Spring Is Here - Demeter Style

Who can we thank for Spring? According to ancient Greeks, it'd be Demeter. Demeter, is actually a major Greek goddess, even though we don't hear about her as much as we do even some of the lesser gods and goddesses from ancient Greece.

She was the daughter of the Titans Rhea and Chronus. So in Percy Jackson terms, she'd have been sister to the BIG THREE, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. She's symbolized by the 'horn of plenty' (Cornucopia? Hunger games anyone?) and was pretty much in charge of agriculture and fertility. All things that represent Spring and renewal.

Her daughter - Persephone, was kidnapped by Hades. In return, she forbade all plant life and growth while he held her prisoner. Once she was released, the green leaves and grasses resumed growth. So from this story, it was believed that Spring occurred when Persephone left the underworld, and Hades, and was returned to her mother for a short time.

Image and content from About.com Ancient History.

Taking Cues From Ancient Greek Culinary Tradition

Even in modern times, we look for cues from our ancestors for culture, tradition, and culinary know-how. And even now, in Athens, Greece - there are those who thrive learning to cook and eat like the ancient Greeks did at this foodie-lovers workshop where meals are prepared using the same ingredients as the ancient Greeks used, and then a state fair-style sampling of their recipes.

[Andrew Dalby, Food Historian]:
"It was the center of ancient life as it can still be the center of life now. If we take our life and if we take our family seriously, eating can still be the center. It certainly was to them."

Being the premier Dallas Greek Restaurant, we know for sure that the main staples in Greek cuisine are olives, olive oil, parsley, oregano, honey, fish and bread, - and have been for centuries. We also know how healthy Mediterranean dishes are - considering the longevity of Greek people.

Some distinct differences between ancient times and modern were pointed out, however - such as the fact that ancient Greeks didn't eat much meat.

[Andrew Dalby, Food Historian]:
"Meat was not a big item in the ancient diet - and perhaps not so much in the modern diet as in some other countries, but people are getting more and more interested in meat, which is not necessarily good for us."

The three main meals of modernity were observed in old days, though - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast was a bit different, with wine and bread being the fare.

The Evolution of Greek Cuisine

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf

Don’t we know it! Greece has always been world famous for its fabulous cuisine. Being at the crossroads between east and west, Greek cuisine has been infused with the best of both worlds. Preparing and enjoying Greek fare, anywhere in the world, is an adventurous journey into the cradle of civilization and the land of the Gods of Olympus.

Initially, Greek dishes began to take on influences of other cultures as far back as 350 BC when Alexander the Great extended the Greek Empire through Europe to India. In 146 BC, Greece fell to the Romans, resulting in a fusion of Roman and Greek influences. Centuries later Greece fell to the Turks in 1453 and was part of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. It’s not surprising then that some classic Greek dishes still have Turkish names.

With each successive invasion and settlement came more culinary influence, including Venetian, Balkan, Slav and English, resulting in a cross pollination of culinary influences and adaptations.

Many ingredients used in modern Greek cooking were unknown in Greece until the middle ages. Ingredients like the potato, tomato, spinach, bananas, among others, came to Greece after the discovery of the Americas – their origin.

But always, the main ingredient you will find in just about every Greek dish is olive oil. Olive oil is the energy food that fueled a splendid civilization in ancient times, and the one item that even today, every Greek restaurant or home cannot be without.

Though cultural overlapping may be obvious to chefs working in Mediterranean cuisine, these influences have occurred over thousands of years, making what we now consider to be Greek pretty straight forward. In fact, while Greek cooking has influenced and been influenced by other cultures, of all of those cultures, Greece ranks highest when it comes to the concept of "fusion" cuisine.

Fun Facts:

-The first cookbook was written by the Greek food gourmet, Archestratos, in 330 B.C.!  Obviously cooking has always been of utmost importance in Greek society.

