Vegetarians Unite - GREEK STYLE!

Authentic Greek cuisine is rich with vegetarian options. I mean, Greek cooking is based on fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, herbs, spices, and olive oil - perfect for vegetarians (and often for vegans as well). However, unless you speak or read Greek, it can be challenging to seek out the authentic spots and interpret their menus.

Image from Foodnetwork.com


Here are some of the most popular Greek vegetarian dishes:

• Greek salad (cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and oregano)
• Spanokopita (flaky spinach and cheese pastry)
• Saganaki (a plate of melted cheese)
• Pasta Napolatina (pasta with tomato sauce)
• Cheese pastries
• Dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with dill-flavored rice)
• Olives, cheese and tzatziki (tangy yogurt…from where we got Ziziki‘s name from) plates

It is much more difficult to find completely vegan dishes (a diet eliminating all meat, dairy and animal products) as many of the meatless options contain cheese. However, hummus (chickpea spread) on pita bread is a naturally vegetarian AND vegan snack. Yigandes Plaki (gigante beans & tomato casserole) is a very popular dish during lent-Greek Orthodox observe several major and minor fasting periods throughout the year, including the Easter Lenten season. Meat (and products derived from meat), fish with backbones, dairy products, olive oil, and wine are not eaten.

You can’t forget about dessert, now! Baklava is a perennial favorite, a classic Greek pastry made with flaky phyllo dough that is layered with a cinnamon-spiced nut filling, and sweetened with honey or syrup. It’s sweet and very decadent AND vegetarian!

People in Greece, who eat a traditional Greek diet, have been known to live on average quite a bit longer than inhabitants of other countries. Greek food is tasty and good for your health and you won’t find a better combination than that. ZIZIKI’S RESTAURANT has a very healthy Greek cuisine, including many vegetarian dishes.

Greek Cuisine 101 - Part I

Welcome to Part I of a series of posts we’ll be doing on modern day Greek cuisine in Greece. Are your taste buds ready for this? Here we go…

Greeks spend a lot of time socializing outside their homes, and sharing a meal is one of the chief ways of doing it. The atmosphere is always relaxed and informal, with pretensions rare outside of the more “hip” parts of Athens and certain major resorts.

Although standards like kalamari and moussaka are everywhere and figure strongly in taverna fare, Greek food is considerably more complex and varied than just these well-loved dishes.

In fact, modern Greeks are rediscovering their rich rural culinary heritage, which began as simple and functional, relying on local products, and later expanded under the influence of elaborate, Anatolian-influenced recipes in the 1920’s, brought by immigrants from Asia Minor. The result is a rich and wide ranging cuisine based on fresh, raw ingredients, subtle herbs and preparation by charcoal grilling or in wood-burning ovens.

In Greece, you’ll find a plethora of local specialties, all proudly promoted: anything from whole pickled caper sprigs to smoked eels, mollusks bottle in brine to soft sheep’s cheese or thyme honey to almond syrup.

Stay tuned to future episodes as we dive into the mouth-watering facts about seafood, meats, vegetables, wine and cheeses. Yummy!

Ziziki's is Proud to Offer Hahn Wines

Ziziki’s has two wonderful fall wines brought to you from the Hahn Winery in beautiful Soledad,Callifornia. The Hahn winery practices sustainability and is the proud recipient of the SIP Certification for its use of natural farming techniques and use of natural pest controls to maintain a low impact on the environment.

Hahn Winery’s is also a member of the Monterrey Area Green Business Program. Hahn has been in the vineyard business since 1980 and is constantly expanding the wine operation in Monterrey County.

Please come and join us in a glass of Hahn Winery’s Chardonnay or the flavorful Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay is a medium bodied wine with crisp acidity and with subtle layers of peach, pineapple and a touch of vanilla. The Pinot Noir has aromas of dried plums, black currants and cola. On the Palate you will be surprised with hints of black cherry and well integrated oak flavors and vanilla and spice. Each of these wines is a perfect complement to Ziziki’s signature Greek Meat and the very popular Cheese Board. Each of these are regular menu items priced at $18.00 each.

A Perfect Place to Meet,Greet and Eat

Ziziki's is a perfect place for lunch or dinner in Dallas; with three convenient locations: Travis Walk, North Dallas and Plano. Come join us today for authentic Greek cuisine accompanied by either a Zizikis Cosmo or a Zizikis Sunkiss cocktail - it's happy hour from 4-6 (Monday through Friday). We also have a full children's menu.

