad etiquette in such a tavern to reach over and eat off the plates in the center of the table.
Traditionally, mezethes are accompanied by ouzo, tsipouro, raki, or other such strong spirits. Which version is served depends on the geographical location or type of restaurant you are enjoying. Wine, however is always a splendid option as well.
Ok, lesson over. I want to tell you about a little tavern I visited on Saturday night. As usual, sometime around Friday afternoon we began to plan how to spend our precious weekend. And, as any proper young Greek would do we opened up the Athens Voice & Lifo (weekly newspapers of attractions, events, & the “it” places) and the Athinorama Magazine (a weekly magazine sold at local kiosks or found at www.athinorama.gr with everything you need to know for this months entertainment) to peruse our options. We discovered a new tavern had opened in an unlikely place and quickly called a few friends and arranged our reservations, dinner for 6. The place, “Mini Size” describes itself as a “Creative Taverna” and sits on the corner of a completely residential area filled with mod 1960’s décor, random retro lights, polka-dotted paintings, and a little sign that says “WC for your convenience” (it’s the little things in life). We entered a completely empty restaurant at 9:15 pm hoping we were not the only ones to discover this new little home-patio-turned-tavern. We mentioned to the waiter that our party of 6 evolved into 7 and he gave us that how-dare-you look. I wanted to laugh because the only other people seated were the staff. However, I refrained because if there is anything I know about Athens on a Saturday night it’s that most people go to dinner after 10 (no, we’re not all fat).
The menu is categorized by sections including mini size, normal size, and king size. As we sipped their house wine (which had a pleasurable flavor), small plates started appearing including a yummy fava bean salad, melon with the Greek version of honey baked ham salad, cheese and pepper stuffed eggplant, rocket with artichoke and smoked beef salad, and even fried eggs with country style potatoes (a quite yummy version of mom’s life-saver meal). Each of us ordered our own dish as well and topped it all off with mandarin mousse, chocolate mousse, and “cookie” pie (a layered cookie/mousse experience). All this palatable pleasure for 22euro per person and they even offered the ladies a little clear plastic box filled with sugary treats and a business card to lure us back. It’s a funky and yummy tavern that fulfills the something-new desire. Just make sure you call for a reservation because we mock what we don’t understand… by 10:30 the place was packed and the un-planners were waiting in line.
Mini Size
Creative Taverna
Konstantinoupoleos 26, Tavros
(Parallel to & below the train tracks)
210.342.4704
). I hope your move goes well.