-Modern chefs owe the tradition of their tall, white chef's hat to the Greeks. In the middle ages, monastic brothers who prepared food in Greek Orthodox monasteries wore tall white hats to distinguish them in their work from the regular monks, who wore large black hats.

Greek food is simple and elegant, with flavors subtle to robust, textures smooth to crunchy, fresh and timeless, nutritious and healthy. Discovering, tasting, and experiencing Greek cuisine is truly one of the joys we can all share. 

5 Reasons to Visit Greece

If you love coming to Zizikis for a fabulous meal or a memorable happy hour maybe it's time you consider a visit to the old country. With beautiful scenery, fascinating culture and truly divine cuisine to name a few, Greece offers a plethora of reasons for you to visit. Here we limit ourselves to just 5 of the top reasons our readers should consider Greece as their next destination.

1. A world apart: Traveling to Greece for the first time is a life-altering experience. The unique culture and the beauty of the stunning landscapes, alone, would be enough to amaze you. Add that to the rest of what Greece has to offer and prepare yourself for a long-lasting experience that you will remember forever.

2. A great climate: Greece is perfect for those who enjoy the sun, as for over two thirds of the year the country basks under clear, sunny skies. Not too hot but not too cold, Greece delivers the ideal climate offering everyone the opportunity to enjoy memorable holidays with a wide range of activities.

3. Diversity. Greece has a great range of places and landscapes that cannot be found together anywhere else. It’s like having a miniature world, where everything is included: from countless beautiful islands and beaches, to huge snow-covered mountains, great forests and spectacular cities.

4. Heritage: Get the chance to see, live, some of the most amazing monuments of the world, such as The Parthenon, the Archaeological Site of Delphi, or the breathtaking medieval town of Mystras, in the Peloponnese.

5. Island life: Greece is the land of islands. Islands of different shapes and sizes; different personalities; different possibilities. Where some of the most beautiful beaches of the world are waiting for you. Here you will get the chance to relax body and soul, under the sun, enjoying crystal blue water and fun activities.

If we had to choose another reason to visit Greece, it would be the extraordinary taste of Greek cuisine. The world’s most exquisite Mediterranean flavors are before you. Food here is ten times better and healthier not only because recipes have been perfected over time, by generations of Greek families, but because Greek food is based on fresh products. But you can find all this right here in DFW.

The 2012 Olympics Are Getting Close

As London is preparing for the 2012 Olympics we thought we’d give you a little hint as to who we’ll be rooting for this year! Any guesses?

Everyone knows that the Olympics were invented by Greeks. The Olympics were of fundamental religious importance, featuring sporting events alongside ritual sacrifices honoring both Zeus and Pelops, divine hero and mythical king of Olympia. Yes, originally the Olympics were basically religious events.

Greeks have been historically good at weightlifting, shooting and wrestling. Weightlifter Pyross Dimas won three gold medals at three consecutive Olympic games (1992, 1996 and 2000) and managed a bronze in 2004.

Taekwondo fighter Alexandros Nikolaidis was a favorite to win gold in Beijing but walked away with silver but he’s back for another shot this year.

Click here to get a look at the long list of qualifying Greek Athletes.

Fun Greek Games To Play WIth Your Family

We recently had a family visit one of our Greek restaurants for a little Greek Heritage. Turns out this cute little family recently started a fun tradition called ‘Explore the World’ where every month or so they research a new culture. They dive right in with a bit of historical research and then proceed to bring some of their research into their lives. They dress up, they eat common foods and they play games. What a fun, budget friendly, way to bring the big wide world into your home.

In honor of this idea we thought we’d share a few fun Greek games you can share with the kids in your life.

1. Ephedrismos was a popular game whose name is derived from the Greek word for “sit upon.” Two
players place a stone upright on the ground and throw other stones at it from a distance. The player
who fails to knock over the upright stone then carries the other player on his back while the winner’s hands cover his eyes. The pair runs around in this fashion until the losing player touches the stone.