We have over 75 different wines in our Dallas wine bar from all over the world including authentic Greek and Italian red wines. We also have a large selection of imported and domestic beers if wine is not your thing. So if you are looking for a place to entertain clients or for a few friends to meet Ziziki's is the perfect venue.

How the GREEKS Perfected Wine

Summer wines can be a delicious addition to any summer time meal. Isn’t it nice to sit outside, dine on the patio in warmer weather, enjoy decadent food and sip on a delicate red or white wine while enjoying the company of friends or family?

Wine is a great addition to nearly any meal, but do you know some history behind our favorite
(Greek) beverage?

History tells us that Greece is the 2nd oldest wine-producing region in the world. Early records
indicated that grape wine remnants and evidence of squashed grapes to produce wine began
in Greece nearly 6,500 years ago. Early evidence of wine production, potentially dating back to
the third century BC, was found on the Greek island of Crete, one of the largest islands in the
Mediterranean Sea.

The history of wine and Greece intertwine beautifully.
Early Greek physicians like Hippocrates were said to have prescribed wine for their patients
to treat a variety of illnesses. Trade materials often included Greek wines as currency when
bartering for food, livestock or clothing with others. Religious ceremonies included wine for
communal purposes as well as in large gatherings and celebrations with friends and family.

We’d like to think not much has changed.

Celebrate with Ziziki’s Restaurant for your next special occasion and taste the delicacy of Greek
wine like the popular Cabernet Sauvignon, one of Greece’s first vineyards or try and of our other
popular wines.

So - join us in “studying” history. We’ll have a glass waiting for you.

Interesting Facts About Greek Desserts

What makes YaYa's desserts so scrumptious?  It's years of experience and family tradition - coupled with some little-known trivia.

1. Ancient Greeks used Honey instead of sugar because sugar as we know it did not exist in Greece.

2. What sets Greek desserts apart is their eastern influence. Whereas western desserts are more sponge and cream based, the Greek sweets are sugar based. Many include fillo pastry, which is paper thin sheets of pastry, layered upon each other to create a multi-layered effect, as in baklava. With many nuts - such as walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and almonds being in abundance in Greece, it is no surprise to see these nuts used widely in their desserts. Once the dessert is baked, it is drenched in a sweet aromatic honey syrup, as in walnut cake - Karythopita. Apart from the beautiful flavors it infuses, the syrup helps to preserve the dessert.

3. Although Americans call these 'desserts' - Greeks refer to them as sweets - they are generally not eaten after a meal as we would in other western countries. In Greece dessert is rarely eaten after a meal and if so it is most likely to be whichever fruit is in season. Rather, desserts are kept and brought out during the day, along with a Greek coffee and a glass of iced water, especially when there is a visitor. In this way the sweets can be savored and enjoyed completely on their own, away from the fullness of a meal, which is fitting since they are in themselves very filling and a truly sensational taste.

The next time you’re looking to share a coffee and a sweet with a friend, skip the standard drive through your friend to Ziziki’s.

Zizikis - A Dallas Legend

When a customer walks through the doors of Zizikis Dallas, they have entered a restaurant full of history and wonderful cuisine.

Zizikis is an upscale Dallas Greek and Italian restaurant owned by Mary and Costa Arabatzis that has been in Dallas nearly 15 years. They developed a passion for wine, and have an award winning wine list that compliments their unique menu which items such as their famous Greek salad and their tangy yogurt sauce - tzatziki sauce (which is where the name Ziziki’s came from).

Ziziki’s has grown so much, that within the last several years they have expanded the Travis Walk location by providing a private dining area that seats up to 40, and have added new locations in Plano and another location in Dallas making it an easy and delicious destination from any part of the Dallas area.

Zizikis has won many prestigious awards over the years by national food critics and others alike such as the “Award of Excellence” from the Wine Spectator (has been awarded every year since 1995), one of Zagat Guide's 'best new restaurants' in 1998, Best Brunch from Dallas Observer in 2000 - and many others.

You will no doubt have a magnificent time eating at this five star Dallas restaurant with the wonderful food and friendly staff.

