Salmon souvlaki: Photo by Desiree Espada
Ziziki’s, named for its signature Greek tzatziki sauce served alongside its souvlakis, gyros and salads, is nearing its 10th year at Preston and Forest. Like the playful take on the tricky traditional spelling of its namesake yogurt sauce, the fare at Ziziki’s includes the best of traditional Greek favorites — dolmades, souvlakis and mousaka — with a twist. Take the classic lamb gyros, for instance: they’re made with lamb, but Australian, organic, free-range lamb, which has a mild, less gamey flavor than the domestic variety. The cheese board includes French feta, which owners Mary and Costa Arabatzis prefer to the firmer Greek feta. For Costa, who also is executive chef, perfecting authentic Greek recipes began at an early age. Growing up, Costa would come home from school and help his grandmother bake homemade baklava. Though lacking professional culinary training, Costa has since perfected his family recipes and cooking technique at restaurants all over the country, including The Crescent. “The menu has changed quite a bit since we first opened,” Mary says. “At first, it was just chicken and lamb. Now we’ve added fish and the meat and cheese board.” And there are more playful additions on the horizon. Of course, the crowd-pleasing artichoke hummus dip is sticking around, but a new weekend brunch menu is beginning to draw a crowd all its own. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. brunch items such as blueberry, lemon and thyme pancakes, and a Greek omelet with feta cheese and Kalamata olives marry the best of American and Greek cuisine. At dinner, sip on Fix 1864, a Greek lager, or Kyklos Moschofilero, a Greek white wine, refreshing yet acidic enough to hold up to all of that flavorful grilled meat.
Ziziki’s
11661 Preston, Suite 309
469.232.9922
zizikis.com
Hours: 11AM – 9PM Sun. and Mon.
11AM-10PM Tues.-Thurs.
11AM-11PM Fri. and Sat.
Ambiance: traditional
Price range: $10-$27
Tip: Don’t skip the cocktail menu, which was fashioned with help from mixologist Jason Kosmas, whose cocktail recipes have been served at Fearing’s, Bolsa and Marquee Grill.