2. Morra is a game still played in some parts of Europe, particularly southern Italy. Two players make a fist behind their backs and at a signal extend their hands, displaying a certain number of fingers. The first player to call out the correct total number of fingers shown wins the game.

3. Greek children also loved to play a game called ostrakinda. The name of the game is derived from
that of the shell that is used during play. Greek children would take a shell and smear one side black.
They referred to this side as “night,” while the blank side was “day.” The children then drew a line,
divided into two teams, and decided which team was night and which day. One player would toss the shell, and the side whose color came up chased the other team. Anyone caught was forced to carry his pursuer on his back. Plato is likely making an analogy based on this popular game when he writes, “So this, it seems, would not be the whirling of a shell in the children’s game, but a conversation and turning about of the soul from a day whose light is darkness to the veritable day.” Variations of ostrakinda are still played in Europe. English children play a version called “Crusts and Crumbs,” French children one called “Le Jour et La Nuit,” and Austrian children a game called “Schwarz-Weiss.”

4. Greek children enjoyed playing episkyros, also known as ephebike—a sort of rugby-football type game. The players divided into two teams. Each team stood on one side of a line drawn on the ground. A goal line was drawn behind each team; the two sides then fought to reach the other side’s goal line.

Eros Calling: Valentine's Day Special Dining

How will you show your love this Valentine’s Day? Eros is calling you to Ziziki's - for a special Valentine's Day dining experience.

We'll also be offering an exclusive optional menu at Ziziki's Taverna as well. The food is just divine... enough to make you fall in love each new dish you try.

ZIZIKI'S: Join us with the one you love for Valentine's Day dining for a special three-course menu that includes an appetizer platter plus your choice of a salad and entree for only $49.00 per person!

You can enjoy this special menu in addition to our regular menu the entire week before Valentine' Day.

And - at Zizik's Tavis Walk and Preston/Forest - you can enjoy our featured wine, Marimar Pinot Noir & Chardonnay: glass...$12 - bottle...$45

ZIZIKI'S TAVERNA:

It's a superior value and an exceptional dining experience - join us for an optional special Valentine's Day menu at Ziziki's Taverna at Addison Walk.

Start with your choice of Mezze

• Dolmades
• Gigantes Beans
• Artichoke Dip
• Cast Iron Squash
  
• Eggplant Dip
• Cast Iron Potatoes
• Hipiti Dip
• Calamari
• Spinach Tiropitas
• Keftedes

Greek Salad

End with your choice of our Specialty Entree

• Sliced Leg of Lamb Gyro
  
• Breek Burger
  
• Chicken Souvlaki
  
• Lamb Souvlaki
  
• Salmon Soulaki
  
• Papou’s Parpadella Pasta
  
• Chicken Volos
  
• Crespella Taverna

$30 / Person (does not include tax or gratuity)

Add a bottle of your favorite wine for an additional $20

After dinner, sip some wine and relax, or enjoy a cup coffee and possibly some of Costa's award-winning Baklava Ice Cream Cake or a warm piece of Chocolate Liquor cake.

It Must Be Fate: FETA Cheese and the Greek Atmosphere

Not only is Feta cheese an incredible treat in Greek cooking - it's a wonderful accent to several dishes here in the U.S. (like a scrumptious breakfast omelet!)

Feta Cheese is also a product that has been around since the Byzantine Empire - so there is a lot of history behind this cheese we all love. When a visitor entered the Byzantine-controlled region in 1494, he might have noticed that they sliced their cheese to serve on a plate. Even back then, before the individually-wrapped sorts from which we actually get the saying, Feta was quickly becoming the thing that would, to the Greeks - be "the best thing since sliced cheese"!

Feta is aged cheese and is produced in blocks for uses on Greek salads, pastries, breakfast Greek entrées and many other dishes and a real normal part of the Greek culture. It is often times combined with olive oil and vegetables to bring a rich and delicate flavor to the dish. Feta is used in 60% of Greek families in their everyday life and everyday food and a great mixture with homemade wine. (Would you like a little cheese with that wine?) OPA!