Visit one of these great Ziziki's locations:

Ziziki’s at Travis Walk at 4514 Travis St. in Dallas
Ziziki’s at Preston/Forest at 11661 Preston Rd. #309 in Dallas
Ziziki’s at Lakeside Market at 5809 Preston Rd. #578 in Plano

Greens and Greek Cuisine

Greens grow wild all over Greece, and have been a staple in nearly every angle of Greek cuisine for years. One of the most famous dishes that is found in everyday Greek cooking is horta, which are, simply stated - boiled greens. And might recognize the word horta, or hort - as the root for all things 'horticultural' or 'green'. And, there are an array of other greens found in common cookery with varying uses such as herbs, eaten raw, used in casseroles or salads - or boiled for horta.

Greens are used in nearly every dish - including main dishes. From meat, chicken and fish entrees and pork (best with a bit of avgolemono, or lemon juice and egg sauce) to Hortopitakia, which are phyllo pies packed with garden greens and herbs.

And depending on how you like your salads - nearly all the greens used in Greek cuisine can be eaten in any of the dishes used (even though some may surprise you!) - along with the common spinach, lettuce and other bulbs, collards and such - are:

• Cabbages (white, red, kale, etc.)
• Catnip (Catmint, Nepeta)
• Dandelion Greens
• Fennel
• Golden Thistle
• Leeks
• Mache (Lamb's Lettuce, Wild Lettuce)
• Mallow
• Nettles
• Palmer Amaranth (Albersia, Vlita)
• Poppy
• Purslane
• Sow-thistle
• Spiny Chicory
• White Beet Leaves
• Brassicae greens (kale, collard greens)
• Sow-thistles
• Wild Mustard Greens
• Chard

Ziziki's Lakeside Market Named One Of Plano Profile's "Best Eats"

Every year, the folks at Plano Profile survey their readers to find out where the best eats are in Collin County. Nowadays, the selection of restaurants in Plano, Allen, Frisco and McKinney is huge - and the talent pool is deep with high-end heavy-hitters like Bob's Steak and Chop House, Nicola's and Jaspers. But we're proud to say that we made the list last year - for BEST GREEK.

We're thrilled to be on the list of local reader faves - it's Costa's tried and true recipes, our atmosphere (have you seen our uber-cool deck and patio?) and the magic that is Greek cuisine.

OPA!

Wishing You A Greek Christmas

In Greece, there are many Christmas customs that are similar to ours in the U.S., but most slightly differ from traditions of the West.

Starting on Christmas Eve, children travel from house to house singing 'kalanda', (Christmas carols), using small metal triangles and little clay drums. Afterwards, the children are usually given sweets or coins in appreciation for their musical talents.


In Greek Christmas, the GREEK FEAST becomes the main attraction by both adults and children alike. OPA! Lamb and pork are roasted in ovens and open spits, and on almost every table are loaves of 'christopsomo' ('Christ bread'). This bread is usually made in large sweet loaves of various shapes and the crusts are engraved and decorated in some way that reflects the family's profession. Of course, melomacarona cookies (traditional greek Christmas cookies soaked in honey syrup) are sure to be every home.

During Christmas in Greece, remember that the season is in full swing by December 6, Feast of St. Nicholas, when presents are exchanged, and will last through January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany. In Greek homes, Christmas trees are not commonly used, but recently have become more popular. In almost every house, though, the main symbol of the season is a shallow wooden bowl with a piece of wire is suspended across the rim; from that hangs a sprig of basil wrapped around a wooden cross. A small amount of water is kept in the bowl to keep the basil alive and fresh. Once a day, a family member, usually the mother, dips the cross and basil into some holy water and uses it to sprinkle water in each room of the house. This ritual is believed to keep the bad spirits away.

Gifts are finally exchanged on St. Basil's Day (January 1). On this day the "renewal of waters" also takes place, a ritual in which all water jugs in the house are emptied and refilled with new "St. Basil's Water." The ceremony is often accompanied by offerings to the 'naiads', spirits of springs and fountains.

In general, don't expect Christmas in Greece to feature quite the quantity of displays, Christmas lights, or other “Western’ decorations, except of course in the windows of businesses and the increasing number of Greeks who have adopted Western customs. Christmas in Greece is still a relative oasis of non-commercialism when it comes to Christmas.

But, you don’t have to travel all the way to Greece to have an authentic Greek Feast, drop by Ziziki’s Dallas Restaurants for an authentic Greek dining experience.

The Greek Olive—Little Fruit With A Big Taste

Greek and olive go together like Feta and cheese.  Although the delicious Feta is a relative newcomer to the dining table (a mere couple of centuries old), use of the olive in Greek cuisine dates back to Minoan times.  When?  Oh, about 3,500 B.C.  Given our human propensity to want to improve on everything, you’d think there would have been changes to the little fruit over the past 5,500 years. 

