Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Saltas in Greece: Arrival in Athens
Posted By City Weekly Staff on September 15, 2010, 2:52 PM
I've stayed in this area of Athens for 7 years and must have walked by the restaurant Tzitzikas kai Mermingas (The Cicada and the Ant) on Mitropoli street near Syntagma Square dozens of times without noticing it. I read about it in Living Planet and since it's only about 100 yards from the hotel, I gave it a try. T&M is a mezepoloion -- a place that serves plates of mezes, small plates (not counting their giant salads) and some compare them to tapas.
As soon as I sat down I was presented with a small shot of ouzo and some olives. Greeks remain quite civilized unlike some beer drinkers I've come to know. Then came the bread and extra virgin olive oil with a perfect flavor and colored dark green. From the menu I just ordered two things I'd never had before and became pleasantly surprised.
First up was the "Vlitokorfes Saganaki" -- Vlita, a standard and popular Greek green known in the US as Amaranth, was sauted with tomato and fresh herbs, mostly dill. The dish was the perfect welcome to Greece--fresh, different and healthy.
Next came "Sardeles Fileto sta Karvouna", or simply, Grilled Sardine Fillets. That's something you just don't find in Utah and it, too, was excellent.
After a glass of the local white wine I was out the door for a short walk to Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), site of the Greek Parliament building, the place where all the riots take place. There are none scheduled that I know of, and I promised a riot, so I hope the travelers will forgive me. Then it was back to the hotel for some nani nani--Sleep.
Later from Greece where it's 9 hours ahead of you in Utah. So I'll know the Utes will win before you do come this Saturday.
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