Dance Like A Zorba: Getting in Touch With Your Inner Greek

Greek dance is a very old tradition still very much alive all over the world and especially in Greek communities. Traditional Greek dancing is primarily a social function. It brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings.

There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece but the one that has probably had the largest impact on pop culture in the US is the Zorba dance - made famous by the 1964 Oscar nominated classic movie, The Greek Zorba. The trademark song of Greece, “Zorba’s Dance”, has been used at Yankee Stadium for years to incite crowd participation during a potential rally by the home team and is commonly played and danced to worldwide – not to mention in Greek tavernas.

So, if you’re looking for a way to get out of your comfort zone, check out the video below and see how it’s done. Then download the Zorba dance music to your iPod, stop by the best Greek restaurant in Dallas (Ziziki's and Ziziki's Taverna - of course) for a little 'culinary inspiration' and OPA! – you’re in touch with your inner Greek!

Feta - A Festival for the Mouth

There is nothing like the first bite of a piece of tangy, salty feta cheese to make your whole mouth come alive. Made from the milk of sheep or goat, Feta could be considered the national cheese of Greece if there was one. It's certainly a staple of Ziziki's award winning Greek cuisine.

If you love the taste then you’ll love it’s versatility – feta is not only used as a table cheese, it’s excellent in salads (Greek salad), pastries, baking (notably in the popular phyllo-based dishes spanakopita ("spinach pie") and tyropita ("cheese pie") and combined with olive oil and vegetables. It can also be served cooked or grilled, as part of a sandwich or as a salty alternative to other cheeses in a variety of dishes.

The Greek word "feta" comes from the Italian word fetta ("slice"). It was introduced into the Greek language in the 17th century. Although similar white brined cheeses called “feta” are found in the eastern Mediterranean and around the Black Sea, they are often made partly or wholly of cow's milk. Since 2002, feta has been a protected designation of origin product. According to the relevant EU legislation, only those cheeses produced in a traditional way in some areas of Greece (mainland and the island of Lesvos), and made from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep's and goats’ milk (up to 30%) of the same area, may bear the name "feta".

Go Greece!

During these scorching dog days of summer, we are all looking for ways to cool off and beat the Texas heat. A visit to one of the Zizikis Dallas area restaurants (or Zizikis Taverna in Addison) for their amazing happy hour will certainly cool you off. All locations have become Dallas happy hour hotspots Monday – Friday, from 4 to 6 pm, with extra-special drink prices and $5 for select appetizers!

Their specialty drinks are only $7 and some of the best I’ve ever tasted. My favorite, the Ziziki Sunkiss, is bursting with the wonderful summer flavor of peaches. The Ziziki’s Cosmo will get any party started and the Mojito is delicious and offered in pomegranate or mango flavor for a different twist. The martinis are marvelous and come in pomegranate, lemondrop – and every girls favorite – chocolate.

Certainly, if the Texan in you is craving a margarita – Ziziki’s has those, too. For those of you watching your waistline, they offer the Skinny Margarita. This only has 100 calories – but is big on flavor.

No happy hour is complete without some amazing appetizers and Zizikis does not disappoint. The Ziziki bread, with its fresh cheese and herbs, is served with Ziziki sauce and is spectacular. Everyone’s favorite, Artichoke dip with pita, is delightful. Some other Greek favorites, Dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice), Spanakopita (fillo dough stuffed with creamy spinach, sweet onions and Feta) and Mediterranean Bread (pita topped with Feta, tomatoes, olive oil and basil) are all fabulous. They are all made with only the finest and freshest ingredients and are all offered during happy hour at the special price of $5.

So gather up your co-workers or meet your friends and loved ones at Zizikis for Happy Hour. The drinks are delicious, the food is amazing and the atmosphere is fun and inviting. Euphrosyne, the Greek goddess of good cheer, joy, mirth and merriment, will be waiting.

A History of Baklava

Somewhere around 800 B.C., Greek seamen and merchants traveling to the East discovered a seriously sweet treat, which they brought back to Greece.

This tasty discovery was a combination of different ingredients - such as chopped nuts, honey and dough – and it was the precursor to Baklava.

The Greeks then refined this creation by rolling the dough paper thin (the beginnings of flaky filo pastry) and then alternating multiple layers of the dough, honey and nuts.

Today, Baklava is a truly exclusive treat. The layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup is a wonderfully sweet pastry. Baklava is the perfect ending to any Greek meal and is just simply - divine. Zeus would be proud.

At Zizikis, we offer two wonderful Baklava desserts on our menu, made only of the finest and freshest ingredients. We have Baklava Ice Cream Cake which is one of our exclusive specialties. Our secret recipe homemade Baklava is layered with vanilla bean ice cream – for a truly melt in your mouth treat. For the traditionalist, we have Yayakatina’s Baklava. Layers of filo, walnuts, cinnamon and our own Ya Ya homemade syrup complete this very tasty treat.

At Zizikis you can experience the finest Greek Restaurant in Dallas– just make sure you save room for dessert and enjoy a true taste of Baklava.