Not so.  The only difference between the olives used at Ziziki’s and those of yesteryears is the number of them growing on a tree.  The trees have gotten broader and more expansive, which means more olives for us.  These delicious fruits from the drupe family are similar apricots and peaches.  You sure wouldn’t know that at a glance, but if you open each of these fruits up you’ll find a pit with a seed or two inside of it. 

The best food olive—almond-sized Greek Kalamata Olives—range in length from a half to one inch.  Their excellent flavor has a rich and fruity taste.  Unfortunately you can’t grow this eggplant colored olive in your back yard.  It’s found exclusively in Greece.  If you live in 30° to 45° latitude, you might have success with one of the other types of olives your local nursery can recommend.  Or, you can just go to Ziziki’s and enjoy a delicious Greek meal with a friend.  While dining, impress your friend by asking if he/she knows the difference between a Black Olive and a Green Olive.

Oh, the answer . . . None beyond when they’re picked.  Green olives are, well, picked green.  Black olives are picked when they’re ripe.

Greek Festivals – Fun for the Whole Family

If you’ve never been to a Greek Festival, you must put that on your “things to do before I die” list.

Your life will be vastly enriched as you stroll along tasting distinctive and super-rich Greek food, listening to upbeat Greek music and taking in the culture that is known worldwide for being rich in tradition.

A Greek festival is a tradition of culture and entertainment and is the perfect destination for great, family-friendly fun.

At Greek festivals you will typically find:

• Greek gourmet food
• Greek folk music - usually performed by Greek bands
• Cultural exhibitions including artifacts from Greece and dances performed in costumes of old tradition
• Dancing for the public under Greek tunes.

Additionally, and depending on local arrangements there are raffles and shopping for Greek jewelry, books, music, spices, etc. Many places also organize running races and other outdoor activities.

A Greek festival is an event that you should not miss! And do not worry, even if you can't dance syrtaki or hasapiko - you will still feel at home.

Ouzo - The Greek's Favorite Pre-Dinner Drink

Ouzo is an an anise-flavored drink usually consumed prior to a meal or during mezzes (small, Greek appetizer-size plates)  - and a favorite of the Greeks!  Many say it has a licorice-type taste, and be aware - it's a pretty strong drink! Because of it's higher sugar content, drinkers of ouzo typically feel it's effects early-on.

It can be consumed straight-up, or mixed with water. Often compared to it's similar, but stronger French counterpart, absinthe - ouzo can also be prepared by louching - which is when it's emulsified with water or ice. If you add water or ice to ouzo, it  will turn milky white - because the essential oil in the anise is not soluble in water.

In modern Greece, it's found all over the country, even in very small towns and villages; and a common aperitif in the cafes and Greek restaurants. It is meant to be sipped slowly, together with mezzes or before the meal, and shared with others over a period of several hours in the early evening.

So before you order your ouzo, make sure you're planning to eat a bit, stay a while - and enjoy the atmosphere.

Mother's Day With Greek Style

Join Us at All Three Ziziki’s Restaurants for a Special Mother’s Day Brunch Featuring Complimentary Mimosas or Champagne.

Our regular dinner menu will be offered for dinner on Mother’s Day.




Treat Your Mom To Ziziki’s Mother’s Day Brunch!


You'll enjoy:

A Complimentary Glass of Champagne or Mimosa

A flavorful selection of your favorite Ziziki’s items:
Spanakopita, Dolmades, Mediterranean Salad, Greek Island Chicken, Rigatoni with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce, Baklava

Plus these signature brunch items:

• Mediterranean Shrimp
• House Smoked Salmon with
• Bagels & Herbed Cream Cheese
• Buttermilk Pancakes with Cinnamon Syrup
• Greek Scrambled Eggs with Feta Cheese & Basil
• Roasted Leg of Lamb with Red Wine Sauce
• Ya Ya Katina’s Baklava

3 seatings at 11AM, 12:30PM & 2:00PM

$24.95 per person


We accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Diners Club
17% gratuity added to all parties of six or more.

Reservations are recommended for any size party; and if you have a party of 20-40 please consider our private VIP dining room at our Travis Walk location, and semi private dining room at our location on Preston Road, Dallas.