What separates feta cheese from the rest is that it is made of milk from sheep around the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. Feta is a great accent to Greek dishes because of the delicious pairings with olive oil, olives as well as the enrichment it can bring to Greek dishes!

The Curiousity Of Woman

At one point in time, there were only gods. This came to be tiresome, however, so Zeus ordered Prometheus to create man. Prometheus however, not at all pleased with the outcome of man, decided to steal fire from Heaven. As soon as Zeus knew this he became angered and immediately hired Hephaistos and other gods to create the first woman, Pandora, who would be both cunning and beautiful.


Having this woman made, Zeus presented her to Prometheus’ slightly dim-witted younger brother, Epimetheus. Epimetheus, being taken by Pandora, married her, and they were very happy. As a wedding present Zeus gave them a box, but told both Epimetheus and Pandora that it must never be opened.


So for a good time it wasn’t, until one day Epimetheus went out, and Pandora’s curiosity got the better of her. She decided that she would just open the box briefly to see what was inside and then close it back just as quickly as if nothing had ever happened – this, however, did not work.


As soon as Pandora opened this box awful things – such as lust, hatred, greed, and so on – started coming out, and no matter how hard she tried she could not get the box to shut and she could not get these abstract concepts back in.

So one by one they came out and as she thought it was over, and as she started to close the box, one more concept came out – hope – so that man, while he may have all of these sufferings and afflictions throughout his life, may be able to persevere, because no matter what he will always have hope to help him through it.

But don't fret over the release of all of man's most horrific emotions into the world - instead - come by Dallas wine bar at Ziziki's, or visit Ziziki's Taverna for Dallas Happy Hour or a bit of Mediterranean Fare In Dallas. Not unlike Pandora's Box - you do not know what you are going to get when you first open the doors, and when you come in you get more than you ever expected or could have wished for.

Zeus Should Have Eaten At Ziziki's Instead.

From Ancient Greece we get a host of exciting s stories that offer various different explanations for how things came to be. Like the city of Athens, for example, came to be called “Athens" because of a sort of competition between Athena and Poseidon. But why would Athena be important enough to carry such a weight, as having a city named after her? Certainly, she was a goddess of Olympus, and there is a grand temple in Athens, built in her honor - that still stands today.


Athena is not just a goddess in Zeus' grand council - she's also... sort of... his daughter.  Her story is that she was born from Zeus and Metis, Zeus’ first wife, but not in the traditional way. Metis was the goddess of wisdom, and it was said that one day Metis would have a child that would be greater in every way than Zeus himself was. So in order to keep this from happening Zeus decides to play a game with Metis. He had Metis transform into different creatures and once she turned into a fly, he ate her. Eating her, Zeus thought, might just stamp out this threat of a being more wise than himself. But, his eating her did not help anything though, because Metis was already pregnant. He'd been better off feasting on a bit of Mediterranean food at Ziziki's.


While Metis was inside of Zeus she made her daughter a helmet and robe, but this hurt Zeus greatly, so Hephaestus, wanting to lend a helping hand - took an axe and cut open his skull, which Athena then came out of – fully dressed and grown up. (Now here's an example celebrating SERIOUSLY grand Greek women!) 

So now, Athena, being the daughter of Zeus, holds a bit of power, and especially since she is the also the goddess of wisdom, war, industry, the arts, skill and justice.

When it came to Athens, (before it was actually named Athens...) Athena, along with Poseidon, both wanted to be the 'deity of this city' and wanted the city named after them, they decided that it was only fair to let the people of the city pick. They decided that the person with the best gift (which was chosen by the people) would be the winner.

It is said that Poseidon – being the god of the sea – struck down his trident and made a well appear, but the problem was that the water was too salty, so it was useless.

Athena then gave her gift – an olive tree. The olive tree won because the tree provided wood, oil, and food, and so Athena, being the winner, named her city Athens.