More About Chef Costa and Mary - Owners of Zizikis Restaurants

The Ziziki's family of Greek restaurants are owned and managed by Costa & Mary Arabatzis; long-time residents and business owners in the Dallas area.

Award-winning chef, Costa Arabatzis - is no stranger to the industry, he began his restaurant career as Assistant Dishwasher in his father's restaurant in sunny California. (also where he was born)  He winded his way around positions, and eventually became Assistant Manager and then, Cook.


In 1986, Costa and his father found themselves in beautiful Hawaii, where they opened the Greek Bistro on the island of Maui - and it's still a local and visitor must-try restaurant.

Costa moved to Dallas in 1990 and eventually opened Ziziki’s Restaurant with partner Mary Cloutier Arabatzis, and recently was awarded winner of the Taste of Addison - Taste The Competition contest.


Mary Arabatzis hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota and is a graduate from Drake University in Des Moines with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

Mary 's been in big D since 1980, and has tons of feathers in her cap with regard to her former career in marketing and media relations. She was Media Supervisor at Tracy-Locke, Vice President – Media at Bozell, Inc. (currently Temerlin-McClain) and also Vice President, Media Director of NWAyer Dallas.

With regard to her position at Ziziki's, she is responsible for all the locations 'front of the house': that is - management of staff, sales & marketing, and the development of the wine list. And she's been nothing short of FABULOUS - Ziziki’s has been awarded “The Award of Excellence” by The Wine Spectator every year since 1995 - among several other outstanding awards for customer service.


For full bios on Costa & Mary - visit Ziziki's Taverna's about us page.

Talk Of The Town Award Winner

We talk a lot about how WONDERFUL our Greek cuisine is, how big and delicious our gigante beans are - and you already knew that Ziziki's Taverna won the Taste of Addison Competition - but did you know that Ziziki's is also known for it's award-winning customer service? The customers have spoken - and it's not just about the food itself - it's about atmosphere, location - and how you're treated while you're with us. And Ziziki's and Ziziki's Taverna has it ALL covered.

Rated 4.5 stars for Talk Of The Town's 2010 Customer Satisfaction Excellence award - Ziziki's aims to please both the belly - AND the mind.  Come experience the finest Dallas Greek Restaurant with regard to award-winning dishes - as well as an award-winning Dallas dining experience and customer service. Thanks to all who voted to make all these wonderful awards possible - you are the reason for our success!

Beauty and The Greeks

For centuries, the Greeks have been known for their beauty - and wellness. The lifestyle in Greece is much more slow, and natural than it is here in the states. For natural beauty, the Greeks have known for years that the properties of yogurt - and olive oil - are perfect for all skin types - and within any beauty routine.

YOGURT FOR HEALTHY GLOWING SKIN
We all love yogurt here in the states - it's a staple of good health, great taste and healthy 'pro-biotic' properties. But back in the homeland (Greece, of course) yogurt is more than a heart-healthy and good-for-digestion snack. It's actually a highly-prized beauty treatment. Yogurt (and not the "TCBY" kind - we're talking Dannon, here - without the fruit chunks) is a natural source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It can be used on all skin types - and is a great balm/mask for sunburn. Want to try it at home? Here's how!

ZIZIKI'S YOGURT MASK
1 tablespoon natural yogurt (allow to reach room temperature - and opt for low or no-fat variety)
1 teaspoon honey (get it soft, and pliable - stick it in the microwave for a few seconds so it mixes better)
A few drops of lime juice (if your complexion is oily)

Mix ingredients together, and apply to face - leave on 15 minutes, rinse and pat dry.

OLIVE OIL GODDESS BEAUTY

Olive oil, a staple of Mediterranean food dishes - is also an ancient secret to the most beautiful complexions and hair in the world. (Need you ask? The GREEKS!) Here are several uses for your olive oil. (best to opt for extra-virgin for the purest oil and the best results - it's from the first press of the olives - and is mostly unprocessed)

You'll find olive oil as a main ingredient in tons of bath & body products such as shampoo, lip balms, soaps and lotion. But if you don't have any commercial olive oil products - grab a bottle at the grocery store and start working on a beautiful new you.

Bath: Turn your bath into a bath of the GREEK GODDESSES - with a few tablespoons of olive oil added to running water.


Makeup remover: Olive oil is an all-natural makeup remover. Certainly - don't drop it directly into your eyeball for ANY reason EVER- but use it on a cotton ball to gently remove makeup.

Foot Mask: Clean your feet and rub olive oil all around your feet, ankles and toes - then put on your favorite pair of socks before bed. When you get up - your feet (heels and all) will be soft and supple.


Shiny, Beautiful Hair: Haven't you heard that mayonnaise is a great conditioner? So is olive oil. Olive oil helps heal dandruff and repair split ends as well. Gently massage a few drops of olive oil on your scalp and hair. Leave on as long as possible - up to 30 minutes or so - then shampoo and rinse.  And here's a bonus - put a few drops on your hair when it's dry - to eliminate frizz. But don't overdo this or you'll look greasy.