Ziziki’s has three locations:

Ziziki's Travis Walk, Dallas at
4514 Travis Street #122
Dallas, Texas, 75205
for reservations call 214-521-2233.

Ziziki's Preston/Forest, Dallas at
11661 Preston Road #309
Dallas Texas 75230
for reservations call 469-232-9922.

Ziziki's Lakeside Market, Plano at
5809 Preston Rd. #578
Plano, Texas, 75093
for reservations call 972-943-8090.
If you have any questions, please call Mary Arabatzis, owner, at 972-567-5052.

Welcome To Dallas - VOLOS TAVERNA

When Volos is mentioned, I have thoughts of the beautiful port city in Thessaly near the Greek mainland.. not far from Athens, Greece.

Now, Volos will hold new thoughts (and yummy ones, too) in our minds as Zizikis opens the Volos Taverna in Addison.

Costa and Mary Arabatzis decided to open a sister concept of Zizikis and will focus on delicious Greek cuisine and influence Dallas has come to love with Zizikis. The Volos menu will be a bit smaller - and their vision is an affordable, exclusive and friendly wine bar with a selection of scrumptious mezzes, or Greek appetizers - as well as some of variations on some of the favorites from the Zizikis menu.

Costa created the small plated items and they are all priced perfectly for either a romantic dinner for two, the family or a night out with friends. The menu features a wide variety of appetizers as well as several new dishes.

Costa describes one on his new dishes “a beautifully sautéed chicken with lemon and a white wine sauce, served with gigante beans from Greece, they're like fava beans, they're BIG. They're done with a little prosciutto and some roasted tomatoes or bell peppers"

They added in two more dips to compliment their famous artichoke hummus dip. The eggplant dip or Greek caviar (Tarama) is certain to be a favorite and they will introduce flatbread to the menu, which has not be a selection until now.

Most of the establishment located at 5000 Belt Line Road at the Addison Walk will be the bar with the rest being seating for patrons for food. The bar is long with breathtaking dark colors and certainly is a sight.

You can also visit the original Zizikis at Travis Walk, the Preston location or the Lakeside Market in Plano. Whichever location you decide, one of the Zizikis family of restaurants will certainly become one of your favorites!

Going Greek In Dallas

Ziziki’s is a fast growing, upscale greek restaurant with an outstanding line of Greek and Italian Cuisine. They opened the very first Ziziki’s at Travis Walk in July of 1994. Since 1994, the owners, Mary and Costa Arabatzis, have been providing outstanding food in a warm and inviting environment. The opening of this restaurant marked the beginning of a long road to success!

With the owner’s restaurants blooming in Dallas, they decided to make a life changing decision to move to Maui, where they would open an additional Ziziki’s restaurant. You may be thinking to yourself, “Why Maui?” The couple choose Maui because they had a growing family, and what better place to raise a family than on an island that is truly magical. The opening of this new location in Maui seemed as if it was going to be a successful business decision, but the business was soon affected - as so many businesses were - by the 9/11 attacks on the United States. This tragedy nearly wiped out business for all of Maui’s restaurants. With sales slipping and cost rising at all of the locations, the Arabatzis were faced with another important decision.

After a lot of soul searching, the couple decided to close the Maui location and return to Dallas to focus on the growth of their other locations. In order for the growth of the Dallas locations to continue, they had to make some changes. These changes would involve managing operations themselves, and address the rising food cost. After realizing the changes that needed to be made they quickly addressed them. With the smart business decisions of the owners following the 9/11 attacks and the devastating impact it had on the economy and business, Ziziki’s remains no less than brilliant!  There's more than just great food at Ziziki's - there's great ownership.

Given that it has been 15 years since the original Ziziki's location opened, it comes as no surprise that the brand has expanded, and continues to be successful. Since the original opening of the restaurant they've added on two additional private dining rooms, which are a great place to host a private party or a company lunch, and an expanded kitchen to accommodate the needs of the additional seating.

In addition to the original Zizikis at Travis Walk, Mary and Costa have opened two other locations in the Dallas Area. They opened their second location in North Dallas in the Shops of Spanish Village, but in 2005 moved the restaurant to the renowned Preston Hollow location which is located at the corner of Preston and Forest.

In 2008, Zizikis announced the opening of their third location, in Plano, which has a modern approach to Zizikis traditional bar. It is located in the Lakeside Market area of Plano.

So the next time you are craving a delicious Greek meal or just a unique place to hang out, stop by one of our three locations and be a part of our history in the making!