I never thought we would be schooled on ordering too much Greek food, but much to our surprise we were. After a long day of driving to Meteora, stopping along the way to enjoy views and then hiking to Ypapanti Monastery and finishing as the sun went down, Steve and I were ready for dinner. We were quite hungry. After quickly cleaning up at the hotel and dressing for dinner, we decided to follow the street and find a place to eat. Walking through the lobby and smelling the deliciousness of the restaurant in the hotel almost tempted us to eat here. We agreed though that we wanted to see the town and find the perfect spot.
The night was young and the streets lit up bright as day. Shops were open showing off their goods. It was a busy street with people chatting, smiling, and wandering here and there. Smells of Greek spices from the various tavernas and restaurants fueled our hunger and we were more than ready for ordering Greek food.
As we wandered we saw a cute little place towards the back of the street behind some trees. We saw there was outdoor seating with some spaces available and knew this was the place.
We sat down, ordered some wine and almost devoured the menu. All of the traditional Greek foods we loved were there. Glancing at other tables we could see delicious dishes served, the aroma practically intoxicating. I must say the local wine was very good. I regret not getting the name of it for future reference!
The gentleman came to get our order, I started proudly ordering food with my newly learned Greek skills, “tha ithela psomi, tzatziki, saganaki, keftedes,”. He interrupted me saying, “in English”. Obviously my slow beginner Greek wasn’t cutting it. So I repeated, “We would like bread, tzatziki! Saganaki, meatballs, and also stuffed vine leaves for the table. For our main course, I would like pork souvlaki and my husband would like some lamb chops, please.” He looked at us in amazement and said, “No. No, that is too much food for you. I will bring you bread, tzatziki, saganaki and moussaka to share.” He then told us their moussaka was the special today and it was very nice, not premade, homemade right here, it would take a bit of time but we would enjoy. Then he left. I looked at Steve and said, “I guess we are having moussaka tonight.”
Our server was right. This was enough food. The saganaki was perfect with a flavorful sauce and just about melted in my mouth. Just the right blend of sweet to add to the cheese. The moussaka was also perfect with the flavors blending so well as good Greek food does.
After we were through the waiter asked what we would like for dessert. I asked if they had walnut cake and he smiled and said “I will bring you our baklava, it is the best.” He noticed a half of tomato was left on the moussaka plate. He picked up the plate, dumped the tomato on to Steve’s plate and said, “Eat your tomato, it is good for you.” Steve dutifully are his tomato.
Our server brought the baklava and I do believe it was the best baklava I have ever had and also served with a delicious ice cream. The baklava was definitely made with honey that perfectly soaked into the phylo dough without making it soggy.
It was a wonderful meal and we had a great time. This was the second restaurant on this particular trip and within two days where we basically were told what they were going to serve us and that we would like it! They were right! It was fun, but I was starting to wonder if I’d ever get to order my keftedes and Karidopita! Ordering Greek food was becoming quit an adventure so far on this trip. Regardless, in Greece it is best to take your time, go with the flow, relax, and enjoy.
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If you want to read more detail about this trip and read more of my short stories, you can click on the following links!!
No Moussaka Today -A Short Story
First Taste of Greek Wine – A Short Story
What’s Souvlaki?- A Greek Travel Short Story
The Promendade- A Santorini, Greece Short Story
5 Great Beaches in Milos, Sept 2018
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Lol, I would have thought it’s impossible!
Maybe he was trying to tell us to go on a diet!🤣🤣🤣
Just for grins, maybe order dessert wine and dessert before the meal sometime and see what response you get. As the saying goes in some places, “Those are fightin’ words!”
Of course, you could always start a new Pee Wee Herman routine:
“I know you are, but what am I ?”
Sorry, couldn’t resist. Fun read.
lol! I think we were just so surprised that we just didn’t know what to say so we just agreed! I must admit, I was a little hurt he wanted me to speak English and didn’t care for my Greek. Lol. At least I try!!
The Greeks are truly no-nonsense, haha! They really value their food to the point that they don’t waste a single bit of it! The dishes you had sound fantastic, and to finish it off with baklava at the end is truly the icing on the cake (or baklava)!
You are so right, definitely nonsense! Great pride in their food as well!!
That is a GREAT story!!! I tend to ask the waiter’s opinion if I’m not sure. I’ve not been steered wrong yet. 🙂
Great idea!
Food looks very delicious
I love Greek food!
I might fall in love with it as well
Looks very tasty.
Whats the name of the dish
Ha. We used to fall into the same trap. Load up on bread, salad and appies and then try to eat a main and dessert. Eventually, we just ordered bread, dips, salad and appies. Greek food is delicious, but filling. Have a great Sunday Lori. Allan
Hi Allan! Our eyes tend to be bigger than our stomachs! We are in Florida visiting Steve’s mum and I made them a Greek dinner tonight. Very filling, a lot of work, but always so good! Have a great Sunday also! Lori