And even though this was a long time ago, the olive tree is still very prevalent today. Olives are used for many things, such as olive oil and even extra virgin olive oil, and in many Greek dishes too!

The Sphinx Just Egyptian? Of Course Not!

The sphinx, in Greek tradition, has the haunches of a lion, the wings of a great bird, and the face and breast of a woman. The other sphinx that most are more familiar with, from Egypt, is clearly male.

The term 'sphinx' was, of course - like most things in life, derived by Greek grammarians from the verb form of the word that means “to bind,” or “to squeeze”, but the etymology doesn't appear to be related to the legends and remains a bit unclear.

the Greek sphinx is said to be deadly and without mercy; those who cannot answer her riddle will suffer a fate comparable to other unfortunate Greek characters in history, as they are gobbled up (not unlike our scrumptious Mediterranean cuisine at Ziziki's) whole and eaten by this ravenous monster. On the other hand, the Egyptian sphinx was viewed as benevolent in contrast to the malevolent Greek version. 

The Sphinx is said to have guarded the entrance to the Greek city of Thebes, and to have asked the travelers a riddle to allow them passage. The Egyptian version merely guarded temples and cities, without asking any riddles.

What was the riddle asked by the Greek sphinx?  “Which creature in the morning goes on four legs, at mid-day on two, and in the evening upon three, and the more legs it has, the weaker it is?"

She would strangle and devour anyone unable to answer, but Oedipus solved the riddle by answering: “Man—who crawls on all fours as a baby, then walks on two feet as an adult, and then walks with a cane in old age.”

Some stories, though, say that there was a second riddle:

"There are two sisters: one gives birth to the other and she, in turn, gives birth to the first." The answer is "day and night" (both words are feminine in Greek).

Out-done at last, the Sphinx then threw herself from her high rock and died.

But what many don't know, is that JUST before the sphinx threw herself from the rock and died, she asked ONE FINAL QUESTION:

"Who has the finest Greek food in Dallas?"

To anyone who lives in Dallas, this is no riddle. The answer, quite simply - is "Zizikis"! (Ok, yes, of course... Ziziki's Taverna is also an acceptable answer.)

A Day In Ancient Greece

You wake up, then go to work, and then come home where you eat dinner (preferably Mediterranean food...OPA!), and then go to sleep, right? Well, in ancient Greece, they spent their time in a slightly different way, but some of their habits are still relevant for a good majority of people in today’s society.

Most men in ancient Greece were being trained for military purposes, or discussing politics, but if that was not the case then they went to the Theatre, which often involved current politics and gods in some form, so that way they could just watch it instead of talk about it to everyone else.

Women were normally not allowed to watch theatre or perform at the theatre, so male actors played the women roles. The lives of women in Ancient Greece were closely tied to domestic work, spinning, weaving and other domestic duties, so they were not involved in public life or in politics, and their lives were normally quite confined to the house although one public duty was acting as a priestess at a temple.

The children, however, were much like the children of today. Because they could not do domestic chores, or understand politics or theatre, they usually used up their time by playing with toys and games.

In Greece at this time, and even still today, most all people made their living by farming, and what was convenient was that often the citizens would have land around their homes which they could use to provide their income (and to provide us with yummy Greek food today!). The downside, though, is that the Greek landscape was hard to farm.

Grapes were usually picked around September and either kept for eating or made into wine, and olives were either picked by hand or knocked out of the trees with wooden sticks. Olives especially were an important product to the Greeks because it had so many uses including; cooking, lighting, beauty products and it could also be used for athletic purposes (and it also makes olive oil which is used in so many of Zizikis great Dallas Greek dishes!).

The Ancient Greeks usually ate bread and porridge with food such as cheese, vegetables, fish, eggs and fruit. At Zizikis, though, there are so many more options for any person living in the modern day world who wants some great Mediterranean food fit for an ancient Greek himself!