I’m French (technically Northern French, I won’t say the “C” word—not that there is anything wrong with that) but after a recent trip to Greece I find a part of me wishing that I were Greek. Full disclosure: I also wish that I were Italian sometimes. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard that a Greek tapas-style restaurant was opening in the heart of Shrewsbury Street. After a visit to Mezé on opening night, I was hooked. The atmosphere is designed to replicate the typical al fresco eateries you’d find in Greece and the menu is inspired by the Mediterranean style.
From the wine (some of the greatest Greek selections—although missing Robola of Kefalonia) and ouzo through the hot and cold dishes, the menu speaks to the nature of the Grecian diet. For this visit, I opted for the spanaki (spinach salad) which consisted of baby spinach, walnuts, sun dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, tossed with a balsamic vinegar dressing. The dish was surprisingly large for a spinach salad, but perfectly captured the essence of its flavors.
For my meal, I opted for the Octapodi (octopus). I am bad when it comes to tapas—I don’t like to share. And, when it comes down to the octopus, you can hold me to that. I commonly will stop at Mezé Greek Tapas Bar & Grille on my way home from meetings just to have a glass of wine and enjoy the octopus at the bar. It’s prepared on a bed of onions and grilled with simple balsamic vinegar and olive oil. To be honest, it’s my new go-to meal because the presentation, flavors and consistency. The light meat of octopus absorbs the Mediterranean flavors and satisfies all gustatory perceptions.
I look forward to any night that I know I can belly up to the bar and enjoy a glass of wine, octopus, and spinach salad. It brings out the Greek in me.